Claredeer - aNobii

Books (171)

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- Black Mass (8)
- The Irish Mob, the FBI and a Devil's Deal
- By Dick Lehr
- Finished on May 10, 2013
  
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Black Mass

Black Mass Whitey Bulger, The FBI, and a Devil's Deal

Two reporters from a team who covered this matter for the Boston Globe, spin the ultimate tangled web in this true crime report about FBI agents first dazzled, then rotted, by association with the city's most powerful criminal. Like all roads to Hell, this one had as its paving blocks the wish to en ... (continue)

Two reporters from a team who covered this matter for the Boston Globe, spin the ultimate tangled web in this true crime report about FBI agents first dazzled, then rotted, by association with the city's most powerful criminal. Like all roads to Hell, this one had as its paving blocks the wish to end Mafia activity in Boston. Unfortunately for the FBI, the Irish Mob criminal informants saw a perfect opportunity to oust their rivals and gain all of Boston's criminal profits for themselves.
Very compelling, and solid proof of the old saying that "one cannot touch pitch and not be defiled."

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— May 11, 2013 | Add your feedback
- When My Love Returns from the Ladies Room, Will I Be Too Old to Care? (2)
- By Lewis Grizzard
- Finished on May 6, 2013
  
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When My Love Returns from the Ladies Room, Will I Be Too Old to Care?

When My Love Returns From the Ladies Room, Will I Be Too Old to Care?

Although somewhat dated (book came out in 1987), the author's observations about air travel, politics, sports, entertainment, and human behavior in general still make sense, and still draw laughs.
A fun read on its own merits, and a great break from other, heavy-duty books.

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— May 7, 2013 | Add your feedback
Broadw-
ay and Hollyw-
ood
- Broadway and Hollywood (1)
- Costumes Designed by Irene Sharaff
- By Irene Sharaff
- Finished on May 3, 2013
  
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Broadway and Hollywood

Broadway and Hollywood Costumes Designed by Irene Sharaff

The author relates her experiences, beginning with a theatre apprenticeship in New York in 1928, through to the early 1970's, as she designed costumes for various forms of entertainment. The writing style lacks sparkle; the author poured it all into her visual work. Even witin the basic subject-pred ... (continue)

The author relates her experiences, beginning with a theatre apprenticeship in New York in 1928, through to the early 1970's, as she designed costumes for various forms of entertainment. The writing style lacks sparkle; the author poured it all into her visual work. Even witin the basic subject-predicate-object style of writing, the author conveys many intriguing details about how designers work to help performers get into character, and then help the audiences to perceive who these characters are, all through dress.
Miss Sharaff worked with many show business greats over the decades, and remained admirable discreet about her dealings with them. Perhaps not surprisingly, the only star to try her patience was Barbra Streisand, whom she described as "tiresome," a polite word in proportion to the legendary difficulties associated with this star.
A very specialized book, but a feast (b&w sketches, some color costume studies and photgraphs) for anyone interested in the subjec.

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— May 4, 2013 | Add your feedback
Ellen Terry
- Ellen Terry (1)
- A Biography
- By Roger Manvell
- Finished on Apr 16, 2013
  
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Ellen Terry

1 person find this helpful
Ellen Terry A Biography

This warm, affectionately written account of the great 19th-century English actress can make the reader feel sad about never having seen her act, but the author's skill brings her to life nevertheless. Ellen Terry lived life on her own terms (leaving her first husband, then living unwedded for years ... (continue)

This warm, affectionately written account of the great 19th-century English actress can make the reader feel sad about never having seen her act, but the author's skill brings her to life nevertheless. Ellen Terry lived life on her own terms (leaving her first husband, then living unwedded for years nd having two children with the great love of her life), but her talent and charm made her hugely popular in an era which offered little freedom to women, and no escape from censure for those who broke the rules. Miss Terry was the contemporary and friend of Bernhardt and Duse; will the world ever see that much talent concentrated in one era ever again?
A mervelous read about a marvelous person.

