Page turner with historical/philosophical insights
579706
Insightful historical narrative of Polish ghettoes during WWII. Fascinating page turner that also had philosophical dialogues that made you think about ethical issues in different ways.
3489094
Another great story by Quent Cordair! He's one modern author it's worth reading everything by, and in this case I was able to listen to it on Audible. Twice! Idolatry has relatable yet heroic characters driving an interesting plot in a well-researched and well-drawn historical setting, and it dramatizes the competing ideologies of Aristotelianism, Platonism, and Christianity. I love his descriptions of the characters' observations and thought processes. Quent Cordair's characters are individuals who think and care about the world, not just pawns necessary to enact events. I look forward to Books 2-5.
253021
I loved "The Humans" by Matt Haig and couldn't wait for this to come out.  So many profound truths are contained in this book.  Combine this with a fascinating story:  a glimpse back in time ( with its attendant atrocities, moral ambiguities and
beauty) and you have a novel I couldn't put down.  I loved the sense that all time is present because the future would not be possible without the overlapping circles of the past.  I devoutly hope Mr. Haig writes another book soon.
2015529
"Zor" reads very much in the spirit of "Ishmael," and is a quick, fun read filled with deep insights in digestible form.  Stayed up one night to finish reading.  A surprising page turner for a book that is making recent scientific findings and philosophies accessible and applicable in our daily lives.

This book would make a great book club/discussion topic read, since it raises as many questions as it answers in its journey to weave three disciplines to form a unified theory of everything.  I am left wondering about the mystery man that is Zor and what of his life story, tribulations, and joys?  And, oh yeah, who was that he was with at the end of the book?  Looking forward to the sequel.

  -Saira Priest, author of "Zen of Hoarding"
433162
A classic Dan Brown page-turner with intrigue, copious historical references and info, a fleeting love interest and a bad guy. Having just been to Venice and Florence it was especially fun to picture many of the scenes. And I agree that the Baptistry in Florence is stunning.

The story line - about overpopulation - is extremely thought-provoking and a little scary to contemplate.

Perfect for airplane reading or the pool/beach.
440822
I almost couldn't put this fast-moving, insightfully written biography down. I enjoyed it from a number of different perspectives. First, the historical fiction aspect. The details of everyday life, mining details, descriptions of the towns and homes Elizabeth McCourt lived in throughout her life, her clothing and jewelry and also social morays of the day paint a fascinating picture of life at the turn of the last century. Secondly, the first person treatment provided a sense of balance against the oversimplified vilification of Baby Doe Tabor. Few people are true villains and Stein provides a plausible alternative framework for the decisions the protagonist made throughout her life. And finally, it was interesting to read this at this particular time in history (the Clinton/Trump Presidential Race) and to contemplate how much of the wrath and loathing Baby Doe encountered was merely because she was a strong, uncompromising woman in a world that actively endeavors to slap that down.
1398750
As someone who studied history in college, I have read my fair share of history books over the years.  Unusual For Their Time was a page turner and has a niche of its own.  Part travelogue of the author's adventures and full of First Ladies history, this book was engaging and dynamic.  The storytelling had me feeling as if I was along for the ride and on the journey to the various locations.  It drew me in and left me looking forward to the second volume.
406802
I purchased this book on my AMAZING kindle prior to boarding a flight back to San Francisco after spending the weekend in Washington DC.  I found that the author has an uncanny ability to provide an interesting and indepth perspective on a historical time which I had minimal previous knowledge.  As someone with a science background, I found myself drawn in further with each click of the "next page."  The almost 6 hour flight flew by and I found myself reading the book while waiting for my luggage to appear at the turnstile (yes, I had luggage checked in for a weekend flight as the overcrowded plane did not allow for much luggage to be brought onto the plane.)

I'm still in the process of reading the book (hence why I could only give it 4 stars at the current time), but thought it was important to write a quick review in the hopes of inspiring fellow history amateurs to pick up or purchase the book to read.

With the current political times, it is important to be aware of what history has shown and taught us.  While it may seem like a lengthy book, its detail and appealing sense of story-like narration allows for those who may not have a history background to be informed while not bored.  If you have a kindle, download a sample and see if it is for you.
2799387
I thought this relatively short novel contains a history and modern day idealism that is unparalleled in many novels today.  It is surprising how it kidnaps your interest and keeps you right there.  A real page turner with all the trappings of suspense, history, and spiritual quests throughout.  Well worth the 4 stars.  Glad I liked the title enough to purchase it.
3473999
This is a wonderful book, a real page turner, and a downright interesting read. I love the characters and how the story moves from today to 150 years ago with ease. I enjoy the character development and the twists and turns of the plot. And just when I thought I'd figured it all out, a surprise erupted. I WILL recommend this to my friends AND my book club!
2223548
Easy, but thought provoking read.  Loved the character development and parallels between Molly and Vivian.  Deep themes of loss and how the human soul builds protective walls.  It was good material for a book club and discussion about the historically true aspects of the book and how the role of society has evolved in protecting children.
733233
A bit of background:  I love thrilling mysteries, but if there is no character development, no interesting historical, political or geographical tidbits I lose interest quickly. That's why this book was perfect for me!

