This is easily the most controversial book I’ve read for the Cannonball. First: about me. I was never in the military. But I was an army brat, and have spent most of my life around military or ex-military. While I am under no illusions about my qualifications to speak on war, I do think I understand the kind of person Chris Kyle was (in the most general sense). I’ve known people like him (in temperament if not experience) my whole life. And, frankly, I don’t […]
If your second best series is better than everyone else’s first, you’re doing something right.
JK Rowling’s writing has improved noticeably from the first Harry Potter books. I haven’t read The Casual Vacancy yet, both because the story doesn’t appeal to me and it’s received a generally lukewarm reception, so it came as a bit of a shock to see her writing about sex and characters who use foul language. It’s almost like hearing my mother use those words. But, once you get passed that (assuming that, like me, that’s something you even have to get passed), this is a […]
July stat round-up!
Okay, I did a good job this month keeping up to date with the Goodreads information on all the reviews. I’ve added the nation of origin for the authors, and will be including the original language in which the book was written going forward. July stats: 298 reviews Average rating: 3.62 stars Most popular book: Dietland by Sarai Walker and The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (3 reviews each) Most popular author: Kristen Ashley (15 reviews) Most reviews: badkittyuno (unsurprisingly; 28 reviews) Fiction: […]
In our hour of darkness, Oh Lord, grant me vision
In the summer of 2005, in the Korangal Valley of Afghanistan, a US Navy SEAL reconnaissance team was ambushed by local militia. Three of the four men were killed in the fight, and a quick reaction force helicopter sent in to rescue the team was destroyed by an RPG, killing all 8 SEALs on board. Only one man came out of the battle alive. This is his story. It’s a well-written book, both informative and entertaining. Luttrell sprinkles the book with humorous anecdotes about the […]