what i read in July

Because I am known as such a voracious reader, people often ask me what they should read.  This is difficult because each person's taste is different.  Additionally, a friend of mine doesn't really believe that I read as much as I say I do.  So, to kill two birds with one stone as they say (I actually hate that expression, as I couldn't kill one, much less 2 birds with any amount of stones), I'm going to post what I read each month, along with a review.

Before I get to that, I have 2 recommendations I do always give out. 

1 - if you haven't read The Alienist by Caleb Carr you should.  If you have any interest in Historical Fiction, crime and police procedurals, or mystery and suspense this is a must read.  Carr sets this work in incredibly well researched NYC at the turn of the last century.  Featuring Teddy Roosevelt, JP Morgan, Jake Riis and more it is fantastic.








2- my other all time fave is Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein.  I actually first read this sci-fi novel for my senior lit project in high school.  I loved it then, but appreciate it so much more now.  It's the story of Michael Smith, a human whose parents die on the first Earth colony on Mars and is raised by Martians.  He is brought back to Earth as an adult.  As it was written in 1961 some may find it dated, but I see it as part of the book's timeless charm.  As an outsider, Mike sees the hyprocrisy of human culture, and makes a lasting impact on those around him.  It's difficult to explain without writing pages and pages, so just trust me and give it a try.

Now, as for July, it was a matter of quality over quantity.  Finally ensconced in my quiet and peaceful house, I was able to delve into some work of weight.


First up was The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl.  I just happened upon this at Borders one day, and a lucky find it was.  A murder mystery set in 19th century Boston, just after the end of the Civil War, Pearl writes of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's project to translate Dante's Divine Comedy.  Other characters include Oliver Wendell Holmes sr and jr, James Russel Lowell, and J.T. Fields.  Pearl was originally an editor, and edited the new edition of Longfellow's translation.  I often read books so quickly because they are written simply.  Most books are leveled around 6th or 7th grade.  Pearl writes at his own level, he is a professor at Harvard.  It took me a little while to get through it because of the intricate plot points and the beautiful, sophisticated vocabulary.  I relished this book, and quickly went out and bought his next work, The Poe Shadow, which I am reveling in right now.  I learned a great deal about Dante, and about the Bostonian literary society of the late 1800's.  Also, as a mystery, I didn't know "whodunit" by chapter 3, as sometimes happens. 
Next came 1812: The War That Forged the Nation by Walter R. Borneman.  I actually picked up this tome quite some time ago, but in the chaos of my former abode didn't have the mental acumen to concentrate on a non-fiction work.  I am so glad I finally got around to it.  The War of 1812 is my favorite war (I know, I'm certainly exposing my history nerd-isness by even HAVING a favorite war).  It prompted the birth of the American Navy, gave rise to heroes like Oliver Hazzard Perry and (my distant uncle, and one of my favorite figures in American History), Andrew Jackson, brought about the end of the Federalist Party, featured major political figures like Aaron Burr, Henry Clay, James and Dolley Madison, gave rise to William Henry Harrison and his platform of Tippecanoe and Tyler too, and transformed us from a smattering of seperate states into the United States of America.  Borneman fills his narrative with a wealth of information, without sounding like a textbook.  It was a very pleasant read, and filled in many gaps in my knowledge of the war.  If you're looking for some non-fiction that isn't heavy or overbearing, I suggest this work. 
Finally, I opened Jean Plaidy's The Courts of Love.  I picked this up on a sister dinner/Barnes and Noble-stravaganza with my sister Sarah.  We are both history nerds, and combed the fiction section for some quality historical fiction.  Neither of us was familiar with Plaidy, who turns out to have written over 200 novels under her 3 pseudonyms.  The Courts of Love is the first in the series of 11 works on the Queens of England, which I will soon continue working through.  The queen in question here is Eleanor of Acquatiane, my favorite British and French queen (I know, more historical favorites!).  Few people have heard of Eleanor (who, along with Eleanor Roosevelt are my favorite Eleanors!), outside of the film, The Lion in Winter (which is also great if you haven't seen it).

  Eleanor was the Duchess of Acquataine who was married to both Louis VII of France and Henry II of England.  She was the mother of Richard I (the Lionheart) and

the dispicable King John (of the Magna Carta, but not really of Robin Hood's time).  Eleanor was, without a doubt the most powerful woman of her

day, and, I would say, contends with Elizabeth I as the formost female ruler of England. Even if you aren't  interested in British royalty, this novel is full of romance, politics, war, family dysfunction, and people with daddy issues.  I'm looking forward to picking up Plaidy's next work in the series (featuring Henry VIII's first wife Catherine of Aragon) to read in August.

 Well, that's it, only 3 works for July, but they were all great; educational and insightful.  Don't think that I only read history and historical fiction, I read pretty much everything.  Look in the future on topics from String Theory to Eastern Philosophy to Self-help. 

Also, if you've been contemplating reading something, ask about the author or work, if I have any opinions I'll be happy to share them with you.

Happy reading, and, as always, much love to you all....