The History Book Club discussion

Hello Alias Reader...

We always post the cover and the author for any book we recommend or note. I am including the link to Jonathan Alter

There is still time to join in on the No Ordinary Time discussion (cover and author previously linked). Thank you very much for your recommendation. We have already completed Churchill's The Gathering Storm but we have many good books coming up and we look forward to reading your posts.

Bentley

I'm sorry to have missed The Gathering Storm discussion. I thought it was Jan. 2010.

Thanks for the welcome. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.

Welcome aboard, Alias Reader.

About The Defining Moment. I read somewhere that Obama had mentioned that he had read it.

And, don't forget, it's never too late to join in on the discussion.

Alias Reader! Now nice to see a familiar, well, not face... but a familiar name!

(This does look like a great board, doesn't it.)

Adelle

Hi, Adelle ! :)

Yes, Joe. Obama said he was reading the book. They mentioned that when Alter was doing the tour for the book.

I thought the writing was terrific. It really gave me a sense how close we were to losing our democracy. Some were advocating that FDR take on more powers, perhaps like a dictator. And the chapters that recount the incident where FDR was shot at are a real page turner.

If you should happen to be in Hyde Park, NY, you must go to FDR's home. In the museum there they have the bullet from the assassination attempt. Also FDR was a great collector. They have one of the dollar bills that he collected. The serial number .... 2. It's an amazing place. And in the vicinity is Eleanor's home, and also the Vanderbilt mansion. Which has a lovely view of the Hudson River. The grounds are beautiful.

Greetings to all! I am currently typing this to you on a very tenuous connection from Antarctica. When I read through the old posts I knew our match was made in heaven.

No, not really, but I had to do it. (Grin) Just for you Bentley. It was my gift for a fellow dog lover. My heart is with the penguins if that makes you happy (odd creatures). In reality the rest of me is in a village in Michigan. I’m a thirty something and I am a physician. I spent the last 13 years in training none of it in History (sad, sad, sad) but I do bleed Black and Gold (A Purdue University Boilermaker – despite their unfortunate football season basketball is looking up).

My love for romances got me interested in history. Yes, I noticed the reference to “bodice-rippers” earlier . . . I would be raising one eyebrow at you sardonically . . . if I could only get my face to do that. Not that anyone is interested - but over 50% of fiction sold is romance and 26% of readers are male. So ANYWAY I read historical romances and when I would look up what the heck this guy Napoleon was doing interrupting my plot I found out I was interested. But having said that I am in general pretty stupid about it all (the history I mean, which is why I’m here).

I see Alias Reader and Adelle are members of the Classics Group. What are you reading and do you like it?
Niki

Hello far-away in Antarctica! Hi, Niki.

I mostly read with my face-to-face book group. (It's pretty much classic, too. We use the Great Books Series as the main part of our reading.)

But this summer they were reading something I wasn't particularly interested in. And someone I'd met online said, "Come over here." [Kinda like the little girls in the movie "The Shining:" "Come play with us." Except not scary. :)] I read the Oedipus trilogy with the Classics group. I AB-SO-LUTE-LY loved it! I've found, much to my surprise, that I really enjoy a number of ancient Greek plays. Agamemnon was outstanding. And SO tragic. I love the tragic-ness. (If truthiness can become an official word, perhaps one day tragic-ness can, too.)

Like you, I like history. But for me, it was the other way 'round. I started reading historical fiction because I already loved the historical period. (The Sunne in Splendour is a great historical read. Or so, at any rate, I had thought.

Edward IV is on the throne. And then he's not. An untimely death. Tragic results. And his brother (known to us as Richard III) holds the power of the throne. And in THIS book, Richard III is not a bad guy. In this book, he does NOT have his nephews killed in the Tower of London. As a reader, I started to have great sympathy for Richard III. (And then, to re-ground myself in reality, I read Alison Weir's The Princes in the Tower...and Richard most probably did arrange to have his nephews killed. There were such compelling reasons why he would.)

