Nostr notes by Lynn I 🗽

The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday ...

2026-01-14T15:14:06Z

The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services. https://www.npr.org/2026/01/14/nx-s1-5677104/trump-administration-letter-terminating-addiction-mental-health-grants

#TrumpRegime

Grocery delivery service Instacart will refund $60 million to ...

2025-12-19T13:55:24Z

Grocery delivery service Instacart will refund $60 million to settle FTC claims that it misled customers with false advertising and unlawfully enrolled them in paid subscriptions.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/legal/instacart-to-refund-60m-over-deceptive-subscription-tactics/

Not all politicians, just certain ones, I feel, and those are ...

2025-10-03T23:43:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…ctky
_________________________

Not all politicians, just certain ones, I feel, and those are primarily Republican politicians. 🤔

I'm tired of it too. I'm also very tired and sick to ...

2025-10-03T21:42:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…yhdz
_________________________

I'm tired of it too. I'm also very tired and sick to death of people choosing to live in denial and keep electing politicians who have the continual objective of subsidizing the wealthy and increasing poverty among the poor and middle class. And then, topping it all off by saying they didn't know--like that is an acceptable excuse.

"Category 5: The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane" by Thomas Neil ...

2025-09-03T07:21:44Z

"Category 5: The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane" by Thomas Neil Knowles. My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Kindle Edition, 368 pages.

Book description: "Category 5: The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane" by Thomas Neil Knowles, offers a gripping account of the devastating 1935 storm that struck the Florida Keys, the first recorded Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States. The book reconstructs the events of the hurricane, which killed over four hundred people—including more than two hundred World War I veterans—by combining survivor interviews, government records, and media accounts.

Set during the Great Depression, the author details life in the Keys at the time, the vulnerabilities of the veteran workforce, and the state of weather forecasting, highlighting the tragic consequences and failures in evacuation and disaster response.

#nonfiction #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's ...

2025-09-01T15:53:21Z

"The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson. My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Hardcover, 622 pages.

Book description: “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson is a deeply researched, beautifully written non-fiction book that chronicles the Great Migration, a historic movement of nearly six million African Americans from the Southern United States to the Midwest, Northeast, and West between 1915 and 1970. Wilkerson tells this transformative story through the detailed personal narratives of three individuals—Ida Mae Gladney, George Starling, and Robert Foster—who fled the South seeking freedom, dignity, and better opportunities. The book explores the social, economic, and political forces driving this migration, while showing its profound impact on American cities, culture, politics, and society as a whole. Wilkerson’s work is celebrated for blending rigorous historical research with engaging storytelling, capturing the challenges and triumphs of this “unrecognized immigration” and highlighting its lasting influence on the modern nation.

This book was captivating from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.

#nonfiction #AfricanAmericanHistory #migration #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"1944: FDR and the Year That Changed History" by Jay ...

2025-08-29T11:27:07Z

"1944: FDR and the Year That Changed History" by Jay Winik. My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Kindle Edition, 656 pages.

Book description: The book “1944: FDR and the Year That Changed History” by Jay Winik is a gripping and detailed account of the pivotal year 1944 during World War II. It captures President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the height of his wartime leadership amid critical events such as his re-election, the planning and execution of D-Day, the liberation of Paris, and the Battle of the Bulge. Jay Winik vividly portrays the extraordinary history and monumental challenges of that year, including the escalating evidence of the Holocaust and Roosevelt’s difficult decisions related to it. The book explores the tension Roosevelt faced between prioritizing military victory and responding to the mass murder of Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe, framing 1944 as a year whose outcomes were not inevitable but decisive for the ultimate fate of the war and the world. It highlights Roosevelt’s deteriorating health and how his leadership shaped the war’s course and the postwar peace arrangements, while also addressing the moral complexities and critiques of the Allied response to Nazi atrocities. This historical narrative is both a celebration and a critical examination of leadership and decisions during one of the most consequential years in modern history .

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in WWII, Democracy, moral responsibility and or politics.

#nonfiction #history #WWII #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on ...

2025-08-26T10:02:40Z

"The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships" by Jeff Miner. My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Kindle Edition, 106 pages.

Book description: “The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships” by Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley is a comprehensive and accessible examination of what the Bible actually says about same-sex relationships. The book addresses the central question: Can two people of the same sex live in a committed, loving relationship with the blessing of God? Reverend Miner and his co-author meticulously analyze the biblical passages traditionally used to condemn same-sex relationships, showing that such interpretations are misapplications of scripture. They then highlight stories and passages that affirm loving same-sex relationships, including innovative readings of classic Bible stories.

The book is written for Christians who are questioning the role of scripture regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual people or are seeking resources about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church. It is praised for balancing scholarly rigor with readability and respect for the Bible, making it suitable for both laypeople and those desiring deeper theological engagement. This work is considered a pivotal resource for those seeking an honest, compassionate, and well-documented biblical analysis relating to sexual orientation within Christian contexts.

I found this book to be an excellent read. For me, it is yet again affirmation of God's love for all people. I highly recommend it.

#nonfiction #religion #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"It Doesn't Take a Hero: The Autobiography of General H. ...

2025-08-24T00:52:24Z

"It Doesn't Take a Hero: The Autobiography of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf" by Norman Schwarzkopf. My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Paperback, 656 pages.

Book description: “It Doesn’t Take a Hero: The Autobiography of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf” is a candid account of Schwarzkopf’s life and military career, from his childhood through to his service as commander of Allied Forces during the Gulf War. The book offers personal reflections on key experiences, such as growing up with a military legacy, dealing with family struggles, and leading in Vietnam and the Gulf War. It provides insights into leadership, the importance of emotional resilience, teamwork, and the burden of command. Schwarzkopf shares behind-the-scenes details of major military operations, strategic decisions, and his moral commitment to duty, honor, and country, making it an authentic and inspiring perspective on military service and leadership.

I enjoyed this autobiography immensely, and highly recommend it.

#nonfiction #autobiography #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Anatomy of Malice: The Enigma of the Nazi War Criminals" ...

2025-08-21T18:30:36Z

"Anatomy of Malice: The Enigma of the Nazi War Criminals" by Joel E. Dimsdale. My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Kindle Edition, 310 pages.

Book description: “Anatomy of Malice: The Enigma of the Nazi War Criminals” by Joel E. Dimsdale is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration into the psychological nature of Nazi war criminals tried at Nuremberg. Drawing on psychiatric interviews, IQ tests, and Rorschach inkblot tests conducted during the trials, as well as advances in psychiatry and neuroscience since then, Dimsdale re-examines the minds of four key Nazi figures—Robert Ley, Hermann Göring, Julius Streicher, and Rudolf Hess.

The book delves into the debate about whether these men’s malice arose from unique psychopathology or if they were morally flawed but essentially ordinary men shaped by their environment. Dimsdale uses precise diagnostic tools to uncover a broad spectrum of psychological pathologies and reflects on the complexities of evil beyond simple explanations. The narrative combines historical detail with psychiatric insight, offering a nuanced meditation on the nature of wickedness without arriving at a definitive conclusion, emphasizing the troubling quest to understand extreme evil.

I found this book fascinating.

#nonfiction #history #WarCriminals #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"The Future of the Occupation of the Palestinian Territories ...

2025-08-21T04:42:20Z

"The Future of the Occupation of the Palestinian Territories after Gaza: Scenarios, Stakeholders and ‘Solutions’ by Erwin van Veen (Editor). My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Hardcover, 206 pages.

Book description: “The Future of the Occupation of the Palestinian Territories after Gaza: Scenarios, Stakeholders and ‘Solutions’,” edited by Erwin van Veen, is an open access book that examines the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military campaign. The book takes a scenario-planning approach to outline four possible futures for the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories. It uses these scenarios as a foundation to map out the interests, roles, and perspectives of key stakeholders involved in the ongoing conflict, including direct actors like Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority, as well as regional players like Egypt, Jordan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

The work highlights how recent events have deepened insecurity for both Palestinians and Israelis and shattered existing political frameworks such as the Oslo agreements. It emphasizes the increased uncertainty about future prospects for peace, the modalities of resistance, and the possibility of further annexation by Israel. Each scenario explores varying degrees of annexation, conflict intensity, and international response, painting potential futures ranging from partial or total annexation and intensified violence to the possibility of a frozen conflict if significant international intervention occurs.

The book aims to provide a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis of the post-October 7 context by incorporating the diverse perspectives of its contributors, urging policymakers and observers to reconsider complacent assumptions about the occupation and to seek realistic solutions amidst growing polarization and regional instability.

