I saw this book described as a history of the average Joe of the USAAF - the story of the flyers not of the leaders - so I was a bit surprised by the I saw this book described as a history of the average Joe of the USAAF - the story of the flyers not of the leaders - so I was a bit surprised by the first six chapters or so being mainly a top-level history of "Happ" Arnold and the early Army Air Force development. Nonetheless, it was a really interesting history, providing a solid background for the rest of the book.
It is hard for this book not to come across like an "America is the best, America won the war single-handedly, America's planes/fliers/strategy/etc was naturally going to win anyways" argument. To be fair, the points are correct, but as is often the case with popular American history it can sound bragging or egotistical and does not give credit to other nations (though, yes, it is an American history). This book toes that line, with stories and arguments that had me at times mumbling "what about Britain?" but the author was careful to give credit to other nations (and aircraft types) when necessary. Still, hard not to be blown away by the American airplanes and production capabilities!
The book does bring in the stories of average flyers as the war progresses, but I felt they were less stories selected to back up the author's arguments and more stories that the author then tried to argue as true fact. The stories felt very selected for the sake of making a point, and then the historical record was really hammered home to back them up. It doesn't affect the flow much (I would say the jumping between bomber groups and fighters was more confusing) and doesn't lessen the impact or awe-factor of the personal stories, thankfully. And they are amazing stories!
This was a fun book to listen to. The "good old war stories" element makes it fun and leaves you amazed by the Greatest Generation, but the history and larger geopolitical context makes it an eye-opening history. I recommend it for people that enjoy history of air warfare or are interested in the development of the USAAF in the Second World War.
Merged review:
I saw this book described as a history of the average Joe of the USAAF - the story of the flyers not of the leaders - so I was a bit surprised by the first six chapters or so being mainly a top-level history of "Happ" Arnold and the early Army Air Force development. Nonetheless, it was a really interesting history, providing a solid background for the rest of the book.
It is hard for this book not to come across like an "America is the best, America won the war single-handedly, America's planes/fliers/strategy/etc was naturally going to win anyways" argument. To be fair, the points are correct, but as is often the case with popular American history it can sound bragging or egotistical and does not give credit to other nations (though, yes, it is an American history). This book toes that line, with stories and arguments that had me at times mumbling "what about Britain?" but the author was careful to give credit to other nations (and aircraft types) when necessary. Still, hard not to be blown away by the American airplanes and production capabilities!
The book does bring in the stories of average flyers as the war progresses, but I felt they were less stories selected to back up the author's arguments and more stories that the author then tried to argue as true fact. The stories felt very selected for the sake of making a point, and then the historical record was really hammered home to back them up. It doesn't affect the flow much (I would say the jumping between bomber groups and fighters was more confusing) and doesn't lessen the impact or awe-factor of the personal stories, thankfully. And they are amazing stories!
This was a fun book to listen to. The "good old war stories" element makes it fun and leaves you amazed by the Greatest Generation, but the history and larger geopolitical context makes it an eye-opening history. I recommend it for people that enjoy history of air warfare or are interested in the development of the USAAF in the Second World War....more
I enjoyed this book more once it got to the actual Antarctic experience of the crews (the first journey in 1902 and the later more famous one in 1913)I enjoyed this book more once it got to the actual Antarctic experience of the crews (the first journey in 1902 and the later more famous one in 1913). The earlier biographical lead-up about Scott and his progress towards Antarctic exploration was important backstory, but took a long time and was only useful for character foundations that Fiennes uses later as a defence for Scott.
The book features a lot of Fiennes, acting as an expert, and thus one of the only people to be able to comment on Scott's actions and reasoning that resulted in (or that coincided with) his death and four of his crew on their journey back from the South Pole. Fiennes does paint a picture of Scott as an incorrectly maligned giant of the golden age of exploration, a man whose good name was tarnished by jealous, unknowing, and, in one case, senile crew members and later revisionists. I think they are fair points, Scott's story was polarized and selectively used for patriotism or reflecting changing society, but the argument at times sounds overly defensive and reflects Fiennes's own right-wing political views.
