Book Thread number ?

[The Rube]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Just finished a book I've wanted to read for a long time - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352153">Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking</a> by Susan Cain. Really, really liked it. Very enlightening; definitely recommend for anyone. Obviously I'm familiar with the introvert side (from, you know, being one ) but it was interesting to read about all the connections to things I didn't even realize were related: TV viewing preferences, argument style, risk aversion... It was also interesting to read about some of the differences between extroverts and introverts and why there are differences at all. I DEFINITELY recommend for people who've been told their entire lives that they should talk more, smile more, and just generally be a different person than the one they are. The extrovert ideal can be overwhelming, but being an introvert is not a personality flaw.

oh, and also: extroverts caused the financial collapse.

To expand on my FB response:

Many people, upon meeting me, think I'm more of an extrovert. That is far from the truth. After a night out, or weekend road trip, I need to be very alone for quite a while. I don't count the internet (like the boards/etc) as really interacting (extrovert tendency). It's not "live." I'll probably add it to my list of things to read/watch, and since it's a book, buy. Once I get enough for free shipping, probably will pull that trigger.

 

[jen]

Re: Book Thread number ?

To expand on my FB response:

Many people, upon meeting me, think I'm more of an extrovert. That is far from the truth. After a night out, or weekend road trip, I need to be very alone for quite a while. I don't count the internet (like the boards/etc) as really interacting (extrovert tendency). It's not "live." I'll probably add it to my list of things to read/watch, and since it's a book, buy. Once I get enough for free shipping, probably will pull that trigger.

The author argues introverts are more likely to use social media/internet communication because they can control the level of stimulation (the basis of introvert vs. extrovert), and they're allowed more time to think before posting. Makes sense to me.

 

[Probert]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Recent reads

Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar #1) by Harlan Coben The first in the Myron Bolitar series finds this former 1st round draft pick turned sports agent involved in an investigation pertaining to his new top client the first pick in the NFL draft. Information surfaces that shows that his girlfriend who has been missing for 18 months, may still be alive. As Myron gets involved in the investigation and the missing girls sister his ex-girlfriend, he may not like what he finds. Ok read.

Sharpe's Prey (Richard Sharpe (chronological order) #5) by Bernard Cornwell The fifth Sharpe book chronologically finds him impoverished in London after the death of Grace and his baby and trying to sell his commission which he can’t because it was given not purchased in the first place. He also is left behind when his Rifle’s company is sent out, given quartermaster duties. A chance encounter with Sir David Baird from India sends him to Denmark on a covert assignment. When he is betrayed and marked as a potential assassin in Copenhagen he must use his wits to survive as the British are besieging the city. Ok read but didn’t like it as much as the previous 4 novels.

Truman by David McCullough An in-depth and full biography of Harry Truman, it’s just under 1,000 pages. Very interesting and well researched. I thought I knew quote a bit about Harry Truman but a lot of new ground covered, his time in the Senate was particularly interesting along with his relationship with Dean Acheson.

The Patriot Attack (Covert-One #12) by Kyle Mills This Covert One novel finds Jon Smith and Randi Russell trying to stop an out of control Japanese General trying to start WW III with a myriad amount of high tech weapons developed in secret. Can they stop him from wreaking havoc on China. Ok read

The Guilty (Will Robie #4) by David Baldacci After killing an innocent Will Robie freezes on his next job and is sent on leave to get it together. He goes back to his hometown where he hasn’t been for over 20 years to try and figure out what is going on and see his father who has been arrested for murder. Before he knows it he finds himself targeted by people who have no idea what they are up against as he tries to find the evidence to exonerate his father.

The Art of War (Tommy Carmellini #6) by Stephen Coonts This Jake Grafton Tommy Carmellini novel finds the Chinese flexing their muscles. They are having high level government officials assassinated, include the CIA director which makes Grafton the acting head. But this is all a distraction as they have planted a nuclear warhead near Norfolk and are awaiting all the US aircraft carriers to come to port to wipe out US Naval might. Carmellini and Grafton race against time to stop the Chinese before it’s too late or before they end up dead too. Good read.

