Monthly Archives: November 2019

The Fatal Gift of Beauty by Nina Burleigh

Posted on 11/29/2019 | 2 comments

fatal gift of beautySubtitle: The Trials of Amanda Knox

Rating: *** (3/5)

Published: Broadway Books, 2011

Format: Trade Paperback

Genre: True Crime

Source: Personal Collection

I have read a great deal about the conviction of Amanda Knox in the murder of Meredith Kercher, and this particular book is not one I would recommend if you are looking for a comprehensive account of the crime and the trial. First of all, it’s not a linear narrative, but a meandering commentary about the history and politics of Perugia. It is also a character study of Knox and various other involved parties with quite a bit of religious imagery thrown in. If you’re looking for a straightforward narrative of events as they unfolded during the investigation and prosecution, I would recommend Murder in Italy by Candace Dempsey. Otherwise, this didn’t contain any profound or revelatory information besides the personal connection Burleigh made with Knox through correspondence. Admittedly, she did a good job of portraying the atmosphere associated with Perugia and its flawed justice system, but I wasn’t captivated by the way she chose to tell this highly publicized story.

nonficnovgraphic

2 Comments

Posted in Book Reviews

Tagged , ,

The Patchwork Girl of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Posted on 11/27/2019 | 2 comments

ozRating: **** (4/5)

Published: Shoes and Ships and Sealing Wax, 1913

Format: Hardcover compilation

Genre: Children’s

Source: Personal Collection

Ojo the Unlucky is a munchkin boy about to embark on a great adventure. Upon encountering a crooked magician, some illicit magic brings the titular character, Scraps, to life, but petrifies Ojo’s uncle and the magician’s wife. So they must embark on a journey to acquire the ingredients for an antidote. Along the way they meet new creatures and encounter familiar characters. Like all of the preceding Oz books, the journey takes them to strange corners of Oz and their unusual inhabitants. I thought it especially cute how upon meeting, the Patchwork Girl and the Scarecrow are smitten with one another. Overall, it’s what I’ve come to expect from an Ozian adventure.

2 Comments

Posted in Book Reviews

Tagged ,

Nonfiction November – Week 5 -New To My TBR

Posted on 11/25/2019 | 10 comments

nonficnovgraphicjulz

First of all, I want to thank everyone who participated, both by linking up and posting pictures on Instagram.  In 2017, my intro post had 42 participants, in 2018, my Expert topic had 43, and this year, my intro post had a whopping 65 participants!

Sadly, it’s the last week of Nonfiction November, but this is when we all get to share the abundance of recommendations we’ve gotten from other participants.  This week’s topic is hosted by Rennie at What’s Nonfiction:

It’s been a month full of amazing nonfiction books! Which ones have made it onto your TBR? Be sure to link back to the original blogger who posted about that book!

Here’s my beefy list and the bloggers who referred them (and when available, links to their reviews):

Once again, I want to thank my fellow cohosts.  Sarah, Katie, Leann, and Rennie, you guys ROCK!  I’m privileged to be part of such a stellar group of bloggers and to have been able to connect with so many others during this event.  Until next year!  And have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

10 Comments

Posted in Link, More About Julz

Tagged ,

Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer

Posted on 11/22/2019 | 4 comments

where men win glorySubtitle: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

Rating: ***** (5/5)

Published: Anchor Books, 2009

Format: Trade Paperback

Genre: Biography

Source: Personal Collection

I’ve read every other book by Krakauer, and WMWG is another excellent example of why he’s the king of investigative journalism. Not only does he dig deep into his subject, he writes an engaging and enthralling narrative. This book is a powerful tribute to Pat Tillman’s impeccable morals, outstanding character and work ethic, and his unwavering determination.

Not only is this a biography of Tillman, it outlines the history of the conflict in Afghanistan. I have a better understanding how and why the country became a breeding ground for Islamic terrorists, from the Soviet invasion and occupation of the 1980’s to the civil war preceding 9/11. How Tillman’s life would intersect with the conflict in the Middle East is compelling. Despite a lucrative career in the NFL, he chose to enlist in the Army Rangers because he felt it was the right thing to do.

I could sympathize with Tillman’s frustration during boot camp. Being a 25-year-old college educated professional athlete bunking with immature 18-year-olds without his discipline was certainly a challenge for him. But his attitude was one that allowed him to rise above any annoyance he may have had with life in the Army. “His feelings about war in general, and this war in particular, were shaped by complicated, emotionally charged, sometimes contradictory notions of duty, honor, justice, patriotism, and masculine pride.” And yet everybody liked him, he tried to see the best in everyone, he didn’t fit the stereotypes everyone assumed he would, and even I would have loved to have a few beers with him.

I was especially moved by how he spoke of his wife Marie in his journals and letters to her. As a newlywed, he struggled with the notion that he abandoned her, but that his experience would only make him appreciate her and value their time together even more. And Marie’s stoicism was incredibly admirable. What this woman went through, I can’t even imagine.

The most egregious aspect of this book was that Tillman’s death by friendly fire was completely preventable. To add insult to injury, the way the Army handled his death and lied to his family was infuriating. Knowing that “…the Army had shot its poster boy,” they bungled the investigation and fabricated truths to suit their narrative. As his brother Kevin testified, “…the fact that the Army… attempted to hijack [Pat’s] virtue and his legacy is simply horrific.”

It’s a frustratingly tragic books, but it was so engrossing, I devoured it in 3 days. Pat Tillman is an inspiration, and Krakauer did a phenomenal job honoring him.

Also by Jon Krakauer:

nonficnovgraphic

 

4 Comments

Posted in Book Reviews

Tagged , ,

Indianapolis by Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic

Posted on 11/20/2019 | 3 comments

IndianapolisSubtitle: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man

Rating: ***** (5/5)

Published: Simon & Schuster, 2018

Format: Hardcover

Genre: Nonfiction

Source: Personal Collection

This is one of the most intense and addicting WWII books I’ve ever read (and I’ve read a lot). The story of the Indianapolis disaster is insanely tragic considering “Of the 1,195 souls aboard the Indianapolis, three out of every four men died,” (316 survivors to 879 dead). But this statement puts into perspective how traumatic the ordeal was: “In a sense, the telegram the families received announcing that Indy had sunk with ‘100 percent casualties’ was true. Even among the survivors, no man who went into the water was the same man who came out.”

If you’re unfamiliar with the greatest naval disaster in American history, the Indianapolis (a flagship cruiser) was sunk in the Pacific by Japanese submarine torpedoes. But the real outrage is that these sailors were in shark-infested waters for 4 days and 5 nights because the Navy seriously effed up. A) They lost track of the ship. B) They underplayed the risk of enemy subs in the route the Indy was given (and didn’t provide an escort). C) They didn’t respond to intercepted intel that the Japanese sub had sunk an American ship. D) They didn’t pay attention to any SOS signals from the Indianapolis. Adding insult to injury, the Navy then court-marshalled the captain, which every survivor thought was a grave injustice considering his heroism after the attack and during the days they spent in the water.

It was only by chance that a plane spotted the survivors, but by then it was too little too late. As if the shark attacks weren’t bad enough, sailors turning on each other in insanity was terrifying. Some men had no choice but to kill others who became deliriously dangerous and violent. What these sailors endured is beyond comprehension.

Not only does this book cover the tragedy itself, it goes decades beyond as concerned individuals fight to right the unfairness of laying the blame on the Captain McVay. The captain of the Indy’s namesake submarine fought for a senate hearing to exonerate McVay, and even a 13-year-old boy who took interest in the survivors and their stories lobbied on their behalf.

This book is incredibly comprehensive and well-written and will be among my most recommended nonfiction books of the year. I will definitely be seeking out more books on the subject. A must-read for not only WWII aficionados, but for anyone who appreciates stories of survival and heroism.

nonficnovgraphic

3 Comments

Posted in Book Reviews

Tagged , ,

Nonfiction November – Week 4 – NF Favorites

Posted on 11/18/2019 | 18 comments

nonficnovgraphicjulz

Leann from Shelf Aware is our host this week where we are exploring our nonfiction favorites.

We’ve talked about how you pick nonfiction books in previous years, but this week I’m excited to talk about what makes a book you’ve read one of your favorites. Is the topic pretty much all that matters? Are there particular ways a story can be told or particular writing styles that you love? Do you look for a light, humorous approach or do you prefer a more serious tone? Let us know what qualities make you add a nonfiction book to your list of favorites.

There are obviously topics I am drawn to as I discussed in my expert posts.  More recently, I’ve been enamored with adventure stories that take place in remote regions, are infused with danger, or involve exploration of virgin territories (sometimes all of the above).  This past year I’ve read a few including The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival and Race to the Pole: Tragedy, Heroism, and Scott’s Antarctic Quest.  I’m drawn to these stories because of the inherent danger and encounters with the unknown.

