What are you reading now?

[jc203]

Before the current health crisis I read a couple of novels @ dystopian futures after social systems totally fail in the face of disease and/or climate change. I quit reading the last one when it got too depressing when coupled with the the news about Covid-19. Now I am in much happier company with Jack Reacher books, wherein Reacher always prevails by the simple method of beating the bejesus out of bad guys. I may have read some of them previously but Reacher novels are so similar it doesn't really matter.

[bambam1729]

The Back Roads to March by John Feinstein

I think Feinstein is a very good story teller, but I don't consider him a great "writer", in the vein of a Frank Deford or Tim Layden, where the prose just flows off the page. But few are in that league. But John definitely finds great stories to write about. I know him a little but from our Duke connection, but not well.

[dukehjsteve]

Finished that a few weeks ago. It was pretty good but got a little tedious with the endless mention of coaches and names nobody except Feinstein and other coaches know anything about.

I agree !

[bambam1729]

The Back Roads to March by John Feinstein

Finished that a few weeks ago. It was pretty good but got a little tedious with the endless mention of coaches and names nobody except Feinstein and other coaches know anything about.

[dukehjsteve]

The Back Roads to March by John Feinstein

[tandfman]

I confess that I'd never heard of Angel Island. It's now on my bucket list. I'll try to do that the next time I'm in the Bay Area.

[J Rorick]

Agree with you totally. But, despite not expounding on the entire story, a visit to the Angel Island Museum is still a bit sobering, educational, and worthwhile. And incredible views to semi-reinvigorate you after the Museum.

[TN1965]

Just finished Erika Lee and Judy Yung's Angel Island: Immigration Gateway to America.

Last December, I visited Angel Island and got interested in the history of its immigration station. This excellent book provides such a rich history that neither park rangers or museum exhibits possibly could. Every group of people, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, East Indians, Russians, Jews, Mexicans and Filipinos had their own unique obstacles. It was a bit surreal to read this story of detention in the middle of the current lock down, but for the most part their stories ended with some kind of redemption through perseverance. The only exception is the story about East Indians, with mass deportation and deaths in their struggle for independence.

We have changed for the better in many ways, but have reverted to the old way in some other ways. I wish the story of this island were as well known as the Ellis Island story. That would change many people's view on the history of immigration to the US.

[KevinR]

Just stated reading "Surprise, Kill, Vanish", a very good history of the CIA and their armed activities. It begins with the Office of Strategic Studies (OSS), the CIA precursor. I was surprised by the fact that three future Directors of the CIA were "charter members" of the OSS.

[tandfman]

Im reminded of a period in the mid 90s when my sister was reading "The Hot Zone" , she would lecture me for hours on the horrors to come from various distant viruses. As a young buck I would just role my eyes, and scratch my eyes and nose! .. now Im going to go back and read it.

By all means, but don't scratch your eyes and nose!

[bambam1729]

Im reminded of a period in the mid 90s when my sister was reading "The Hot Zone" , she would lecture me for hours on the horrors to come from various distant viruses. As a young buck I would just role my eyes, and scratch my eyes and nose! .. now Im going to go back and read it.

I've read that twice. When it first came out and then again about 5 years ago. Terrifying. Fortunately, CFR from COVID-19 does not approach Ebola

[user4]

Im reminded of a period in the mid 90s when my sister was reading "The Hot Zone" , she would lecture me for hours on the horrors to come from various distant viruses. As a young buck I would just role my eyes, and scratch my eyes and nose! .. now Im going to go back and read it.

[Dave]

The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson. Churchill’s first year in power during the Battle of Britain.

[bambam1729]

I'm re-reading some older books in my library that I really liked. Just finished A Terrible Splendor by Marshall Jon Fisher, about the greatest tennis match ever played - 1937 Davis Cup tie between Don Budge and Baron Gottfried von Cramm. Lots of political and sociologic overtones. Tremendous book. Highly recommend it if you haven't read it.

Also about 1/2-way thru Golf in the Kingdom - a cult classic in golf circles. I've read it before a few times but always enjoy it.

Just re-started Baseball in the Garden of Eden by John Thorn about the early history of baseball. Again, wonderful read.

My next one might be my favorite book ever - The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski. Haven't read in over 10 years now, but will certainly enjoy that one.

[user4]

Jthey said "The key to determining the religious persuasion of a person, as it turns out, is whom he does or does not recognize," iillustrated by this:

Jews don't recognize Jesus
Protestants don't recognize the Pope
Baptists don't recognize each other in the liquor store

(bada-boom)

that is a joke worth remembering !!!!