Category: Books

I haven’t updated the book list lately but I am still reading. I picked up ‘Mark Twain’ by Ron Chernow. Loving the book but for me it’s another slow read.

I just received Ryan Holiday’s reading list for July and see a couple of more that I will add to the list shortly.

What’s interesting, for me at least, about reading is that I can blast through some books in hours…and some not so much. Obviously that is related to the time available, the topic of the book, etc. I need to set aside some time a few times a week in the early evening to knock off a few pages rather than waiting until I hit the sack.

Regardless of that I’m reading 3 different books and will at least one finished shortly.

This, as is the first book, “The British are Coming”, is fantastic. I’m always amazed at the intense struggle that both sides went through.

See the list of books here.

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 books 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.

 

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.