Mind the Gapp

This came up because I won the NCAA tourney bracket with the boys in 2024. Still applies…

As I was struggling with the biography of Robert E. Lee by Fitzhugh Lee I decided I needed a break and picked up this book.

Fun book, interesting concept. Give it a try.

See the list of book here.

This book was written by Fitzhugh Lee who was also a player in the Civil War. My problem with the book is the treating Lee almost as infallible. He had some truly brilliant tactical battles but he was not infallible as we can see at Gettysburg.

Regardless, an interesting book.

I’ve been reading a biography of Robert E. Lee, General Lee, A biography of Robert E. Lee, Author: Fitzhugh Lee, and man… it is a slog. I feel like I’ve been reading it forever and I’m half way done.

I don’t think the writing is bad but the bias towards Lee’s ‘genius’ is almost overwhelming at times.

This was a great book. I did not know much about James and Elizabeth Monroe. Wow. Louisiana Purchase negotiations, saving Lafayette’s wife during the French Revolution and so much more.

Here is the complete list for books read in 2025.
Here is a list of books to potentially read.

I did not know anything about Lafayette beyond his involvement in the American Revolution. In fact, I did not much about the French Revolution and the aftermath. Incredible life.

Was in Key Largo not long ago to help my Dad and this pic is from the roof of the house. Beautiful view

This book, Rampage: MacArthur, Yamashita, and the Battle of Manila, is about retaking the Philippines from the Japanese.

Insane story, brutal tactics by the Japanese troops in Manila and elsewhere.

Hard read.