The Non-fiction I am reading.

[CanadianRocky]

(Same as the fiction one, but only non-fiction_

I thought this might be a way for us to find something interesting to read that we might not be aware of.

The basis is to describe (critique or not) the last book we read, the current one and the next one if you already know. The only rule is that it be non-fiction.

It is a good place to put in a critique if you have read any of the books posted.

I will start.

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Last book. "Guns, Germs and Steel, the Fates of Human Societys", by Jared Diamond.

This is the Pulitzer Prize winner about our history as a species over the last 13,000 years.

This book should be on everyones must read list.

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Current book, "Voltaire's Bastards, The Dictatorship of Reason in the West" by John Ralston Saul. (second time I have read it)

And exploration of political, economic, social and cultural origins of Western society.

Another must read.

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Next book, dont know yet.

[brian.austin]

I tend to read more "how to", personal experience, or fact-based history books than social essays/theories, personally.

Previous read: Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

A followup adventure to their Long Way Round about their motorcycle trip around the world. This time they ride bikes from Scotland to Cape Town, the southernmost point on the African continent. The adventures are interesting and their observations and personal insight into what they see is always a good read. I thought the last part of the journey was a bit rushed in the book (Long Way Round did the same thing), though.

I can't read those types of books very often. I have to fight a big urge to sell almost everything and hit the road for a while. Sigh.

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Current read: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks

Boring as heck but necessarily for more network certifications. Don't read it unless you (a) need to get a certification or (b) have insomnia. Guaranteed cure.

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Next read: Landlording by Leigh Robinson

Yes, this "neo-right" conservative is looking at becoming a slum lord.

[Douglas]

Im bad. I cant recall the last nonfiction book I read that wasnt a photography based book. As for fiction, Im just as bad or worse. I cant remember the last book I read for pleasure. It may of been 2001 and one of the Vampire: The masquarade books. I think book 3 or 4 (of 13).

[CanadianRocky]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

I tend to read more "how to", personal experience, or fact-based history books than social essays/theories, personally.

Previous read: Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.

A followup adventure to their Long Way Round about their motorcycle trip around the world. This time they ride bikes from Scotland to Cape Town, the southernmost point on the African continent. The adventures are interesting and their observations and personal insight into what they see is always a good read. I thought the last part of the journey was a bit rushed in the book (Long Way Round did the same thing), though.

I can't read those types of books very often. I have to fight a big urge to sell almost everything and hit the road for a while. Sigh.

-----------------------

I saw the TV series of both of these, but did not know they where books. Both are on my list now.

[Bob B]

I enjoy reading about history and science. Since every coin has 2 sides I read in order to have a balanced understanding.

Instead of typing reviews I am including website links because typing irritates my chronic shoulder problem.

History - A World Lit Only By Fire - Manchester Wm. A World Lit Only by Fire - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Science -Not by Fire but by Ice -Robert W. Felix
The website may appear ‘unique‘, however the book is an eye opener regarding natural climate change . Ice Age Now

Alternate view of design vs. evolution presented in these 2 books

Science - Origins of Life - Rana & Ross
Origins of Life | Reasons To Believe

Creation as Science - Hugh Ross
Creation as Science: A Testable Model Approach to End the Creation/Evolution Wars | Reasons To Believe

[Bob B]

I saw this as a TV series. Excellent!
Last book. "Guns, Germs and Steel, the Fates of Human Societys", by Jared Diamond.

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by CanadianRocky

I saw the TV series of both of these, but did not know they where books. Both are on my list now.

I hadn't realized they were TV shows until I was reading the first book. The DVD is on my "to buy" list. I don't watch much TV and don't have cable/satellite.

[Mechoption]

Recently finished the "God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. An in depth controversial and methodical examination of religion in the world today and in the past; it's guaranteed to make you think and discuss this important subject!

[oldugly]

Finished "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcom Gladwell. Well worth the time to read and reflect.

[brian.austin]

I like the idea of this thread as well as the fiction topic but it's going to die a fast death with no real reviews.

C'mon, folks. Expand a little on what the book was about at least.

[cwhite]

I just finished reading "MADNESS" a true story of one woman's life of bi-polarism, the rapid cycle type.
She tells all her battles with her mind, depression meds, doctors and hospital stay.

It is real, sad, uplifting and very educational.

[cwhite]

Another must read is Alvah Simon's NORTH TO THE NIGHT.

After a life of adventure around the world he meets his future wife and they marry, planning a trip to the NORth in a small sailboat.

Google it and get the book.

I have read it 3 times and could do it again.

HIs discriptiuon of the life he led there for a year alone is quite amazing.

[oldugly]

Just finished Mitch Albom's "have a little faith." As usual Albom does a great job of reporting and reflecting. As many of you know, I am not a religious person. This is still a great read.

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by oldugly

As usual Albom does a great job of reporting and reflecting.

About WHAT?

Come on, people. Fill in the blanks. It's not like the rest of us KNOW a lot of these authors or specifically what they are writing about.

[verdesardog]

The Education of Little Tree is not the last non fiction book I have read but probably the one I have read most often. It's short and sweet!

[cwhite]

I am now reading WITHOUT CONSCIENCE by Robert Hare.

Hare is a well read must read in college if you take physchology and medicine,
Book tells about the inner mind of a scociopath and what makes them tick.

[oldugly]

"About WHAT?"

Brian, From all of your previous posts I thought you knew everything. (That was my snarky response.) Actually, it is about Albom's eight year reconnection with the Rabbi of the only congregation he (Albom) ever belonged to. There is also a parallel story of downfall and redemption of a person who cares for the homeless in that ulcer we call Detroit.

If you read "Tuesdays with Morrie." (or any of his great sports columns) you have some idea of Albom's great way with prose.

[CanadianRocky]

Originally Posted by verdesardog

The Education of Little Tree is not the last non fiction book I have read but probably the one I have read most often. It's short and sweet!

It is one of my "comfort" books. I love the story.

[dean1401]

Unfortunately I "don't read fiction or biographies.......

The world is tough enough without trying to invent things going on...... only my opinion though.