This book is quite detailed, and, as I'd hoped, explains some of the historical ramifications, past and president, concerning conflicts in the region.

#nonfiction #MiddleEast #history #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"October 7th: Searching for the Humanitarian Middle" by ...

2025-08-20T05:06:15Z

"October 7th: Searching for the Humanitarian Middle" by Marsha Lederman. My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Kindle Edition.

Book description: “October 7th: Searching for the Humanitarian Middle” by Marsha Lederman is a collection of columns written over the year following the October 7th attack, exploring the complexities and emotions within the diaspora, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lederman seeks to navigate and articulate a humanitarian middle ground, grappling with her abhorrence of violence against both Israelis and Palestinians, and aiming to reconcile these perspectives in the face of intense polarization and suffering.

I so appreciate this writing and perspective. It is one I share.

#nonfiction #history #war #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted" by ...

2025-08-19T02:44:57Z

"Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted" by Suleika Jaouad. My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Hardcover, 352 pages.

Book description: “Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted” by Suleika Jaouad is a candid and deeply moving memoir that chronicles Jaouad’s journey after being diagnosed in her early twenties with a rare form of leukemia. The book documents her struggle through years of treatment, her time spent in hospitals, and the difficult transition from patient to survivor. After reaching remission, Jaouad embarks on a 100-day, 15,000-mile road trip across the U.S. to meet others facing adversity, discovering that the boundary between illness and health is much more permeable than most realize. The narrative explores not only her fight to survive but also her quest to rediscover how to truly live in the aftermath, making it a profound exploration of resilience, identity, and the process of healing beyond physical recovery.

I've been reading more memoirs lately; a few celebrity ones, but also memoirs written by people who have experienced extreme situations and who have come out the other side. I enjoyed this true story so much, for many reasons. I think the author got to the heart of life in many of its aspects.

#nonfiction #memoir #ChronicIllness #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Trickster's Point (Cork O'Connor, #12)" by ...

2025-08-17T19:04:10Z

"Trickster's Point (Cork O'Connor, #12)" by William Kent Krueger. My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Hardcover, 329 pages.

Book description:“Trickster’s Point” (Cork O’Connor, #12) by William Kent Krueger is a suspenseful mystery set in the Minnesota wilderness. The story begins with Cork O’Connor and his lifelong friend Jubal Little, who is dying from an arrow wound while they bowhunt at Trickster’s Point, a significant rock formation with deep past memories. Jubal, a candidate for governor and former professional football player, is killed by an arrow that appears to be Cork’s own, making Cork the prime suspect in a murder investigation. While Cork tries to clear his name, he reflects on their complex friendship and past, uncovering secrets from their youth and the political and personal enemies Jubal had. The novel also explores Ojibwe culture and Cork’s deepening connection to his heritage, blending a gripping murder mystery with rich backstory and character development. Throughout, Cork navigates betrayal, old rivalries, and threats to his family as he seeks the real killer. The novel uniquely intertwines present-day investigation with flashbacks revealing the formative experiences that shaped Cork and his relationships.

#fiction #CrimeFiction #thriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Northwest Angle (Cork O'Connor, #11)" by William ...

2025-08-16T08:30:41Z

"Northwest Angle (Cork O'Connor, #11)" by William Kent Krueger. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Hardcover, 357 pages.

Book description: “Northwest Angle” (Cork O’Connor, #11) by William Kent Krueger centers on a suspenseful mystery set during a houseboat vacation on the remote Lake of the Woods. When a violent storm unexpectedly strikes, Cork O’Connor and his daughter, Jenny, are stranded on a devastated island. Amid the wreckage, they discover the body of a teenage girl who was bound and tortured—not killed by the storm—and find a hungry, dehydrated baby boy hidden nearby. Soon, powerful and dangerous forces intent on securing the child pursue Cork and his family to the isolated Northwest Angle, a region where trust is scarce and it’s difficult to know who is friend or foe. To save his family and the mysterious child, Cork must unravel a deadly puzzle and confront the darkness surrounding them.

I found this to be a fascinating read. A great thriller, survival story , complete with cult overtones. I do not think this author is capable of writing less than an excellent book.

#fiction #thriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Vermilion Drift (Cork O'Connor, #10)" by William ...

2025-08-14T21:38:44Z

"Vermilion Drift (Cork O'Connor, #10)" by William Kent Krueger. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Hardcover, 305 pages.

