This is the best history book that I have read this year. It is a nice narrative that dispels the rosy image that is typically taught in the U.S. about our history. Despite being filled with an unapologetic look at my country‘s dark history it also presents the facts that those events never happened without resistance.
So this book is also a history of the people who fought against slavery, genocide, and oppression and stood up for other people.

I read my first book by Gene Luen Yang earlier this year, and I loved it! So I was very excited to see both of these at my local public library. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is complex and filled with characters that are morally ambiguous. A trait that I normally don‘t care for as it often comes off as contrived and artificial. But with this author seems genuine and makes the world feel more true to reality.

I enjoyed reading this #classic from my #library. Seeing how differently people from that time and culture thought was both interesting and difficult. Difficult because their attitudes especially towards women was something that took an effort to read through.
I liked the themes of cycles. Not only seasons, and famine and plenty, but also the cycles of age and wealth that seemed to lock people into certain roles and actions.
Would recommend, 8/10.

I really liked this book! It has parts of classic #scifi and parts of a #philosophy exploration. I am the exact audience that will enjoy this.
The sci-if books that it resembles most are Fahrenheit 451 and 1984 with its mixture of dystopia and an ambiguous ending that makes you reflect on everything that you‘ve read.
For some chapters the entire action is a philosophical conversation. So if you do not like that it might feel a little boring.

I finished this #classic of #philosophy this morning. It has a great deal of wisdom on issues ranging from nature, death, ethics, justice, peace, and duty all while being handled with the emotional maturity and understanding that is the trademark of Stoicism. Written over his lifetime, it certainly contains a lifetime of wisdom.
It has a looser feel than other philosophical works, and repeated itself on many topics. I would highly recommend.

I have mixed thoughts about this novel. Thrawn is one of my favorite characters in all of fiction and I enjoy every page that he is in.
But, I feel that this novel is a mixed bag. There are parts from the larger #StarWars canon that have no place being in a Thrawn story. Much of the novel features the titular character on the side while other less interesting people tell the story.
Overall, kind of meh. 6 out of 10.
#scifi #starwars #newreleases

With a few exceptions I was not wowed by the previous entry in this series. This one was far more captivating.
There is a massive plot event in this book that will leave you staggered. Even though the author warned you it would happen, it made it no easier to bare.
#newrelease #fantasy #mythology

I have been a fan of this series for over a decade. This latest book is a little light, but is still eminently enjoyable. My favorite elements remain the delightful and interesting lead characters, and the diverse highly detailed settings.
If you are looking for a light read that takes you to exotic locals with people you want to get to know, you will like this book.
7.5/10

I decided to read this #biography recently.
It was written in a very comfortable and friendly way that invited the reader to follow along on his life story. Particularly, I enjoyed reading about his early life, his career in bodybuilding, his acting, and his involvement in politics. I did not really like reading about his businesses or personal life. It is a good book that anyone interested in the man will find enjoyable. 9 out of 10.

I read this book while I was on vacation this month. It was phenomenal!
While I enjoyed all the parts of the story, my absolute favorite was the story of the Monkey King. It was funny, insightful, relatable, and wonderfully illustrated. Everyone should read this book. Seriously, if you have not read it go do so.
10 out of 10!

I listened to this #audiobook that I got from #librivox not knowing what to expect from it. It was on a reading list of #classics that I have been slowing going through for about 20 years now.
This was a very intriguing novel that tackles themes of early #feminism such as repression, the “role of a woman,” a woman‘s desires as an individual, and going against conventions.
I really liked this book. Pick it up and give it a read/listen.

There was not much of a plot to this novel. Nothing dramatic or fantastic happens, and it is very everyday. A lot happens to characters and within those characters minds, but that is not why you should read this book.
I would recommend this book for its hypnotic and highly enjoyable use of language. The way Virginia Woolf writes is so careful and beautiful that I find myself enraptured.

1. Renaissance fair, book sale at the library, eat good food, drink copious amounts of tea, wine, and coffee.
2. Donuts.
3. Not yet. Astonishingly I am reading everything pretty evenly.
4. Arranging plans for my vacation in June to Seattle with my girlfriend!
5. #Chelsibno
#friyaintro
@jesshowbooks

I got a pretty good #bookhaul at the #booksale at my city #library
I was actually surprised that they had so many #philosophy and #classics books that I wanted to get considering how bare those shelves in the collection are.
My own philosophy shelf is growing nicely!

I did not enjoy this book. I found so much about it to be annoying. The main character is self absorbed and inarticulate. He is judgmental. The “meaning” in this book is that the adult world ruins the innocence of youth, and so it is “sadly beautiful” to try and stay a child even thought that is impossible. This is something that I completely disagree with. If anyone wants to know why I disagree with it in greater detail please comment.

This is another #audiobook that I recently finished, and acquired from #librivox. I really like their philosophy of providing public domain books to people in order to encourage a wider spread reading of literature and nonfiction.
There is not much that I can say positively about this book. It was long and not very interesting. Reminded me of a less enjoyable Robinson Crusoe. In fact, you‘re better off reading that book. Leave this one alone.

