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yaxomoxay

macrumors 604
Mar 3, 2010
7,439
34,275
Texas
Following "how to think like Sherlock Holmes" by Maria Konnikova (pretty good!) I read Kareem Abdul Jabbar's first two novels about Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock's older brother). A diverse 19th century world, with all the same detecting and danger and ... Sherlock's still in school! The local library is open for lending again, you just have to put a book on hold and make an appointment to pick it up. Yay!
watch Konnikova's videos on youtube; her book is also good.
 

ThisBougieLife

Suspended
Jan 21, 2016
3,259
10,664
Northern California
Just started this:

RWBWY7GLVZCLLAMAE4AB7HRULA.jpg


Saw it recommended on my library's website and decided to reserve a copy. I was raised Catholic so I'm always interested in a book on the subject. :)
 
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AVBeatMan

macrumors 603
Nov 10, 2010
5,965
3,846
It’s fiction. How much is based on fact I don’t know. Not started reading yet (although this afternoon, being cold and wet outside and me sat in front of a warm fire would be the perfect time to begin)

From the back cover.

a48060cce344b3659355c42cf6dea98b.png
 

Scepticalscribe

Suspended
Jul 29, 2008
65,135
47,525
In a coffee shop.
Several books by (the historian) Margaret MacMillan have been requested (by me) in the library; I received notification that one (History's People) is already waiting for me, while another (The War That Ended Peace) is currently "in transit".

As a second book - a recent publication on Pakistan - is also "in transit", I shall wait until they both arrive, which is when I shall pay the library a visit, and shall also take the opportunity to return two books by Nick Hornby (Juliet Naked, and Just Like You) that I have read and enjoyed.
 
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scubachap

macrumors 6502a
Aug 30, 2016
512
821
UK
Reading and listening:

Reading this:

61OuBZWtRCL._AC_UY218_.jpg


Really impressed, strongly recommend it

Listening to this:

41SAdzmroEL._AC_UY218_.jpg


Well, I tried to read it a few times many years ago and gave up each time. I think this is one of those rare books that's actually better to listen to. Firstly, all the pronunciation heavy lifting is done for you, which is a huge relief! And secondly, Tolkein's understanding of Anglo Saxon leaps out when you hear it read properly by some one who knows what they're doing as the rhythm etc means it has a Beowulf sort of feel about it. Something that I never picked up when stumbling through it myself.
 

ucfgrad93

macrumors Core
Aug 17, 2007
19,579
10,875
Colorado
Listening to this:

41SAdzmroEL._AC_UY218_.jpg


Well, I tried to read it a few times many years ago and gave up each time. I think this is one of those rare books that's actually better to listen to. Firstly, all the pronunciation heavy lifting is done for you, which is a huge relief! And secondly, Tolkein's understanding of Anglo Saxon leaps out when you hear it read properly by some one who knows what they're doing as the rhythm etc means it has a Beowulf sort of feel about it. Something that I never picked up when stumbling through it myself.

I've tried to read that a few times, and have never managed to get through it. Might have to try it as an audio book.
 

cdcastillo

macrumors 68000
Dec 22, 2007
1,714
2,672
The cesspit of civilization
Several books by (the historian) Margaret MacMillan have been requested (by me) in the library; I received notification that one (History's People) is already waiting for me, while another (The War That Ended Peace) is currently "in transit".

As a second book - a recent publication on Pakistan - is also "in transit", I shall wait until they both arrive, which is when I shall pay the library a visit, and shall also take the opportunity to return two books by Nick Hornby (Juliet Naked, and Just Like You) that I have read and enjoyed.
Added to my "want to read" list.
 
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yaxomoxay

macrumors 604
Mar 3, 2010
7,439
34,275
Texas
SPQR: A history of Ancient Rome (2015) by Mary Beard.
Quite a readable, entertaining, and interesting book of Ancient Rome. Mary Beard narrates the story of Rome from its unknown birth a few centuries BC to Emperor Caracalla (210's AD). It is obviously impossible to describe the complexity of Rome in just a few hundred pages (I mean, just the fall of the Roman Republic would require tomes over tomes), but Beard was able to capture the essence of it in a way that is very instructive. Although an introductory book, I think that some very basic prior knowledge of Rome might help the reader.

SPQR_A_History_of_Ancient_Rome.jpg
 
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Scepticalscribe

Suspended
Jul 29, 2008
65,135
47,525
In a coffee shop.
SPQR: A history of Ancient Rome (2015) by Mary Beard.
Quite a readable, entertaining, and interesting book of Ancient Rome. Mary Beard narrates the story of Rome from its unknown birth a few centuries BC to Emperor Caracalla (210's AD). It is obviously impossible to describe the complexity of Rome in just a few hundred pages (I mean, just the fall of the Roman Republic would require tomes over tomes), but Beard was able to capture the essence of it in a way that is very instructive. Although an introductory book, I think that some very basic prior knowledge of Rome might help the reader.

SPQR_A_History_of_Ancient_Rome.jpg

That’s a great book. My high school Latin teacher recommended it to me.

Agree with both of you.

To my mind, this is an excellent book - well written, engaging and most interesting - and is one of the best books I have read on the subject.
 
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yaxomoxay

macrumors 604
Mar 3, 2010
7,439
34,275
Texas
Agree with both of you.

To my mind, this is an excellent book - well written, engaging and most interesting - and is one of the best books I have read on the subject.
Honestly, I'd go as far as saying that she is the Barbara Tuchman of the Roman era rather than WWI, at least as it concerns for that specific book. Mine is a BIG compliment.
 
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