Interesting background on where John Fowles spent his last 20 ...
929414
Interesting background on where John Fowles spent his last 20 years. The history of the area independent of Fowles is also interesting.
3063498
I was really looking forward to reading Will Martins So I Bought An Air Force hoping to gain an insight into the recovery of the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan warbirds and I was not disappointed. Not since John Dienst and Dan Hagedorns North American F-51 Mustangs in Latin Air Force Service (1985) have warbird enthusiasts had such a great behind-the-scenes look at Mustangs south of the border.

Martins tales of shady people, corrupt officials, and mechanics working to a different standard were balanced with people who came to his aid just in the nick of time. On his journey to recover the fleet of Mustangs, he certainly met the right people at the right time. My heart went out to Martins long suffering wife and kids who had to deal with his long absences from home and the constant possibility that he may never return, lost in the jungle having gone down in an unreliable or ill-prepared World War II warbird.

The tales of his forced landings and the total loss of a number of Mustangs  N6153U (possibly 44-63655), N6162U (pos. 44-63649), and N6170U (pos. 44-73193)  and Thunderbolts  N6148U (pos. 44-88548)  can be seen in the more than 60 color photos shot by Martin during his travels. The authors ability to prevent more aircraft from being lost is directly related to his pre-flight attention to detail and the knowledge he gained from other experienced pilots willing to share their knowledge.

If I have one comment, So I Bought An Air Force could have benefitted from a serial number list of the aircraft recovered and where they are now. Maybe that could be added to the books website?

Congratulations to Mr. Martin for a fine book. This volume is a great addition to the Mustangs historical record.

Nicholas A. Veronico
Author: Hidden Warbirds: The Epic Stories of Finding, Recovering, and Rebuilding WWIIs Lost Aircraft
1512217
While the book gave me a great history of the former British Colony it was written before the turnover to China. Great review of the power-brokers of Hong Kong, however it left me with a desire to know more about what has transpired since 1997. I suppose the rating I gave Jan Morris' book was due simple to this fact. I hope someone extends on what she has written and bring those of us interested up to date on the new role Hong Kong has in the world and China's dealing with this financial center of the world. It saddens me to think that in 2047 China will probably have destroyed the ambiance of this wonderful city. However, I will not be against Hong Kong people. Going fast now is the Cantonese language that is being replace with Mandarin.
2793330
This is third edition of a book on surviving B-17 bombers. The author reports on the status of 48 basically complete and 11 partial airframes; this out of a total of 8,680 units.

The book is a bit like a family album brought up to date at reunions. But, unlike a family where members die while others are born, the B-17 family, while static in count, is improving with age. While the number of airworthy B-17s slipped from 14 in 1990 to 12 in 2008, the next few years could see the count rise by as many as five. Concurrently, a number of aircraft have been restored to near-new though static condition with two others - the equally legendary Memphis Belle and Ole Betsy/The Swooze - in the loving hands of the National Museum of the US Air Force.

Author Thompson begins the book by describing the drawdown and scrapping of the B-17 after World War Two. He covers post-war military uses Before moving to civilian uses. This broad overview is then followed by the meat of the book. Thompson works his way through the surviving, complete aircraft in numerical order by serial number, providing a history of the individual aircraft and a current status report. The sections vary from two to five pages and include photos from across the plane's lifetime. This is followed by brief reports on partial aircraft and unrecovered airframes. The book closes out with seven appendices that are a bit bureaucratic in nature addressing issues such as cross-referencing military serial numbers and civil registration. It is here that the book's only shortcoming can be found. One appendix lists B-17 appearances in movies; it has not been update past 1995.

