Free Republic Book of the Month, February: Your Choices and Summaries, both Fiction/Non-Fiction

20Feb02 | xzins

[xzins]

The link to review isn't working for me. I'd like to read it.

[Revolting cat!]

Polar by T.R. Pearson. Fiction. They call it Southern fiction and they (the critics,) characterize the author's works as something between Faulkner and Twain. The novel is hilarious but it is also sad and world weary. The plot centers around a sheriff's deputy in a small Virginia town (who's appeared in Pearson's other novels,) and it is ostensibly a mystery or two mysteries, one of which is resolved, the other, something of a cosmic mystery, isn't resolved but by the end of the story you don't mind. Unlike most genre mysteries this isn't a formulaic story; the author digresses often from the main story, a la Arabian Nights, brings up characters who appear only briefly and aren't relevant to the main plot and overall is having fun describing the madness of a small Southern town and its people. I recommend this writer and all of his works strongly. You'll laugh your head off.

[GuillermoX]

Is this for current books only?

Remember, if you want to learn something new, read an old book.

[GuillermoX]

Duh, I didn't read the first paragraph very well. Current books only, I see.

[El Sordo]

Sadly, the "What's your bumpersticker" thread is now over 300 posts.

We have a ways to go.....

[El Sordo]

How to Win Friends and Influence People

by Dale Carnegie

A great book for anyone who wants to improve their people skills. An old book that will always be current!

Somedays I think this should be required reading prior to receiving posting privleges.

[El Sordo]

Whoops... I give it 5 Freeps.

[GuillermoX]

I've read it. I should probably put more to use, lol.

[pa_dweller]

Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto, non-fiction

Gatto bashes Dewey, and a long list of others, both individuals and organizations for getting us where we are with public education. If you're looking for a justification for homeschooling you'll likely find it here. Compares education now to what existed in early America. Apparently the rate of real literacy was much higher then.

4 Freeps - Gatto doesn't sugarcoat it.

[SpookBrat]

I'm so glad you started this. I love to read. I wanted to start a book thread, but was too chicken. LOL My only problem is I tend to read older books, because I'm a tightwad and only read what I get at garage sales, library book sales or what I check out at the library. We live in a small town so the library books aren't new. :(

[SpookBrat]

I'm going to get that book to read. It's on my list.

[Dawgsquat]

Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution by James M. McPherson (1990, not too old I hope)

A series of seven lectures by McPherson detailing how Lincoln changed the Federal Government forever (not always for the good).

[El Sordo]

As should we all. : )

[Arizona]

Very glad to see you mention Angel in the Whirlwind - I bought this book shortly after GWB quoted this line in his inaugural speech: "We know the Race is not to the swift nor the Battle to the Strong. Do you not think an Angel rides in the Whirlwind and directs this Storm?" (John Page to Thomas Jefferson)

I love Mila 18, an oldy by Leon Uris. It's a fictional account of a true event: the uprising of the Warsaw Ghetto. I have to give it 5 Freeps.

[KC Burke]

On Two Wings, Commonsense and Faith at America's Founding by Michael Novak.
Non-fiction, published late last year...simply the best read...five stars.

Those of you that are confused about the impact of Jewish and Christian faiths and traditions during that time due to the wealth of conflicting information need to pick this up. Michael Novak is a top scholar on this issue.

[Arizona]

Whoops, very sorry I broke the rules already - Mila 18 isn't exactly current.

[Argh]

Alison Weir's The War of the Roses was the most enthralling book I had read in decades. Her others weren't as riveting, but were still interesting.

[xzins]

New books only? That's a recommendation so we keep track of what's hot off the presses. But...this is Freeperland, and you may have noticed -- they do things their way.

So if a summary/review of an old book shows up, I'm not gonna do anything but read the writeup and enjoy.

[anniegetyourgun]

I didn't know you were doing this kind of thread - how neat!

I only do non-fiction and here is my recommendation for this month: Christianity on Trial: Arguments Against Anti-Religious Bigotry

[riley1992]

I have a Griffin that I haven't read yet-"In Danger's Path". I am like Spookbrat, though, in that I rarely ever buy a brand new book. Three-quarters of mine come from resale shops, etc. so most of what I read is not exactly new. You know my latest undertaking and that one is 45 years old already so I will likely just read this thread for recommendations. LOL