House Divided (Joe DeMarco #6) by Mike Lawson When Joe DeMarco thinks he has some time to himself with his girlfriend out of the country and his boss having surgery he doesn’t know what is going to happen to him. When his cousin is murdered and he is asked to make the arrangements he finds himself in the middle of a war between the NSA and a rogue force within the Pentagon. Trapped on all sides with seemingly no way out can Demarco wiggle his way out.

Fade Away (Myron Bolitar #3) by Harlan Coben This Myron Bolitar novel finds him being tasked to find his rival who married his former girlfriend and now has gone missing. As Myron starts to track him down he may find out some information from the past that he has left buried. Good read.

The Monkey's Raincoat (Elvis Cole #1) by Robert Crais The first Elvis Cole book finds him and Joe Pike tasked with finding a woman’s missing husband and son. As he investigates he finds that some drug dealers think that he stole their drugs and kidnap the woman to get it back. Elvis must find out who stole the drugs and rescue the woman and her son. Good read.

Red Mafiya: How the Russian Mob Has Invaded America by Robert I. Friedman A very good book on the evolution of the Russian Mafia in America. It tells how they came to America before and after the fall of the Soviet Union the various godfathers, and the most notorious scams and crime that they committed. It also tells of law enforcements attempts to stop and imprison them and the methods they use to avoid arrest

 

[The Rube]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Red Mafiya: How the Russian Mob Has Invaded America by Robert I. Friedman A very good book on the evolution of the Russian Mafia in America. It tells how they came to America before and after the fall of the Soviet Union the various godfathers, and the most notorious scams and crime that they committed. It also tells of law enforcements attempts to stop and imprison them and the methods they use to avoid arrest

Own and love this book. Should be obvious given my interests . The Vors....man...underrated world mafia/crime syndicate (if you want to include the Mexican cartels) if you ask me.

 

[Probert]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Own and love this book. Should be obvious given my interests . The Vors....man...underrated world mafia/crime syndicate (if you want to include the Mexican cartels) if you ask me.

Well you're the one who recommended it to me, that's why I read it.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Well you're the one who recommended it to me, that's why I read it.

You read more books than I watch movies...easy to lose track.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Just finished a book I've wanted to read for a long time - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352153">Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking</a> by Susan Cain. Really, really liked it. Very enlightening; definitely recommend for anyone. Obviously I'm familiar with the introvert side (from, you know, being one ) but it was interesting to read about all the connections to things I didn't even realize were related: TV viewing preferences, argument style, risk aversion... It was also interesting to read about some of the differences between extroverts and introverts and why there are differences at all. I DEFINITELY recommend for people who've been told their entire lives that they should talk more, smile more, and just generally be a different person than the one they are. The extrovert ideal can be overwhelming, but being an introvert is not a personality flaw.

oh, and also: extroverts caused the financial collapse.

About to start Part Two of the book. Fantastic book so far. I cannot recommend enough, at this point.

 

[Probert]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Recent reads

The Altman Code (Covert-One #4) by Gayle Lynds This Covert One novel finds Jon Smith trying to stop the forces who are attempting to throw the US and China into conflict. When a man he is meeting on a beach is shot and killed Jon is sent to China to try and retrieve the information he finds himself drawn into a web of allies and foes some who he thinks may be on his side and he attempts to stop an international incident. Ok read

Armageddon's Children (Genesis of Shannara #1) by Terry Brooks I loved the early Shannara books but they went from great to good to ok so I hadn’t read his last couple of series. With the new show on MTV I decided to pick up where I left off. The book about post-apocalyptic Earth is interesting, I’m thinking I might have been a little better prepared if I had read the Void books which I haven’t. This follows the several groups of people who are trying to survive against the demons who are seeking to dominate the West Coast of the US. Ok read

When the Bough Breaks (Alex Delaware #1) by Jonathan Kellerman The first Alex Delaware novel finds him retired young and bored when his friend Milo Sturgis convinces him to help the young witness to a crime. As he finds himself drawn in and investigates he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that has gone on for years and has far reaching tentacles that will put him in danger. Excellent read.