Book description: “Vermilion Drift” (Cork O’Connor, #10) by William Kent Krueger is a gripping suspense novel centering on Cork O’Connor, who is hired as a security consultant when an underground iron mine in Tamarack County, Minnesota, is shortlisted by the Department of Energy as a potential site for nuclear waste storage. Early in the job, Cork discovers a secret room containing the remains of six murder victims—five of whom are nearly half a century old and linked to unsolved disappearances from 1964 known as “The Vanishings,” a case that deeply troubled his father, then sheriff of the county. The sixth victim was killed recently, and notably, two of the victims were murdered with Cork’s own gun, a family heirloom. As Cork investigates, he uncovers dark family secrets connected to his father’s past while facing new threats, racing against time to solve the mystery before more deaths occur. The story blends mystery, suspense, and Native American cultural elements, offering a poignant exploration of family and the shadows it can harbor.

#fiction #CrimeFiction #thriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

5 of 5 stars for "Confederacy of Silence: A True Tale of the ...

2025-08-12T12:36:06Z

5 of 5 stars for "Confederacy of Silence: A True Tale of the New Old South" by Richard Rubin. Kindle Edition, 448 pages.

Book description: In this stunning twist on the timeless tale of an outsider fascinated by a closed society, a young Jewish writer goes back to Greenwood, Mississippi, where he had his first newspaper job, and covers a murder trial that challenges his notions of both the South and himself. When Richard Rubin, fresh out of the Ivy League, accepts a job at a daily newspaper in the old Delta town of Greenwood, Mississippi, he is thrust into a place as different from his hometown of New York as any in the country. Yet to his surprise, he is warmly welcomed by the townspeople and soon finds his first great scoop in Handy Campbell, a poor, black teen and gifted high school quarterback who goes on to win a spot on Mississippi State's team—a training ground for the NFL. Six years later, Rubin, back in New York, learns that Handy is locked up in Greenwood, accused of capital murder. Returning south to cover the trial, Rubin follows the trail that took Handy from the football field to county jail. As the best and worst elements of Mississippi rise up to do battle over one man's fate, Rubin must confront his own unresolved feelings about the confederacy of silence that initially enabled him to thrive in Greenwood but ultimately forced him to leave it.

#nonfiction #TrueCrime #race #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Disposable: America's Contempt for the Underclass" ...

2025-08-10T19:56:35Z

"Disposable: America's Contempt for the Underclass" by Sarah Jones. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 08/10/2025 - 08/10/2025. Kindle Edition, 296 pages.

Book description: “Disposable: America’s Contempt for the Underclass” by Sarah Jones is a powerful blend of personal narrative and investigative reporting that exposes the deep racial and income inequalities in America. The book focuses on the lives of essential workers, seniors, and people with disabilities who were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, not because of their age or job, but due to systemic inequality and poverty. Jones reveals how the pandemic laid bare the pre-existing social mobility issues and wealth gaps in the U.S., showing a sacrificial underclass abandoned by society. The work calls attention to racial injustice and public policy failures while insisting that a future where no one is disposable is possible.

#nonfiction #history #pandemic #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Heaven's Keep (Cork O'Connor, #9)" by William ...

2025-08-10T05:25:37Z

"Heaven's Keep (Cork O'Connor, #9)" by William Kent Krueger. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 08/09/2025 - 08/10/2025. Hardcover, 321 pages.

Book description:“Heaven’s Keep” is the ninth novel in William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor mystery series, in which Cork O’Connor embarks on a desperate search for his wife Jo after her charter plane goes missing in a snowstorm over the Wyoming Rockies.

Months after the presumed tragedy, Cork is presented with evidence that casts doubt on the pilot’s identity, leading him to investigate in Wyoming, where he faces resistance from local law enforcement, hostility from the Northern Arapaho tribe, and threats to his life. The story weaves suspense, family bonds, Native American politics, and hope as Cork seeks the truth about Jo’s fate and contends with both nature and deception.

#fiction #mystery #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country on Trial" by ...

2025-08-09T02:58:04Z

"Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country on Trial" by Corban Addison. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 08/07/2025 - 08/08/2025. Hardcover, 388 pages.

Book description: “Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country on Trial” by Corban Addison is a nonfiction account of a rural North Carolina community’s legal battle against environmental pollution caused by large-scale hog farming, culminating in a landmark victory over one of the world’s largest companies.

