Insightful and historical interesting
931418
I had already read Gift from the Sea, many years ago, but I found The Aviator's Wife to be a great background to a strong woman's marriage which had many facets and trials.
3191943
The book was well written and very insightful.  I enjoyed the history and the cultural background.
1450388
A beautifully written book on an interesting historic subject. Very informative.
2428947
This book told sn interesting story(ies) that were well written, interesting, and insightful concerning events, and personalities. History that reads often like a good novel. The author has a good grasp of history and the mental climate of the time. Tells of events without false patriotism and isn't afraid to call a situation for what it is.
1940491
This book took me on an interesting journey into the world of famine with its historical perspective and insights into our situation today. The depth and breadth of thinking by the writer will astonish.
4659075
In "The Way of Improvement Leads Home," Dr. John Fea does a spectacular job in chronicling the life of an interesting and overlooked figure in early American history.  Based on the diaries of Philip Vickers Fithian, Fea presents, with clarity and insight, the joys and difficulties throughout Fithians life as he left home to get an education, pursue the love of his life, and follow his call into ministry. Fea does this by thouroughly explaining the eighteenth-century context in which Fithian lived so the reader can fully understand the significance and difficulty of his decisions. Fea also gives great insight into Fithian's struggle to find the balance between staying connected to the home he loves while at the same time striving to become a global citizen.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in early American history because it is an academic, yet understandable look at the life of a lesser-known figure during the revolutionary period.  Much has been written about early America's major figures, but in this book John Fea provides a unique view of a small-town Patriot and his journey during the "Rural Enlightenment." Fithian's story, and the way it is presented by Fea, is insightful, educational, and simply fascinating.
2491863
This History of Herod the Great is eye opening and insightful. Having just returned from two weeks in Israel the narrative provides colorful insight into the world of ancient times. The palace intrigue adds a dimension that keeps the reader immersed in this great story of Roman / Jewish and early Christian history.
2620094
Gives insights into human behavior east and west. Follows a long period of time quickly but with interesting flashes of awareness that will add to the history buff's enjoyment. Entertaining read!
4459405
Wilkerson has done a beautiful job juxtaposing the developments in personal lives on historical moments.  The reader will be more informed about the factors that influenced the migration in different sections/regions of the country.
267634
Great insight into a very difficult period of history. The characters telling the story is insightful and an added sensitivity to the events.
47238
the book gives readers an insightful look at how the era of the great explorers was an important part of european politics, as well as an engaging look at an a major figure in elizabethan england. also provides readers interested in exploration a view of what it was like for the sailors who spent years on-board a ship. drake appears as complex man who sailed the seas out of an abiding love of the adventure. great read.
3200153
The subject matter is interesting and important for historical reasons .  I couldn't put the book down until I had read the last page.
2867953
Good character development and insight into history. Kept me coming back to find out what happened.
3134321
Interesting and insightful!  At times it comes across as a little "academic", but that's to be expected from a historical piece.  What really makes the book is that Standage doesn't just walk us through a chronology of these drinks, but he describes the social and political environments that helped in the discovery and dissemination of the drinks.  Definitely a worthwhile read.
1917781
Valuable insights for those interested in prophesy and historical background.  There is quite a bit of curious connections between the Jewish and Christian communities which is educational as well as inspirational including the mysterious events that are in our future.
1404167
This book held my attention from the very first page.  I enjoyed the insights it offered on the lives of people, both rich and poor, in this time period.  Very well written.
1389067
Very interesting and insightful book about the times.  Elizabeth Custer has a nice writing style and keeps your interest unlike her husband whose book was dull and boring.  The discussions of life on the plains back in the 1870's is spell binding.  Weather, living conditions, friendships, Indian troubles etc. are all very interesting.

I love books that keep my interest and that I can sit and read and read and read.  If I can get through a book in a couple of days it's only because it was well written and interesting and this book was just that - well written and interesting.