The History Book Club discussion

Hi Heather and Annette. Glad you could join us. Just some housekeeping:

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:

Jon Meacham

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.

My name is Chase Mudd. I am a 28 year old male from Lexington, Kentucky. I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2008 and shortly after I became an official tax paying citizen. This slap to the face encouraged me to seek out as much info on American Civics I could find. This interest naturally lead me into a love affair with American history and political philosophy. My goal in life is to continue my education and master everything my former teachers left out. I initially joined this group to help round out my "curriculum", and I am very excited to find that this group has a "history" of lively discussion. I look forward participating in the future and hope to learn along side you history buffs.

"You need to know where you've been before you can see where you are going."

Hi, I'm re-introducing myself (I did previously in msg #3834, 9 Dec) but why not!

I'm Will Mego, 35 years old and recently retired from professional fencing coach and competitor. I've moved to my own little house and gone back into my original career, a composer of "classical" music. I read vast numbers of books about nearly everything, but about 40% of it is history. Lately I've been reading immense amounts about America's forgotten wars, such as the so-called French and Indian War, the war of 1812, and the Mexican-American War, and the only war fought on the soil I inhabit, the Black Hawk War (would be a great subject for us...only military service of Abraham Lincoln, btw). I'm also engaged in a longer term project of knowing everything there will ever be to know about General Winfield Scott, since the town I now live in is named for him, as are half the roads and parks.

Hi, Chase and Will. Great stories, thanks so much for telling us a little about yourselves. You picked the best place on the web to talk history.

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:

Jon Meacham

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.

Hi, my name is Jason. I received a BA in History from the University of Pittsburgh and i live currently in San Antonio. I favor oral histories over historians' perspectives, but i do like some comprehensive histories. What i really like is personal analysis, forgoing whatever objectivity compelled the events for an understanding of the statistics versus the feeling of the time (see Homage to Catalonia, Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk, or Our Appalachia: An Oral History). I can only hope to be a part of this great catalogue of historical development that has engrossed people wanting to learn about our humanity over time. What i mean there is that eventually i want to write history too.

Welcome Heather, Annette and Chase to a History Club full of book discussion

Heather, Massachusetts is full of history. Hopefully the club can provide a bit of assistance with your advanced degree. Cape Cod is always great especially in September.

Annette, many book discussions revolve around on each president. Join in.

Chase, before I die I must bring my wife to the Kentucky Derby. While I was at the University of Massachusetts, Rick Pitino was the point guard on the basketball team and your current coach John Calipari also has connections to my alma matter. As for taxes, I can attest that my two sons are not very fond of them. :-)

Will, welcome to the History Club.

I did not participate in fencing in high school, but the history teacher who coached the club was a graduate of MIT. Because not many high schools participated in fencing our high school team often played against MIT and other local colleges, fairing quite well. Today the retired teacher maintains a wonderful collection of WWI posters.

Welcome all to the History Book Club where your "to be read" list is going to hit the roof and where you will find many lively and spirited discussions about our favorite subject.

Hi, I'm Mona and I'm excited to join this group. I love to read and have always enjoyed history. Looking forward to the discussions.

Hi Mark! I've honestly never been to the Derby. Looks too intense if you ask me. I prefer Keeneland's track over Churchill Downs anyways. It is located here in Lexington. I believe some of Seabiscuit was filmed there. It is quite nice.
Since I was born in Ky people assume that I'd have a deep fondness for bball & horses. To be honest, I'm rather indifferent about sports in general. I only go to the track to grab drinks and admire all the finely dressed ladies. ;) My luck prevents me from gambling. Such a bummer.
The bball schedule gives me troubles. I live downtown so traffic is killer on gamedays.

Apparently, even though I joined the group some time ago, I haven't introduced myself yet. So, here it goes:
My name is Brad. I reside in Hackensack, NJ, but am originally from Rockland County, NY. I am 36 and widowed, have two cats, Ace and Lucy, and a Yorkie named TinkerBell. (The cats were hers before we met, but we got the dog together.) According to my parents, I have been reading since the age of three, and my first "eureka moment" is when I realized I could read the words on The Electric Company. Apparently, I was so good, as a Kindergartener, they had me reading to the First Graders.
I have been pleasure reading from then on. I have a varied interest in books I read, including Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Mystery, History, Science, Philosophy, Music (specifically about Heavy Metal), Sports, or Biographies about people in the aforementioned categories. Since there are so many, I have included a selection of my favorite books/authors below.
Outside of reading, my interests include Sports, Music (specifically Heavy Metal), Concerts (specifically Heavy Metal), Broadway, Disney, any original programming on the USA Network, movies, and Doctor Who.
If there is anything else you would like to know, I am an open book (so to speak.) And feel free to PM me if you wish.