The book vividly follows the struggles of local residents suffering from noxious waste, chronicling how they, with the aid of determined lawyers, challenged corporate giants in court. Through a blend of investigative reporting and storytelling, Addison introduces key figures like Elsie Herring and Mona Lisa Wallace, capturing the impact of pollution, racial inequality, and the fight to protect their homes and heritage. The narrative reads like a thriller and reveals the broader implications for agriculture and environmental justice in the United States.

#nonfiction #history #activism #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

i am definitely going to have to read this!

2025-08-08T05:48:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…au34
_________________________

i am definitely going to have to read this!

"Hiding for My Life: Being Gay in the Navy" by Karen ...

2025-08-07T08:24:07Z

"Hiding for My Life: Being Gay in the Navy" by Karen Solt. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 08/05/2025 - 08/07/2025. Kindle Edition, 293 pages.

Book description: “Hiding for My Life: Being Gay in the Navy” by Karen Solt is a memoir about Solt’s experience enlisting in the Navy at 18, discovering she is gay, and navigating the harsh reality of serving in 1984 when being gay was considered a crime in the military. The book explores her struggle to conceal her sexuality in an environment where gay sailors were hunted by the Navy Criminal Investigative Service, the personal and professional challenges she faced, and the devastating consequences of living a double life. It is a story of desire, addiction, secrecy, the power of community, and the painful cost of being forced into hiding, ultimately celebrating resilience and the call to live one’s truth openly.

This book reveals so much about the way society, both knowingly and intentionally, establishes norms that often serve no one, but cause grief, harm and hurt. Yet, despite that, the author survived it and thrives today. I love her message and her realization of what it means to live her truth. Something i think everyone who reads this book will profit from.

#nonfiction #memoir #LGBTQ+ #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

In our world today, with all of the money and wealth , there ...

2025-08-06T21:17:10Z

In our world today, with all of the money and wealth , there should not be one person dying of starvation. Not one. It's a crime against humanity, as I see it. It leaves me cold and crying to think this is happening, and even more so when it's planned and deliberate, as it is in Gaza!

#Gaza

"Away Up the North Fork: A Girl's Search for Home in the ...

2025-08-06T04:32:37Z

"Away Up the North Fork: A Girl's Search for Home in the Wilderness" by Annie Chappell. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 08/04/2025 - 08/05/2025. Kindle Edition, 278 pages.

Book description: “Away Up the North Fork: A Girl’s Search for Home in the Wilderness” by Annie Chappell is a memoir set in the 1970s, chronicling the author’s journey as a troubled sixteen-year-old longing for a simpler, homesteading life like the one described in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories. Growing up in Denver amid family turmoil—including parental discord, a mother’s alcoholism, and sexual abuse—Annie dreams of escape and finds hope in the rugged tales of Bill, a Vietnam vet and mountain man she meets during a break from boarding school.

Inspired by Bill’s wilderness lifestyle near the Canadian border in Montana, Annie forms a plan to join him. After a dramatic attempt to run away during her senior year is thwarted, she returns to finish school but continues to correspond with Bill. After graduation and with her parents’ grudging approval, she moves to Montana to live with him. The reality of homesteading with an older man turns out to be more challenging than anticipated, revealing both the difficulties of a primitive lifestyle and Bill’s complex, sometimes troubling personality.

This was another great read, as I have a sort of fixation with wilderness life and solitude, though not to the same extent the author has.

#nonfiction #memoir #wilderness #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel ...

2025-08-04T21:10:45Z

"Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 08/02/2025 - 08/04/2025. Hardcover, 544 pages.

Book description: “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson is a deeply researched and masterfully written exploration of the hidden caste system that has shaped America. Wilkerson argues that beyond race and class, there is a rigid hierarchy—a caste system—that influences lives, society, and the nation’s fate. She links the caste systems of the United States, India, and Nazi Germany, examining eight pillars such as divine will, heritability, stigma, occupational hierarchy, and enforced social control that uphold caste structures across civilizations.

The author uses riveting stories of real people—including historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Satchel Paige, as well as her own experiences—to illustrate how this unseen system operates daily. She reveals how caste relates to mentality, social behavior, health outcomes, and perpetuates inequality, often through embedded notions of superiority and inferiority. She also discusses how the Nazis studied America’s racial hierarchy to justify their own oppressive policies.

