Abide With Me by: Elizabeth Strout

This was a book that offered a good story, which could have been so much better. The story of a minister, left alone with his two daughters, following the death of his wife -- he now finds himself overwhelmed with the responsibilities of taking care of his needs, the grieving process for both himself, and his children, and the needs of his parishioners. The writing in this book is well done, but I felt the story was rushed.

There were several topics that were introduced, particularly how his wife played into the story, but it left me with questions of why was the information put in the story. I felt that the story had more to tell, and it wasn't fully developed. The characters themselves were well developed, and I found this a fun, and generally clean read -- but it didn't demand a lot of thought.

Overall the story frustrated me because I came away feeling that the entire story had not been completed.

The Plot Against America by: Philip Roth

This is a book that I have mixed feelings about. There were two main problems I had with the book. First it is somewhat predictable -- although interesting as an alternate history line type story. Second, the author has a tendency to digress into the minutia of the lives, and trivialities of the characters -- which makes it difficult to follow the story line at times. However, this is also an interesting look into the possible.

I have always wondered if something like an extreme dictatorship could ever happen here. Many people frequently look at me a little weird when I say that. But history is full of examples of decayed republics that have been overcome by a rising party that has a great deal of influence, with the middle class peoples. Rome, Germany, Greece. This is not an impossibility, and this book presents the possibility that does, in fact exist -- even here.

From this stand point, I enjoyed this book. It is a critical look at a government that we like to believe it infallible -- but is in reality walking a fine edge between freedom, and oppression. This book presents the what if's of history -- and points out that this type of thing, can in fact happen here. When the people abdicate their rights, and become complacent. Something goes wrong, and suddenly they are so unhappy about their circumstances that they are willing to turn to anything, or anyone that will offer them relief. This is a Faustian deal, which will ultimately bring them more oppression than they can ever imagine. But on the surface, it looks so good at the time, and the extremes offer so much. But I have always felt that the price is too high! I would rather experience a little suffering now, and exercise a little more self control, than sell out everything I have to a devil that cannot be controlled.

Blood Done Sign My Name by: Timothy B. Tyson

This is a book that I found quite disturbing. The story of one of the more graphic demonstrations of the failing of our American Justice system, this book is both horrifying, and fascinating at the same time. It presents the story of the murder of a young, black man, in his early 20's, the racial war that it started, and the town of Oxford, North Carolina -- a town that nearly self destructed in the aftermath.

This is a fantastic book, as an introduction to the Civil Rights movement in this country -- telling the story on both the national stage, and the personal lives simultaneously -- it offers an in depth look into the overall scope of the race wars that ensued in this country, and continue to rage in many places. Presented in a shifting format between the black perspective, and the white perspective -- the author has been able to present a story without one point of view overwhelming the other.
In 1970, Henry Marrow -- a quiet, unassuming family man had a fatal run in with a violent racist, and his sons. The result of this confrontation was a brutal murder in the middle of the street -- in the middle of the day. This act sparked a passionate struggle, that produced violence, and rabid hatred between the black, and the white societies of Oxford, North Carolina. Standing in the middle of this struggle was one minister, Reverend Tyson, and Ben Chavis, Henry's closest friend -- and the story that would play out in the national news, throughout the country. This became the catalyst of a lifelong pursuit for justice, on the part of Ben Chavis -- a man that ultimately rose to become the President of the NAACP.

This book is one that I found particularly disturbing. I have never understood the need to see the world through the eyes of color -- and it is troubling the number of people that feel any person's values can be determined by nothing more than the color of his skin. Further, I am troubled at the example this sets, that justice is not only capable of setting precedent based on color, but it is also politically, and racially driven. In the words of the author, "The actual history of the South too often rests in an unmarked grave, while the celebratory lies and politically convenient distortions march into immortality." I fear that this statement is more true than we will ever know -- and furthermore, I also fear that it is not a truth that is confined merely to the South.

This is a part of history that I have only just begun to study -- mainly because I find it so disturbing to me personal. Having grown up in a predominantly white community, and having come from an average white middle class home -- I would like to hope that this is violence that we, as a society have put behind us. But I know that the struggle for racial equality rages on -- and I find it heartbreaking that so many people are not able to see beyond something as minor as a color difference, to discover the true value of every human being within.

A Nation in Torment by: Edward Robb Ellis

Recently I was having a conversation with my mother, regarding the financial problems that we are facing, in this country. She asked me a question that I couldn't really answer. It was in response to many of the things that she has heard on talk radio -- particularly about how the Republicans, and the Democrats can interpret history so differently. I knew what she was talking about, as I had heard many of the same radio shows. The latest debates on if FDR actually helped get us out of the Depression, or if he hindered our recovery, and prolonged the Depression. As my mother put it -- history is what it is. You can't bend and shape it to your own needs and devices.
Well, to a certain extent she is correct. Even though history his usually written by the victors -- the surviving records still speak for themselves. Which brings me to the book I have just finished reading. A Nation In Torment is one of the more disturbing books I have read in a long time. Written in 1970, the author primarily used his diary of the times, as well as first hand sources to assemble an amazingly in depth picture into the causes, and effects of the Depression. Reading this book was like reading a prognostication of what is to come. It carries eerie similarities to the world we now live in, and I found myself grateful that my Grandmother didn't live to see this repeat performance of capitalism, in one of its less than stellar moments. As aptly put by the author, "What caused the Crash? Greedy people wanted more than they needed. Foolish people thought they could get something for nothing. Impulsive people bought now in the hope of paying later. Income and wealth were distributed unfairly and dangerously. The rich regarded themselves as an all-knowing elite. The masses were not paid enough money to consume all the goods they produced. The economy was unsound. The corporate structure was sick. The banking system was weak. Foreign trade was out of balance. Business data were inadequate and often faulty."

