tGreetings everyone. I'm getting ready to transition to a new location in the near future, so this will be my last post for a little while. It's time for another addition of "What I'm Reading and What I Wish I was Watching".
Reading
The Next 100 Years - George Friedman
This is a very interesting read about the way the world will evolve over the next 100 years. Friedman (no relation to Thomas) evaluates the world in 20 year chunks, maintaining that the events that seem pressing and urgent in the present time pale in comparison to history. For example, the two wars we're in and the "debt crisis" are issues that will have no significant long term impact. Even the 2008 recession, when viewed in context, is just another part of the cycle. His long term view is that the United States is uniquely postured to be a world power that will be challenged by various actors and coalitions, but that we will mature as a country and civilization as we progress. I didn't agree with all of his ideas, but they were very interesting. I give this 4 out of 5 Niall Fergusons.
Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
I'd never heard of Louis Zamperini before reading this book. I have no idea why. This is easily one of the top five most amazing and inspiration stories I've ever read. The things this man went through during the course of World War II are nothing short of earth shattering. He endures so many various situations, any one of which would be enough to kill a normal person. Throughout the book Hillenbrand does a great job of revealing the context of the war in the Pacific and the attitudes of the US in the context of WW II. I give this book 5 out of 5 Band of Brothers.
Revelation: A Matthew Shardlake Mystery - C.J. Sansom
This is the next book in the Shardlake series. Since I already wrote about the series in my previous post, I'll just say that this one is probably the best yet. Our hero has to investigate a series of grisly murders based on the Book of Revelation. Very much in the vein of a Dan Brown DaVinci Code book, but with much more English History. I give is 4.5 out of 5 Tudor Roses.
What I Wish I Was Watching
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Horrible Bosses
Bad Teachers
Captain America
Cowboys and Aliens
NOT The Smurfs
Until next time...
Reading
The Next 100 Years - George Friedman
This is a very interesting read about the way the world will evolve over the next 100 years. Friedman (no relation to Thomas) evaluates the world in 20 year chunks, maintaining that the events that seem pressing and urgent in the present time pale in comparison to history. For example, the two wars we're in and the "debt crisis" are issues that will have no significant long term impact. Even the 2008 recession, when viewed in context, is just another part of the cycle. His long term view is that the United States is uniquely postured to be a world power that will be challenged by various actors and coalitions, but that we will mature as a country and civilization as we progress. I didn't agree with all of his ideas, but they were very interesting. I give this 4 out of 5 Niall Fergusons.
Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand
I'd never heard of Louis Zamperini before reading this book. I have no idea why. This is easily one of the top five most amazing and inspiration stories I've ever read. The things this man went through during the course of World War II are nothing short of earth shattering. He endures so many various situations, any one of which would be enough to kill a normal person. Throughout the book Hillenbrand does a great job of revealing the context of the war in the Pacific and the attitudes of the US in the context of WW II. I give this book 5 out of 5 Band of Brothers.
Revelation: A Matthew Shardlake Mystery - C.J. Sansom
This is the next book in the Shardlake series. Since I already wrote about the series in my previous post, I'll just say that this one is probably the best yet. Our hero has to investigate a series of grisly murders based on the Book of Revelation. Very much in the vein of a Dan Brown DaVinci Code book, but with much more English History. I give is 4.5 out of 5 Tudor Roses.
What I Wish I Was Watching
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Horrible Bosses
Bad Teachers
Captain America
Cowboys and Aliens
NOT The Smurfs
Until next time...
I heard Cowboys and Aliens was less than stellar. I still want to see it, but will probably wait for the blu-ray. I really need to check out some (most) of these books you are mentioning, you make them all sound really good! Stay safe, brother, we love you!
ReplyDeleteUpon your recommendation, I plan to read "The Next 100 Years" and "Unbroken". I would like to be around to see if Mr. Friedman's predictions become reality; usually these types of books miss the mark.
ReplyDeleteKeep safe. And keep posting. I look forward to them all.