Hi All,

For the longest time I was only interested in Medieval history. Last year, I was working on ancestry for the first time, and discovered that I had many, many ancestors that fought in the Revolutionary War. I'm now hooked on American history. Eventually, I plan on moving up through history to get the full picture of the United States.

Married with three adult 'children.' Looking forward to this group's insights!

Welcome, Brad. Glad you could join us.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 the books you've mentioned should look:

Lyndsay Faye

Ian Christe

Courtland Lewis

James L. Swanson

Michael Crichton

Tony Iommi

Steve Hockensmith

Graham Moore

Pauline Maier

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Katherine Stewart

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, Debi. You found the right spot to talk history. Some housekeeping:

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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:

Lyndsay Faye

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.

Hi, I'm Sherry and I'm a big historical fiction and non fiction buff. I look forward to participation in the discussions on this site, and the books that are recommended.

Welcome, Sherry. I’m glad you could join us.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 you might mention should look:

Charles Dickens

Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.
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 Mona, Brad, Bryan and Debi to the History Club. Have fun! :-)

Mark wrote: "Welcome, Sherry. I’m glad you could join us.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (There is a link on the top right of the reply box.) ..."

I have perused it all. Thanks.

Welcome Travis, Cheryl, G, Josh, Vivien and Lisa. So many new people! It's really great to have you join us.

Hi:

I joined Goodreads after reading an article about it in the L.A. Times reporting that it was begun by a member of the Chandler family who thought this site would become the modern equivalent of a newspaper. I'm glad I found this forum. I am particularly interested in Los Angeles history, but any well written story appeals to me. I also collect political buttons, especially locals. Once a month, I am a tour guide for the Los Angeles Conservancy sharing what I know about local history and architecture. My favorite book about Southern California is Carey McWilliams, An Island on the Land. McWilliams had a facinating career.

I read Franklin & Winston several years ago, and am looking forward to Meacham's new book

Welcome Chris. We are glad you could join us. You got a great start with the citations but you need the author's link and if there is no photo, it is not necessary to show the avatar, just the link. The following information will help.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 books you mentioned should look:

by Carey McWilliams

by Jon Meacham



Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.

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 all the new faces on this thread. It is the place for the history lover. Please join the discussions/book recommendations....and enjoy!!!

Welcome Sherry and Chris

Debi - good job with your intro (post 5529).

However, have you checked your PMs lately; are you getting them; have you checked your trash or junk mail folder? I did send you a PM indicating that you needed to send me a PM with your full name and full address and zipcode to be considered for the free offer.

I have not heard back from you but was delighted to see you posted an intro as suggested.

For more information, check your PM box, or the introduction thread for the Jefferson book and specifically posts 79 and 119.

Make sure to get that PM to me otherwise you will not be able to be considered for the offer.

Regards,

Bentley

Welcome Chris to an exciting history club. We have a bunch of sites for books with added news and information.

LA certainly is a unique city. The sun is still out in California and the stars are now out in the east.

Hi everyone,
I have been watching the group for awhile but forgot to introduce myself. I am a lifelong reader of history, currently living in Chicago and working in the media industry. Several years back I read the an old volume of Churchill's History of the English-Speaking Peoples I found at a library. While not a fan of his take on history, I did enjoy the intense chronological narrative that explained the transition between all of the English kings. Deciding there was a lot of value in looking more at the larger context of historical events instead of just reading about them in isolation I decided to start a big reading assignment for American history. Starting with McCullough's '1776' 1776 I am reading books decade by decade, mixing in a lot of presidential biographies and other topics. Years later, I am spending 2012 reading about the 1920s, currently enjoying Okrent's 'Last Call.' Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition I am always looking for good recommendations and look forward to participating in some of the book discussions--even ones that don't fit in chronological order!

See you on the message boards.

James

Welcome, James. I’m glad you could join us. I find the 1920's rather interesting too.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 to present the books you mentioned above. One does not offer an author photo:


David McCullough

Daniel Okrent

Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.
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 James........this is the place for the history lover. I have also read the book on the rise of prohibition and thought it was fascinating.
Take some time to browse the threads and join in the discussions/book recommendations......most of all, enjoy!!

by Daniel Okrent

hmm, round 2 intro on myself...

I am a history teacher in middle school kids. I got the ones who really don't want to be there with the crazy hormones. Since I teach history I love history books though some can be try and boring. I read by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It was fantastic book and I am pretty stoked about the movie Lincoln coming out. http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-t... I know the last part should go on the another spot, but it is too good to not let everyone see it.

As of late I have been mixing history books with Fantasy books and historical fiction.

Hi, I joined the group in March of this year and introduced myself, but then, for whatever reason, didn't post again. So I thought I'd reintroduce myself. I'm from Louisiana, and although I like all history I tend to gravitate toward the 19th century and modern European. I look forward to actually taking part in the discussions this time around.

