Beloved

My latest book was Beloved by Toni Morrison.  Next up are Heretics of Dune, Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage, and The Recognitions.

To be honest, before reading this book, I only had a general conception of Toni Morrison as an author concerned with feminism and racial justice, so I certainly expected those to be themes.  What I wasn't expecting was for this to essentially be a Stephen King novel wrapped in those themes.  In my first half hour of reading, I encountered ghosts, infanticide, bestiality, rape, and descriptions of sex that I found fairly creepy.  Each of these elements recur throughout the novel.

1776

My latest book was 1776 by David McCullough, recommended to me by my mother.  Next up are Beloved, Heretics of Dune, and Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage.

1776 tells the story of the colonial forces rebelling against King George were able to stave off complete defeat, despite being completely outmatched in numbers, training, supplies, and money.  It is very much a military history with a laser focus.  While the Revolutionary War was really just beginning, the book concludes at the end of its eponymous year.  It was certainly a good read, but I would love suggestions for a book that covers the entire War.

God Emperor of Dune

I finished God Emperor of Dune yesterday.  Next up are 1776, Beloved, and Heretics of Dune.

God Emperor of Dune if the fourth of the six Dune books written by Frank Herbert. I won't call it a disappointment, but only because my expectations have steadily lowered along with my enjoyment of each book.

The Count of Monte Cristo

I've now finished the Count of Monte Cristo.  Next up are God Emperor of Dune, 1776 and Beloved.

The Count of Monte Cristo was written by French author Alexandre Dumas and originally published in a serialized format in 1844 and 1845.  The unabridged translation I read was anonymously published in 1846.  The book set in the early 19th century, during Napoleon's attempts to return from exile and is basically the classic archetypal revenge story. I really enjoyed it.

200 Days!

Today I made it to 200 straight days reading a book for at least half an hour each day!  By just fulfilling that small commitment I made to myself in August, I've already been able to complete all of these books: