The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
Little known story (2/2/2021)
At least to me. Well presented and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. After the past few years of being pelted daily with political stuff, I signed up for this book hesitantly. And it proved me wrong. The interaction between JP Morgan and his "librarian" is a unique and caring story. And her struggle in a 20th century world is told in a non-judgemental way. I would recommend this book to the reader inquisitive of interesting non-mainstream stories of American history whether they know of and are interested in the JP Morgan story/era or not.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
by Trevor Noah
Terrific (7/22/2020)
Fabulous book. I expected a biassed message book, and was pleasantly surprised to read an honest unbiased memoir of his upbringing, and exposure of the mistakes of the South African government and the consequences. His admiration of his mother was heartening, while honest about her mistakes. I put several of his comedy shows on my streaming wishlist. I may try the comedy central show to see if it has changed from Jon Stewart, but we’ll see. :).
I learned so much from this book. Love to see more.
American Dirt: A Novel
by Jeanine Cummins
Worth a read (6/3/2020)
I m not a fan of “message” books. Or books that attempt to form my opinions. From that aspect, I give this book one star. If you delete that aspect, it is an interesting, well written, easy to read book about the journey of those fleeing to the US. My education about their experiences comes mostly from documentaries, and this book accurately reflects those. I agree with the folks that it does not meet the hype, and I feel the title is way off.
Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice
by Bill Browder
Interesting (5/20/2020)
I am not a news junkie; this story is new to me. I thought it was well written and well presented. And quite readable. And not full of political slant and opinions. The US-Russia relationship is so complicated. Who will ever know the truth? I will watch both films - the one pro and the other con. I disagree with the reviewers who feel Mr. Browder is looking for sympathy for the $ he lost. I felt he portrayed his risk quite directly and was more upset at the death of his friend. Although a case could be made for he should have known that could happen? I m not sure what this has to do with election meddling in 2016 except that Russia is not a democracy. Duh. I would have liked to hear from Mr. Browder why he gave up his citizenship- taxes maybe? And then goes to the US for support first. Second has he generated any earned income since Russia?
Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic
by Sam Quinones
Different and positive read (4/19/2020)
A good book relating a complicated crisis. Details of how distribution networks grow. What i found refreshing about this book is instead of being slanted and politically motivated, it relates stories and situations, then goes on to feature stories of hope. The shrieking blame game is absent. Other books I tried go on in endless detail about this and that corporation,their executives, corrupt or exhausted doctors, communities struggling, etc. And by focusing on blame and “cause”, you feel the drugs are the unsolvable epidemic. This book features folks who suffered, relatives who suffered, and how these folks are trying to improve things.
Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen
by Mary Norris
Excellent book (2/27/2019)
But honestly not for me. I tried. I read the beginning then skipped through other portions of the book, and it did not pique my interest and i could not identify. Has nothing to do with quality of writing. Looks well written and developed. I will pass it along to other(s) who I feel will enjoy and better identify.
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