The History Book Club discussion

Welcome Johanne and Bruce. Great to have you here at the History Book Club (HBC). Look around through the different folders, I am sure you will find some topics that interest you.

Hi my name is Kylie. I'm and avid reader, I will give any book a chance. I love history of all kinds, I love knowing what has happened in the past. I feel to know the present you need to know the past and learn from both. I love to learn, so reading is my way of doing that without spending money to take expensive college classes. I get a book that grabs my attention and I learn from it. I'm always open to book suggestions so I am excited to get reading and learning!

Kylie wrote: "Hi my name is Kylie. I'm and avid reader, I will give any book a chance. I love history of all kinds, I love knowing what has happened in the past. I feel to know the present you need to know the p..."

Welcome to the group, Kylie. Your introduction is a perfect explanation of why we read!

Hello Bruce. I loved working in libraries, because I can go to the shelve and pick up more books to read. Welcome.

Hello Everyone! My name is Christopher, and I am simply a lover of books, as I am certain all of you are. I have been a reader of fiction my whole life, but however have just recently discovered various non-fiction, historical works that I have really enjoyed. I hope to get to know some of you, as well as some of the great works that you recommend!

One of my favourite non-fiction books is one called Death in the City of Light: The Serial Killer of Nazi-Occupied Paris. It is a fantastic historical book that outlines a horror within a horror - a man who, during the time of the Nazi regime's reign, took advantage of those seeking refuge and murdered them. There is a lot more to it than that, though, so I would highly suggest giving it a read!
Death in the City of Light: The Serial Killer of Nazi-Occupied Paris

Welcome, Kylie. You have a great attitude toward learning and history. I hope this group can help you along your journey. We are all on the same road.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you are ready to cite a book. (There is a link on the top right of the reply box.) It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link at the very bottom of the post after your text. Because it is on the bottom, it calls the reader's attention to the book/author and increases the readability of your posts.

This is how a book should look:

by Robert A. Caro

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a few moments to read the orientation:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

And our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

Hi Christopher. I'm glad you discovered non-fiction. It is a whole new world and you should find plenty of good things to read right here.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you are ready to cite a book. (There is a link on the top right of the reply box.) It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link at the very bottom of the post after your text. Because it is on the bottom, it calls the reader's attention to the book/author and increases the readability of your posts.

This is how a book should look:

by Robert A. Caro

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a few moments to read the orientation:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

And our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

Hey every one
my name is yosra, i am an egyptian, i am studying engineering, department construction and engineering management, last year and about to start my graduation project. i actually have never read in history before, don't know from where to start or what recommemded books i can use, surely i am gonna need your help.

Glad to join you

Welcome, Yosra. You picked a good place to begin your journey in history. Just take a look around at the topics and see what interests you.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you are ready to cite a book. (There is a link on the top right of the reply box.) It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link at the very bottom of the post after your text. Because it is on the bottom, it calls the reader's attention to the book/author and increases the readability of your posts.

This is how a book should look:

by Robert A. Caro

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a few moments to read the orientation:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

And our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask us moderators. I look forward to your postings.

Welcome Kylie, Yosra, and Christopher! We are glad to have you in the group and hope you enjoy browsing the threads and discussing books and topics of interest with other members. We are a global community here and I think you will find it fun and interesting to hear the perspective of others.

@Christopher, I know several folks have read that book or have it on their to-read list. Bryan gave you an example of how we cite books, your citation would look like this:

by David King (no photo)

There are three elements - book cover, author photo (when available) and author link. When there is no author photo available, as was the case with this book, you simply insert (no photo) after the hyperlink. You will get the hang of it quickly but let us know if you need a hand.

Again, welcome.

Yosra wrote: "Hey every one
my name is yosra, i am an egyptian, i am studying engineering, department construction and engineering management, last year and about to start my graduation project. i actually have ..."

Yosra how are you doing, since you haven't read in history before, you may read to Ragheb el Sergany . I know that's in Arabic, but I find his books really interesting. I am new in reading history in English but if I experienced a good book I will recommend it for you . This group is so good .
Enjoy,

Welcome Kylie, Yosra, and Christopher. You might want to check out the current challenge, “A Book Safari to the Middle East", here - http://www.goodreads.com/challenges/1...
People discuss the books they've read in this thread - http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

A warm welcome to Kylie, Christopher, and Yosra. So nice to see new faces that are excited about reading history with us.

Welcome Meg, we are glad to have you as a member. I am reposting your intro, edited slightly. We do not allow self promotion of any kind. The guidelines will help you get off to a good start including our book citation format.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post . Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:

by Jeffrey Toobin

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.
______________________________

M.M. wrote: Hi, I'm Meg, . . . historical fiction set in the North American West . . that's what I gravitate to, but if it keeps my attention (not an easy thing these days) I'll read about just about anywhere. I was a reference librarian for sixteen years, and my undergrad major was in literature and history, so I do have some background. Looking forward to seeing others' recommendations -- one thing I really do miss about not being a librarian anymore is the variety of books that used to cross my desk.