Ultimately, the book aims to expose the moral and social costs of caste, demonstrating how it damages all involved and suggesting ways America might move beyond these destructive divisions toward common humanity. Its approach blends historical analysis, sociology, and compelling narrative storytelling to illuminate the invisible social structures shaping people’s lives and American history.

I highly recommend this book. It taught me so much about history, generally, what humans have done and not done to and for one another, but it also sets forth the ongoing ramifications and consequences of caste in all aspects of American and global life.

Isabel Wilkerson mentions several other titles, in the course of her writing, two of which I have added to my digital library and also plan to read.

"Learning from the Germans: Race and the Memory of Evil" by Susan Neiman, Published in 2019; and "How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them" by Barbara F. Walter, Published in 2022.

#nonfiction #history #race #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"Sometimes I Lie" by Alice Feeney. My rating:5 out of 5 ...

2025-08-02T19:04:16Z

"Sometimes I Lie" by Alice Feeney. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 08/01/2025 - 08/02/2025. Kindle Edition, 264 pages.

Book description: "Sometimes I Lie" by Alice Feeney is a psychological thriller centered on Amber Reynolds, a woman who wakes up in a hospital in a coma—unable to move, speak, or open her eyes, but able to hear everything happening around her. The narrative unfolds through three timelines: Amber’s present in the coma, the week leading up to her accident, and diary entries from her childhood twenty years earlier.

Amber can’t remember how she ended up in the coma, but she suspects her husband might be involved. As she tries to piece together the truth from fragments of memory and overheard conversations, the story asks readers to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and unreliable narration. With twists and turns throughout, the book challenges the reader to question what is true, especially as Amber states from the outset: “Sometimes I lie.” This creates a constant sense of suspense and doubt, making it a gripping, twist-filled thriller.

Alice Feeney is an author I have not experienced before. The book was recommended, and it did not disappoint.

#fiction #PsychologicalThriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I plan to read this book. There's a narrative in some circles ...

2025-08-02T06:13:28Z

I plan to read this book. There's a narrative in some circles that COVID-19 restrictions went too far — and some of those people look to Sweden's "let it rip" approach to support their arguments, including the authors of a new book, "In COVID’s Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us." For the American Prospect, Ryan Cooper explains why the Swedish example is an unhelpful one, because of the country's household structures, world-class public health care and high-trust population, and the fact that the country did actually implement some fairly strict COVID-19 measures. "We already know what happened when COVID was allowed to run wild in a country without any of Sweden’s advantages," Cooper writes. "That was what unfolded in Peru, a weak state with a rickety hospital system that was unable to implement its attempted lockdown. It was a charnel house, with about 220,000 official COVID deaths — almost three times the rate of Sweden, or more than seven times that of New Zealand — and that is almost certainly a large underestimate."

https://flip.it/Y1Onzt

#Health #Medicine #COVID #Sweden #Books #Science #BadScience bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

#books

"Resistance" by Daniel Kalla. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. ...

2025-08-01T23:43:07Z

"Resistance" by Daniel Kalla. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/31/2025 - 08/01/2025. Kindle Edition, 400 pages.

Book description: “Resistance” by Daniel Kalla is a medical thriller centered around the emergence of a deadly superbug resistant to all antibiotics. The story explores the terrifying scenario of a global outbreak caused by this superbug, where there is no treatment, no cure, and no hope. The narrative follows medical and scientific experts as they confront this escalating public health crisis and struggle to contain the threat before it spreads uncontrollably. The novel highlights the urgent realities of antibiotic resistance and the potential consequences for humanity.

As medical thrillers go, I found this one to be an excellent read, and I plan to read more by this author.

#fiction #MedicalThriller #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

This Man Kept a Meticulous List of All 3,599 Books He’d Read ...

2025-08-01T12:59:47Z

This Man Kept a Meticulous List of All 3,599 Books He’d Read Since 1962. When He Died, His Family Published It Online https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-man-kept-a-meticulous-list-of-all-3599-books-hed-read-since-1962-when-he-died-his-family-published-it-online-180987074/

#books

You're welcome! It really explores a lot of themes, including ...

2025-07-31T19:08:03Z

In reply to nevent1q…sn3u
_________________________

You're welcome! It really explores a lot of themes, including self-sufficiency and relationships. It's one of those books that is multi-layered, I guess you'd say. This is her first novel, and it will be exciting to see what's next for her.