Oh, yeah...welcome.
Adelle

Hi Niki. It is always nice to have more people with a good sense of humor. Too bad you aren't really in Antarctica, that would have been cool. :)

Glad you've discovered history. As they say, the truth is stranger than the fiction. Hope you enjoy reading with us!

Welcome Niki - all the way from Antartica - well I guess I can still hope (smile)

You said that you were a physician...what is your specialty....and that you are a loyal Purdue grad...well we won't hold that against you.

I am trying to put this altogether in my mind...let us see what we have...Antartica (great news), fellow dog lover (terrific - as you can see from the avatars...our group loves their animals), Penguins (OK..everyone liked the movie - right?), physician (good profession), no history (pretty sad for joining the History Club..but everyone has to start somewhere), romance novels - well we won't go there, interested in classics too.

I have to say that you have given us a lot to chew on...and we certainly look forward to your posts. I hope that they will be as entertaining as your intro was (smile).

Jump into any of the threads you feel comfortable with. Glad to have you even if you are from Michigan by way of Antartica..it was the thought that counted.

We also have a conversation thread in the Coffee, Tea and Conversation folder...you can take any and all off topic conversations over there and all off topic chats are allowed on that thread where I am sure that you will find some group members over there to engage in some lively conversation.

Current discussions are on going on an FDR book, a book on Lincoln and the Federalist Papers. We have an upcoming book on The First World War, another on Jefferson and an historical fiction book on the battle of Gettysburg. We have a current events folder, a military history section, one on British history and ancient history and a series devoted to our Presidents. So there is something for everyone and we hope that you will find something that interests you.

All best,

Bentley

Just as a reminder...there is a great conversation thread available 24 x 7 in the Coffee Tea and Conversation folder...this one is for intros and welcomes...also don't forget when you mention a book on a thread that has not been listed on the right in both the book and author columns...please add book cover and author links. Everything in message 515 had already been noted.

Also, we do not allow any promotions of blogs, groups that one moderates or other self promotional material here. For members who are active contributors, we do have a folder for those purposes called Promote Your Stuff Here.

Here are the others:

Welcome, Niki! I'm in Michigan too, and as I wait for the first major storm of the season to roll across Lake Michigan and over the top of my office building, I wonder if I don't have a pretty good sense of what Antarctica feels like. Hope you find things you like. No Ordinary Time Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt The Home Front in World War IIDoris Kearns Goodwin has been an enjoyable read with a very "fiction like" style.

Hello, I am Mark. I am 61 years old, an attorney, married with grown children. I always loved History. Many on my books I read/listen to on CD while driving in my car. I read A Lincoln and No Ordinary Time. I am now reading Meacham's Franklin and Winston, An Epic Frienship. I finished Meachams Andrew Jackson Lion in the White House. It was OK. I enjoyed Brand's biography better. Anyway, I am happy to be in the History Club

Welcome, Mark. I also "read" a lot of books while commuting, but tend to find fiction does a better job of keeping me alert. History is better for "real" reading for me.

Hello there Mark and welcome to the History Book Club. We are glad to have you.

We have quite a few discussions coming up that might interest you and we look forward to reading your posts. There are a few members who have a legal background so you should feel right at home.

Whenever we mention books and authors...we always use the add book/author feature which is above the comment box; first add the book cover and then the photo or the author's link so that goodreads will populate the site with helpful links.

Jon Meacham



I have to agree with Andrea about my commuting choices but however you are served your history...it is fine with us (smile)

All best,

Bentley

PS...Since you are from Minnesota..you aren't Al Franken's friend that he refers to...probably just a coincidence.

Welcome to the group, Mark.
I also enjoyed H.W. Brands' biography of Andrew Jackson.

We are looking forward to reading your comments. It looks like our reading tastes are fairly common.

Glad to have you aboard,
Joe

Bentley wrote: "Hello there Mark and welcome to the History Book Club. We are glad to have you.