Sharpe's Rifles (Richard Sharpe (chronological order) #6) by Bernard Cornwell I am reading these in chronological order. Probably my least favorite of the first 6 but still a good read as Sharpe finds himself stranded from the retreating British Army with some of his rifles who don’t respect him because he came up from the ranks. Helped and hindered by a Spanish officer who carries something or great value in a chest and hunted by French Cavalry who want to possess it, he is tested at every turn.

Benedict Arnold's Navy: The Ragtag Fleet That Lost the Battle of Lake Champlain But Won the American Revolution by James L. Nelson A very good book that tells of the battle for upstate New York to keep the colony from being taken and cutting the country in two during the Revolution. It tells of the taking of Fort Ticonderoga, the invasion of Canada by the Colonial Army leading up to the naval battle along Lake Champlain where they manage to valiantly hold off a British fleet. It also follows up with the Battle of Saratoga where Gentlemen Johnny Burgoyne is forced to surrender leading the French to enter the war on the side of the rebels. All throughout the book it follows Benedict Arnold and his battles with authority and courage and tribulations on and off the battlefield as he tries to keep the British out of New York.

The Bitter Season (Kovac and Liska #5) by Tami Hoag So Liska and Kovacs have been split up, she has joined the cold case squad and has been forced to re-open a 25 year old murder of a police officer. Kovacs along with his new partner is investigating the spectacular murder of a college professor and his wife murdered by samurai sword. Liska finds herself stymied at every turn as it seems like no one wants her to find the killer and only catches a break when she finds out one of the neighbors she is looking for turns out to be connected to Kovacs murder case. As the two cases intertwine will they catch the killer? Good read.

The Pharaoh's Secret (NUMA Files #13) by Clive Cussler, Graham Brown This Kurt Austin adventure finds him tracking an Egyptian group attempting to restore power to countries from the Arab Spring by using a weapon designed by the Ancient Egyptians called Black Mist. As they seek to find the answers on ancient texts while being tracked they must find the antidote quickly or many people will die. Ok read.

The Wolves (John Wells #10) by Alex Berenson This picks up where the 12 days stopped with the US narrowly avoiding a war with Iran after being tricked by Aaron Duterman. Many of his associates have been caught but he remains on the loose and Wells is asked by the President to “let them handle it.” Many months later when nothing has been done Wells acts on his own only to be stopped. But when Duterman turns out to be in cahoots with the Russians the President asks Wells to act and he goes after him. Not nearly as good as the previous Wells novels.

The Lincoln Myth (Cotton Malone #9) by Steve Berry An okay Cotton Malone book that follow the plot by a member of Congress and the Mormons to have Utah secede from the United States legally. It surrounds a hunt for a document that Abraham Lincoln sent to Brigham Young more than 150 years before and pits Cotton against Cassiopeia. Ok read.

Eisenhower: Soldier and President by Stephen E. Ambrose This is Ambrose’s two part biography of Eisenhower that was combined into one book. An excellent biography, I greatly enjoyed the first part with Eisenhower’s childhood, West Point, his early career in the Army and of course WWII. The second part of the book, his years as Chief of Staff, President of Columbia and the Presidency just isn’t as interesting though still extremely readable. Excellent biography.

 

[Probert]

Re: Book Thread number ?

My recent reads

The Crossing (Harry Bosch #20) by Michael Connelly So once again Harry Bosch has retired from the LAPD. He has now crossed over to the “dark side” working for a defense attorney as he has been convinced by his brother Mickey Haller to help him establish a defense for his client who is accused of killing the wife of a LA County Sheriff’s deputy. As Bosch investigates he finds that the killing may be linked to others and more than what it seems which puts both him and Mickey at risk. Typical Bosch story, good read.

