General Book Discussions & More > Non-Fiction
Non-Fiction
ClassicsAdmin:
TO NONFICTION BOOK TALK
What are you reading? Autobiographies, biographies, history, politics?
Tell us about the book; the good and the bad of it.
Let's talk books!
Ella Gibbons:
WELCOME!
Isn't this a bright beginning to a lively discussion of nonfiction books.
Since this new site (and isn't it great!) began several nonfiction books have been discussed and I'll just name a few.......
Indian Summer
This Republic of Suffering
The Worst Hard Time
Barbarians at the Gate
In the Flame
I know there have been more, but that's all I can think of now.
SO, DO COME IN AND TELL US WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN READING AND WHY YOU LIKED IT.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT FOR A BOOK DISCUSSION?
CubFan:
I’m so pleased to seen this site open. I’m more of a lurker than a participant. I usually have 4- 5 titles going at one time on various topics/people. That way I can read what appeals to me at the moment and since they are a variety of topics I don’t get them confused. I am a plodder when it comes to nonfiction.
I keep one book in the car so I always have something with me if I’m detained somewhere. I haven’t picked this year’s new title yet. Left over from 2008, the kitchen table right now hosts An American Sphinx: the character of Thomas Jefferson by Joseph Ellis for breakfast reading.
Next to my reading recliner, also left over from 2008, I am in the beginning of The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War by David Halberstam.
Next week my two new treats will arrive - Lincoln: President Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860-1861 by Harold Holzer; and, Alphabet Juice: The Energies, Gists, and Spirits of Letters, Words, and Combinations Thereof; Their Roots, Bones, Innards, Piths, Pips, and Secret Parts, ... With Examples of Their Usage Foul and Savory by Roy Blount. The former will join the Halberstam next to my reading recliner, and latter with probably take up residence in the small reading room.
I read along in all of the books and as I finish one I start something new. Then about Thanksgiving I try to finish up all that I started. This December I finished: An Army at Dawn: the war in North Africa, 1942-1943, Vol. 1 of the Liberation Trilogy by Rick Atkinson; Jacob’s Well: a case for rethinking family history by Joseph A. Amato; and, Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder by David Weinberger
I don't do well with discussion groups on a specific book because I'm still rebelling against all the years of book reports, book talks, book reviews and having to read on a schedule. Since I've retired I enjoy reading what I want, when I want, for as long as I want and not being held accountable. I do check in nearly everyday to see what others think about the books they are reading and to get ideas for new titles to read.
For years my highlight of the week was Brian Lamb's Booknotes. I can't tell you how many books I bought and read because of that program.
I found The Worst Hard Time riveting. It isn't often I find a nonfiction book that I can't put down.
Time to let someone else talk! Thanks again for this site. Looking forward to many happy days. Mary
Ella Gibbons:
The book, THE WORST HARD TIME by Timothy Egan, an award winning book, was good reading. I don't think any of us realize the extent of this man-made disaster and the impact it had on the whole western are of the United States; and still does to this day. This book portrays a few people, their life, their way of living and their desperation during the dust bowl.
Where in the United States could these people, many of whom had been homesteaders living on free promised lands by the United States Government and the railroads, go as the depression was in full swing at the time.
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On a visit to B&N yesterday I bought the book STALIN'S CHILDREN by Owen Matthews. Looks promising.
Ella Gibbons:
HELLO MARY!
GOOD TO SEE YOU HERE!
We discussed THE AMERICAN SPHINX some years ago on the old Seniornet site and it was very good as I remember.
What a feast you bring! I'm writing titles that you gave us on a pad I keep by the computer and I, too, always watched Brian Lamb's Booknotes. Now we have so many programs about books to watch and isn't it grand.
And, of course, best of all we have this site!
I find a month to discuss a book is adequate for me. I try to decide if I should read the whole book first or just the assigned chapters and even though I have been trying to decide this for years now, I have come to no conclusion!
Discussing books is my way of relaxing even though I can't do it in a recliner! Hahaha My computer chair is comfortable though and I am SO THANKFUL I live in an age that makes this all possible; this communication while at home and at my own speed!
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