pickComposed of three essays, this book leans more towards an academic style of reading. It examines the history of organizing and cataloging books, especially it's early stages. Definitely found it to be interesting.
pickVery interesting book. The author does reasonably well with covering 700 years of history, and balances the histories of Rome and Persia well. Internal history, politics, and the like in each empire are examined, especially how they relate to relations between the two empires. Overall, worth reading.
Up next for reading
"It should be said that charity is called the whole of virtue not essentially but causally, because charity is the mother of all the virtues."
-St. Thomas Aquinas, "Disputed Questions on Virtue"
pickReally enjoyed this. McCullough did a great job at examining the life and career of John Adams. Also well-covered were the relationship between Adams and other historical figures, such as Abigail Adams, Jefferson, and Washington. While it's definitely has a focus on American events, the book does also examine how other world events, such as the French Revolution, affected events in Adams's life. Definitely recommend.
Started reading through this. Another book about books.
This was written in the book I'm reading now. I have a few books with writing in them indicating they were given as gifts. I find it interesting finding writing and notes in books.
pickI really enjoyed this book. It's a bit of a niche subject, discussing the history of bookshelves and book storage. However, it's written well enough that it maintains interest. The author mixes some personal experiences with historical references in the book. Overall, definitely recommend.
pickFinished reading part 2. Much like the first part, it helps to personalize the experiences of the Holocaust. It's also interesting to see how the author portrayed the different dynamics between the different family members. Finally, the visual aspect helps alot in the storytelling process.
Next up for reading. I remember watching the HBO series several years ago, but never read the book.
Resting by the books
pickThis book examines how Napoleon expanded his authority, through a combination of stretching the limits of the law and constitution, less than legal means, and a blend of intimidation and effective bribery. The book also examines various people who helped facilitate Napoleon's rise to power. Overall, definitely recommend.
pickVery interesting book. I thought the author did an excellent job in portraying his father's experiences, as well as the different dynamics in his family. The graphic novel format also helped with the portrayal. Definitely worth reading.
pickOverall, definitely recommend. This book includes a biography written by Philip Foner, which was helpful in providing context for the works included. London's included works varied a little in quality, but tended towards the better end. His autobiographical works were very interesting, seeing his life through his eyes. Also, I found his review of Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" interesting, having read the book before.
Next up for reading.
Borrowed this from my local library to read through. Thanks to @Awk_Word_Smith for the recommendation.
"Congress and the Senate were empty pretences, farces. Public questions were gravely debated and passed upon according to the old forms, while in reality all that was done to give the stamp of constitutional procedure to the mandate of the Oligarchy."
-Jack London, "The Iron Heel"
so-soThis book was ok as an introduction to or broad overview of Ottoman history. However, it jumped around alot, such as to different time periods, topics, and such. Generally, it seemed to try to cover too much in too short of a book.
Next up for reading. I got this at a book store a while ago. Finally getting around to reading it.
"And if an enemy reviles, he must be borne with: but a friend, if he errs, must be taught; if he teaches, listened to. But if one who errs praises you, he confirms your error; if one who flatters, he seduces you into error."
-St. Augustine of Hippo, "On the Trinity"
pickVery interesting. The author discusses several features of Pre-Columbian societies, such as cultural practices, government structures, monumental architecture, writing, and agricultural practices. He also discusses theories behind when and how indigenous people arrived in America, potential population size before European arrival, and ideas as to why diseases brought by European explorers were so devastating to indigenous people. Worth reading.
"When you love men, the world quickly becometh yours: and yourself become a greater treasure than the world is. For all their persons are your treasures, and all the things in Heaven and Earth that serve them, are yours. For those are the riches of Love, which minister to its Object."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"
pickVery interesting book. The author does a reasonably good job at covering the history of Central Europe from around the Roman Empire until after the Cold War. The different topics are covered in a more broad manner, so some areas don't receive a very in-depth look. However, the book can still serve as a good introduction for those interested in Central European history.
Next up for reading
pickI really enjoyed this. I found it to be a good translation. Additionally, a good amount of helpful footnotes were provided, explaining things like dates, family relations, and other similar information. Additionally, Suetonius seemed to be relatively balanced in his writing, such as providing different explanations and stories when there was conflicting information.
"And if it came to his ears that influence was being used to acquit a criminal in some court or other, he would suddenly appear and address the jury either from the floor or the tribunal; asking them to remember the sanctity of the Law and their oath to uphold it, and the serious nature of the crime on which their verdict was required."
-Suetonius, "The Twelve Caesars"
"So long as my wits do not fail me, you can count on the consistency of my behavior; but I should not like you to set the precedent of binding yourselves to approve a man's every action; for what if something happened to alter that man's behavior?"
-Suetonius, "The Twelve Caesars"
pickVery interesting and informative. Massie wrote in a very engaging and readable manner. The book did an excellent job at examining the Romanov family, and how they both influenced and were influenced by the different factors leading up to the Russian Revolution.
Up next for reading
Interesting historical foreshadowing. Alexandra, wife of Tsar Nicholas II, stayed in Marie Antoinette's rooms at Versailles.
pickVery interesting book. I did struggle with reading it on its own without constantly comparing it to the movie. However, it was interesting to see the similarities and differences. Overall, I did like the book, and found it to be thought provoking.
Happy National Book Lovers Day
pickOverall, this was a very interesting and informative book. Some parts could be a little dry, but quite a bit still provided interesting commentary. It was also interesting in presenting an outsider's perspective on American culture, government, and society. Overall, would recommend.
Theodora trying to decide what to read next.
Do you have any rules or guidelines for determining what you should read next?
For me, when picking something, I frequently pick something from a category or area that's different from the book I just read. I also might factor in how long it's been on my TBR list. However, there's been times I don't strictly follow these, and go with something that just catches my interest.
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks
"Despotism, which is of a very timorous nature, is never more secure of continuance than when it can keep men asunder; and all its influence is commonly exerted for that purpose. No vice of the human heart is so acceptable to it as egotism; a despot easily forgives his subjects for not loving him, provided they do not love each other."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"
I borrowed this from my local library today. I normally don't read graphic novels, but I figured I'd give it a try. I've seen the movie, so I'm curious how it will compare.
"Educate, then, at any rate; for the age of implicit self-sacrifice and instinctive virtues is already flitting far away from us, and the time is fast approaching when freedom, public peace, and social order itself will not be able to exist without education."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"
"There is a great difference between doing what one does not approve and feigning to approve what one does; the one is the necessary case of a week person, the other befits the temper of a lackey."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"
"In absolute governments the great nobles who are nearest to the throne flatter the passions of the sovereign, and voluntarily truckle to his caprices. But the mass of the nation does not degrade itself by servitude: it often submits from weakness, from habit, or from ignorance, and sometimes from loyalty."
-Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"