What makes the book amazing is the story of Scott and his men. The journeys they took, the conditions they faced, and the successes they had even with the tragic end in The Tent are phenomenal and well-documented feats of strength, courage, and leadership. Shackleton gets much more press for his Elephant Island voyage (and because he survived), but Scott in this book is shown as a more genuine, effective, and "British" leader who was only foiled by changing circumstances and some bad luck. Scott made the poll, and did so while conducting a hugely influential scientific program along the way, and was only beaten because Amundsen changed his plans and went hell for leather into a race (that itself nearly ended in tragedy) that had no great impact on the world other than being first. That's why Scott is still so well known today, that's why his name is on the South Pole Station alongside Amundsen's. I think that's an important thing to remember, and an interesting study of difference between the two men and their outcomes. Scott, nearly to the end, carried 35 pounds of rocks that it was hoped would show Antarctica was a continent once attached to others in the world, or with animals from the age of dinosaurs. Amundsen just covered miles, judge them as you wish.
The stories of life on the ice and the life of these men conducting scientific experiments and human travel expeditions is remarkable, and there were times where I was left shaking my head with wonder. Not that I think it was a good idea - I would never want to live through what they did and of course today we don't need to - but it is amazing to see how it progressed within 100 years. The fact that Scott was the last man at the Pole for almost 50 years is also quite remarkable, and that his journey is still a benchmark for modern-day explorers' distances and paces... wow. These stories make up for the defensive writing and for the boring preamble.
Note: I've been reading a book about Arctic or Antarctic exploration each year (it seems always in winter), so this was a natural fit to read over Christmas, but it was also a book that was on my shelf for some 5-7 years beforehand. I'm looking forward to learning more about Amundsen or some of the other characters involved in similar events around that time, to see how people like Scott are portrayed differently depending on the book's respective protagonists and the authors' era and views....more
A classic book by one of the famous journalist/authors of the last century. The stories are unbelievable, the writing is sensational, and the narratioA classic book by one of the famous journalist/authors of the last century. The stories are unbelievable, the writing is sensational, and the narration by Dennis Quaid is pretty funny. He's not your ideal narrator, kind of over-dramatic and a bit slurry, but it works. Worth a read (or at least a watch of the movie if you're only mildly interested)....more
This was a good sci-fi, with R.C. Bray as the narrator making it a really good one. The dry narration, humour, and fun space content. The story isn't This was a good sci-fi, with R.C. Bray as the narrator making it a really good one. The dry narration, humour, and fun space content. The story isn't amazing, but an interesting concept of alien invasion, being helped by other aliens to defeat it, and then being brought into an intergalactic conflict on the wrong side because of those benefactors. Worth a listen to if you like paperback sci-fi....more
Good history of the chase and sinking of the Bismarck, though it's really more a history of the Royal Navy ships, crews, and process of chasing the grGood history of the chase and sinking of the Bismarck, though it's really more a history of the Royal Navy ships, crews, and process of chasing the great German battleship. The history is a bit thick, but it's quite interesting. Lots of good focus on individual sailors, a bit pro-British focus, but interesting to listen to. Good narrator with Traber Burns too....more
Interesting book, definitely a strange story that includes a lot of mystery and confusion. The writing isn't phenomenal, gets a bit long and dry at tiInteresting book, definitely a strange story that includes a lot of mystery and confusion. The writing isn't phenomenal, gets a bit long and dry at times, but if you're curious about Donald Crowhurst and what resulted in his death at sea (or generally if you're interested in mental health, strange characters, sailing/travel, and mysteries) then you'll find it at least an interesting story....more
Come on, why not? Another funny, action-packed, slightly confusing, and very, very over the top romp through Atlantis with everyone's favourite not-soCome on, why not? Another funny, action-packed, slightly confusing, and very, very over the top romp through Atlantis with everyone's favourite not-so-wizard computer hacker Martin and the gang of other people who have cracked the "world is a computer program" hack. And Luke Daniels, he's great.
