Summer Books

If you have read this blog before, you know that I love to read, I love books stores and I love libraries. The Lovely Sharon and I have the love of books in common. Although we have had a busy summer, we have each found the time to read several books, fiction as well as non-fiction.  We pass some books back and forth to each other and others I read but she doesn't or she reads and I don't. Here are few blurbs on some recently read books. If you are looking for some good reads, try one.

Non- Fiction

Americans in Paris (Life & Death Under Nazi Occupation) by Charles Glass. This is an account of several thousand Americans who were living in Paris prior to the time of Nazi occupation in 1940 and who remained in Paris (or other parts of France) during World War II. Although many of the Americans left Paris as the Nazi’s came in, a few thousands stayed. This book is a terrific book and if you are interested in the specific history of that time period and the city of Paris.

Citizens of London by Lynne Olsen. I am big Winston Churchill fan and have read many books about Churchill and books written by Churchill. This book is an account of three extraordinary Americans who were intermediaries between Churchill and his government and Franklin D. Roosevelt and the American government from about 1939 until the end of World War II. These three Americans were (i) John Gilbert Winant (who serve as the U.S Ambassador to England for much of this time); (ii) Averell Harriman, a railroad baron who was FDR’s liaison with Churchill and the coordinator of the US Lend- Lease program that supplied food and military equipment to England prior to the US’ entry into World War II; and (iii) Edward R. Murrow, the famous reporter. This book describes the London Blitz, behind the scenes of Churchill and FDR and a good look at English society during this period. This was my favorite book this summer.

Elsie & Mary Go to War by Diane Atkinson. This is a story of two women from England and Scotland who served as nurses and ambulance drivers during World War I. These women met in 1912 ( before the start of WWI). They were motorcycle riders, dare devils and truly extraordinary people. When the War started, they volunteered their services and ended up on the Western Front in Belgium for several years caring for wounded soldiers. They were decorated heroes for their work at the front line of the War.

Fiction

The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva. I have read 7 or 8 books by Daniel Silva. He is a premier writer of thrillers. This is another terrific book. Check out his website at http://www.danielsilvabooks.com/.

In the Name of Honor by Richard North Patterson. I read most of Patterson’s books. This murder mystery is a very good read. Check out his website at http://www.richardnorthpattersonbooks.com/

Private by James Patterson. I also read most of what James Patterson writes. Many of his books have co-writers. Although I enjoyed this mystery, it kind of seems that James Patterson is focusing on the volume of books written or co-written more than on the quality. Check out his website at http://www.jamespatterson.com/.

Lucid Intervals by Stuart Woods.   When I first started dating the Lovely Sharon, she introduced me to Stuart Woods books.  Mr. Woods is a mystery writer who turns out a great number of books. He has several different series of books that feature continuing characters. This is another in the Stone Barrington series. Woods’ books are fast reading and not detail oriented books. I think I read this book in three hours or so. If Daniel Silva and Richard North Patterson books can be equated to full length feature films, Stuart Woods’ books would be equated to a one hour television series episode. That is not a criticism, just an observation. Sharon and I read every book Woods writes and enjoy them but sometimes I don’t quite feel satisfied after reading his books like I need something more. This Stone Barrington adventure of murder, mystery and sex was one of my favorite Stone Barrington novels of the last several. Check out his website at http://www.stuartwoods.com/

I have a stack of books in the Bud Cave to get to.  I have two about Leland Standford, one about Teddy Rooseveldt and the beginning of the national parks system, and one about the Oregon Trail and the California Trail during the mid 1800's. So I better close at this blog entry and start reading before the Lovely Sharon and I make our 10:30 tee time with dear friends Robin and Paul. 


If you have read a good book this summer let me know by leaving a comment on this blog so that other readers of this blog and I can check it out.