Listening to Carl Reiner narrate “Enter Laughing”, his 1958 autobiographical novel, and it’s hugely entertaining. Picked this up after listening to his “I Remember Me”, an endearing and very funny autobiography that is less about HIM and more about the people and adventures he encountered along the way.
Just finished “The Road to Unfreedom” by Timothy Snyder because I started reading his Substack. Reading “Everything is F*cked” by Mark Manson after finishing his first book that I saw Katie Porter reading during McCarthy’s endless confirmation. I’ll just throw in “Life” by Keith Richards that I just read awhile back. Picked it up for a few bucks at the used bookstore. Keith has had an awesomely interesting life which I do not envy him.
I'm reading way too many political books... will be ordering yours soon. I am very glad you are writing this daily email. Used to see you always on CNN, it's their loss not having you. Wishing you the best from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
I’ve just finished reading, and then immediately re-reading (I don’t think I’ve ever done that before!) The Thursday Murder Club mysteries by Richard Osman. They are just delightful, especially the 2nd and 3rd books.
A certain unemployed political commentator got me into the "The Wheel of Time" (Rober Jordan) epic fantasy series a few years ago after mentioning it on a /very/ popular DC sports-adjacent podcast. Finished that all up and started reading stuff by Brandon Sanderson. Finished the "Stormlight Archives" and am 2/3rds of the way through the "Mistborn" trilogy.
I read the first book of the The Aubrey–Maturin series (Patrik O'Brian) but could not get in to the second book...
The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War by history professor Joanne Freeman. Fascinating so far. If you think our current congress is raucous, just read the beginning of this book! It could be worse.
I find it truly amazing. How do you plan a trek where you really don't know where you are going, who you may meet (are they friendly?) and how long you'll be gone? How much ammo? Books? Food?
Just read Lincoln and the Fight for Peace. Up next are The British are Coming by Rick Atkinson (first volume of a planned American Revolution trilogy) and Jake Tapper's The Outpost. And then some fiction, so I will be reading the comments for suggestions.
Re-reading Barry Lopez's "Arctic Dreams"- 30 years ago it opened my imagination to the exquisite beauty of the North. Also, Kathi and I just finished reading together John Irving's brilliant new novel "The Last Chairlift".
Artic Dreams. Yep, a good read. I think there was a chapter devoted to polar bears that I read several times (I think I did) after I read the book, which I did a longggg time ago.
Love seeing all the recommendations....needed some new stuff! I’m reading Generous Justice by Timothy Keller as part of the CS Lewis Institute program, Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brien, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, just finished The Coddling of the American Mind by Lukianoff, and just finished Seek First by Jeremy Treat
The Quiet Americans by Scott Anderson -- a detailed account of four key Americans involved in the founding of the CIA during the Cold War.
“Lessons in Chemistry “ is the best book that I agave read in some time, and I areas quite a bit.
Weapons of Mass Delusion: How the Republican Party Became an Apocalyptic Cult and Brought America to the Brink
Robert Draper
A love story, featuring El Naranja
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz; not the history I remember from primary school.
Zuya by Albert White Hat Sr.; story’s as told by Lakota holy men.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson; sobering and disturbing.
Listening to Carl Reiner narrate “Enter Laughing”, his 1958 autobiographical novel, and it’s hugely entertaining. Picked this up after listening to his “I Remember Me”, an endearing and very funny autobiography that is less about HIM and more about the people and adventures he encountered along the way.
Donna Tartts 1992 The Secret History
A strange group of boarding school “friends” who are living a Greek tragedy!
I liked that one!
Halfway through ‘The Empire Must Die’ by Mikhail Zygar, with its obvious parallels between Russia a century ago and Russia today.
Next up is Ed Yong’s “I Contain Multitudes.” After being blown away by his “An Immense World,” I’m looking forward to that.
The Coddling of the American Mind by Lukianoff / Haidt and The Chill by Ross McDonald plus a couple of others by McDonald
Re-reading "Undaunted Courage" by Stephen Ambrose (book club selection)
"Breaking Blue" by Timothy Egan
"The Three Musketeers" by Alexander Dumas
I truly enjoyed Undaunted Courage. The Lewis and Clark expedition always intrigued me.
Mickey Spillane biography by Max Allan Collins and James Traylor
Just finished “The Road to Unfreedom” by Timothy Snyder because I started reading his Substack. Reading “Everything is F*cked” by Mark Manson after finishing his first book that I saw Katie Porter reading during McCarthy’s endless confirmation. I’ll just throw in “Life” by Keith Richards that I just read awhile back. Picked it up for a few bucks at the used bookstore. Keith has had an awesomely interesting life which I do not envy him.