Once I started I couldn't put it down, its fast paced and super intriguing. There's papal history, hackers, interesting locales like Malta and a fascinating trip up the Nile that had me opening google maps to follow along the map with the characters. Such a satisfying read.
Similar in pace and intrigue to Dan Brown, but with all the historical research and details of Ken Follett.

I highly recommend it- but don't be surprised when you can't sleep because you'd rather stay up reading!
3956756
Brilliant! I think I randomly and quickly bought this for my Kindle when I wanted something to read during a heavy period of work (one of my main ways of recharging as well as balancing out a demanding and draining phase). The idea of following a violin's history through the ages intrigued me. I did not get to read it soon after buying it as there was no time to read, but when I did read it during a very short Easter break I was enthralled. It was an intelligent historical and also modern novel. The research work done by Julie Thomas was impressive as well as the gift she has for bringing her various characters alive. Only one character was a little more one-dimensional, but all the others went into such depth that I felt emotionally involved and wonderfully distracted for a couple of days. It was just the ticket! I'm almost sorry that I read it now - it is the kind of completely engrossing and richly painted tale that would make a 12-hour flight (even with a three hour layover) go by so very pleasantly.

I would have wanted to purchase her next book and the apparent sequel of sorts to this one, but baulked at the price.
1263550
Its a challenge to label this enjoyable yet thoroughly thought provoking novel.  Part theology, part history, part love story, part satire  Certainly its primary audience will be those interested in theology and historical fiction though perhaps less appealing to those who have no trunk with their weekly dose of received dogma.  The plot is set in the early fourth century, charting the metamorphosis of Sophia, at times called Hypatia, as she is helped by Timaeus to escape her brothel existence.  Through love and tragedy, Sophia is exposed to the radical free ideas of Gnosticism, Trinitarianism, Arianism and Greco-Roman philosophy.  The reader gets a front row seat at Nicaea in AD 325 when the Great and the Good engaged in esoteric debates on the nature of Jesus Christ that defined the fundamental character of the Catholic Church for the next millennia  and led to the rabid persecution of alternative views.  Helton treats the reader to murders, excruciating torture, steamy lovemaking, all the while using an empowered female character whose warmth and friendship makes the novel enjoyable to follow.  The characterisation is deft and the pace is varied.  Recommended.
3096244
An intriguing plot kept me turning the pages to see how the author was going to solve the dilemma posed in this book. The story unfolds within a richly detailed historical context that may be an eye-opener for readers who have only a general notion of the Nazi era. There are many surprises along the way, not the least of which are scenes that take place in a medical milieu where egos and reputations are especially vulnerable, particularly when history rears its head. Chapters that alternate between the 1940s and the early l960s provide a tantalizing  structure that keeps the reader in suspense until the very end.
2414633
Author Jonathan Cahn has cleverly woven current events into American and Biblical history to provide this timely logical and realistic analysis of America's apparent loss of Divine grace during our tumultuous 21st century.  Cahn cleverly immerses the reader into compelling absorption of ancient mysteries with modern conflict which captures and retains the reader's interest in this timely novel that is a challenge to abandon after venturing beyond the table of contents. Constitutional Conservatives will be impressed with how George Washingon and our Founding Fathers forged the sacred Covenant that became the basis of America's founding documents, as well the impact of the infamous "ground zero".  Engage in your own personal discovery of how "The Harbinger" is entertaining, enlightening and intriguing, as you weave your way through a series of profound discoveries in this haunting mystery of life!
3804470
I found that this fascinating mix of curious historical data and mystical experiences with modern day espionage, synchronicities and journalistic curiosity, kept me on the edge of my chair, anticipating what the next chapter would unveil.  Its fast pace and incursions into many aspects of historical secrets and modern research and technology makes for a great read and I enjoyed every page. I appreciated the notes at the end where the author confesses to being the protagonist of the incredible events narrated as part of this amazing story, that actually got him in touch with the Lady in Blue, giving the adventure almost supernatural tones.

Javier Sierra has painstakingly researched many details of history, both 17th century and present day and brings to light in a novelized format, some underlying truths that both shock and surprise, but also add new perspectives to how the world might really work.  His slant on how bi-location might be used to promote religious ideas is definitely intriguing.

A book to be enjoyed and then its implications, thought about.