"Awake in the Floating City" by Susanna Kwan. My rating:5 ...

2025-07-31T18:58:01Z

"Awake in the Floating City" by Susanna Kwan. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/30/2025 - 07/31/2025. Kindle Edition, 301 pages.

Book description: “Awake in the Floating City” by Susanna Kwan is a debut literary novel set in a near-future, dystopian San Francisco that has been submerged by years of relentless rain and flooding. The story follows Bo, a 40-year-old artist who has been unable to create art and is haunted by the disappearance of her mother in a storm surge. While most of the city’s population has fled, Bo remains in isolation, caught between wanting to escape and holding on to the hope her mother may still be alive.

Bo’s life takes a turn when she receives a note from Mia, her 130-year-old neighbor, who asks for her help as a caregiver. Despite initial reluctance, their relationship deepens, drawing Bo back toward art as Mia shares her life stories and memories. Together, they confront the loss of a community and a way of life as the city is slowly overtaken by water. Bo ultimately embarks on an ambitious art project that weaves together her and Mia’s pasts with the history of San Francisco, creating a temporary public memorial to a disappearing world.

The novel explores themes of grief, memory, resilience, human connection, and the importance of compassion amid environmental disaster. It portrays how community and caring relationships are essential for survival beyond mere individual effort. The city’s flooded high-rises, rooftop markets, and bridges symbolize both decay and human adaptation in this transformed world.

This book was an excellent read on so many levels. I highly recommend it, and I'm certain I will revisit it.

#fiction #ClimateChange #disaster #fantasy #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I'm noticing this more and more, as more countries become ...

2025-07-31T11:37:33Z

I'm noticing this more and more, as more countries become concerned about starvation in Gaza. Sweden calls on EU to suspend trade pact with Israel

Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister of Sweden, has called on the European Union to suspend the trade section of its association agreement with Israel over its conduct of the war in Gaza.

palestine group (npub1zxn…0kqm)
#Israel
#EU
#Sweden
#news

#Gazaa

"Isola" by Allegra Goodman. My rating:3 out of 5 stars. ...

2025-07-30T21:15:03Z

"Isola" by Allegra Goodman. My rating:3 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/27/2025 - 07/30/2025. Hardcover, 346 pages.

Book description: “Isola” by Allegra Goodman is a historical novel inspired by the true story of Marguerite de la Rocque, a 16th-century French noblewoman who is marooned on a remote island after her guardian, driven by greed and suspicion, punishes her for a forbidden romance.

Stripped of her inheritance and left to survive the brutal elements with her lover and devoted nurse, Marguerite must rely on her faith and inner strength to endure isolation, hardship, and loss. The story explores themes of resilience, love, and defiance against adversity, as Marguerite transforms from a privileged heir to a woman fighting for survival in a harsh new world.

#fiction #HistoricalFiction #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"What Is Stoicism?: A Brief and Accessible Overview" by ...

2025-07-30T04:40:12Z

"What Is Stoicism?: A Brief and Accessible Overview" by Tanner Campbell. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/29/2025 - 07/29/2025. Kindle Edition, 120 pages.

Book description: “What Is Stoicism?: A Brief and Accessible Overview” by Tanner Campbell (with Kai Whiting) is a concise, jargon-free introduction to Stoic philosophy designed for newcomers and general readers. The book distills two millennia of Stoic thought into short, readable chapters, covering key concepts such as the three pillars of Stoic philosophy (logic, physics, ethics), virtue as the ultimate goal, the circles of concern (our duties to family, community, and the world), and living in accordance with nature. It also addresses common misconceptions, the role of God in Stoicism, and relates ancient teachings to modern life using present-day examples and quotes from major Stoic philosophers.

#nonfiction #philosophy #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Thank you!

2025-07-29T18:34:43Z

In reply to nevent1q…xpxd
_________________________

Thank you!

I have it here now and will be reading it soon.

2025-07-29T18:17:18Z

In reply to nevent1q…lt7q
_________________________

I have it here now and will be reading it soon.

Thank you for this. I will do that, especially now that I know ...

2025-07-29T17:35:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…uv45
_________________________

Thank you for this. I will do that, especially now that I know more about him. I enjoyed the biographical aspect of Donald Robertson's book, every bit as much as the philosophical one.

"How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of ...

