I have had this book on my TBR for a while now and was inspired to give it a try after watching the Challenger docu-series on Netflix. Unfortunately, I have had this book on my TBR for a while now and was inspired to give it a try after watching the Challenger docu-series on Netflix. Unfortunately, historical disasters are fascinating and tend to make for interesting shows and books. I remember the day the Challenger accident happened, and I have always been interested in learning more about it.
With Truth, Lies, and O-Rings I learned A LOT about the events leading up to and following the Challenger tragedy. And, it is no accident that I capitalized A LOT; McDonald does not just give a basic, quick summary. This is an extremely detailed, often repetitive, account of EVERYTHING you could possibly ever want to know about it. I cannot stress this enough – if you only have a passing interest in this event, just want a quick summary of everything (much like what was presented in the docu-series), or this is just your first time to try and learn about this subject, I don’t recommend this book.
However, this is a great book and will give you all the details you need. If you love getting into the nitty gritty of historical events - and, I mean, really immersing yourself in the details, the facts, the people, etc. - then this is the book for you. Despite being dense with facts, McDonald does a pretty decent job of keeping it interesting and has written it in a way that is accessible to the layman.
While reading, someone commented on one of my statuses that they hoped I would give my before and after impressions of NASA when I was done reading this book. To be honest, I never gave a whole lot of thought to NASA before reading this book. To me, they were just an agency that put people in space. After reading the book, I see a bit more of how they are just another government agency with lots of bureaucracy, red tape, and pressure to deliver – sometimes at the expense of safety and common sense. Also, they really work hard to pass the blame when possible. But, they also did many positive things over the course of the events in this book – so it is not all bad. So, I would say I now know more about NASA, but I am not really surprised by its behavior as a government agency.
In summary, I recommend this book to hardcore space and historical disaster buffs who want all the details in depth and ad nauseum. I do not recommend this book to those with a passing and casual interest. ...more
It is difficult to exist without knowing at least something about the Titanic. From just general fascination about a famous historical tragedy to pop It is difficult to exist without knowing at least something about the Titanic. From just general fascination about a famous historical tragedy to pop culture interest around the late 90s film, you will be hard pressed to find someone who does not least have enough knowledge about the Titanic disaster to carry on a discussion about the topic. Despite what I know already, I wanted to take the time to go back and read the first (and maybe most famous) non-fiction account of the tragedy. It was 100% worth my time!
I have had this book on my list for a while but was recently inspired to read it after reading The Wreck of the Titan. Titan was a book written several years before the Titanic and has the reputation of being eerily predictive of the real-life event. In my opinion, I found it lacking and wanted to cleanse my palate with an account of the true story.
Lord does a great job of concisely describing the events of that fateful night. It was easy to follow and stay interested in. Sometimes non-fiction can get long winded and repetitive, but this account gets to the point with the details and brings the suspense of the real event to the page. Also found here in more detail than I have seen in other accounts (fiction and non-fiction) is the human response of the people; from heroes to cowards, split second decisions that both saved lives and cost lives, all of it extremely fascinating!
If you have any interest in the event surrounding the Titanic, I highly recommend this title. I also recommend it to fans of maritime stories and important historical events in general.
I was born almost a decade after most of the chaos surrounding the Vietnam War in the late 60s/early 70s. I can oPowerful and moving - 5+ Stars
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I was born almost a decade after most of the chaos surrounding the Vietnam War in the late 60s/early 70s. I can only imagine what it was like to grow up with the threat of being drafted and the chaos of military action on our home soil. Unfortunately, 2020 has shown that maybe we have not come quite as far from the events of Kent State as we hoped.
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Backderf does a great job with all of his research and sharing this important story using the graphic novel medium. It may not seem like a topic for a "comic book", but it really does a great job in making a complicated and difficult subject relatable. As the story is told, he makes you want the visuals and then he gives them to you instantly. I looked up a few of the backgrounds on Google Maps and he did a great job in accurately recreating the setting. Just amazing all around.
