The History Book Club discussion

Thanks for the lovely welcome -- and, Bentley, for the encouragement! I experimented and.. it worked! Now I am all set.

Hi Mary Ellen, It takes a little getting use to but once you have it down-pat its a lot of fun. Look forward to seeing some of your suggestions and favourite books soon.

Hello all,
Look forward to your recommendations.
Background on me: former U.S. Army (MC) surgeon recently reintroduced to civilian life. Two tours in OIF. USMA grad. Brought into Goodreads by "Paradise General" which was a stunningly personal book for me.

Hi Charles, Good to see you join us. Below are some links that will help you navigate the History Book Club and what our requirements are:

Policies & Practices
(this one is helpful for when you want to add book covers and author's photo's/links)

and:

Orientation & Roadmap

I have recently ordered a copy of "Paradise General" so I will look forward to discussing that book with you once I have had time to read it.

by Dave Hnida

Welcome, Charlie. Look forward to more of your comments.

Charles wrote: "Hello all,
Look forward to your recommendations.
Background on me: former U.S. Army (MC) surgeon recently reintroduced to civilian life. Two tours in OIF. USMA grad. Brought into Goodreads by "Pa..."

Charles welcome to the History Book Club. We are very glad to have you with us.

Bentley

Hello Charles - glad you found us, welcome. There are many topic threads and book discussions to explore, you came to the right place. Posting the book as Aussie Rick pointed out helps to track relevant discussions and reviews. I have added to my reading pile considerably due to that feature. :-). Enjoy! We look forward to your posts. And thank you for your service.

Hi all! I'm Amanda, 27, and I'm from a small town called Doniphan, Missouri. Growing up, since I wasn't one of those kids that ran around looking for trouble, reading was (and still is) my main pastime. (There's not much to do here, otherwise.)

Mostly I stuck with horror, thrillers, or mysteries but as I've gotten older, I've started branching out a bit. I really enjoy any sort of historical fiction (oh Ken Follett, where have you been all my life!), and I've started looking into all sorts of non-fiction as well.

I've found that I really enjoy books that discuss the lives and times of royalty or are otherwise very character driven, like the focus on the monks in Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth or World Without End. I'm looking forward to getting to know some like-minded people here and seeing what interesting book suggestions pop up. :)

I'm currently reading: by John Steinbeck, by Jonathan Maberry, by Lewis Carroll, and by Max Brooks.

Amanda wrote: "Hi all! I'm Amanda, 27, and I'm from a small town called Doniphan, Missouri. Growing up, since I wasn't one of those kids that ran around looking for trouble, reading was (and still is) my main pas..."

Welcome Amanda! You might like to check out David Starkey Elizabeth. He is a scholar but in UK a great popularizer as well...

Hi Amanda! ~ Welcome to the group, we are glad to have you. Small town to big city, you will find other folks here who all share an interest in history. One of our threads is historical fiction, you might check it out if you haven't already.

Do familiarize yourself with how we run this group as there are important things to know when adding books etc. A few links to help you get started:

Guidelines:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2851...

Orientation:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1851...

Mechanics of the Board:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2878...

Our group requires that when you cite a book and/or author that you add the book cover when available (it usually is), the author's photo when available, and the author's link which is always available. The book and author tracking feature is important to help us all navigate to the correct book and discuss and discover great reads and discussions.

Welcome, glad to have a new member! We look forward to your participation.

Harvey wrote: "Welcome Amanda! You might like to check out David Starkey..."

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll definitely check it out.

Thanks for the welcome, Alisa! Also, thanks for the links, I meant to read all the rules and things, but wanted to say hi first. Now I know where to go for everything, thanks so much. :)

Amanda wrote: "Harvey wrote: "Welcome Amanda! You might like to check out David Starkey..."

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll definitely check it out."

As you said you liked reading about royalty I do recommend Starkey... he is a specialist on the Tudors. Mary Queen of Scots is in a similar genre and again you might enjoy. I think Starkey is the better historian, but both books, both authors are eminently readable.

Hi Amanda, welcome to the group, I am pretty sure you will have a great time here discussing your favourite books and authors.

Harvey,

When adding a book, please add the book cover first not the text of the book or the author's photo first, then after the book cover, you should be adding the author's photo if available, and finally the author's name.