As another reviewer said, this is a book for B-17 lovers...saying that is the highest complement that can be given.
1206254
"Under Vesuvius" is an enjoyable short crime novel set in the waning days of the Roman Republic that sees the antagonist, senatorial sleuth, Decius Caecillius Metellus, his wife Julia and somewhat dodgy entourage, head south from Rome to take up the duties of a roving senior magistrate.  Landing first in Baiae, a kind of Roman Malibu, Metellus quickly sees his cushy new gig become very complicated by a series of murders that are probably connected, but not obviously so.  As in previous SPQR stories, author John Maddox Roberts provides a great deal of interesting background information on place, culture and politics of the time.  His characters in this new story are familiar, but portrayed in a more quirky and offbeat manner than its predecessors.  While the plot and background details are enjoyable and creative, I think the book could have used a bit more spinning out.  There were aspects of the story--motivation, character interaction, etc.--that could have used some elaboration.  Nonetheless, "Under Vesuvius" is an interesting read, worth the time and money.
194243
They lived in a different world. This summary presentation creates images from the far distant past. Privilege and wealth had a profound impact on bright young things. The current political and religious climate help us understand the Mitford a bit better. A good read, if a bit short on analysis.
3388464
First, let me say I enjoyed this book.  Anyone interested in the Byzantine era would enjoy some of the details woven through the narrative.

However, as I encountered in Foucault's Pendululm, there were sections that were a bit over the top for me.

Nevertheless, it was a good page turner, and the character of Baudolino was well thought out in my opinion.  Just his tale of how he got to be involved in the whole saga was well thought out...the elusive search for Prester John (and the associated twists and turns) was also very well done.
1317534
The troubled relationship between Francis Bacon and his lover, David, is at the center of this mystery set in Morocco.  The mystery finds Francis trying to track down the source of counterfeit artwork.  David suffers from mental health issues and a fiery temper, and when he runs from Francis to Tangier, Francis follows.  There Francis is pulled deep into an effort to capture art forgers, a high-stakes venture that puts him squarely in the line of danger.

The detective Francis Bacon is based on a real man, a British artist of the mid-20th century.  I was unfamiliar with him before reading this book.  I was also unaware that Tangier was something of a safe haven for gay British men- Francis and David are part of a large gay, expat population there.  As mysteries go, I'd say this one was average.  It was pleasant enough to read, and it moved quickly.  I found the setting fascinating, as I'd never read anything set in colonial Morocco before.  I'd call this an interesting diversion if you enjoy mysteries.
4920584
I have to admit that I was drawn to Skutch after learning he died the day before his 100th birthday.  Hard to forget that bit of trivia.  I'm sorry I wasn't a birder until after Skutch's death, because I would have made the pilgrimage.  I haven't finished the book yet, but can't wait to resume.  It lends itself to reading a chapter whenever you have time, and anyone who has birded to a significant extent in Central and South America will be familiar with most of the species covered in his book.  I think I read somewhere that this is one of (if not THE) best of his books, and I have to agree.  The writing style is very personal and intimate, and full of interesting anecdotes based mostly on personal observation.  You can easily find a photo of a species if you don't know what it looks like (I flip to one of my bird books to refresh my own recollection, since the illustration are black-and-white line drawings).  Thoroughly enjoyable, and a nice keepsake written by someone who made tremendous contributions to ornithology.  I even plan to visit his last place of residence next time I'm in Costa Rica.
1147006
We are Foyle's War fanatics! We have watched all of the shows and visited Hastings two years ago to see the location. We stayed in a great B&B two blocks from Foyle's home. The book does a great job capturing the location and story background. If you like Foyle you will like this book.
3988603
This book is a great reminder of how far ahead of his time Abbey was.  Issues he was concerned about 40 or 50 years ago are argued with a passion and intellect that is missing from today's political discourse.  Also missing today is the humor and constructive anger which served as an undercurrent for much of his writing.  Beyond all this literary mumbo-jumbo, Abbey still makes for a great read.  This is possibly the last of his writing to be published.  Savor it.
1795748
I just got through reading A Land Remembered after having seen it in book stores over and over. I was always curious as to what it was about. Not being a native Floridian (grew up in California), I've been wanting to learn more about the history of Florida and Smith's book was a good way to get a better understanding of what life was like in Florida during and after the Civil War. What I found particularly interesting is the fact that it follows three generations of one family. As Smith's book is historical fiction, this family by name did not exist but it's a reflection of the families who did come South out of Georgia to build a future for themselves with grime and grit.

