52 Book Roundup – March 1

I am continuing to work through my challenge to read 52 books this year.  I’m currently on a great pace (thanks to an awesome January) which is encouraging.  Here is my monthly roundup of what I read.  Enjoy!

FEBRUARY

11. Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton: https://amzn.to/3kwGnPa
“Yet I have discovered that if all those around you believe some particular thing, you will soon be tempted to share in that belief, and so it was with me.”
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10. Dune by Frank Herbert: https://amzn.to/2NKIQJG
I am very glad I have now read one of the greatest (if not the greatest) science fiction books of all time. I’m also pumped about the movie coming out (hopefully) late this year.

“A leader, you see, is one of the things that distinguishes a mob from a people. He maintains the level of individuals. Too few individuals, and a people reverts to a mob.”

“But it’s well known that repression makes a religion flourish.”

“How often it is that the angry man rages denial of what his inner self is telling him.”

JANUARY

9. What Matters?: Economics for a Renewed Commonwealth by Wendell Berry: https://amzn.to/3pYyi6J
“Without prosperous local economies, the people have no power and the land no voice.”

“For whatever determines the fortune of the land determines also the fortune of the people.”

“If, as is often the case already, nobody can be elected who is not wealthy, and if nobody can be wealthy without dependence on the corporate economy, then what is your vote worth? The citizen thus becomes an economic subject.”

“This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; more to be admired amd enjoyed than used.” -Thoreau
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8. Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans by Brian Kilmeade: https://amzn.to/2Pk5Y28
I had no idea Jackson had adopted an Indian boy and that New Orleans was such a crucial battle.
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7. Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl by N.D. Wilson: https://amzn.to/2NDSA8I
Awesome observations of God and living in the world He has made.
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6. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: https://amzn.to/3bPEIAh
Much, much sadder than I thought it would be. (Not sure how I missed this book growing up.) Won’t have my kids read it until a certain age.
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5. Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern by Anne Mccaffrey: https://amzn.to/3r1Uj5P
This was a hard read to the far away Sci-Fi setting but unique and interesting.  It also had an epidemic in the story. Strange how it correlated to 2020 in that way. Sad and abrupt ending.
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4. Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide To Money by Dave Ramsey: https://amzn.to/3dX1Jnl
I think everyone needs to be on the Ramsey plan for finances. Being debt free is the key to freedom in order to build wealth.
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3. The Moviegoer by Walker Percy: https://amzn.to/3dSi9gJ
Honest. Thoughtful. Descriptive. A little confusing at times due to the time period alliterations and analogies. The tension is felt between safe and adventure, between protection and risk and being alone versus connected. Facing your fear. What is “the search”. And when does it end.
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2. Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever by Bill O’Reilly: https://amzn.to/3dUArOu
This was a fascinating read. The late details of the Lee surrender were new to me. Richmond’a failure to send supplies to southern army caused a great deal of their demise. Many in north hated Lincoln. Didn’t know that.

I didn’t know their was other conspiring men in killing Lincoln and others to be killed as well.  John Parker leaving his post. Boothe fleeing for 2 weeks. Possible deeper plot. Fascinating read. Sad as well.
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1. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: https://amzn.to/3b0WBwx
This was very good and as I’m sure you can imagine, very sad. The endurance and grit of these people is astounding. The evil and awfulness of those in charge is staggering. This book details survival, creativity, risk and Love. Lale and Gita are heroes and they are willing to open themselves up to extreme pain for their love for each other and friends. What those in charge did during the Holocaust is unspeakable.  It is an immersive story. Don’t forget.

 

Thanks for reading my post on my 52 Book Roundup – March 1.