Missive #139 Published 9 October 2023
This is a very good book by Dos Passos, much better than most of his early books in my opinion. It is also the fifth book in the Mainstream of America Series which I now plan on reading. History written by writers rather than academics. Read the rest
Missive #136 Published 5 October 2023
This was the last book by Frank Herbert in the Dune series. His son took his father's notes for two additional books and published them. He then kept the series alive by writing some of his own — cashing in on the Dune name. I will not be reading them. I will also not read any of Herbert's other books. This one was not understandable by this reader so I'll call it quits. Read the rest
Missive #135 Published 2 October 2023
This book has more of Twain's satire and sarcasm than Innocents did. Much of the satire is self directed but emulates Americans. His sarcasm is directed more toward the Europeans but they get their fair share of satire as well. A very good book. I'll be reading some more of his travel books. Read the rest
Missive #132 Published 26 September 2023
Most of these essays are from the 1980's and early '90s. I liked them a lot as you can tell be the number of quotes I have selected. Recommended, except for Book V. Read the rest
Missive #129 Published 19 September 2023
Oryx and Crake is at once an unforgettable love story and a compelling vision of the future. Snowman, known as Jimmy before mankind was overwhelmed by a plague, is struggling to survive in a world where he may be the last human, and mourning the loss of his best friend, Crake, and the beautiful and elusive Oryx whom they both loved. Read the rest
Missive #125 Published 15 September 2023
Ten years ago, the twentieth century and the Bronze Age were tossed together by a mysterious Event. In the decade since, the Republic of Nantucket has worked hard to create a new future for itself, using the technological know-how retained from modern times to explore and improve conditions for the inhabitants of the past. Some of these peoples have become allies. Some have turned instead to the renegade Coast Guard officer William Walker. And for ten years, the two sides have tested each other, feinting and parrying, to decide who will be the ones to lead this brave new world into the future. The final battle lines have now been drawn. And only one side can emerge the victor." Read the rest
Missive #125 Published 14 September 2023
This is Volume III and for the most part is just as good as the first two. However, Psi-Rec: Of Sword and Sitar can be skipped and you will not have missed much. Read the rest
Missive #124 Published 12 September 2023
A very good book written by someone that is not an economist that believes the current ideology. The reviewers that give the book low ratings are such true believers. I for one agree with what he says and think we are now in that depression and it will get worse before it gets better. Read the rest
Missive #122 Published 8 September 2023
Kelly Turnbull, the hero of People’s Republic, Indian Country, Wildfire, and Collapse, is back this fifth novel that tells the story of how America split apart into red and blue. Brought back to the United States to work with an elite group of operators who are seeking to stop the slide to open civil war, Turnbull pursues a leftist terrorist mastermind who will stop at nothing to burn down the country. Read the rest
Missive #121 Published 6 September 2023
These are thee very good stories that the author wished to be called short novels not novellas. She wrote mostly short stories with only one completed novel. The book that I read had a Cronology of her life that was an interesting read as well. She was married four times and quite a minx even into her more mature years. A good read. Read the rest