Should point out the subtitle on the Manson book is “A Book About Hope.” 👍
Demon on my list. Just finished Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger. Best I've read in a long long time
Front Row at the Trump Show by Jonathan Karl
I loved it too!
loved it
I'm really enjoying it so far. I have Betrayal next up in the queue
I liked that as well
Zeno’s Conscience by Italo Svevo (1861-1928)
I'm reading way too many political books... will be ordering yours soon. I am very glad you are writing this daily email. Used to see you always on CNN, it's their loss not having you. Wishing you the best from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Spare. Really enjoyed reading it
Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman! So much better then the movie! Try it if you like to know how other people live.
reaganland by rick perlstein
mistborn by brandon sanderson
cabinet of dr leng by preston and child
Endurance, Shackelton's Incredible Voyage. An amazing story!
1177 BC The Year Civilization Collapsed.
The Constant Rabbit
On the Mating Habits of the Giant Squid
All Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. How have I missed this outstanding author for so long.
Humpty Dumpty in Oakland by Philip K. Dick. A recently discovered title by a favorite writer.
I’ve just finished reading, and then immediately re-reading (I don’t think I’ve ever done that before!) The Thursday Murder Club mysteries by Richard Osman. They are just delightful, especially the 2nd and 3rd books.
Just finished City of Thieves by David Benioff. Really good!
That’s two recommendations for Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow in the last week. I might have to check it out.
The Power Law: Inside Silicon Valley's Venture Capital Machine, Sebastian Mallaby
A must, to understand the current state of capitalism in the context of our democracy
The Creative Act: A Way of Being, Rick Rubin
Grandpa Guru's Pearls
“Wade in the Water” by Nyani Nkruma and “The Great Escape: A True Story About Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America” by Saket Soni ...
A certain unemployed political commentator got me into the "The Wheel of Time" (Rober Jordan) epic fantasy series a few years ago after mentioning it on a /very/ popular DC sports-adjacent podcast. Finished that all up and started reading stuff by Brandon Sanderson. Finished the "Stormlight Archives" and am 2/3rds of the way through the "Mistborn" trilogy.
I read the first book of the The Aubrey–Maturin series (Patrik O'Brian) but could not get in to the second book...
Just finished "All Souls Rising" by Madison Smartt Bell, part 1 of historical fiction trilogy about the Haitian Revolution.
I’m reading People Of The Book by Geraldine Brooks. Just finished Lessons In Chemistry.
The Seven Moons Of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka.
Great thread! Interesting to see what others are reading and get some new ideas.
The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War by history professor Joanne Freeman. Fascinating so far. If you think our current congress is raucous, just read the beginning of this book! It could be worse.
I find it truly amazing. How do you plan a trek where you really don't know where you are going, who you may meet (are they friendly?) and how long you'll be gone? How much ammo? Books? Food?
Just finished The Lessons of History by Wil and Auriel Durant and now reading Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson. Both excellent and recommended
"Never" by Ken Follett
It's based on the premise that a number of circumstances led to WW1 which no one actually wanted. Could it happen again now?
The Yellow Admiral by Patrick O'Brian
The Long Alliance by Gabriel Debenedetti
I can’t seem to finish The Wild Trees ... it’s great but I’ve started binge watching all the Star Wars spin off shows and the Yellowstone prequels
1. "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller
2. "Finishing Strong" by Steve Farrar
3. "Becoming All Things" by Michelle Reyes
I’m reading Demon Copperhead too. I love Barbara Kingsolver’s writing although I have been disappointed in some of her books. Not Demon though!
“The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson” by Jeff Pearlman
Just read Lincoln and the Fight for Peace. Up next are The British are Coming by Rick Atkinson (first volume of a planned American Revolution trilogy) and Jake Tapper's The Outpost. And then some fiction, so I will be reading the comments for suggestions.
The Eiger Sanction by Trevanian
Joe Country by Mick Herron
Sausage: Pulling Back the Curtain on Congress, America's Board of Directors by Denny Tech
- And There Was Lighby Jon Meacham
- Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book (of golf) by H Penick
- Why We Did It by Tim Miller
- Crisis of Capitalism by Martin Wolf
- The Power Broker/Robert Moses by Robert A Caro
Loved Tim Miller’s book. Bulwark is a godsend.
Yes it is
Re-reading Barry Lopez's "Arctic Dreams"- 30 years ago it opened my imagination to the exquisite beauty of the North. Also, Kathi and I just finished reading together John Irving's brilliant new novel "The Last Chairlift".
Artic Dreams. Yep, a good read. I think there was a chapter devoted to polar bears that I read several times (I think I did) after I read the book, which I did a longggg time ago.
"Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus
"Ted Kennedy: A Life" by John Farrell
Currently reading: "American Midnight" by Adam Hochschild
Love seeing all the recommendations....needed some new stuff! I’m reading Generous Justice by Timothy Keller as part of the CS Lewis Institute program, Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brien, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, just finished The Coddling of the American Mind by Lukianoff, and just finished Seek First by Jeremy Treat
Untouchable by Elie Honig
The Fight of his Life: Inside Joe Biden’s White House. Pretty positive, but I like it.