Back Blast (The Gray Man #5) by Mark Greaney The Gray Man returns, in two ways. After writing Tom Clancy novels Greaney returns to his initial series while in the books Court Gentry the Gray Man returns to Washington to find out once and for all why the CIA ordered the kill sanction on him and has been hunting him for the last 5 years. As Gentry rolls thru the city with both the CIA, millitary and foreign assets seeking to kill him he finds some allies at the Washington Post who want to get to the truth of a story the CIA wants to find. Non stop action great read.

Stalking the Angel (Elvis Cole #2) by Robert Crais The second Elvis Cole novel finds him recruited to recover an ancient Japanese book that has been stolen. While looking for the novel his client’s daughter is kidnapped underneath his nose. Fired and kicked to the curb he continues to investigate and comes up against the Yakuza in the search for the girl. Ok read.

The Elves of Cintra (Genesis of Shannara #2) by Terry Brooks The second book of the Genesis of Shannara series continues the trip of the Ghost children and focuses on the introduction of the Elves. Several of the Chosen need to find the Elfstones to help save the elven people but they are being tracked by demons and barely manage to survive with the help of a Knight of the Word.

The Gypsy Morph (Genesis of Shannara #3) by Terry Brooks So the final book of this trilogy finds all the actors, the children, Knights of the Word and Elves getting together and battling against the demons for survival. I felt it was a bit rushed and parts were edited or condensed but a good read.

Lincoln's Admiral: The Civil War Campaigns of David Farragut by James P. Duffy A very good biography of America’s First Admiral. I didn’t know until reading this that no admirals were appointed until the Civil War the highest rank in the US Navy was Captain. It covers his early career entering the Navy at age 9 just prior to the War of 1812 but focuses mainly on his Civil War triumphs. Despite being born in Tennessee and married to a woman from Virginia Farragut stayed with the Union. It follows his taking of New Orleans and Mobile and the unorthodox strategies that he uses to capture each and his battles to help the Union control the Mississippi by taking Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Excellent read.

Last To Die (Jack Swyteck #3) by James Grippando This Swyteck book does not find him being wanted for murder but finds him in the middle of a murder plot. A woman whose daughter was murdered 5 years ago has died and left 46 million dollars to people related to the case. The catch only the last person left alive gets the money. His client is Tatum Knight his friend Theo’s brother a hitman who she hired to murder her. As the heirs start to drop dead and Swyteck finds himself in the middle will they finally find who murdered the woman’s daughter. Good read.

The Mob and the City: The Hidden History of How the Mafia Captured New York by C. Alexander Hortis This book outlines how the Italian Mafia took control of the rackets in the early 1900’s and managed to hold onto it for almost 100 years. This puts to bet many of the myths of the mafia, like the cleansing of the Mustache Pete’s after the assassination of Salvatore Maranzano. It does tend to read a little bland at parts with a lot of statistics and lists of names for instance a several page list of where outside NYC various mobsters lived. Good read

Sharpe's Havoc (Richard Sharpe (chronological order) #7) by Bernard Cornwell The 7th Sharpe book finds him in Portugal leading his riflemen as Marshall Ney is taking the city of Porto in Portugal from the British and Portuguese. Ordered to find and protect a young Englishwoman they find themselves trapped behind enemy lines with a Portuguese unit. Betrayed by a British officer who is trying to work both sides Sharpe and his men barely manage to escape with their lives. But after Arthur Wellelsley launches his counterattack Sharpe and his men are sent after the Colonel with orders to finish him. Good read.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Book Thread number ?

The Mob and the City: The Hidden History of How the Mafia Captured New York by C. Alexander Hortis This book outlines how the Italian Mafia took control of the rackets in the early 1900’s and managed to hold onto it for almost 100 years. This puts to bet many of the myths of the mafia, like the cleansing of the Mustache Pete’s after the assassination of Salvatore Maranzano. It does tend to read a little bland at parts with a lot of statistics and lists of names for instance a several page list of where outside NYC various mobsters lived. Good read

After reading "Five Families" by Selwyn Raab, I just can't imagine reading another American mafia book (unless it was more specific to cities that are not NYC, like Danny Greene vs Italian mafia in Cleveland). That book was so in-depth it was sick, and I absolutely loved it.