The story isn't much to write home about, it's a bit confusing with all the multiple timeline/characters surrounding Britt, and it kind of ends with more questions than answers (especially with Jimmy) but it was worth a few hours. Some chuckles, a few actual laughs, and again just so many great voices by Daniels!...more
This was an interesting book that turned out a bit better than I thought it would. Basically it is about a gun-for-hire with a moral compass who we fiThis was an interesting book that turned out a bit better than I thought it would. Basically it is about a gun-for-hire with a moral compass who we find living a secret life in LA taking one client at a time and dealing with their problems. A teenager in a corrupt cop's prostitution ring (the cop gets his due), an immigrant worker being threatened by a drug mob, etc. But what happens when this contract killer/Robin Hood figure falls in love with the local DA, and when one of his contracts ends up being someone sent to manipulate him and hunt him down?
Ok, so it's very over the top, unbelievable, and a bit ridiculous, but it made a half decent action book along the lines of a Jack Reacher. Evan Smoak's abilities, blank cheque finances, and unlimited resources are rather unbelievable, but the action is good and the suspense about who is after him makes it interesting. The narration is good, if a bit mellow, and there was enough interest in the relationship to make me curious about what would happen (but we don't actually find out). I may pick up the second in the series sooner than later....more
A good audio page-turner - a suspense novel about a global pandemic that seems to be used as a bioweapon, but for what reason? The story moves across A good audio page-turner - a suspense novel about a global pandemic that seems to be used as a bioweapon, but for what reason? The story moves across decades, and across continents, from Kenya to Australia, the US to the UK, and small Pacific islands as well. It is definitely written to keep you hooked, it is almost non-stop action at an unbelievable level. How can epidemiologists also be genius-level computer programmers, as well as military-level combatants and strategists, and also be expert pilots?! The characters overall are good enough, though some drop out of the story or come back in as it goes along. There were perhaps just a few too many entwined narratives to really make it an easy read - you had to keep straight who was related to/sleeping with/childhood friend of/enemy of each other character, and then some would change sides just to mess with you. There were a few times where the action really slowed down and we got into more serious medical descriptions, which caught me by surprise once or twice, but it actually made for a nice break and added plausibility to the whole thing. A.G. Riddle seems to know enough about medical procedures and pandemic events to make a believable story, or at least to make the medical/pandemic part believable with the unbelievable bioterrorism and hand to hand fighting. Edoardo Ballerini does a good job narrating, though I felt the Australian accents were a bit harsh and the evil people always had very gruff voices....more
Half decent sci-fi actually, it had some good Star Wars plotlines and references, but the writing wasn't amazing. There were a lot of "convenient" twiHalf decent sci-fi actually, it had some good Star Wars plotlines and references, but the writing wasn't amazing. There were a lot of "convenient" twists and all-knowing beings (surprisingly not the Jedi though). I liked the fact that the Chiss, the sort of 3rd party in this story, actually could beat out the Sith and the Jedi (and a bunch of others) because it goes against most of the Star Wars feel. I didn't like how Obi-Wan and Anakin just disappeared though. Oh well, it was a Star Wars paperback after all......more
I enjoyed this fun romp around Scotland by kayak. Brian Wilson did the trip solo, and some of his experiences are pretty out there. Hard to believe heI enjoyed this fun romp around Scotland by kayak. Brian Wilson did the trip solo, and some of his experiences are pretty out there. Hard to believe he made it in one piece, and hard to believe he did it before the age of GPS, portable radios, or even good camping gear. It was neat to hear about the British kayaking scene back then, and about the work he did getting ready for this trip, as well as the main focus: the coast of Scotland, but it didn't strike me as something I wanted to do - at least not as he did it. Definitely worth a read if you are a kayaker or interested in big solo endurance trips, but don't think you'll get a guidebook on how to do it yourself!...more
Finally, an actual standalone tie-in for the Peter Grant series that you can read and enjoy and not worry how it relates to the main series!
I quite eFinally, an actual standalone tie-in for the Peter Grant series that you can read and enjoy and not worry how it relates to the main series!
I quite enjoyed this collection of four reviewed cases as recounted by Grant to DI Chopra as part of Grant's detective exam. The stories are short, rather self-contained, feature the wit of the main series and some of our favourite characters (including pre- and post-traitor Lesley May!).
