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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/25/2015 5:04:51 PM

76mm

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For Vietnam, I think that Stanley Karnow's Vietnam: A History was a pretty good overview:

http://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-History-Stanley-Karnow/dp/0140265473/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437843809&sr=8-1&keywords=karnow+vietnam&pebp=1437843812449&perid=14J6NJEYM0EZNEV7TGZR

< Message edited by 76mm -- 7/25/2015 6:05:14 PM >

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Post #: 1651

RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/26/2015 6:42:04 AM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: cpdeyoung

@Warspite

Anything by Michael Lewis is a page turner. "Liar's Poker" was published a while ago, but is a wonderful book. They are all good, including his sports books.

Chuck

warspite1

I suspect I will have to get Liar's Poker after this. Such a good book!!

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/26/2015 6:53:19 AM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Has anyone got any recommendations for books on:

The Cold War
and
Vietnam

I am looking for a good quality book that gives an overview of the periods concerned.

These are for a teenager and I therefore want nothing "dry" but then not Janet and John either.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

For Vietnam, I'd recommend a novel (yes, it's a novel, but it's very well written and engrossing) "The 13th Valley" by John M. Del vecchio. I read it as a teenager and it was memorable.

For a counterhistorical account, I still really like "Unheralded Victory" by Mark Woodruff, about how the Americans had eviscerated the VC and related South Vietnamese guerrilla movements post-Tet 1968. It explains how Tet was a massive military disaster for the North and only really a PR gain. It also tries to separate the improving military tide of battle with the deteriorating home front version of events in the late 1960s-early 1970s. It makes one look anew at how "the war really can be lost at home".

warspite1

I went for The Vietnam War: A concise International History

and the Gladdis book:

The Cold War: A New History.

Both seem to be coming from the States for some reason - so won't be here until the first week in August

Oh well - at least this will give me time to finish my current books so that I can read these with my elder little warspite

.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/26/2015 9:17:00 AM

Orm

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I am currently reading The Ill-Made Knight by Christian Cameron.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/372/dp/1409137503/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437901669

Attachment (1)

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/27/2015 3:50:06 PM

Ostwindflak

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Finishing up Napoleon's Wars: An International History by Charles Esdaile.

Focuses on the international and internal politics, economies, and important figures of the major powers and some of the satellite states. Not so much a military recounting of the period although there is a little focus on certain battles which tie into the political affairs.

http://www.amazon.com/Napoleons-Wars-An-International-History/dp/0143116282

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/28/2015 1:40:31 AM

rhondabrwn

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Currently reading Sara King's most excellent character based sci-fi series, The Legend of Zero. A very refreshing approach to military Sci-Fi that doesn't try to explain or theorize on every weapon and technology. It is all about the story and extensive character development. When I finished the first novel, Forging Zero, I was actually crying over Zero's lost comrades! It really got to me. Sara is definitely one of new favorite writers.

http://www.amazon.com/Forging-Zero-Legend-ZERO-Book-ebook/dp/B00BTKA42Y

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/28/2015 1:59:51 AM

Aurelian

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Ostwindflak

Finishing up Napoleon's Wars: An International History by Charles Esdaile.

Focuses on the international and internal politics, economies, and important figures of the major powers and some of the satellite states. Not so much a military recounting of the period although there is a little focus on certain battles which tie into the political affairs.

http://www.amazon.com/Napoleons-Wars-An-International-History/dp/0143116282

Just bought it. For $2.99, just can't pass it by.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/28/2015 10:43:06 AM

Greybriar

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I am currently reading Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/28/2015 2:46:16 PM

Ostwindflak

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It is a good read Aurelian. I think you will be happy with the purchase.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/28/2015 3:36:08 PM

british exil

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quote:

ORIGINAL: rhondabrwn

Currently reading Sara King's most excellent character based sci-fi series, The Legend of Zero. A very refreshing approach to military Sci-Fi that doesn't try to explain or theorize on every weapon and technology. It is all about the story and extensive character development. When I finished the first novel, Forging Zero, I was actually crying over Zero's lost comrades! It really got to me. Sara is definitely one of new favorite writers.

http://www.amazon.com/Forging-Zero-Legend-ZERO-Book-ebook/dp/B00BTKA42Y

Just been reading a bit of it on Amazon.

Looks like I am going to have another holiday book, looks interesting.

Thanks for the post.

Mat

Edit: Ordered!!

< Message edited by british exil -- 7/28/2015 4:50:52 PM >

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/30/2015 6:03:50 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: cpdeyoung

@Warspite

Anything by Michael Lewis is a page turner. "Liar's Poker" was published a while ago, but is a wonderful book. They are all good, including his sports books.