This book is an interesting look into not only the causes of the Great Depression of 1929 to 1939. It is also an interesting look into many of the problems that were not corrected the previous time around, and these same problems have led to a repeat of the past. I am a firm believer in the theory that if you don't know history, you are destined to repeat it. This book is a clear look into this theory. Fascinating to read, it is one of the most informative books on the Great Depression era that I have ever come across. Written in clear, easy to understand language, it presents the story beginning to end, of a very troubling time, which is once again playing out in the history of our country.

This is a book that we as a people should read if for no other reason than to understand the risks we run, when we fail to know what is going on in the world around us. I would recommend this book, not only for those that are students of history -- but also for those that are looking for answers to the same questions that are being asked today, that were asked once before -- in 1929.

Oskar Shindler by: David M. Crowe

This book is a fascinating look into one of the more well known civilian names of World War II. The background on the actual origins of Schindler's celebrated list, and particularly the difference between the historical fiction account, and the true events. There are also some very unexpected elements of the story that have never been told, which should have, found in this book.
But this book has so much more to offer than just the story of The List, and the lives that Oskar Schindler saved. This is an in depth look into the saga of Poland during the World War II conflict -- a story that, in its own right, should be understood in depth. Many of the Polish people were in as much danger as the Jewish people living in the country, at that time. In the Nazi perception, the Polish people were only considered one step above those of the Jewish people. And much of the price that their country paid, during this conflict, reflected this prejudice. It also presents the great extent that many of the Polish people went, to save their country, and support those, like Schindler, who were trying to assist in the saving of lives.

This is also an in depth look into a man. One who reflected many of the foibles of humanity. His self interest, his drinking, and womanizing, as well as his greed, and desire to satisfy all of his wants. And then it explores his transition from who he was -- to who he became. Ultimately named, by the Yad Vashem, as one of the Righteous among Nations, or Righteous among Gentiles, Schindler is a man that is an inspirational story. He is a great example of what men have the capacity to become, no matter what their origins, or the weaknesses that beset them. He is also an amazing example of how men have the ability to overcome their weakness -- and become inspirational, moral characters, in spite of their history, and the degradation of the world that surrounds them.
After reading this book, I have come to realize that the story told in Schindler's List is only a scratching of the surface of the man, as seen within the context of the time that he lived, and the task that he undertook. Standing between bigotry and hate, and hope and salvation, Oskar Schindler is a name that should never be forgotten, as an example of what one individual is truly capable of, no matter the situation. I can't recommend this book enough -- as an account that should never be forgotten, and never be overlooked.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

This has been a fun trip down memory lane, in book form. I remember seeing the movie, when it first came out. My parents had rented it in a Beta video tape. I remember the suspense, and the enjoyment of a well told story, with fun characters. I am please to say, that the book this time around was not a disappointment.

There are so many themes in this book, that at times it feels as if the author is uncertain of which theme he was wanting to develop -- so he threw them all in. Kind of like a green salad. But by the end of the book, all of those pieces had been brought together in a beautiful symmetry -- that clearly demonstrates why Ray Bradbury is a master author.

The characters are more than believable, they are real. Not just their likes, and dislikes, but their fears, joys, and even their idiosyncrasies are all apparent through their development. The story line is a trip down memory lane, as every reader will remember why they never want to grow old, and why every child is in such a rush to grow up.

Sala's Gift by: Ann Kirschner

I have recently been told that I am obsessed with the Holocaust. This may, or may not be true. But I do know this -- some of the most incredible stories are to be found within the era's of great turmoil, and upheaval. When evil is given free reign in this life, the greatest moments of heroism, hope, and faith can then be found. This has always been my perception of the Holocaust. It isn't the atrocity that I find so fascinating, but the hope I find for the human race, in the stories of the survivors, the heroes, and the people that most of society class as the victims.
One story that so beautifully portrays this message is in the book I just finished reading. Sala's Gift is the story of a young girl, who volunteers to go to the work camp, in Poland, in the place of her sister. This is an unusual Holocaust story, in that Sala spent no time in the death camps, of the Nazi war machine. She spent all of her time in the work projects, mostly that worked on the German Autobahn. Her unique personality, and independence gave her the tools that were necessary to survive. And when her own strengths failed her, she would fall back on the letters that she received from her friends, and family, during the time she was interred.

There are certainly some heartbreaking moments found in this book, as letters from people she knew, and loved became fewer, and fewer, until they finally ceased to come all together. It wasn't until the end of the war that Sala finally realized the magnitude of what those ominous silences meant -- and the true extent of her losses became a reality.
But this is also a unique story of the love, and the strength of relationships and between family members, and friends -- and what a critical role those relationships played, in the survival of those who managed to get through. The beauty of this story cannot be overshadowed by the horrors that were going on around Sala, in one of the darkest chapters of human history. And through the letters she went to great lengths to preserve, the voices of Sala, and those closest to her will never be silenced. They will outlive the horrible plan that the Nazi's devised for them. Their lives will forever carry on in the memories of those that read their heritage -- while the fates of the Nazi's fade into the minutia of history.

This is a book that I can't recommend enough. So much strength and goodness have survived through this story. It is an amazing book to read, and one that I would love to share with everyone.