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Speaking further about the visuals, I enjoy Backderf's style. It is a bit cartoonish and sometimes reminds me of old Mad Magazine art, but that does not get in the way of telling a serious story. It is enjoyable to look at and very precise so that there is not a lot of "extra" to get in the way of the main focus of each panel. Again, really great stuff here!
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I have read non-fiction recently about 9/11 and mention in that review that the story might be a difficult one for some, but sometimes the truths are hard and we still need to learn about them. That is the case with Backderf's Kent State, and I think anyone would benefit by reading this, learning, and remembering what happened 50 years ago in northeast Ohio as Americans attacked other Americans in a conflict that could have been avoided. Again, it is a lesson I think that some still need to learn....more
I recently listened to The Diary of Anne Frank. A co-worker suggested to me, since she knew I also like graphic novels, that I also try out thi[image]
I recently listened to The Diary of Anne Frank. A co-worker suggested to me, since she knew I also like graphic novels, that I also try out this version of the story. I am glad that I decided to read it so soon after listening so I was easily able to compare the two.
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While I would always recommend the original material first, I think this version did a great job using the graphic novel format. Also, maybe someone who would never take the time to read the diary directly in Anne's words might be willing to try it out as a graphic novel. I think this is a great thing as it means a wider audience will learn this important story.
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Story wise, it is very close to the original diary. If you know it in Anne's words, you will not find it too much different. The main thing is some entries in the diary might be summarized in one page/one image. Other parts might have been edited out to promote the flow of the graphic novel. But, I don't feel like any content or meaning was lost. Also, sometimes something described by Anne without much detail may have been reimagined by the artist with a new, creative twist (example: at one point the Nazis are depicted as Egyptians watching over Jewish slaves building pyramids - Anne never said anything like this specifically in her Diary)
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Speaking of artwork - I think the artist did a great job of creating eye catching images while remaining respectful to the source material. A lot of dialogue from the diary was kept in tact and integrated well with the imagery. In fact, if you frequently read graphic novels, you will find a lot more words within the art than normal.
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This is an important story and everyone should read it. If the full diary is not for you, but this sounds interesting, give it a go. If you enjoyed the diary and gave thought about revisiting it, this is not a bad way to do so....more
This is a powerful must read. It makes me wonder how many other diaries like this were written during the war that were lost during the holocaust, desThis is a powerful must read. It makes me wonder how many other diaries like this were written during the war that were lost during the holocaust, destruction of cities, purging of Jewish living spaces, etc. It is amazing that this narrative on life in hiding made it through and can represent all those who were in hiding and whose voices were never heard.
I knew the story of Anne Frank before reading this book. In fact, I may have read some or all of it back in high school, but I cannot remember for sure. Back around 2006 or 2007 I took a trip to Europe and had a chance to visit the Anne Frank House. Unless you get a chance to visit in person, it is hard to understand exactly what the conditions were like and the size of the space. Anne Frank did a good job describing, but seeing is believing!
Another interesting thing about reading this now is that we are in the middle of the Coronavirus quarantine. While many of us get a bit of cabin fever being asked to stay home, reading Anne Frank’s words about being trapped in a small space for two years because of fear of death if found really puts it into perspective. But, at the same time, this might be a good time to revisit or read it for the first time because her frustrations with her family and situation may be a bit more understandable for those who have barely left the house in months.
When the book first started, I wondered how accurate Anne’s descriptions were. She was an angsty and outspoken teenager which made me wonder what was true and what was just her perspective. For example, the first few chapters are mainly her complaining about her parents, other adults, and people she did not like from school. However, I think this part of the diary is important because it shows her growth throughout the story as the situation becomes more dire and she is forced to mature before her time.
I cannot say that this book will be enjoyed by everyone – especially if biographies are not your thing. Also, the subject matter and the situation the Frank’s are in may be difficult for some to handle. But, it is an important document from World War II history and is worth reading no matter who you are....more
I have read other 9/11 books and watched 9/11 specials – they are all very powerful. So, I will not say that this one iWow . . . just wow . . .
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I have read other 9/11 books and watched 9/11 specials – they are all very powerful. So, I will not say that this one is “better” or “more powerful”, but it certainly might be the most complete and thorough coverage of all the various events in one place. Pulling from hundreds of interviews with people directly involved, or who had family and friends involved, it is a very moving portrait of that fateful day.