One surprise after the stories (literally inside the back cover) is a chronological list of the Peter Grant series. Finally there is a definitive list - it all seems different on each of Goodreads, Amazon, and Wikipedia (plus the outdated little fan-wiki site)! I found it very hard to know when to read what books given some do provide new information and many frequently dip into past events from the main series. I wish that was better/clearer if these graphic novels keep up (and they will, there's a new one due out in 4 months)....more
Again, another tie-in-that's-not-a-tie-in story where we follow Peter Grant in graphic form as he battles household mould. This story is better than tAgain, another tie-in-that's-not-a-tie-in story where we follow Peter Grant in graphic form as he battles household mould. This story is better than the previous two graphic novel compilations - more consistency and easier to follow. The characters are your main characters as well, so it feels more connected to the main series (including seeing Sahra Guleed as an actual contributing member of the team that is reflected in the main books).
I still felt this wasn't quite worth my time given Aaronovitch is using tie-in references in the main series just to get us to read the expanded series. It is a tie-in, and references are reflected in the main series, but yet you don't need to read this for the main series to fully make sense. It's all a bit confusing, but glad this side-series is getting a bit better....more
Another standalone addition to the Peter Grant series. This one was better structured than the first compilation (Body Work), even though I would say Another standalone addition to the Peter Grant series. This one was better structured than the first compilation (Body Work), even though I would say it was less "standalone" with all the Faceless Man plot. Again, it was a bit hard to follow at all times with lots of flashbacks and side notes that might be easier in the main series.
Again, just ok and didn't feel it added much to the series even though it is supposed to be standalone....more
I picked this up after reading the first chapter of The Hanging Tree and finding a bunch of blatant "theCompilation of the Body Work comics storyline.
I picked this up after reading the first chapter of The Hanging Tree and finding a bunch of blatant "there's more to this story" references that didn't make sense from past books in the series. In reality, you don't need to read these comics to understand the books, and the tie-ins that Aaronovitch uses in the main series is a rather shameless and distracting plug for other revenue streams.
The "story" follows pieces of a haunted car that had been put into many other vehicles and that were terrorizing the streets of London. Or something like that. Honestly, the plot has too much snuck in (you need to have the wit and snark of the main series, with all the other characters and interlaced storylines getting their mention too) for the piece to flow well or have depth. In short: it was just ok.
I read this on Kindle on iPad, which I actually really liked. Great use of the app to make reading the comics pretty easy and straightforward, without too much movement through the pages....more
The documentary about the 1948 RCAF Flyers team that represented Canada at the Winter Olympic Games was a great story of tough Canadian perseverance bThe documentary about the 1948 RCAF Flyers team that represented Canada at the Winter Olympic Games was a great story of tough Canadian perseverance by a band of brothers both in the air and on the ice. Faced with a last-minute Olympic rules change that meant most of Canada's best players were now ineligible, the Royal Canadian Air Force stepped up and found players from within their ranks and sent them overseas against all odds.
There are two stories behind this book: the way the team had to come together to win, and the more important stories behind the players being there at all. First, the team had to be assembled in just 9 weeks before going overseas, and with the new eligibility rules no player could be on the team had they ever been compensated for playing hockey. The reason the RCAF could come in and make a team was because so many young men who could have made the senior hockey leagues in Canada had instead joined the armed forces during the Second World War and so were still eligible. The issue was, however, how to get them together, get them trained and selected, and get them overseas in time. Thankfully it was the RCAF, so they had planes at their disposal at least!
The team was selected from players in the RCAF, some of whom were air crew (Naworynski calls them "warriors") during the war, while others had been based in Canada (some just playing hockey throughout the war as morale boosters). There were also a few university boys who were too young for the war who got signed up as reservists just for the Games. They came together in intense training camps in Ottawa, new guys added to the fray replacing the first invitees as the days went on. All this happening under the watchful eyes of Sgt. Frank Boucher, whose father and uncle are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and Squadron Leader Sandy Watson, who had to pick the best 17 players and arrange how to get them to Europe. The RCAF didn't have much money for sports, and spending thousands of dollars on a team right after the war - and a team that wasn't supposed to be competitive - wouldn't look good in the public eye.