We have quite a few discussions coming up that might interest you and we look forward to reading your posts. There..."

Bentley wrote: "Hello there Mark and welcome to the History Book Club. We are glad to have you.

We have quite a few discussions coming up that might interest you and we look forward to reading your posts. There..."

Bentley,
No-I'm not that Mark Luther. Some day I will meet Senator Franken and ask him which Mark Luther he is speaking about.
Mark

Good idea...I just thought that I would ask...because I was curious too. (smile)

I would have welcomed that Mark Luther as well...everybody is welcome...have you gotten any snow yet in Minnesota?

Hello everyone and Thank you for having me on this group. My name is Reggie I live in California. I'm new to this group. So bear with me as I learn how to use the rules, features & options on posting comments etc.. I'm interested in this group because of its possible discussions in ancient times in world history. I'm interested during the times of Philip II, King of Spain, dates from the time of naval war against England and France, 1592 - 1597. Due to current events in the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, I'm also really interested in The specific Crusades during Christian control of the Holy Lands during the 1095 and 1291. The battle campaigns fought by Spain and Europe in the 15th century during the Crusades. Interested in the Crusades that were fought mainly against Islam, Muslims, and trying to recapture Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim rule. Interested in the roll of Christian, & Byzantine Empire against the expansion of the Muslim.

Regulo...welcome..I am sure that you will find some of what you are looking for..but I not sure all of the above is currently available but I believe you will find many interest areas on ancient times and we are always expanding our World History folder so maybe you can give me some ideas on threads that would be of interest to you. It sounds like maybe I should set up a folder on the history of some of the more well known religions. You have raised some very interesting areas.

Also, after looking at your background..I believe that you will add tremendously to our military history discussions and we look forward to your posts.

Whatever we can do help you ...we will certainly do our best.

Bentley

Thank you for the invitation.

Married with two children (12,8) and a border collie.
BS in Accounting from East Carolina University.
Banking executive for mid-Regional bank.
Kiwanis member.

Really dove into books about four years ago after finally deciding to just start. Chose history, particularly US History --- first book, bio on Benjamin Franklin. From there I have pretty much covered the entire American Revolution and the founding fathers. Branched out into the Civil War with extensive readings on Lincoln, Gettysburg, Grant and Lee. Ventured backwards to learn more about early American cultures (Meso-America, Mayans, Aztecs, etc). I have recently started a "man's library" collecting hardback editions working my way toward the great works in literature -- however I am not much of a fiction reader, but I hope that changes soon.

Anyway... thanks again for the invitation to join. I look forward to this journey.

David..we are glad to have you join us. Your interest in history seems to mesh with the group's interests. We are a non fiction group primarily, we did start a folder for those folks interested in historical fiction; but history and non fiction books have always been our main focus.

Having an extensive library myself...as do many other group members..there is a great feeling one has when holding a new book (which I think all of us share).

Love border collies though I have a GSP who I adore. A lot of us here have beloved pets if you look at the avatars. We also seem to have our fair share of folks who have a legal background or a financial one like yourself. We are represented by every continent except sadly Antartica (still waiting - smile).

You might be able to help us develop some of the threads relating to some of the early American cultures and/or drop in on the Lincoln discussion going on right now. There should be a lot that may be appealing to your areas of focus; and if there is a folder which we do not have; please drop me a PM and I will give it every possible consideration.

Bentley

Welcome to Regulo and David! Sounds like you both have some specific areas of interest. The nice thing about this group is that there is something for everyone with an interest in history. Glad to have you aboard!

Elizabeth S wrote: "Welcome to Regulo and David! Sounds like you both have some specific areas of interest. The nice thing about this group is that there is something for everyone with an interest in history. Glad ..."

Hi Elizabeth, Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to talking to you some more on discussions. I'm really excited about this group.

Bentley wrote: "Regulo...welcome..I am sure that you will find some of what you are looking for..but I not sure all of the above is currently available but I believe you will find many interest areas on ancient ti..."