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— Apr 19, 2013 | Add your feedback
Vessel of Wrath
- Vessel of Wrath (1)
- The Life and Times of Carry Nation
- By Robert Lewis Taylor
- Finished on Apr 11, 2013
  
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Vessel of Wrath

Vessel of Wrath The Life and Times of Carry Nation

Even though some of the authors' opinions on women (expressed in asides) could grate on today's nerves, this account of America's most militant anti-alchohol crusader makes a vivid read, full of almost slapstick accounts of the adventures and mis-adventures of Mrs. Nation's career. For all the turmo ... (continue)

Even though some of the authors' opinions on women (expressed in asides) could grate on today's nerves, this account of America's most militant anti-alchohol crusader makes a vivid read, full of almost slapstick accounts of the adventures and mis-adventures of Mrs. Nation's career. For all the turmoil which swirled around her, she emerges as a highly sympathetic character--honest to a fault, eager to engage with those around her, loving toward children, and committed body and soul to the eradication of alcohol and tobacco (couldn't completely eliminate sex) from American life.
Often hilarious, always full of the spirit of this remarklable woman, this is a great read.

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— Apr 13, 2013 | Add your feedback

- Nancy (1)
- The Story of Lady Astor
- By Adrian Fort
- Finished on Mar 22, 2013
  
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Nancy

Nancy The Story of Lady Astor

The author does a competent, if unexciting job of recounting the facts of the subject's life, but the writing does not engage, nor is the subject really worthy. She accomplished many commendable things during her years in Parliament, but was an abrasive person, nasty, usually gratuitously so, to the ... (continue)

The author does a competent, if unexciting job of recounting the facts of the subject's life, but the writing does not engage, nor is the subject really worthy. She accomplished many commendable things during her years in Parliament, but was an abrasive person, nasty, usually gratuitously so, to the husband who worshipped her, and to their children. Her husband's fortune smoothed the way as she entered politics, so the drama inherent in the story of one who bootstraps oneself does not apply here.
The author did a good job with unpromising material, but anyone who skips this book will not be missing a thing.

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— Mar 23, 2013 | Add your feedback
- Former People (1)
- The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy
- By Douglas Smith
- Finished on Mar 16, 2013
  
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Former People

Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy

The author concentrates on two distinguished families, the Golitsyns and the Sheremetevs, to show how the Russian Revolution unraveled the lives of the formerly entitled class. Although the Revolution had as its slogan, "Peace, Land, Bread," the operative word seemed to be "REVENGE" in upper case le ... (continue)

The author concentrates on two distinguished families, the Golitsyns and the Sheremetevs, to show how the Russian Revolution unraveled the lives of the formerly entitled class. Although the Revolution had as its slogan, "Peace, Land, Bread," the operative word seemed to be "REVENGE" in upper case letters as the lower classes pursued endless vendettas against those who once had everything. The people in charge of the revolutionary activities seemed more interested in bathing in the blood of those they didn't like than in actually restructuring the country into an equitable and stable society.
Many of the people in the narrative have similar names, and the narrative itself forms an almost endless recitation of suffering.
Not a beach book for the upcoming summer.Only those with a deep interest in the subject should approach this book; others can safely leave it alone.

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— Mar 17, 2013 | Add your feedback
- For All the Tea in China (11)
- Espionage, Empire and the Secret Formula for the World's Favourite Drink
- By Sarah Rose
- Finished on Mar 8, 2013
  
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For All the Tea in China

For All the Tea in China Espionage, Empire and the Secret Formula for the World's Favourite Drink

A Scottish botanist becomes an unlikely undercover operative, tasked with assuming a Chinese identity and spiriting priceless tea seedlings out of China and into India, or more to the point,
from a country resistant to British influence to one under British control. Along the way, musings about pub ... (continue)

A Scottish botanist becomes an unlikely undercover operative, tasked with assuming a Chinese identity and spiriting priceless tea seedlings out of China and into India, or more to the point,
from a country resistant to British influence to one under British control. Along the way, musings about public health,economics and dietary preferences add to the narrative.
Interesting and enjoyable to read, especially for those who can't live without tea.

