Choose books for each of the following categories and explain why they are must-reads in 30 words or less. (Or, as in my case, 30 words exactly for maximum fun.)
Fiction: Shogun by James Clavell
The story line is almost unimportant compared to James Clavell’s storytelling. His ability to develop characters and to describe places is what makes this novel such a quick read.
The story line is almost unimportant compared to James Clavell’s storytelling. His ability to develop characters and to describe places is what makes this novel such a quick read.
Autobiography: Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph by T. E. Lawrence
A compilation of history, an ode to the desert, an honest account by a victim, an apology, a litany of regret, and astounding moments of clarity amongst the swirling sands.
A compilation of history, an ode to the desert, an honest account by a victim, an apology, a litany of regret, and astounding moments of clarity amongst the swirling sands.
Non-fiction: Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky
Any literary geek or history buff or sentimental fool can’t help but love a tale such as this: saving Yiddish literature from woes of time. It’s a cultural survival story.
Any literary geek or history buff or sentimental fool can’t help but love a tale such as this: saving Yiddish literature from woes of time. It’s a cultural survival story.
Any book of your choosing: The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Historical fiction tends to be romances in costume, but this novel is the hard, thoroughly researched, facts of the Battle of Gettysburg humanized and accessible through the precepts of fiction.
3 comments:
These will go on the busta move list; I'm particularly intrigued by the Lansky book.
Yeah, I picked up “Outwitting History” as an impulse buy at B&N one afternoon of yore. I liked the subject matter but was afraid it was going to be a dry account. I was pleasantly surprised to find the book full of anecdotes. It also provides a nice overview of Yiddish literature, as well as the history of the language. The inescapable intertwining of cultures has always been fascinating to me.
Good choices, Alt. Don't know why but it took seeing yours to inspire me to accept this tag.
Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Peace!
Lee
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