Hi Bentley, I Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm very excited about this group. I appreciate your help and interest in helping me find the readings I'm looking for. Let me surf thru the group and see what other books/discussions the group has mentioned in my area of interest. Any recommendations please advise!
Thanks,
Reggie

Of course Regulo..please let me know how I can help.

Welcome aboard, Regulo and David!

Welcome to Reggie and David!
Reggie, I hope you will share some of the titles you have enjoyed on the Crusades and Byzantium with us. I am interested but not well read in that area.

David, I got a border collie when I was twelve and she was much smarter than I was. By the time I was fifteen, I think I was a little smarter than she was, but to her dying day she never admitted it:).

Reggie...if you would like to share any titles of books..that would be great but please do so on the appropriate history thread dedicated to the subject and/or the Coffee Tea Conversation thread for Off Topic Conversations. Please add the book cover and the authors link...we try to use this goodreads feature so that the software populates the fields and the appropriate threads.

We are trying to keep this thread free for introductions and welcomes. Thank you so much.

Bentley wrote: "Good idea...I just thought that I would ask...because I was curious too. (smile)

I would have welcomed that Mark Luther as well...everybody is welcome...have you gotten any snow yet in Minnesota?"

Last night and this morning we got about 6 inches of blowing snow. Weather is now 14 degrees

Has anyone read Keegan's new book about the Civil War published in November? Sorry, but I can't find the picture of the book to post

Mark wrote: "Has anyone read Keegan's new book about the Civil War published in November? Sorry, but I can't find the picture of the book to post"

Mark, see the off topic thread here.

Elizabeth S wrote: "Mark wrote: "Has anyone read Keegan's new book about the Civil War published in November? Sorry, but I can't find the picture of the book to post"

Mark, see the off topic thread here."

Thanks Elizabeth.

Mark we have an Off Topic Cafe and Elizabeth was kind enough to give you the link; we have discussed Keegan's book there. Come on over and the weather
has to be better here than 14 degrees and swirling snow...burr..I am getting cold just thinking about it.

Joe wrote: "Welcome aboard, Regulo and David!

"

Thank you Joe, for the warm welcome. I look forward to talking to you some more soon!

Andrea wrote: "Welcome to Reggie and David!
Reggie, I hope you will share some of the titles you have enjoyed on the Crusades and Byzantium with us. I am interested but not well read in that area.

David, I got ..."

Hi Andrea, Thank you for the nice welcome. Yes, I look forward to sharing some titles on the Crusades with everyone. I think this would be a perfect time especially due to the coming Holy Holidays dont you Think?

Regulo wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Welcome to Reggie and David!
Reggie, I hope you will share some of the titles you have enjoyed on the Crusades and Byzantium with us. I am interested but not well read in that area..."

Regulo,

In the Military History folder, I have set up a thread for The Crusades. Please forward all discussions regarding The Crusades and any books that you would like to post on that subject matter on that thread.

Here is the link:

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

Regulo wrote: "Hello everyone and Thank you for having me on this group. My name is Reggie I live in California. I'm new to this group. So bear with me as I learn how to use the rules, features & options on posti..."

Hi Regulo,

I share the same interest and love books covering the Crusades, Byzantium and the period of Spain's dominance in Europe including any good book on the Armada of which I have a few. I have added a few titles on the new thread that Bentley has added for the Crusades and would be interested to hear if you have ready any of these books.

Hi, I am Stephanie and I live in Ontario, Canada. I am a high school teacher, currently teaching French as a Second Language although I also teach Phys Ed and History. I have two wonderful children and an amazing husband, who is in the military. We love to travel and experience new things. We spent every weekend at our trailer during the summer months, and go skiing every weekend during the winter. It helps that we live in an area where it pretty much snows from the beginning of November to the beginning of April. I love to read, especially historical fiction and non-fiction, mysteries, thrillers, biographies, and science-fiction/fantasy. I currently do reviews for another website and absolutely love doing them. I am looking forward to reading the books listed in this group and sharing with everyone here. I guess I knew I was hooked when I named my guinea pig after Mary Queen of Scots when I was six.