2025-07-29T17:27:27Z

"How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius" by Donald J. Robertson. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/28/2025 - 07/29/2025. Hardcover, 304 pages.

Book description:“How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius” by Donald J. Robertson is a blend of biography, philosophy, and psychology that uses the life of Marcus Aurelius to illustrate and teach core principles of Stoicism. The book follows Marcus Aurelius from his youth through his reign as Roman emperor, providing a narrative framework to present Stoic practices and ideas—such as resilience, virtue, managing emotions, and distinguishing between what you can and cannot control—in an accessible and practical way. Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, draws clear connections between ancient Stoic exercises and modern cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), offering actionable advice for developing emotional resilience and facing adversity.

I found this book to be an excellent read. It serves as a great introduction to the philosophy of stoicism.

#nonfiction #biography #philosophy #psychology #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Amount of aid entering Gaza ‘symbolic’ as humanitarian crisis ...

2025-07-29T08:02:53Z

Amount of aid entering Gaza ‘symbolic’ as humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate

Only 87 humanitarian trucks entered Gaza yesterday, and they were looted by desperate crowds.

The airdrops over the last 48 hours amount to about three trucks’ worth of aid – that’s not enough for even one neighbourhood in Gaza for less than a day.

So this amount of aid trickling into the Strip remains very symbolic and does little to alleviate the current humanitarian crisis.

palestine group (npub1zxn…0kqm)
#Gaza
#aid

"Urban Survival: Thriving During Power Outages and Other City ...

2025-07-28T19:51:05Z

"Urban Survival: Thriving During Power Outages and Other City Disasters" by Alex Bugeja. My rating:4 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/28/2025 - 07/28/2025. Kindle Edition, 208 pages.

Book description: “Urban Survival: Thriving During Power Outages and Other City Disasters” by Dr. Alex Bugeja is a book that focuses on how to effectively handle and thrive during power outages and various disasters in an urban environment. It addresses practical survival strategies tailored for city settings, including adapting to the challenges of the new urban economy. The book aims to equip readers with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain safety and stability when typical city infrastructure and services are disrupted.

The author has written many books, including several concerning moving to various states and countries, so I wasn't sure what to expect, and I thought the approach to the subject might be cursory, at best. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find the book filled with useful information and step-by-step instructions for many of the tasks and tools the author recommends. This book also made me realize just how inadequate my preparation for such disasters is.

#nonfiction #survival #UrbanDisasters #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

Thanks for letting me know this, Chuck. He's an excellent ...

2025-07-28T04:36:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…3jws
_________________________

Thanks for letting me know this, Chuck. He's an excellent writer, I think. I'm going to read a few books and then go back to the series.

Here's the complete post with image and image description I ...

2025-07-27T20:48:18Z

Here's the complete post with image and image description I could not post earlier. "An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943 (World War II Liberation Trilogy, #1)" by Rick Atkinson. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/24/2025 - 07/27/2025. Hardcover, 681 pages.

Book description: "“An Army at Dawn” by Rick Atkinson is a Pulitzer Prize–winning nonfiction book that chronicles the North African campaign of World War II from 1942 to 1943, marking the first volume of Atkinson’s “Liberation Trilogy” 4 2 . The book begins with the Allied amphibious invasion of Morocco and Algeria during Operation TORCH, detailing the initial combat with French forces before shifting focus to the intense and evolving conflict against the Germans and Italians in Tunisia.

WWII is a historical period of great interest to me, and this book did not disappoint.

#nonfiction #history #WWII #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

"An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943 (World ...

2025-07-27T16:05:41Z

"An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943 (World War II Liberation Trilogy, #1)" by Rick Atkinson. My rating:5 out of 5 stars. Read from: 07/24/2025 - 07/27/2025. Hardcover, 681 pages.

Book description: "“An Army at Dawn” by Rick Atkinson is a Pulitzer Prize–winning nonfiction book that chronicles the North African campaign of World War II from 1942 to 1943, marking the first volume of Atkinson’s “Liberation Trilogy” 4 2 . The book begins with the Allied amphibious invasion of Morocco and Algeria during Operation TORCH, detailing the initial combat with French forces before shifting focus to the intense and evolving conflict against the Germans and Italians in Tunisia.

WWII is a historical period of great interest to me, and this book did not disappoint.

#nonfiction #history #WWII #books bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) insertion point at end