Have you read any of these?

[Maddy]

Hi, I have a list of good books from 2012 that I want to tackle, but I don't know where to start. Here it is: http://avelist.com/list9706

Has anyone read any of these books, and if so, do you recommend any of them in particular? I would love any and all feedback! Thanks!!

 

[SFG75]

Hi, I have a list of good books from 2012 that I want to tackle, but I don't know where to start. Here it is: http://avelist.com/list9706

Has anyone read any of these books, and if so, do you recommend any of them in particular? I would love any and all feedback! Thanks!!

The Caro book is simply outstanding. I read the series out of order, starting with Means of Ascent. The man was definitely driven and I got a kick out of the stories that document how from a very early, early, early age, that he was super competitive and strove to be better than everyone else. The outlining of how he formed a group that came to dole out precious jobs during the depression and afterwards at his college was also quite informative. The man wasn't above dirty tricks and manipulation, of which he was the best at. The love/hatred he had for his father was also a good part of the reading, you could tell where he got his love for politics and who he tried to model his speaking style after with much practice.

The Kennedy Sr. book would be interesting, but I tend to shy away from books about Big Joe. Most things I have read or watched on t.v. about him have been overwhelmingly negative and rarely insightful. You should read that one and see if he is portrayed in another light, one that is perhaps original. If so, the time spent would be well worth it.

 

[Hedwig]

I haven't read Bring Up the Bodies but Mantel's previous Tudor novel, Wolf Hall. Not your run-of-the-mill historical book but a demanding, rewarding read about the fascinating Thomas Cromwell.