I may have mis-posted a book rec on another thread in this forum because I didn't realize I needed to do the "add book/author" thing. I do apologize.

Hi, names John and of late I've been reading histories of the British Empire. My interest was sparked when I read Churchill's History of English Speaking People. I have been planning to look into early North American settlements.

Hello all, I'm Ed and I have a reading problem.

I love early North American history with a particular interest in the colonial south. I've enjoyed reading all of your discussions so far, and look forward to continuing to do so.

Welcome John and Edward, we are glad to have you as a member. We all have reading problems, so you are in good company. Please jump into the discussions.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. John, the book you mentioned should look like this:

by Winston Churchill

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

Hello everyone, I am from Wagga Wagga, Australia and just love reading. I love a wide range of genres as long as it is well written. Historical novels are my favourite. Thank you

Welcome Meg, John, and Ed. Thanks for joining.

Welcome, Tangahi. We have a number of members from Australia.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you are ready to cite a book. (There is a link on the top right of the reply box.) It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the Goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link at the very bottom of the post after your text. Because it is on the bottom, it calls the reader's attention to the book/author and increases the readability of your posts.

This is how a book should look:

by Robert A. Caro

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a few moments to read the orientation:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

And our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask us moderators. I look forward to your postings.

A warm welcome to Meg, John, Edward, and Tangahi! So glad that you found the History Book Club. Look through the different folders, I am sure you will all find a topic or two that interests you.

Welcome Tangahi, nice to have you with us. Please join in the discussions and book recommendations.

Alisa wrote: "Welcome Meg, we are glad to have you as a member. I am reposting your intro, edited slightly. We do not allow self promotion of any kind. The guidelines will help you get off to a good start inc..."

Wow, that's considered self-promotion??? Okay. I was just trying to explain why I'm interested in what I'm interested in.

Yes, I understand, and our policy spells it out a bit further. Thanks for your understanding.

Hi there

My name is Debb. I am a stay at home servant to two very demanding budgies. And also physically and mentally poorly.

I loved history when I started secondary school (Year 6 in new money) and haven't stopped since. I got seriously into history when my Mum bought me a copy of Nicholas and Alexandra by Raymond K Massie. I then had to buy anything to do with the Romanovs. I am also interested in the Second World War, English History, especially Ancient as they had cool names for their kings. Love anything to do with Ancient Roman History, biographies - well, history as a whole. Am hoping to do a degree in it before I hit 60 so a few years to go.

Welcome Debb, we are glad to have you as a member. We have discussion threads on your noted areas of interest. I encourage you to browse the threads and add to the discussions.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post . Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how the book you mentioned should look:

by Robert K. Massie

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

Welcome, Debb. I wish you luck on getting that degree. I hope you find the group rewarding.

Deb, welcome to the History Book Club. There are many different folders here, I am sure you will find some topics that interest you.

Hi, my name is Mike. I work in the messenger/trucking business in addition to being an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church. I was born, raised, educated and lived most of my life within the confines of Brooklyn and Queens in New York City. I currently live just outside the city, literally one mile from the Queens/Nassau border. I have somewhat eclectic tastes in reading but my first love has always been history and historical fiction. Within this genre I am particularly taken with Tudor England, World War II and anything to do with Church History. I look forward to many great reads and fascinating discussions

Hello Deacon Mike, welcome, we are glad to have you as a member. There are many topics here to explore. Please join in the discussions and recommendations.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post . Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:

by Jeffrey Toobin

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

Thank you for allowing me to join the group. I am Andra Watkins, named after Andra Willis on the Lawrence Welk Show. (My father thought she was hot. Surely, Lawrence Welk has something to do with history.)

As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I have a deep interest in the events surrounding the early years of the United States. My favorite President is Theodore Roosevelt. And, I love European history, specifically England and France, though I have ranged further.

I am guilty of reading anything from academic journals to biography to historical fiction and non-fiction to get my fix. If I become obsessed with a topic, I will even travel to experience a place and maybe pick up a bit of a person's spirit.

I look forward to interacting with other members of this group.

Hi Andra, we are glad to have you as a member. My mom had a dear friend, Norma Zimmer, who was on the Lawrence Welk show for many years. We watched it every Sunday night.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post . Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:

by Jeffrey Toobin

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

New to forum...seeking suggestions...best ten listed...occupation radiation protection at American nuclear power plants..

The Prize, Yergin
Atomic, Rhodes
3rd Reich, Shrirer
Peter, Massie
Course Empire, DeVoto
Discoverers, Boorstin
Germs, Diamond
Americans, Johnson
Guns, Tuchman
Waves, Herman

Just finished The Great Degeneration, Niall Ferguson...his best was "empire".

Debb wrote: "Hi there

My name is Debb. I am a stay at home servant to two very demanding budgies. And also physically and mentally poorly.

I loved history when I started secondary school (Year 6 in new money..."

Welcome, Deb. It is surprising--although maybe it shouldn't be--how many of us list WWII among our particular interests.

Andra wrote: "Thank you for allowing me to join the group. I am Andra Watkins, named after Andra Willis on the Lawrence Welk Show. (My father thought she was hot. Surely, Lawrence Welk has something to do with h..."