This should be read by everyone, but it will not be easy for most people. However, not forgetting means that sometimes there are hard truths. We have a choice to remember or not, but there are many people who had no choice that day – they were fated to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
One thing about this particular book compared to other 9/11 books/shows is that it was the most complete retelling of the events at the Pentagon that I have seen. In the afterward, there is mention of a book that was written specifically about the Pentagon, but I have not read that one. Also, I knew very little about the events around the government response, the journey of Air Force One, etc. This really is a very complete picture of the events of that day.
I think the story that got to me the most was near the very end (view spoiler)[there was a woman who worked in the Twin Towers who was laid off on September 10th. A few weeks after the disaster, her boss hunted her down to check on her and ask when she would be returning to work. The entire HR department had been destroyed and all HR employees killed on 9/11. Her boss had never been told she was laid off. (hide spoiler)] I was left speechless by that story. It is one of the saddest but also ironically laughable (not funny laughable – more like shake your head laughable) stories I have heard from that day.
Again – check this book out. We owe it to the heroes who saved many lives that day and the innocent people who were not expecting to lose their lives just doing their daily routine. Let’s keep their memories alive. ...more
Growing up during the 80s and the final stages of the cold war I remember many, big defining stories in the 80s and early 90s. Reagan vs Gorbachev. ThGrowing up during the 80s and the final stages of the cold war I remember many, big defining stories in the 80s and early 90s. Reagan vs Gorbachev. The arms race. The fall of the Berlin Wall. But, probably the biggest event with the longest lasting impact is the Chernobyl disaster.
While the Berlin Wall falling was a big deal and has had a lasting impact on the political climate in Europe, there are very few remaining sections, some memorials, but any lasting visible impact is mainly relegated to history books and museums. Chernobyl, on the other hand, has led to thousands of square miles of land that are still uninhabitable to this day and will be for decades to come. Entire shells of cities crumbling - barley touched since the hours after the event. A gigantic metal and concrete sarcophagus concealing rubble that is too hot to move or cleanup and sits concealed as it was just moments after the reactor was destroyed.
Midnight in Chernobyl is the story of that fateful night and the months afterward. I have always been very interested in learning more about this event and was excited to finally read this. It has me even more intrigued to watch the recent HBO mini-series. I learned so much from this book and now it is much more than just stark pictures online and a footnote from my childhood.
Two things to be aware of going in if you are interested in checking this out. First, it does get very technical and scientific at times. This may interest you or you may just need to push through it and say "okay, yeah, nuclear science stuff - okay, got it!" Second, there are LOTS of characters so there are LOTS of Russian names. This can be difficult to keep track of. There is a list of these at the beginning to help you keep track, but the list is pretty daunting, too.
If you like history, remember this from your childhood and want to know more, or a big fan of disaster books/movies, this book is 100% worth checking out....more
Another difficult but powerful historical account of the atrocities of World War II and the power of the human spirit to overcome them. Hillenbrand doAnother difficult but powerful historical account of the atrocities of World War II and the power of the human spirit to overcome them. Hillenbrand does a fantastic job of telling this important story that I think it is worth everyone knowing. Again, some of the content is difficult and a bit graphic, but the truth hurts some time and it is worth taking the time and effort to learn about what these brave men in WWII went through to overcome tyranny.
Also, I think delving a bit deeper into WWII is worth it as I have learned a lot more about the Pacific side of the conflict than I ever knew before. Seems like most historical (and historical fiction) accounts I have read recently are all about the European conflict. And, it was good to see that there was some humanity among all the inhumanity.
If you are not into history, you may not enjoy this, but it is worth giving it a shot for its importance. Overall, an amazing story and an amazingly well done telling of it....more
I love books and movies that get you interested in sports you never cared about before. Also, I love how the Olympics does the same thing. You turn onI love books and movies that get you interested in sports you never cared about before. Also, I love how the Olympics does the same thing. You turn on the TV and suddenly life itself depends on the outcome of some not quite mainstream sport like biathlon, cycling, diving, curling, etc. - and, while watching, you become an expert at all the finer points of the sport. The Boys in the Boat is the perfect example of this type of story. And, with the Winter Olympics coming up, the perfect way to whet my appetite for the competition.
