Posted on 03/23/2002 4:50:39 AM PST by xzins
This is the 2nd month of a recently approved continuing topic for Free Republic. The purpose is to tap the reading experiences of the countless Free Republic readers. Your mission is to post recommendations and brief summaries of current books which you've recently read. They need not be on anyone's bestseller list, but preferably they will be current (roughly two/three years from publication,) although this is not a hard and fast rule. Don't worry about repetitious reviews: a different take over time by different people on the same book is a good thing. If someone wishes a link to a bestseller list, this one is for Publisher's Weekly Bestsellers Lists:
1. Give name of Book, author, and classification (fiction/non-fiction)
2. Give a very brief summary. (Unless you feel bold and want to post a review.)
3. Give a rating and a reason. Scale = 1 to 5 Freeps, five being the best possible. A 5 Freep book would delight the CONSERVATIVE, FREEDOM LOVING folks who frequent our beloved Free Republic. A one Freep book would probably be trash anyplace, but maybe acceptable just in some liberal haven like DemUnderground.
Finally, Thanks Admin Moderator 8 and thanks Jim Robinson.
February, 2002, thread: click, Feb 02
Non-fiction
This is a quirky natural history book, a cross between a Stephen King horror story and an Ann Rule true crime novel meeting Monty Python's Flying circus, written by an avowed snakeophobe who travels the world to relate true harrowing stories from people who have--mostly--survived accidental and deliberate envenomations from the most poisonous and ill-tempered snakes in the world...the mamba, the tapei, the eastern diamondback and timber rattlesnakes, among others.
Rather than tell each story in turn, he runs several story lines at once, interspersed with his own observations and fears. If you don't like snakes...I mean if you really don't like snakes, don't buy this book or I guarantee tonight you will be sleeping on top of a telephone pole with a shotgun in one hand and a flashlight in the other.
5 stars.
The Quantum and the Lotus, Matthieu Ricard and Trinh Xuan Thuan. Non fiction. A "dialogue" between a Buddhist (monk?) and a physicist. Thuan is the physicist, Ricard the buddhist. Almost lost me in the first 10 pages, where the authors allow their politics to emerge. I don't need to hear that "altruism" is the only right and proper philosophy. But I kept at it, and, sort of against my will, became engaged. I'm learning lots about Buddhism. The book compares and contrasts the "truth" as apprehended by quantum physics and Buddhism. 4 Freeps. Lost one for the politics.
--Boris
I bought this in a “twofer” offer on the net, along with Bernard Lewis’ ”What Went Wrong?" and I would give both books a 5.
For those of us who are time-challenged, the Lewis book (see Post #18) is a short overview of history of Islam written from a strictly historical perspective.
Emerson, on the other hand, relates the results of his well-known investigation into the activities of Islamic terrorists in the U.S. Contrary to the characterization of his work as “racist” and “unsubstantiated” by U.S. Muslim organizations, he goes to great lengths to not only document his research, but to argue that, in his view, “radical fundamentalists do not represent the real Islam.”
Whether you agree with that statement or not, I recommend his book as a expose of how deeply entrenched Islamic radicals have become in our society, how they have exploited, and will continue to exploit, our laws, our commerce and our institutions to fund their causes worldwide and to weaken our defenses at home
A full-length study of the last years of the reign of Richard II and his overthrow by Henry of Bolingbroke in 1399.
If you enjoy reading of the politics of medieval England, you'll love this book. Detailed and thourough.
This fictional tale is set in a classical period that all can identify with. The stage is set for the trials and tribulations of the heroine in the story, Junie B. Jones, from the very first chapter. You will become rapt and engrossed as you follow her along as she ponders and conquers lifes most perplex questions. The phrase, "Yeah, only, I don't know why 'cause I only ate three of those softy guys" is sure to play in your mind as deeply and intrinsically as "Who is John Galt?". This is a 5 freep novel to be sure.
The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz - the memoirs of a survivor of the Soviet Gulag - what a read!
The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America - A Chronological Paper Trail by Charlotte Thompson Iserbyt, Charlotte Iserbyt-Thomson - scary but well-researched adn tells us that the NEA's power needs to be destroyed before it's too late.
Beyond Belief by V. S. Naipaul - a follow up to Among the Believers - Naipaul saw the future of Islamic fundamentalism years ago.
An interesting investigation into the systemic causes of failure in engineering. A bit on the dry side, but not too bad. Makes for a nice reality check on the thought processes that are used in traditional design practices as well as systems engineering.
I give it 3 1/2 Freeps.
Can anyone think of a good graphic for a Freep?
I'll work on the star. I could post it in my profile and everyone could use that URL to post it on these threads.
One of my all time favorites too, Riley. Sometimes I will read the book cover to cover without stopping even if it takes all night. Junie B. is the cat's pajamas.
1. The Indwelling Book seven in the "Left Behind" series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Interesting read, but nothing on which to base your end times philosophy. Even if you follow the scenario it's all a little too "easy."
2. The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg, Zondervan Publishers. Ortberg is a Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, so that may be a negative for many freepers. But he offers some practical advice for living out your Christian walk.
3. When Character Was King by Peggy Noonan. Noonan takes an intimate look at the life of Ronald Reagan. 5 FREEPS - Should be a must for every freeper. I still miss Ronald Reagan.
Currently Reading
If Two Shall Agree by Carroll Fergusen Hunt. The Story of Paul A. and Kay Rader, former General of the Salvation Army. Dr. Rader is now President of Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Joseph Smith: The First Mormon by Donna Hill. Appears to be a pretty good historical read.
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