This book intertwines two stories about two couples, set in the late 1920’s, whose only connection was that they played Contract Bridge. The title refers to the appellation that Puritans gave to playing cards, which these two stories do not contradict. The two couples were Ely & Jo Culbertson, and Jack & Myrtle Bennett. One Read More
Author: Julie Crain Miguel
Images of America, various authors
You have seen these books: slim volumes with sepia toned historical photographs on their covers, found at bookstores, drug stores, or anywhere that might be touristy. They are published by Arcadia Publishing, a company based in South Carolina that has made local history books their specialty. They find authors that are local, or experts on Read More
Undaunted Courage, by Stephen E Ambrose
Ambrose has written a chronology of the Lewis & Clark expedition which is detailed, but still engrossing. He tries to be understanding of the men’s limitations, while still giving them credit for their remarkable achievement. He refers, and often quotes, the journals both Lewis & Clark kept on the journey, but the reader does not Read More
The War That Made America, by Fred Anderson
The war referred to is the French and Indian war, or the Seven Year’s War.
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This is the second book by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but instead of her family, this book details a year in the childhood of her future husband, Almanzo Wilder. He grew up in upstate New York, near the town of Malone. This is very close to the border with Canada, and not too far west of Read More
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
I had not previously read this book, but I am glad that I finally did. You definitely see why it is considered “Literature”, but it is also a powerful story, with unique, imperfect characters. In some ways, I can’t say I really related to any of them, but you do understand their motivations. I have Read More
The Indigo Girl, by Natasha Boyd
This book is based on the true story of Eliza Lucas. The author was inspired to create this novel when she learned about Eliza after overhearing one of her descendants talk about her. Eliza lived in South Carolina in the early 1700’s, and was instrumental in starting the indigo trade there. At the time, much Read More
The First Conspiracy, by Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch
This subtitle of this book is: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington. And while no one who knows anything at all about American history knows the plot did not succeed, who even knew there was a plot? In fact, that seems to be why the author wrote the book in the first place. Meltzer Read More
A Front Page Affair, by Radha Vatsal
This is the first of two books, at least so far, about a wealthy young woman trying to become a reporter in New York City right as the US is deciding to enter WWI. I said “at least so far” because these are described as a “series”, and I think you need more than two Read More
The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair
This is a book I have heard about since High School, but I had never read it before. I see why it was mentioned in High School; apparently the descriptions of the meat processing plants helped .lead to food safety regulations. I also see why the book itself was not required reading. It is a Read More