 

[Probert]

Re: Book Thread number ?

After reading "Five Families" by Selwyn Raab, I just can't imagine reading another American mafia book (unless it was more specific to cities that are not NYC, like Danny Greene vs Italian mafia in Cleveland). That book was so in-depth it was sick, and I absolutely loved it.

It's not that in depth, it's less than 300 pages. It's very NYC centric. The premise is how the Italian blew past the Irish and Jewish Gangsters who dominated organized crime in the early 1900's to become the dominant force after Prohibition. He's a finance guy so it's much more focused on how they took control of the rackets, Garment Industry, Labor Union, Longshore etc..

Got a book on the Philly Mob to pick up tommorrow.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Book Thread number ?

It's not that in depth, it's less than 300 pages. It's very NYC centric. The premise is how the Italian blew past the Irish and Jewish Gangsters who dominated organized crime in the early 1900's to become the dominant force after Prohibition. He's a finance guy so it's much more focused on how they took control of the rackets, Garment Industry, Labor Union, Longshore etc..

Got a book on the Philly Mob to pick up tommorrow.

I may not have presented my view correctly. Five Families was SO in depth, I don't think another book on the same subject could add any more to what I have learned, you know? Now, other cities, sure. But not NYC/their reach in general.

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Book Thread number ?

I started reading again. Picked up The Jungle and so far I'm liking it four and a half chapters in.

 

[Kepler]

Re: Book Thread number ?

The Lost World, by Arthur Conan Doyle. Highly recommended -- a classic science/adventure novella redone many times on film. A keen look inside the Brit Colonial mind. I enjoyed it immensely. IINM it's available for free on Kindle.

 

[geezer]

Re: Book Thread number ?

The Lost World, by Arthur Conan Doyle. Highly recommended -- a classic science/adventure novella redone many times on film. A keen look inside the Brit Colonial mind. I enjoyed it immensely. IINM it's available for free on Kindle.

I was reading The Story of Babar to the five-yr-old last night, and it brought to mind an essay I'd seen about how Rikki Tikki Tavi was a parable that showed the Indians (dot, not feather) how they ought to behave as good loyal helpers to the crown, and I took another look at Babar (French author/African setting) and thought, wow... they really did a number on our outlook when we were young and impressionable.
Of course now I'm guilty of the same indoctrination; I didn't get into a critical analysis with my son...

 

[dxmnkd316]

Re: Book Thread number ?

The Lost World, by Arthur Conan Doyle. Highly recommended -- a classic science/adventure novella redone many times on film. A keen look inside the Brit Colonial mind. I enjoyed it immensely. IINM it's available for free on Kindle.

Funny. That was the one I downloaded to read next. I'm probably going to have to get a kindle. Anyone have a paper white?

 

[jen]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Goal-Chronicle-Olympic-Hockey/dp/0060152001">One Goal: A Chronicle of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team</a> - really good, a lot of info I hadn't read before, and an enjoyable style. Definitely recommend.

Also read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/In-Search-Perfect-Loaf-Odyssey/dp/0143127624">In Search of the Perfect Loaf: A Home Baker's Odyssey</a>. Now, I like to bake bread. I've taken a few classes and enjoy reading a little bit about how it all works. This author really, REALLY likes bread. Parts of it were dry (like the long passages about the history of wheat and how different types were cultivated), but other parts were enjoyable. I did like when he traveled to different bakeries around the world to see how bread is made.

 

[Probert]

Re: Book Thread number ?

Recent Reads

NYPD Red 4 (NYPD Red #4) by James Patterson The 4th installment of NYPD Red finds them investigating the murder of an actress and the theft of the multi-million dollar necklace she is wearing. In addition way too much time is spent dealing with Kylie and her marital problems as her junkie husband has left rehab and gone on a bender. Ok read

Hammerhead Six: How Green Berets Waged an Unconventional War Against the Taliban to Win in Afghanistan's Deadly Pech Valle by Ronald Fry, Tad Tuleja An interesting story about a Green Beret Captain and his reserve squadron and the year they spent in Afghanistan. It tells of some of the unique methods they used at their A camp to win over the local population, fight off the Taliban and seek out the High Value Targets that there US is looking for. Interesting take on the war in Afghanistan.


Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History by Brian Kilmeade, Don Yaeger I assume some people will discount this book because one of the authors is a “Fox News” guy. I assume the co-writer did most of the heavy lifting. This is a very short, more of an overview of the United States's issues with the Barbary Pirates in the early 1800’s. The Pirate Coast: Thomas Jefferson, the First Marines & the Secret Mission of 1805 by Richard Zacks is a much better and more in-depth look at the conflict. Eaton’s march overland is covered in a chapter and a lot more pages are given to the preceding years of ineffective diplomacy and blockades rather than the actual exciting military action. Ok read.

The Next Accident (Quincy & Rainie #3) by Lisa Gardner The Third Quincy and Rainie novel finds Quincy convinced the death of his daughter killed in a DWI was murder and hires the ex-cop Rainie to investigate. As they look into it, Quincy’s ex-wife is brutally murdered and he has been targeted. Can they get to the bottom of it before all that Quincy holds dear is killed. Good read.

Blood Test (Alex Delaware #2) by Jonathan Kellerman The second Alex Delaware book finds him searching for a small child with cancer who has been abducted and his parents are murdered. He must track him down before his condition becomes any worse. Probably the weakest of the Delaware books I have read.

Sharpe's Eagle (Richard Sharpe (chronological order) #8) by Bernard Cornwell Another good Sharpe book which finds him in Portugal heading to Spain attempting to defeat Napoleon. As per the norm he finds himself enchanted by a woman and stymied by incompetent officers. Most of the book centers around a couple of battles so a lot more action scenes than some of the other books.

Blood and Honor: Inside the Scarfo Mob--The Mafia's Most Violent Family by George Anastasia This books tells about the Philly mob during the 80’s from the murder of the Gentle Don Angelo Bruno to the rise of Nicky Scarfo who believes business was better served with a gun. It is mainly told from the point of view of Nicky The Crow Carrumundi who was a member of the Philly mob to turn states evidence. It tells of the vicious in fighting amongst the Philly mob as they battle over control and money. An OK read.

The Patriot Threat (Cotton Malone #10) by Steve Berry An interesting Malone book which finds him back with the Magellan Billet trying to stop the North Koreans from finding evidence that the 16th Amendment, Income Tax, was ratified illegally. Once again teamed up with the President’s nephew Luke, I much prefer Cassiopeia Vitt as his sidekick, along with a Treasury Agent they must track down the documents hidden by Andrew Mellon for FDR to find before the North Koreans can release it to the World. Not the Greatest Malone book, OK read.

Bearers of the Black Staff (Legends of Shannara #1) by Terry Brooks Picking up where the Children of Armageddon left off, several hundred years later, the protective wall keeping the Children of the Hawk safe from the outside world has started to fade. Some refuse to believe even when an army of Trolls is knocking at the Door. It follows an Elven Princess, some Human Trackers and the Last remaining Knight of the Word as they attempt to save the Valley from the invaders and prepare for a new reality with the protective mist down. Good read.

 

[jen]

Re: Book Thread number ?

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23398625-kitchens-of-the-great-midwest">Kitchens of the Great Midwest</a> by J. Ryan Stradal - good one, pretty quick read. Kept my interest the whole time.

Nothing else I've read lately is worth noting.

 

[jen]

Re: Book Thread number ?

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2728527-the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society">The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</a>. Was surprised how much I liked this one. I didn't really know what it was about - thought it was maybe one of those "old cat lady book club" books. Not at all - it's in the form of letters. written by an author to her publisher and several other people from Guernsey, about their lives and the occupation of Guernsey during WWII. Really enjoyed it - the characters were very witty and likeable.