For example based upon the book you added: (message 1173)

by Antonia Fraser

For example based upon the book you added: (message 1169)

by David Starkey

In the case above, there was no photo available of David Starkey, so then you would add first the book cover and then the author's link (the text version of his name).

There is a thread which will help explain the differences called Mechanics of the Board:

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

I know that all of the moderators say the same things over and over again and we want to make sure that everything is cross referenced properly, is consistent with our standards so we have to add everything you don't. Maybe reach out to Aussie Rick and he can give you some pointers. I know that any one of us is very willing to help and remember this request is in our rules and guidelines.

I do appreciate your adds to help support Amanda and the welcome. Both are extremely appreciated. Your posts are always informative, many quite humorous, etc and very well thought out.

Bentley

All, this thread is ONLY for introductions and welcomes. It is not a thread for the discussion of any books. There are many other threads where discussion of books can take place and you can discuss everything you are reading in the following thread which is called:

What is Everybody Reading Now?

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Hello Amanda,

We want to welcome you to the History Book Club. There is a lot that I want to point out to you; so since I am busy with house guests, I will come back and edit this note to you adding on more details.

First, though we are delighted to have you; I just want to point out that we are mainly a non fiction book club. We do have an Historical Fiction segment which is being headed up by Elizabeth S and by the look of your selections, I think you will really appreciate that folder and those threads. Very soon, in fact on May 2nd, we will be beginning our discussion of the very popular Master and Commander series by the late Patrick O'Brian. I hope you will be able to join us and Elizabeth S for that discussion. It should be great.

You will find the link to the Historical Fiction folder below. In a day or two you should see the links added for the Master and Commander discussion.

Also, the historical fiction segment just completed Killer Angels by Michael Shaara (another great historical fiction book focused on the American Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg). You can find these historical threads added now to the American Civil War threads so if you are interested, the threads are still available if you would like to read that book.

This is how we cite both books and authors when mentioning them:

Patrick O'Brian

Michael Shaara

In the M&C situation, we place the book cover first, and because the photo of the author is available - that is added next, followed by the name text which is called the author's link.

In the case of KA, we place the book cover first, however, there was no photo available for Michael Shaara so we could not add one, and then we "always" add the name text for the author which we call the author's link.

Additionally, I am providing for you the link to the Historical Fiction threads and a link to the American Civil War segment which contains the Killer Angel archived threads.

Historical Fiction section:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

American Civil War section:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

Also, if you would like to discuss any books that you are reading now; we have the What is Everybody Reading Now thread:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

I will add more as I go through your posts.

Bentley

Hello again Amanda,

I will add the books and authors that you mentioned (in this post). These citations will incorporate our guidelines and how we respectfully ask you to cite them. In our group, the rules and guidelines are not optional and are a requirement of membership. But before you get worried and you shouldn't be, I just want to say that all of the Assisting Moderators and everyone in the group is quite patient and helpful to newcomers. We are here to give you as much help as you need and as many times as you need. This is a friendly and very congenial group and we maintain our high standards for the benefit of all. You will get the hang of things in no time.

I noticed that Alisa was kind enough to cite for you all of the important urls that you should read and understand (our rules, guidelines, the orientation, and the mechanics of the board thread which will give you some helpful hints on the how-tos). So try to give these some attention and time; it will be well worth your while.

I have cited the books and authors correctly below:

by John Steinbeck

and both by Ken Follett

by Nicholas Pekearo

by Kay Hooper

by Max Brooks

I hope the above examples for the books and authors you cited; showing how we do it here will be helpful to you as you move along.

Where is Doniphan, Mississippi. Is it near Oxford? You have given us some ideas for some future threads and we will keep them in the queue.

We are glad that you found us and we know that you wanted to just jump in to say hi and we are glad that you did.

All best in the group and we look forward to reading your posts. Do not hesitate to ask for any assistance or help.

Bentley

Hi Matt, Good to see you join us. Below are some links that will help you navigate the History Book Club and what our requirements are:

Policies & Practices
(this one is helpful for when you want to add book covers and author's photo's/links)

and:

Orientation & Roadmap



I read William Manchester's "Goodbye Darkness" many years ago, one of the best combat memoirs from the Pacific War around.

by William Raymond Manchester
Our group requires that when you cite a book and/or author that you add the book cover when available (it usually is), the author's photo when available, and the author's link which is always available. The book and author tracking feature is important to help us all navigate to the correct book and discuss and discover great reads and discussions.