Welcome, Sandra and Stephanie! It is always nice to have new people who love history and reading. What a great combination.

Sandra wrote: "Hello everyone,

This is Sandra, am new on goodreads, and i find this group interesting. I work as an Editor and I hope I will get to know you all as friends.

I love everything that has to do ..."

Hello Sandra...welcome to goodreads and The History Book Club.

We look forward to reading your posts. I just noticed that you are from Lebanon. How exciting having folks in this group from so many different places from around the globe.

Bentley

Stephanie wrote: "Hi, I am Stephanie and I live in Ontario, Canada. I am a high school teacher, currently teaching French as a Second Language although I also teach Phys Ed and History. I have two wonderful childr..."

Hello Stephanie...we are glad to have you as a group member. Being able to ski as much as you do is terrific...because around here Mother Nature and global warming have made the skiing sporadic at best unless you go fairly far North to get the good ground cover and a deep base.

It is interesting that you are teaching French as a second language but also teach two other subjects as well. You must have your hands full in terms of daily preparations for classes.

We are happy to have you with us and the fact that you love history is an added plus for the group.

All best,

Bentley

Welcome to the group, Sandra and Stephanie!

We are all glad to have you here. Feel free to jump right in. There is a lot of stuff going on, so you should have no problem finding what interests you.

Joe

Hi everyone, I'm Doug and am new to the group (and the website). I particularly enjoy reading about history and economics, which may keep me from being very popular at cocktail parties, but so be it. I grew up in Florida and attended UF (go Gators!) and then went to Chicago for an MBA. Now I live in Connecticut and work in NYC, which I love. My wife and I have 4 kids: 3 boys, 1 girl. The two oldest are in college (Roanoke and Rutgers) and the younger two are in high school. We lived overseas for 5 years (Cyprus, Austria, Greece) and had two of our children there.

I work for a company which is funded by venture capital and is developing an innovative medical device designed for the treatment of chronic pain. I have a long train commute to NY each morning and evening, which gives me lots of time to read. I also like to listen to audio books when I am driving around.

I was interested in this group because I would like the opportunity to discuss books I've read and learn about which books the members have enjoyed.

Hello Doug,

Welcome to the group. You have come to the right place at least in terms of your love of history.

Working in New York City has its perks...it is nice to work there with all of its energy and then sometimes it is nice to get on the train and "escape".

Your job sounds interesting...are you in the medical or the financial field? With a long commute...you can cover a lot of reading in no time. Audio books are also terrific.

We have many interest areas and multiple on going discussions..you can be as active as you have time.

We look forward to reading your posts.

Bentley

I am the finance guy of my company but, as we are a very small company, I get to be involved in more than just finance. I also have the privilege of working closely with a brilliant group of doctors and engineers, so I learn something practically every day.

Welcome, Doug. I'm not jealous of your commute, although it sounds like fun to have a certain amount of time where you "have" to read each day. Your interest in history and economics may not make you popular at cocktail parties, but you'll be popular here. We all love history, and there are times when it might help to have a better explanation of an economic situation. Glad to have you aboard.

Doug wrote: "I am the finance guy of my company but, as we are a very small company, I get to be involved in more than just finance. I also have the privilege of working closely with a brilliant group of docto..."

It sounds like a great job.

Hi All!! My name is Sandy. I'm an avid reader and especially like history as well as current events. I'm also very politically motivated in my reading. I enjoy reading about real events, places and people. I'm very excited to be a part of this group as I will have better guides on what to read.

Hello Sandy...welcome to the group. We are happy to have you with us.

Bentley

Welcome to the group, Sandy and Doug!
We are all glad to have you here. Please feel free to jump into the conversation. We are all eager to read your comments.

Joe