Welcome, Andra. I'm happy to hear you say you are interested in traveling to the site of history you find particularly interesting. It has always amazed me how the actual physical environment can add so much to our understanding of events that happened long ago.

Deacon Mike wrote: "Hi, my name is Mike. I work in the messenger/trucking business in addition to being an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church. I was born, raised, educated and lived most of my life within the conf..."

Welcome to the group, Deacon Mike. As I just mentioned to another new member, it is intriguing how many of us, regardless of our other interests, list WWII among our favored topics.

Welcome William, we are glad to have you as a member.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post . Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how the books you mentioned should look:

by Daniel Yergin
by Richard Rhodes
by William L. Shirer
by Robert K. Massie
by Bernard DeVoto
by Daniel J. Boorstin
by Jared Diamond
by Barbara W. Tuchman
by Arthur Herman (no photo)

Your reference to "Americans, Johnson" was so vague that I could not determine which book you were referring to. One reason we use the add book/author formatting is to avoid that problem. When you note a book we want to see what you are talking about. We have a worldwide membership with diverse tastes and using this format is one way we all learn from each other. It is easy once you get the hang of it. Let us know if you need a hand. THe moderators are here to help and make it a good experience for everyone.

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

Hi, everyone. My name is Steve and I was happy to find this group. I am from the United States and live in Utah. I was a Soldier for 21 years, so I like military history, but I am also a huge Barbara Tuchman fanBarbara W. Tuchman. I have been in business for nine years, and my work entails some international travel. I have enjoyed learning more about Chinese history in recent months. I toured the Forbidden City with a Chinese friend in February and am currently reading From Emperor to Citizen, the autobiography of the last Chinese Emperor From Emperor To Citizen: The Autobiography Of Aisin Gioro Pu Yi. I studied philosophy at Stanford and taught it for three years at West Point, so I also am a fan of the history of philosophical thought.

Welcome Stephen, we are glad to have you as a member. Thank you for your service to our country.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how the books and authors you mentioned should look:

When mentioning an author only:
Barbara W. Tuchman

The full book citation:
by Puyi

It takes a little practice but once you have it down it's a snap. Let us know if you need a hand.

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

Stephen wrote: "Hi, everyone. My name is Steve and I was happy to find this group. I am from the United States and live in Utah. I was a Soldier for 21 years, so I like military history, but I am also a huge Bar..."

Hi, Stephen. Your 22 years minimizes my 2 years of U.S. Army service as a 1950s draftee, but I am proud to have served and I very much appreciate your service. I'm quite sure that, like you, I come by my interest in military history in large part because of my own service. Welcome to the group.

Sorry. I read 21 but wrote 22.

Thank you and close enough!

Welcome Deacon Mike, Andra, William, and Steve. So glad to see more new faces here. There are many different history topics to get involved with here at the History Book Club. I am sure you will find something that interests you.

Welcome Meg, John, Edward, Tangahi, Debb, Mike, Andra, William, and Steve. History is a very broad topic and there's something for everyone here.

Hello everyone!

My name is Nammie. I am originally from Hawaii but I live in Japan right. I've read a number of books on WWII in the European theater. I'm also interested in ancient history and have read quite a number of books on that subject.

Now that I live in Japan, I'd love to read more literature on WWii written from the Japanese perspective. Any recommendations?

Thank you very much.

Nammie

Welcome Nammie, we are glad to have you as a member. You might browse out World War Two thread for recommendations.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:

by Joseph E. Persico

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

Aslam o alekum ( May peace be upon you)

I am Filza, I am from Pakistan, I have been kindly informed by my friend that my history of the world is below par, hence joined this group to get some encouragement from you guys to read it more.
Thanks

Welcome Filza, what a lovely greeting, we are glad to have you as a member. There are many topical threads to explore and we hope you find books that interest you.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:

by Joseph E. Persico

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.

Hello all, my name is Adam Wilson and I am a factory worker in Savannah, Georgia. My father instigated my love of history at a young age and it has grown as I have. My tastes are wide and varied when it comes to history, I'm easily influenced by a documentary or movie and range from the Ancient Near East all the way to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am a big military history fan but great explorations and discoveries fascinate me as well. I hold Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in great esteem and try to read as much about them as possible despite my wife and friends telling me I know more about Abe than I do them.

It is nice to find a group like this of like-minded souls and I look forward to sharing reviews and interests with all of you.

Welcome Adam, we are glad to have you as a member. You might check out the Presidential thread. We have threads for each individual president, a lot of info there.

As you get started please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. It makes things so much easier for people to see your book recommendations, because they can see the cover and the links to the author. And it helps the goodreads software connect books with groups that talk about them. When citing a book and/or author, please put the book cover, author's photo and author's link after all of the text of your post at the bottom of the post. Placement at the bottom of the post calls the reader's attention to the book and/or author and increases the readability of your post. This is how books you mention should look:

by Joseph E. Persico

More information:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

Take a moment to read our guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

and the orientation to get you started:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks and glad you joined us.