In the lead-up to the trip overseas, the team played a number of games against local senior teams and lost badly, putting the Canadian media fully against their participation in the Games and pre-emptively labelling them a disgrace to Canadian hockey. When overseas, the boys in blue didn't do much better, losing or barely winning some games in England and France. But, during the Olympics, it all game together. As is often the case with Team Canada in tournaments, the team played their hearts out and overcame tough adversaries to win the gold. A wrinkle in this tournament: only round robin play, no tournament, so goal differential was really important. There were lots of great stories within the Olympic tournament, like how the Canadian team helped the Polish team with gear and medical work during the game, and the team's adoption of Barbara-Ann Scott, the teenage figure skating phenom. After the Games, team Canada went on a three-month fundraising tour around Europe, playing a tough schedule of games against Europe's greatest teams, all in an effort to pay off their steamship tickets and gear purchases!
The other big story, and the one that actually captures your heart more, is the story of those players who had served in the RCAF during the war. As much as we love stories of gritty hockey players and the team coming together, stories of air crew like Hubert Brooks flying through the worst of the war, getting shot down, spending time in resistance networks or prisoner camps, and being involved in really interesting post-war work like finding the graves of downed airmen are so much more impactful. The fact these men came home, let alone came home to get the chance to play, is amazing.
Naworynski tells the story well. This is his first book, but he is a writer for TV shows and knows how to craft the story in chunks, with vignettes back to the war and exciting action to keep the pages turning. I almost felt the war stories were more emotional and better told than the sports action, which seems surprising given Naworynski's connection to the sports story (Naworynski was involved in the RCAF Flyers documentary too). I had the opportunity to hear Naworynski talk about the book at Bolen Books in Victoria and you could tell the war stories and the interviews with the few remaining players at the time had such an impact on him that it overtook the underdog sports story.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and it was made even more fun reading it before the 2018 Winter Olympics where NHL players were replaced by the underdog Canadians playing in Europe. Not quite the same as the Flyers, but the first time I remember Canada being underdogs in an Olympic tournament. And while the bronze medal in 2018 isn't quite the same as the gold in 1948, the underdog story of journeymen who never thought they'd be considered for an Olympics (and medal hopes also coming down to a game against the Czechs) was fun.
Canada has an amazing Olympic and hockey history, but it's the stories of the men who went to St. Moritz in 1948 that really stand out....more
Really interesting listen, though perhaps best suited to a physical format. The history is very complicated, interconnected, and intense.
I didn't knowReally interesting listen, though perhaps best suited to a physical format. The history is very complicated, interconnected, and intense.
I didn't know much about Washington's story, or even much about the foundation of America after the Revolutionary War. I heard John P. Avlon interviewed on Charlie Rose over a year ago when Obama was about to give his farewell address. Avlon was so well spoken and presented the information so well that I really wanted the book, but then with the first year of Trump and stress in personal life I just didn't feel I could get through the heavy American history. When I finally decided to go for it, I was enthralled by the history, confused at times, but also really interested. It probably took me another half the book's total run time of skipping back to try and understand things. I purposefully went on long walks with the dog I was taking care of just to try to get in larger chunks of the book at one time.
I recommend it for people interested in American history, politics, or current affairs, but would recommend getting a physical version of the book!...more
I listened to this book during the drive from BC to Alberta when I moved there earlier in the year. The history of Shoeless Joe Jackson is such a riveI listened to this book during the drive from BC to Alberta when I moved there earlier in the year. The history of Shoeless Joe Jackson is such a riveting and important part of baseball lore, but it is a confusing and often mis-represented history. Tim Hornbaker's book does a really thorough investigation of the characters and external factors involved, as well as providing a very good backstory to one of the most polarizing figures in baseball history (personal history that you don't often hear when talking about Shoeless Joe). The story of the scandal and the career that led up to it is just a great baseball story if you like the old-time baseball era! Highly recommended if you like sports history or just interesting turn-of-the-century American history....more
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