Hi Mike, James, Cherry, Chris, Debi, Brad, Mona, Jason, Will, Chase and Heather, welcome to the group.

Apart from all the fascinating discussions on history we also have quite a few fine threads on music - all kinds from all places.
Come and take a look/listen if you like.

Best wishes,

André

Welcome, Gabriel. I’m glad you could join our group that loves true history. Your first book post is close, but it should have included a photo of the author.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 you mentioned should look:

Doris Kearns Goodwin

Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.
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, Mike. I’m glad you could join us.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 you might mention should look. One with no author photo available and one with a photo listing:

Jon Cowans
Anna Funder

Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.
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.

Hello James, Gabriel, and Mike. You picked the right place to discuss history books. Jump right in.

Welcome Chris, Sherry, Mark, Brian, Heather, Annette, Chase, Will, Jason, Mona, Brad, Debi, James and Gabriel (whew!). Hope I didn't miss anyone. We are so glad you joined us.

Glad you found us James, Gabriel and Mike. Lots of good stuff here for the history lover. Enjoy yourself!!

Welcome, Frederick. I’m glad you could join us. We have a great WWI thread along with other active military sites.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 you might mention should look:

Joseph E. Persico

Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.
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.

Cheers everyone! I'm Frederick Coxen, although I go by Rick - long story. I love history but currently more focused on World War One. My wife of 35 years and I are relocating to St Pete Florida. I'm 65 years old and enjoy oil painting, writing and woodworking. I'm looking forward to getting involved.

Currently I am the Executive Director and CEO of Hope Now For Youth, a Christian emergency rescue organization that helps young gang members, ages 16 to 24, get out of the gang life and into a job. Hope Now accomplishes this goal by sharing the love of Jesus Christ with each young man who enters the program.

For my schooling I attended Riverside Community College, Biola College, and Moody Bible Institute and received a certificate in Strategic Planning and Management in Retailing from Babson College, I graduated with High Honors from Moody Bible Institute with Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies.

I was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard in the early 70′s. In 1980 I began a 24-year career with Berean Bookstores. In 2000 I became president of the company and served in that position for four years. In 2004 I became Executive Director and CEO of Hope Now For Youth.

Traveling has been a big part of my life and has included such places as Antarctica, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, South Pacific Islands, Cambodia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Israel. But there is still no place like home.

Reading has always been a passion from a very young age (especially biographies and history), but I have never joined a book club or reading group. Therefore, I am looking forward to hanging out with everyone here.

Finally, I've been married for 38 years, and have two married daughters and six grandchildren. (Four grandsons and two granddaughters).

Welcome, Roger. I’m glad you could join us. Congratulations on being such a mentor.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 you might mention should look:

Tim Weiner

Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.
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, Caroline. I’m glad you could join us from across the big pond.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (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 (when available) 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 you might mention should look:

by Charles Dickens

Please use the “(preview)” tab to view your alignment before officially “posting”.
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 Roger and Caroline. You have certainly found the right place for the history lover. Please you the discussions/book recommendations and enjoy!!

Bentley wrote: "Welcome Mark and Brian (NYC),

Happy to have you both with us.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the "add book/author" feature when you comment. (There is a link on the top right ..."

Thank you Bentley, for the links to the orientation page and the guidelines, and the info on how to "add books/authors." I shall endeavor to familiarize myself with these before we get started with the discussion.

You are welcome Mark. We look forward to everybody's participation.

Hi! My name is Cynthia. I am excited to be a part of this group. I have loved history (mainly American) since the 3rd grade. I considered being a history teacher, but chose nursing instead. I live in Pittsburgh, PA.

Hi Cynthia,
welcome to the group!

For this club 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 Richard Holbrooke

More information can be found here:

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...

Apart from all the fascinating discussions on history we also have quite a few fine threads on music - all kinds from all places.
Come and take a look/listen if you like.

If you have any questions feel free to ask any of the moderators.
Best wishes,

André

Welcome Cynthia. I know some folks, who get much fulfillment from side interests and hobbies and are afraid they would not receive the same enjoyment if they turned their hobby into a career. With your passion for history you can find downtime to relax and read what you desire. This active 24/7 global History Club should meet all your needs.

Mark wrote: "Welcome Cynthia. I know some folks, who get much fulfillment from side interests and hobbies and are afraid they would not receive the same enjoyment if they turned their hobby into a career. With ..."

Thanks Mark! I agree, not choosing history as my career has enabled me to enjoy it. I love nursing just in a different way. I look forward to being a part of this group

So glad you found us,Cynthia. There is much here for the history lover and is a truly international group of readers. Please join in the discussions/book recommendations. And enjoy!!

Welcome Frederick, Roger, Caroline and Cynthia. This is a great place for history lovers - there's lots to explore and participate in.