In this case, the sport is rowing. The underdogs are the working class Western US college boys competing against the upper class Ivy Leaguers of the East. The true story of their progress to success and Olympic glory is enthralling. The writing is superb. You will find yourself falling in love with rowing even if you have never seen an oar slice through the water before.
History buffs, sports fans, and people who love a good story about the disrespected underdog finding ultimate success in the end - this book is for you!
Side note - this book also does a great job capturing the development of the Nazi regime as they rose to power while preparing for the 1936 Olympics. The stories of whitewashing the towns to cover up poverty and the newly established oppression of Jews and other minorities is heart-wrenching. Tales of the propaganda machine and the wool pulled over the eyes of the world is amazing. At one point, the author goes through a list of the things the athletes did "not see", and I was wondering if this was an intentional play on "Nazi".
Fascinating and terrifying! A non-ficton story about pre-history, history, and the lessons it teaches us about our potential mortality. A cautionary tFascinating and terrifying! A non-ficton story about pre-history, history, and the lessons it teaches us about our potential mortality. A cautionary tale that we may have no control over; the fate of ancient civilizations may hint at our eventual fate as well.
Doulas Preston always impresses. I am a huge fan of his fiction work (the Pendergast series with Lincoln Child) and his detailed, but not so much that it is inaccessible, non-fiction. Every time you enter either the real or made up world with Preston, you know he is going to make the mysterious real for you . . . sometimes too real . . . sometimes too scary.
This book starts out with the search for a lost civilization in Honduras. Along the way, stories of deadly flora will convince you how scary nature can really be. When the ancient ruins are revealed, it is not just a matter of exploring a long gone city or collecting artifacts – a mysterious terror is unleashed that will affect those on the expedition for the rest of their life. What you find out is not for the faint of heart – especially because it is all true!
Some may not know that Douglas Preston is the Brother of Richard Preston (author of The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus ). Without revealing/spoiling too much, I will say that Douglas appears to be venturing into his brother’s brand of writing. I wonder how much he may have consulted him while writing this book? If you like Richard’s books, definitely check this out!
I will close by saying that I thought this book was great. History/archaeology fans will love most, if not all, of it. However, I hesitate to just randomly throw out recommendations since the terror that is unleashed may be too much for some!
Very interesting, but very textbook. Not much more than this happened followed by this followed by this etc. without much more outside of the events oVery interesting, but very textbook. Not much more than this happened followed by this followed by this etc. without much more outside of the events of the story (not sure I am describing this well, but it stood out a lot compared to other non-fiction I have read)
For history buffs, for mafia buffs, for true crime buffs I think this quick read about one of America's most notorious criminals will be well received.
I just found this sweet poster from a 1950s movie starring Charles Bronson (his first film). The quote made me LOL
Driving back from a vacation to Tampa Bay followed by having to mow my lawn after 10 days away allowed me to finish this 13 hour audiobook in about 24Driving back from a vacation to Tampa Bay followed by having to mow my lawn after 10 days away allowed me to finish this 13 hour audiobook in about 24 hours.
Also, it is a Scott Brick audio which is a huge bonus!
Larson does it again with an intriguing look into a major event in history. It is well researched and he does a great job integrating other anecdotes of the time to create a picture of America before they joined WWI and the antagonism between England and Germany early on during the war.
While I think this book would be best appreciated by someone with an interest in history, there is enough going on here that I think some may be surprised at how much they enjoy it.
I will say that even though I did only listen to it, I think some may take in the historical details better listening than reading (kinda like watching and being fascinated by a show on the History channel about something you never thought would interest you)...more
Very interesting - first third a little slow and repetitive, but all the rest is great. A well researched and scary look into the effect rabies has haVery interesting - first third a little slow and repetitive, but all the rest is great. A well researched and scary look into the effect rabies has had on our society throughout the years. Seems like the author can tie almost anything (art, books, movies, etc.) back to rabies. Might not be a good book for you if you get grossed out easily....more
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