What I'm Reading
A bit of a mixed bag at the moment after a hunting party to Barnes and Noble failed to yield my chosen quarry. Still, the harvest was full if varied.
A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman
An amazing little exploration into one of the most tumultuous centuries in history. Tuchman delivers delightful nugget after delightful nugget of information to reveal life as it was. Whether it’s the incredible decadence of the nobility while their subjects starve outside or the enduring appeal of overly pointed shoes in the fashions of the time, Tuchman paints a vivid picture of the lives led by commoner and gentry alike and makes one all the more appreciative for both representative government and toilet paper. Admittedly I’ve had to take a break from such a thick tome, reserving it for now to my “during dinner” book (sorry, Alex) but if you’ve got an interest in the Hundred Years War or really history in general I’d recommend giving any of Tuchman’s books a go.
2. Washington’s Spies by Alexander Rose
Like espionage? Like (or tolerate) history? Boy do I have a book for you. I’m not too proud to admit I only became interested in this particular piece of literature after watching the show Turn on AMC a few years ago. Sure I’d heard of the Culper Ring while in history class, but before seeing the show I hadn’t fully grasped the drama, the intrigue, the danger (not to mention the rather unique appeal) of a spy ring operating during America’s Revolutionary War. Be warned, dear reader, this book is a historical text not meant to entertain so much as inform. However, the tale it brings to light is so engaging (not to mention short) that the fun can’t help but break through.
3. The Pariah by Anthony Ryan
I quite literally just began this book today so of course am unable to give an entirely accurate portrayal of what I think of the story. I will say, however, that I am intrigued. I’m a sucker for a good rogue with a glib tongue and penchant for biting off more than they can chew and refusing to balk at a properly placed F-Bomb can only endear an author to a place of honor upon my bookshelf. Not to mention Mark Lawrence (a good author; read his books if you haven’t) says he likes it and, well, I’ve made worse gambles in life (don’t let me down now, Mark!)
And that’s my list at the moment. A hodge podge of history and fiction blurring together right after I finished an amazing spy thriller by Jack Carr (The Terminal List). Let it not be said I don’t know how to have a good time!
So what do you think of my list, dear reader? Do you have any suggestions of what to read next? Feel free to drop a comment or shoot me an email- I’d love to hear from you!