I listened to this #classic as an #audiobook via #librivox.
I have been trying to read more classics this year. This is a mad scientist story that features immoral cruel experiments in a far off location that is absent from the decent norms that are associated with civilization. Wells as always turns the story as a mirror upon society and asks, “how monstrous are humans?”
Would recommend to classics and #sci-fi fans.

This book was a much lighter than what I have typically been reading lately, and that is a good thing. This book mixes together influences from many classic works, from Dr Jekyll to Frankenstein to #Sherlock Holmes. It blends them with both new characters and a fresh take on existing ones.
My only complaint is that some of the dialogue gets reused very often, and that gets tiring. Overall, would recommend for a fun bit of light reading.
#mystery

It took me three days to read this 500+ page books. I literally couldn‘t put it down.
This book is a charming mix of #fantasy and #comedy and does a good job or subverting the cliche fantasy tropes. Especially the idea of a traditional fantasy hero is commonly associated with knights and chivalry. Much like Game of Thrones does. The title character is roguish, cowardly, untrustworthy and selfish. And I love him! Would highly recommend.

When thinking of a #morallygreycharacter I think of those characters who do things that we might think are unconscionable, and who because of their qualities not only make us not hate them for it but also sometimes hate themselves for it. One of the best examples of this I think is the main character in so many books in this series, The Brat Prince himself, Lestat.
#marchinbooks18 #vampire #antihero #annerice

I can see why this book won the #Pulitzer. The sentences are beautiful in their constructed. Both of the main characters are interesting and feel very much like uncertain young people swept up in the greater events taking place.
The ending is sad and many characters receive an unjust ending to their story. This left me with a complex sense of unsatisfaction, but not in a negative way.
Would recommend to anyone who likes complex emotional stories.

Jim Butcher has been writing The Dresden Files for almost twenty years now and has released dozens of novels, comics, and companion works to the series. Owning most of the novels makes him the author that I own the most books from.
Changes is one of the later books, but it is considered by most fans to be the best. But you should definitely read them in publishing order for the greatest effect.
#marchinbooks18 #fantasy #mystery #adventure #magic

1. I will do both, but it largely depends on circumstances.
2. Dark, then milk, and only sometimes white chocolate.
3. Paperback. Not sure why. I just feel like there is something special about them.
4. Multiple books. Just one won‘t satisfy my voracious reading appetite.
5. French fries.

1. Long books. I enjoy going on long journeys with characters. Short books are good, but I find that if I like them I want them to be longer.
2. Harry Potter. The best young adult fantasy series in generations.
3. Bookmark. I am not a monster.
4. I like both depending on the moment.
5. Depends on my mood and what I am reading.

Day 8: I chose to use my “To Read Next” shelf for today, and the eighth book was this book on the philosophy of science that I am borrowing from a college library. I have not yet read any of the works by the author, but I have been exposed to some of his ideas via other media and I am intrigued. We will see if it is as interesting as it sounds.
#marchinbooks18 #philosophy #science #bookshelf #toread #toberead

One of the best books that I read last year, and one of my favorite books, is also an amazing stand alone book. This is a novel that is somehow timeless and universal to soldiers and wars everywhere even though it only presents to view if WWI German soldiers. This is a book that absolutely deserves to be a classic no matter what age or circumstances you live in.
#marchinbooks18 #favoritestandalonebooks #classic

1. Pancakes, they are one of my top 5 foods.
2. Spicy.
3. One long book.
4. Night Owl, the mornings would be hell without #coffee but nighttime is always pleasant.
5. Rain, for the sound and smell.
#thisorthat

I am anticipating finishing All the Light We Cannot See in #marchinbooks18. I was given this book last Christmas but set it down so I could read some Ray Bradbury books (which were amazing!). Now I am highly anticipating reading the second half. I am sure that is will be even better than the first half.
#lovebooks #bookish #booklover #bookworm

Ray Bradbury continues to delight me with his writings. In this series of stories ostensibly about human arriving at and colonizing Mars Bradbury explores the flawed thinking of humanity in his day, and in ours and shows how it will lead to virtual extinction. Like all great science fiction stories this is a critique of humans, and a warning about our potential future if we can not overcome our shortcomings.
#classic #sci-fi

Ray Bradbury‘s classic story about a dystopian world where books are burned as crimes, and ideas are outlawed is a riveting tale.
Originally intended as a criticism of television, now it can be read to apply to other forms of “distraction entertainment” that seeks to keep people amused and away from deeper thoughts.
For being a love letter to knowledge, it is also a well written sci-fi adventure that will keep you fixed to the page.
#classic

This is one of the best young adult books that I have ever read! Thank you @Chelsibno for recommending it to me.
I don‘t think much else needs to be said about it. It is amazing. You should read it.

I‘ve heard people say that this is not John Green‘s best book, and that it is not as good The Fault in Our Stars. But to me that is alright. Not every book needs to be.
John Green demonstrates his strengths as an author with his great understanding of dialogue and how some people think, and I found the main characters enjoyable and I liked their character development.
The story is small, but it is charming. Like how some small towns can be.