Chuck

warspite1

I suspect I will have to get Liar's Poker after this. Such a good book!!

warspite1

Well nipped through The Big Short in double quick time. Excellent. Could not recommend this more.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/31/2015 12:00:11 PM

cpdeyoung

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"Flash Boys" is more contemporary than "Liar's Poker", and you will finish it in double quick time too. If I were choosing I would go "Flash Boys" next as it certainly will change the way you look at trading shares, no matter where you trade.

"Liar's Poker" reads quickly too. You really can't go wrong.

Chuck

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 7/31/2015 12:13:23 PM

cpdeyoung

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I have just finished "21" which is the published fragment of the last writings of Patrick O'Brian on Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin. This ends my second reading of the twenty books in the wonderful series of novels he wrote, set during and just after the Napoleonic Era. It took me two months to read the books.

I imagine many of you have read this great tale. These novels are set in the wartime Royal Navy, but they are not all blood and thunder by any means. If I could give you any idea how much I will miss my daily dose you would pick up "Master and Commander" and see if it is to your taste. If you have read them all I can recommend a rereading as I got so much extra the second time around.

What a wonder this series is.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/11/2015 7:24:58 AM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Delaware

Gaddis's The Cold War: A New History is a well written overview of the major themes, issues and players of the time.
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-War-New-History/dp/0143038273/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437155477&sr=8-1&keywords=the+cold+war

warspite1

Thanks for the tip

My elder little cruiser and I are enjoying this so far. Seems to be set at the perfect level to introduce her to the Cold War and so give her a base from which to start next term.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/11/2015 10:38:19 PM

Kayoz

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History of the Peloponnesian War... again... fifth or sixth time through it. Amazing stuff.

< Message edited by Kayoz -- 8/11/2015 11:38:36 PM >

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/11/2015 10:44:50 PM

Zorch

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Kayoz

History of the Peloponnesian War... again... fifth or sixth time through it. Amazing stuff.

+1
Read this in conjunction with Donald Kagan's book on the same war.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/11/2015 11:36:39 PM

Rosseau

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The Campaigns of Napoleon, By Chandler, 1966. It's about time I got to it

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/12/2015 12:35:49 PM

Ironclad

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Aurelian

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ostwindflak

Finishing up Napoleon's Wars: An International History by Charles Esdaile.

Focuses on the international and internal politics, economies, and important figures of the major powers and some of the satellite states. Not so much a military recounting of the period although there is a little focus on certain battles which tie into the political affairs.

http://www.amazon.com/Napoleons-Wars-An-International-History/dp/0143116282

Just bought it. For $2.99, just can't pass it by.

You were wise to get it discounted. I got it in hardback soon after it came out and was very disappointed with it. Comprehensive with lots of information but the author is clearly not a fan of Napoleon and unfortunately his bias leads, in my view, to an unbalanced account.

(in reply to Aurelian)

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/12/2015 12:43:18 PM

Ironclad

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deleted

< Message edited by Ironclad -- 8/12/2015 1:44:02 PM >

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/12/2015 12:45:09 PM

Ironclad

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quote:

ORIGINAL: rosseau

The Campaigns of Napoleon, By Chandler, 1966. It's about time I got to it

You are in for a treat. Its a great book, a true classic and features superb battle maps.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/12/2015 1:05:38 PM

Aurelian

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Ironclad

quote:

ORIGINAL: rosseau

The Campaigns of Napoleon, By Chandler, 1966. It's about time I got to it

You are in for a treat. Its a great book, a true classic and features superb battle maps.

Yes it is. Bought it nearly 20 years ago in a used book store. A steal at $25.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/12/2015 11:49:21 PM

radic202

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Orm

I am currently reading The Ill-Made Knight by Christian Cameron.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/372/dp/1409137503/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437901669

Orm: How is this, I was looking at giving it a try but I prefer Fantasy above all, is this strictly Historical Fiction, is this Adult themed, Dark themed, First person or Third person POV? Anything you could add to help me make a decision my Friend.

Thanks in advance,

Now if Only Part 3 of "the Passage, the Twelve" would come out???

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/13/2015 4:24:44 AM

rhondabrwn

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Due to problems with my 2nd gen Kindle reader, I've paused in my reading of Sara King's "Zero" series (I have book 3 ready to go though), to Read Julian May's
"Intervention" and then pulled out paperback copies of "Jack the Bodiless" and "Diamond Mask" which I've had for many years and never got around to them after finishing her "Saga of the Pliocene Exile" (very highly recommended). All are linked together (9 books total) and I intend to finish off the series. The last book is called "Magnifcat" and I will probably jump back to the Kindle for that.

Feels really odd holding a real book again, it's been all e-readers for me for the last 10 years or so. I really hate having to pull them open to read the text printed in the "gutter" without breaking the spine of the book. Sold on e-readers!