It describes a time that is largely unknown to use today. The hard and grueling work of Tobias to carve out a place in the Floridian wilderness to establish his place. The bold and brave attitude that people had to have in order to build out in Florida. This is something that many people take for granted today and something that most of us will and have never known.

I would highly recommend this book to anyway, especially people who live in Florida. It's a good way to get a better understanding of the place you live in.
2671984
Another very good Follett yarn - nice intertwining of characters although the bad guys seemed a bit 'unreal' but they got their due desserts and the 'goodies' went on with their lives albeit somewhat changed. The plot and flow kept me quite interested so that I was keen to pick up my Kindle again to continue the story.  I like the detail about the Clipper and , again, Follett seems to have done his research into historical data. Enjoyable reading.
3590851
"Mistresses" tells the political story of England through the chatelaines of a 'stately home' five miles from Windsor, from before the first house was built there to modern times.  It's written by the current owner, a British journalist, with lots of help from a posse of researchers.  It's an easy read, at least for this history major, but has notes, an index, etc.  My one complaint is no floor plan of the various Clivedon mansions (they burned twice) or the layout of its all-important gardens.  There's a section on each woman, along with her family, what changes were made to the house, etc., so that it's like a whole batch of short biographies.  I recommend it to anyone who enjoys English history told from a different point of view.
3941713
The well-written Preface to this book introduces us to the Neville family and life in Mount Carmel, CT during the Depression and afterwards.  From one perspective, many readers will be able to pick up this book and reminisce about the good old days in Hamden.
But the intent of Diets for Dogs is to share the knowledge that a kennel owner acquired from personal experience.  Diet plans for close to 100 breeds of dogs are included in this book.  One can only imagine the time that Mr. Neville took to adapt the recipes to each breed. The recipes are not meant to be followed exactly; nor is it recommend by Mr. Bonnadies to do so.  He has simply transcribed the diets that were created at a time when wholesome, natural ingredients are the ones that were available.

What Mr. Bonnadies has done with this book is what many family historians dream of doing.  He has preserved the stories and lifes blood of his ancestors.  The pictures included in the book enhance this aspect of it.  The ledger entries from the kennel business illustrate the aspects of running a family business that is not often thought about.

Readers who want to learn about a hidden gem in Hamdens history won't be disappointed.  Dog lovers will be fascinated by the love and dedication Mr. Neville showed towards his animals.  This book is a companion to Bonnardis Ralphs Recipes and they complement each other well.
2927246
It was very interesting to learn what typically (or unexpectedly) goes on behind the scenes at this historic hotel.  I always loved going to the Palm Court.  The book is still informative although rather dated and it made me curious to see who took over ownership after Donald Trump bought it and his (ex) wife Ivanka was made president.  I no longer live easily accessible to NYC so haven't been there in a few years.  However, I hope to return and when I do, I'll hope to have tea or champagne at the Palm Court again.  I understand the Oak Room is now closed but I do hope the Palm Court will continue to furnish lovely music and nostalgic, elegant surroundings.
4183511
This is an enjoyable book in a narrative style that combines a lot of the ecology of the longleaf pine forests with a bit of sustainable philosophy in the chapter headings. Many will recognize life growing up in the 1970s. I lived in the area during the j1970's when the author was growing up so perhaps it is especially relevant. I do recommend it for anyone living in Georgia, Alabama, northern Florida, and Mississippi as long-leaf pine region. It also counters some stereotypes of "poor, white trash" as the family was clearly intelligent, hard-working, and her mother kept an immaculate house.