This was not my favorite book by Rick Riordan. In fact, it might be the book of his that I‘ve liked the least. That might sound negative, but he is such a good author that even something “not great” is still highly enjoyable and entertaining.
There are always good parts that make you cheer or think deeply, Riordan‘s use of mythology is still amazing, and he makes you care and emphasize with an exiled ex god.
For this author, a 5/10.

http://m.zimbio.com/quiz/K3iKcn_Ys0x/Classic+Literature+Character

#Classic

A concise exploration of much of the philosophy that has been present in the Western intellectual tradition. There are some gaps, and a great number of philosophers that I wish Russell had discussed further.
But, there is a reason why this book is one of the respected authorities on the history of philosophy. Russell presents the subject with wit and intellect that will inform the reader and spark their interest.

This book is okay. I appreciate what it is attempting, but was left feeling unsatisfied after reading it.
For being a history book about many different LGBTQ individuals it was remarkably light on history. Each person was granted only eight pages on average. I feel like a more extensive coverage of the subjects would have been better, and I am required to do further research myself if I want to learn more about them.
A good book for what it is.

Rick Riordan has written yet another great book filled with amazing characters that you can‘t help but come to adore. Once again he demonstrates his ability to bring mythologies alive in highly entertaining ways. If I had once complaint, it would be that the pacing in this book made some of the confrontations feel less grave than in some of his other books. Overall, a great book and one I would highly recommend.

This is a wildly creative science fiction novel that has helped to define the genre, as well as lending its themes and imagery to countless novels, movies, and video games that have followed it.
The story elements are somewhat typical, but there are other parts that are so imaginative that I found myself reading some parts over and over again.
I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys sci-fi.

I finished this book a while ago, but I got distracted by other things.
I really liked this book. It is a good wholesome adventure story that has three children going from planet to planet encountering evils and strangeness as they search for two of their's father.
I loved how the association is made between knowledge and goodness. I also felt it was fitting that it is plainly stated that humanity has a lot of growing up and evolving left to do.

I found my first favorite passage from A Wrinkle in Time!

Someone wrote this in the copy of The Stranger that I picked up. You need to get to the last chapter, but it is a good summation of the meaning in the book. The story follows a young man, who doesn't react to things the way we think normal people do. For seemingly no reason he kills a person, is put on trail, and is sentenced to death. Looking at things from his perspective the reader can't help feeling how arbitrary all of this, and life, seems.

"The sum total of what a man knows is vanishingly small. What seems in the end more important is that one should pursue knowledge." - Bertrand Russell
#philosophy

I've been reading a lot of books this summer that are about improving the world in radical ways using practical changes. This book is the best of these that I have read thus far. This book does not need some fantastic technology, instead it shows how these are things that could be done within a single generation and dramatically shape every single person's daily life simply by using evidence and reason. Would highly recommend.

This is such a great book! It has all the charm of Neil Gaiman's writing style, and all the strange and wonderful otherworldliness as well. I particularly liked the ending, and especially the last chapter. It is one of the most satisfying endings to a fantasy novel that I've read in a long time. I will be recommending this one to everyone that I know.

It took me three years, but I finally found Saga Vol. One at a library. I've been waiting to read this one for a long time. And it was absolutely worth it! This comic is great! I love the artwork, the world building is creative and unique, and the characters feel very real. I can't actually think of any detractors from this #comic. It's just great. Could not recommend more to any fan of fantasy, science fiction, or comics.

Virginia Woolf's analysis and description of the hurdles that women have had to overcome in Western society, and the sheer condescension from male authorities feels like it should have been abandoned centuries in the past. Sadly it is not. As such, her writings remain as pertinent as ever and deserve to be embraced all over again.
More so because her message can benefit all peoples in realizing and achieving their own creativity and happiness.

I selected this book more for its author. A highly #controversial person during his lifetime Voltaire seemed to have the mission of taking all of the powerful institutions of his day down a peg or two. This naturally made them seek to silence, imprison, and exile him. But he was also adored all over Europe for his brilliance and lent his name to the age. Often it is common to also call the European Enlargement, the Age of Voltaire.
#JubilantJuly

#JubilantJuly #Revenge
Like many people, when thinking of revenge I immediately think of the #classic The Count of Monte Cristo. I will admit it he the teenage Me loved this book for its main character. But as I have matured I have come to appreciate the nuanced meaning in this book more and more. Might be one of my favorite classics ever for this reason.

#JubilantJuly #Journey
Childhood Me would be terribly disappointed if I did not select this book for today. Filled with a thirst for adventure and a hyper imagination Young Mike loved reading all the stories by #JulesVerne. He was one of the authors that helped to both develop me as a reader and feed the fires of my passion for books.

I had heard good things about this book before I sat down to read it. I had also heard it being compared favorably to the "Pop Culture and Philosophy" series of books. While technically being in the same category, I did not like this book. It felt like the parallels between the two was a stretch, and the discussion about the philosophy/religion was being interrupted constantly with otherwise charming children's stories. Would not recommend.