Details:

http://www.amazon.com/Julian-May/e/B000AQ4SPW/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

< Message edited by rhondabrwn -- 8/13/2015 5:40:04 AM >

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/13/2015 6:12:57 AM

Perturabo

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Finished reading Stark's War trilogy by Jack Campbell. Very interesting near future sci-fi story.

I liked Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series for incorporating a bit of physics into space combat.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/13/2015 6:27:59 AM

rhondabrwn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Perturabo

Finished reading Stark's War trilogy by Jack Campbell. Very interesting near future sci-fi story.

I liked Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series for incorporating a bit of physics into space combat.

I wish the Lost Fleet series was a Kindle Unlimited read on Amazon... I stalled out on the series after the fleet made it "home" and didn't pick up the newer books because of the cost. Maybe someday. I agree that Campbell had the best space combat physics of anything I've read.

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My old Piczo site seems to be gone, so no more Navajo Nation pics :(

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/13/2015 11:15:07 AM

Orm

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quote:

ORIGINAL: radic202

quote:

ORIGINAL: Orm

I am currently reading The Ill-Made Knight by Christian Cameron.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/372/dp/1409137503/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437901669

Orm: How is this, I was looking at giving it a try but I prefer Fantasy above all, is this strictly Historical Fiction, is this Adult themed, Dark themed, First person or Third person POV? Anything you could add to help me make a decision my Friend.

Thanks in advance,

Now if Only Part 3 of "the Passage, the Twelve" would come out???

I liked it.

It is a fictionalized account of a historical character, William Gold, that wants to become a English Knight and in his struggle to become one eventually joins mercenaries in order to support himself.

The perspective of the book is a sort of narrative. The main character, now an old, experienced, English Knight, tells his story to a young gentleman while they sit in a inn. At first I had some difficulty getting used to this but after a while I really enjoyed it.

It is about the fighting in France during the hundred years war and then in Italy. It is a historical fiction but in some ways it feels like a fantasy novel. There is a darkness in the book but it was a tough, dark, time. France has been ravaged by the war. Many small skirmishes between the major battles and they have an authentic feel about them.

I really look forward to reading the next part of the life and adventures of Sir William Gold.

Here is what Wikipedia says about the books:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Cameron#Chivalry_Series

< Message edited by Orm -- 8/13/2015 12:35:26 PM >

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/13/2015 1:39:49 PM

Aurelian

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Going to start reading Alexander Kent's Bolitho series.. 27 books worth.

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/13/2015 8:48:38 PM

rhondabrwn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Aurelian

Going to start reading Alexander Kent's Bolitho series.. 27 books worth.

That's $215 for the complete Kindle collection from Amazon. Pretty steep price tag. I've been waiting years for the books to be reduced or to become "Kindle Unlimited" qualified so I could read them with my subscription. No luck so far, but the 1st volume is reduced to only $2.99 as a teaser to get you hooked on the series.

Thinking about re-reading the old CS Forester Hornblower novels. I read every one we had in the public library when I was in high school, but it seems like I missed a few. Same price problem though... $8 a book.

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Love & Peace,

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My old Piczo site seems to be gone, so no more Navajo Nation pics :(

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/13/2015 9:15:19 PM

Aurelian

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quote:

ORIGINAL: rhondabrwn

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aurelian

Going to start reading Alexander Kent's Bolitho series.. 27 books worth.

That's $215 for the complete Kindle collection from Amazon. Pretty steep price tag. I've been waiting years for the books to be reduced or to become "Kindle Unlimited" qualified so I could read them with my subscription. No luck so far, but the 1st volume is reduced to only $2.99 as a teaser to get you hooked on the series.

Thinking about re-reading the old CS Forester Hornblower novels. I read every one we had in the public library when I was in high school, but it seems like I missed a few. Same price problem though... $8 a book.

More than that for the actual books. :).

I started collecting them in 2006 with the latest printing. They were not all published when I read them back in 1986 or so. Kind of disappointed though in the later editions, as every edition has the same proof reading error in Book 12. (One piece of dialog missing, but the next one printed twice. The other is two page 108 in a much later book.

I read all of Hornblower. IMHO, it isn't as good as Bolitho

< Message edited by Aurelian -- 8/13/2015 10:17:10 PM >

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RE: What Book Are You Reading at the moment? - 8/14/2015 2:28:40 PM

Eambar

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Darwin's Ghosts: In Search of the First Evolutionists by Rebecca Stott.

An interesting and easy read, some of the people she writes about may not necessarily have agreed with Charles Darwin and his theory but they all had some ideas in common. A good history of how brave people dared to write about and publish ideas that could have had them imprisoned, tortured or burnt alive.

Cheers,

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