Brig Berthold
This was absolutely fantastic. I finished and could legitimately have started reading from the beginning.
Staggering.
This novel was full of crafty fiction, accurate history, and excellent depth. Few works of historical fiction are as engaging and, from my seat, appear as well researched.
2nd READ UPDATE:
This book was even better the second time. I can't believe I gave it only 4-starts. I'm upping it to five. Silly me!
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
This book was fantastic. I did need a small amount of time to get through how simple and to the point it is written. Once I overcame the new writing style I sank in to a very visual experience from Kyle's life. Written more honestly than much of what I have read from this genre, Chris Kyle really did not hold back when it came to saying what he felt needed to be said. Taya, Chris Kyle's wife, provided an incredible side of the story which gave my wife and I a more full understanding of the life described by these patriotic people. The book offered less about what it means to be a sniper, the nuts and bolts of the trade, and more about his life, experiences, thoughts, feelings, and lessons learned. Finally, his conclusion was eloquent, simple, and compelling. Overall this was a great read and I am glad I took the time.
I desperately need a “sixth star” for instances of refreshing literary triumph such as this. While this book deserves every bit of five stars, I lament my inability to offer a greater amount of visual praise. Those who wonder if this book is merely another whim on the breeze of the machine that is fiction writing, you would be sorely mistaken and your discounted view will deprive you. Typically I do not lend such weight to the pointedly forcefulness of mass production, and even less to promises of screen adaptation. However, dear citizens of Readertown, I dare say you would be hard pressed to find this particular work over-inflated by its popularity. The writing is fantastic. The Characters are relatable. The setting inspires empathy. The message is layered. What more could you want?
Above average middle-grade. It didn't hurt that I love all things spy related. This book was fun, fast-paced, and literally as clean as it gets. Just an awesome experience.
At first, I was impressed with this story. It began compelling and interesting. Then approximately 1/3 - 1/2 into the book, it really took a jump from well written to Pulitzer Prize-deserving. From that point, the story earned its place atop my five-star shelf. For those who have spent time interested in, or as students of North Korea, this will be particularly thrilling for you. The nature of the story seems so realistic against the true life stories shared by defectors from the DPRK. What's more, this novel was released two years prior to the release of [b:Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee—A Look Inside North Korea 20736640 Dear Leader Poet, Spy, Escapee—A Look Inside North Korea Jang Jin-sung https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1397767877s/20736640.jpg 34433706] which convincingly (a true story) bears the realities of the Kim dynasty in North Korea and the mannerisms of Kim Jung-il. How Johnson came to personify Kim Jung-il with the realism he was able, verified by the Poet-Laureate of the DPRK is fabulous.
I haven't read another book quite like this, before. Drawing the parallels between these two personalities and their career arcs has helped me see new sides to both the boxer and the broadcaster. Somehow, this interpretation of their lives has been among the most honest I've ever encountered; particularly regarding Ali. At least, that's how it felt.
How was this book so good?
Okay, this was another read outside my wheelhouse on purpose. Come on? A 19th century steampunk story about a group of girls shipped off to boarding school to (auspiciously) perfect their manners and fashion sense. When, in fact, they are learning deception, assassination, theft, poison, etc. . . how could this be bad?! Well, it wasn't. It was wicked good fun.
The principle character is a 14-year-old girl with more to offer than even she knows. The setting and plot were entirely age appropriate. The fact that it's set in the late 1800's only adds to the skillful layer of censorship the author achieves for the audience. The most offensive term I heard was “cleavage” and it was only used once or twice. Typically, the euphamism of choice was “decolletage.” That lind of thing happened all the time and was totally impressive.
I would recommend this widely. Especially to the YA/Pre-teen female reader who wants a classy, fun, and strong female lead experience.
This was a fun book. Of course that is why I read Vince Flynn. Mitch Rapp and his cohorts are total brain candy and I can't help it.
Overall, this was a magical experience. I can't say enough good things about these stories. Filled with insights. The only reason I can't give this a full 5 stars is because these stories are written in dialect and it's somewhat cumbersome at times.
This book was truly terrifying. Often, I found myself taking my eyes off the page just to breathe heavily, almost reorienting myself to reality.
Annie Wilkes may represent the most terrifying and realistic portrayal of an antagonist I could ever imagine.
I loved that the protagonist was a writer. Added to King's “On Writing,” we get an interesting glimpse into the mind of a writer through Sheldon's character. For me, that element of the story was fantastic.
Finally, I loved the absence of paranormality. Typically, King delivers a strong paranormal factor in his novels. While he does this to great effect, and with incredible skill, I loved the emphasis on plausibility in this storyline.
I like the level of backstory we get in this installment.
Also, the imagery in this story was more smoothly accessible. This is the main reason it earned four stars.