I look forward to discussing some great books from the Pacific War soon.

Hello Matt,

Welcome to the History Book Club. Your background sounds like it will fit right in.

I noticed with interest that you have a minor in Korean language. In the Current Events folder we do have threads which might be of interest to you (North Korea, Global Affairs).

Here is the link:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

We are also discussing The First World War (wrapping it up this week) but the threads will still be open:

by John Keegan

Also, I am sure that Aussie Rick (our military history Assisting Moderator) will be delighted to discuss military history with you.

Here is the link to that folder:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...

As far as what you are currently reading, this thread is reserved just for introductions and welcomes. However, we do have numerous threads where discussion of current reading material is very appreciated. Check out the message which I just posted recently - message 1176.

Also, we do have a rule for citation. Please read the guidelines and the Mechanics of the Board thread for details.

For example, when citing a book as you did, we add the book cover first, then the author's photo if available and then the author's text link:

by William Raymond Manchester

Hope this helps and we look forward to reading your posts.

All best,

Bentley

Note: Thanks Aussie Rick...we must have been posting our messages at approximately the same time.

Hello Matt, welcome to the group. We look forward to your posts. Plenty here to be involved in so make yourself at home. The add book/author feature is quite important but easy to do once you get the hang of it. Glad you joined!

Bentley wrote: "Hello again Amanda,

I will add the books and authors that you mentioned (in this post). These citations will incorporate our guidelines and how we respectfully ask you to cite them. In our group..."

Thank you for showing me how to cite the books, Bentley, it's very helpful. I'll go back and edit my post for practice.

Doniphan is in Missouri, near Poplar Bluff. It's a pretty small town which is why I read so much.

Hi Amanda...I don't even know where Poplar Bluff is; but thank you for letting me know.

And of course, you are welcome.

Hello to both Amanda and Matt. I really hope you find this group rewarding. I look forward to your postings and your recommendations.

Welcome to Charles, Amanda, and Matt. Nice to have you all join us!

Hello all!

My name is Don, and I just discovered this group. I'm looking forward to participating in discussions with you all. I'm 34 years old, live in New Hampshire, and work in software engineering. I've been an avid reader on and off over the past few years, but have mostly stuck with fiction - primarily fantasy and sci fi.

I've recently become very interested in history (obsessed might be a better word) and have added more books to my wishlist/to-read pile that I'll probably ever be able to get through. Up until this point, I've only finished one history book voluntarily (as in, not required for school), and that was 1776 by David McCullough. I thoroughly enjoyed that book and look forward to reading more of his works.

I'm also currently reading The History Of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer, and am enjoying it quite a bit. My interests in particular historical topics is pretty broad and open (as evidenced by my two citations), and am swimming in ideas as what to read next. I'm also listening to a history podcast on Napoleon which is turning out to be one of my all-time favorite podcasts (great for my long commute).

I'm not sure I'll be able to follow along with the current reading selection, but I hope to once June rolls around.

I have read the group rules and policies, so I hope I haven't violated any on my first post :) Looking forward to getting to spend more time with you all - this seems like a great group!

My citations:
by David McCullough

by Susan Wise Bauer

and what a fine first post it is! Welcome Don, we are glad you found this group. We run the range of obsessed to mildly interested and you will find a plethora of topics, discussion threads, and group reads from which to choose. Jump in, we look forward to your posts around the site.

Great job on the book citations! The club rules make this a much more productive experience for everyone. Happy reading ~

Good work, Don, and welcome! I hope you get a chance to read McCullough's selection with us in the President Series.

Regardless, I look forward to your posts and reading adventures.

Hello Don and Welcome to the History Book Club. Thank you for doing your homework on our rules and guidelines and I echo Alisa's and Bryan's sentiments.

This was probably the best introductory post that I have ever read and I am the founder and the creator of the site.

You took the time to write an intro which showed that you respected our guidelines enough to even cite the book citations correctly the very first time you posted here and I just want to say that we very much appreciate that.