 

Other books I can recommend that fit this criteria are:

Now put my new favorite adventure topic against the backdrop of WWII, and I am in reader’s heaven.  Be sure to check these two out:

Notice how many of those have “lost” in the title?

Now the ultimate book that covers multiple adventures, contains vivid photographs, and detailed lists of all the supplies taken on various journeys is Expeditions Unpacked: What the Great Explorers Took into the Unknown.  I highly recommend this book to fans of the genre I’m discussing.

expeditions unpacked

Do you have any good adventure stories to recommend?  Please leave a comment!

18 Comments

Posted in Link, Opinion/Commentary

Tagged , , ,

Flashback Friday

Posted on 11/15/2019 | 1 comment

Flashback Friday

Here’s what I was up to on November 15 in past years:

2018: Review of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica (who I had seen at an author event earlier in the month).

2017:  My attempt at #NonficNov picture challenge even though I wasn’t active on Instagram yet.

2013: A Currently post in which I was wallowing in misery from foot pain.

2012: Our kitchen remodel in the condo was nearing completion.  As much as I love my house now, I loved that kitchen, too.

2011: In which I blogged The Ninth Gate.

1 Comment

Posted in Link, More About Julz

Tagged

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

Posted on 11/14/2019 | 2 comments

touching the voidSubtitle: The True Story of One Man’s Miraculous Survival

Rating: **** (4/5)

Published: Harper Perennial, 1988

Genre: Memoir

Source: Personal Collection

I am a sucker for adventure/survival stories, and Joe Simpson’s ordeal was a harrowing one. The fact that he lived to tell his tale of survival is remarkable. During a challenging climb on mountain in Peru, the unthinkable happens: not only does he break his leg, but eventually falls into a crevasse and his climbing partner is left to escape with his own life, assuming Joe is dead. But Joe is made of tougher stuff than most, and over the next several days he summons an unbelievable amount of will and strength to get himself out of the crevasse and down that mountain. Oh, and did I mention the blistering cold, lack of provisions, and treacherous avalanches? I can’t even imagine…

Though there were some technical aspects to Joe’s story that were a bit beyond me, his narrative is solid and I felt like I was present with him on that mountain, witnessing his excruciating journey. He does a great job conveying not only his mental state, but the frustration and agony of trying to get off a mountain with a severe injury. I would have liked to know more about the immediate aftermath of his return to civilization, but overall, this was an incredible tale of courage and determination.

nonficnovgraphic

2 Comments

Posted in Book Reviews

Tagged ,

Shelving Nonfiction (2 years later)

Posted on 11/13/2019 | 3 comments

nonficnovgraphic

I don’t know if you recall, but in 2017 I talked about how I shelved my nonfiction.  As a constant rearranger of books, my nonfiction library has changed quite a bit since then, especially since I opened up an entire bookcase just for WWII.  Here’s how my shelves have evolved since then…

2017

nf-shelves 2017

2019

nf shelves 2019

I add dozens of new books to my NF shelves every year, so making more space is always a fun challenge for me.  Is anyone else as obsessed with reworking book collections as they grow?

3 Comments

Posted in More About Julz

Tagged

Nonfiction November – Week 3 – Be the Expert

Posted on 11/11/2019 | 15 comments

nonficnovgraphicjulz

Katie at Doing Dewey is hosting our third week’s Nonfiction November topic: Be/Ask/Become the expert.

Three ways to join in this week! You can either share three or more books on a single topic that you have read and can recommend (be the expert), you can put the call out for good nonfiction on a specific topic that you have been dying to read (ask the expert), or you can create your own list of books on a topic that you’d like to read (become the expert).

The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing was celebrated this year, so for the occasion, I’m going to play expert at Space Books.

We will begin with the aforementioned subject.  Considering they addressed the same topic, they were VASTLY different books:  Shoot for the Moon was a linear narrative of the Space Race, while One Giant Leap  addressed the more technical and political aspects of space travel.  I also want to mention Into the Black: The Extraordinary Untold Story of the First Flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the Astronauts Who Flew Her by Rowland White, since it concerns a more recent period of space travel (and one that I grew up with).

Astronaut memoirs are always fascinating and I thoroughly enjoyed both Mike Massimino’s Spaceman and Chris Hadfield’s An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth.

I had to include few other obscure topics:

Now I’m looking for more Space book recommendations from you!  Please leave a comment below.

And be sure to visit my prior years’ expert posts:

15 Comments

Posted in Link, More About Julz

Tagged , , , , , ,