As Alisa has stated: "The club rules make this a much more productive experience for everyone."

There is no doubt in my mind that you will be a good group member and I do hope that you gain much from the experience.

If you are interested in Napoleon, then you should make the acquaintance of one of our Assisting Moderators - Aussie Rick. Napoleon is one of his favorite subjects for study.

We are in fact beginning a McCullough book in June and we hope that you can participate in that discussion.

Napoleon Bonaparte

David McCullough

I am delighted to welcome you.

Bentley

Hi Don, welcome to the group and as Bentley has mentioned I am a great fan of Napoleon so will be interested to hear your views about your podcast you have been listening to. There is a thread on the Napoleonic Wars in the military history section if you want to check it out.

Welcome, Don! I also know the "problem" of having a lot of interests, from fantasy and science fiction to mysteries to history to, well, lots of stuff. This is a good place to get the history fix. Hope you enjoy it!

Thank you for the kind words everybody, I appreciate the warm welcome. I can't take too much credit for my post, Bentley and other have done a great job with examples on how to format posts and references, and I did spend a bit of time perusing this discussion while at work, so I came prepared :)

Now I have to decide if I should go read some more discussions, or go read a book...

It is tough call so do both (smile).

hello, I'm Aranha, 33, I live in FL. I'm into martial arts. I teach capoeira and dabble in other arts. Pretty much all the rest of my time is devoted to raising my 6 month old daughter (and reading). I am currently diving into Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes.

Hello Aranha,

Karl Marlantes

We have rules and guidelines here which are not optional. One is how we cite books and authors so that the goodreads software can populate our site.

Please read the guidelines, the orientation and how to cite books in this group. We add the bookcover, the author's photo if available and the author's link.

I have heard great things about Matterhorn and I imagine you have your hands full raising a young daughter.

Please check out Alisa's post 1169 for links to the guidelines, orientation and mechanics of the board.

Bentley

Welcome Aranha:

I also heard good things about the book. There are plenty of topics to keep you interested, so enjoy.

Aranha, welcome, we are glad to have you. Looking forward to discussing good books with you!

Welcome, Aranha! Reading, raising a child, martial arts, sounds like you have a balanced life. :) Hope you enjoy our group here.

Hi Aranha, welcome to the group, I am sure you'll have a fun time here discussing your favourite books with everyone.

thanks everyone for the welcome! im kind of computer slow, but will work out the citation rules, thanks for the tips. Do i need to cite a book or author every time I mention it/him/her? for example, i'm excited for Matterhorn, but i hear it was trimmed down from 1000+ pages and would love to get my hands on that draft (apparently Marlantes wrote it over a 30 year time span). Do I need to cite Matterhorn and Marlantes every time? sorry if this is obvious....

You should cite it in your note because there is a counter and it indicates the popularity of a book and/or author based upon citations. Also, the software provides a pointer then to all places where the book and the author are cited and/or discussed. If you do not provide the links; your comments are totally lost to the software and would be impossible to find in any of the threads (no pointers then).

Karl Marlantes

ok thanks will do

Hi Everyone! I'm Kat. I love history and politics and like reading non fiction books. I live in Toronto, work in marketing and I just turned 30! Happy to be here :)

Hey Kat - Welcome! Glad you found us, and am sure you will find much to stimulate your interests. Be sure to check out the orientation info as well as rules around citing books/authors so we can track along with your discussions when you reference books. And happy birthday!

Hello Kat,

Welcome to the History Book Club.

Be sure to check out our guidelines:

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

The Orientation:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

The Mechanics of the Board:

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

And if you are citing a book or an author; please make sure that they are added as follows:

Winston S. Churchill

Bookcover first, the author's photo next when available and always the author's link last.

Happy Birthday to you and I hope you enjoy the site.

Bentley

Hi Kat, Welcome to the group from another throw back from the Empire. I hope you have a great time here discussing good books and Happy Birthday.

Welcome, Kat. Glad to have you around. Hope you enjoy the readings and the discussions. We've got a good group of people.

Welcome Kat, glad you found us!

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!! :)

Hello Everybody,

My name is Lindsay, I am 33 years old and live in Utah. I don't really like talking about myself but I love to talk about history. My hobbies are reading, gardening, quilting, camping, and spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to some great discussions.