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— Mar 9, 2013 | Add your feedback
- Deliver Us from Evil (1)
- A Southern Belle in Europe at the Outbreak of World War I
- By Mary W. Schaller
- Finished on Mar 4, 2013
  
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Deliver Us from Evil

Deliver Us From Evil A Southern Belle in Europe at the Outbreak of World War I

This should have been a white-knuckle page-turner. Rather, it is a dreary recitation of facts about an uninteresting person in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Southern Belle of the subtitle was the adored daughter of a wealthy U.S.Congressman. She had anxious moments, but no real troubles, wh ... (continue)

This should have been a white-knuckle page-turner. Rather, it is a dreary recitation of facts about an uninteresting person in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Southern Belle of the subtitle was the adored daughter of a wealthy U.S.Congressman. She had anxious moments, but no real troubles, while other affluent Americans in the same circumstances were panhandling on street corners. Theirs are the stories which would provide worthwhile reading; someone should write them up.
The only thing praiseworthy about this book is its relative brevity.

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— Mar 9, 2013 | Add your feedback
- Abdication (3)
- By Juliet Nicolson
- Finished on Mar 1, 2013
  
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Abdication

Abdication a Novel

The author of several well-received books about pre- and post-World War I British life turns to historical fiction with this
story woven around the crisis caused by Edward VIII's affair with
Wallis Simpson. Ms. Nicolson can write, no question about that, and parts of the narrative hint at a bright ... (continue)

The author of several well-received books about pre- and post-World War I British life turns to historical fiction with this
story woven around the crisis caused by Edward VIII's affair with
Wallis Simpson. Ms. Nicolson can write, no question about that, and parts of the narrative hint at a bright future in historical
fiction, but she needs more practice in crafting her characters. One of them, a Baltimore school chum brought back into Wallis'
orbit as a link to the comforts of home, strains credulity to
the breaking point.Perhaps wisely, the author refrains from passing judgement on the motives behind Mrs. Simpson's behavior, but a more definite point of view in this area would have strengthened the book.
Not a bad start, but it shows a bit of creakiness in the transition from non-fiction to fiction writing.

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— Mar 3, 2013 | Add your feedback

- The Remains of Company D (1)
- A Story of the Great War
- By James Carl Nelson
- Finished on Feb 3, 2013
  
  Finished (re-read) on Feb 3, 2013
  
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The Remains of Company D

The Remains of Company D A Story of the Great War

The author's memories of his grandfather inspired this book, since the author had a long-standing hunch that the older man's experience in World War I shaped his character forever after. Since the grandfather never spoke of the war himself, the grandson dove into intense research, in archives and in ... (continue)

The author's memories of his grandfather inspired this book, since the author had a long-standing hunch that the older man's experience in World War I shaped his character forever after. Since the grandfather never spoke of the war himself, the grandson dove into intense research, in archives and in contacts with the descendants of his grandfather's former comrades in arms.
The resulting book comes alive with the bravery of young men on their way to something they believed in wholeheartedly, with no thought given to the possible ultimate sacrifice. An all-too-rare look at the human face of war, and a truly rewarding read.

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— Feb 4, 2013 | Add your feedback
- The Dressmaker (8)
- By Kate Alcott
- Finished on Jan 30, 2013
  
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The Dressmaker

*** This comment contains spoilers! ***
The Dressmaker A Novel

Historical fiction about the Titanic from an unusual point of view-the experiences of a young seamstress taken on as lady's maid
by Lucile, Lady Duff Gordon, at the last minute. Tess sees behind
the facade of the upper classes when the Duff Gordons put themselves and their survival before the needs ... (continue)

Historical fiction about the Titanic from an unusual point of view-the experiences of a young seamstress taken on as lady's maid
by Lucile, Lady Duff Gordon, at the last minute. Tess sees behind
the facade of the upper classes when the Duff Gordons put themselves and their survival before the needs of other passengers, and this knowledge conflicts with her admiration for Lady Gordon's talent and Tess's own need for support to start her own career in fashion. The story blends a number of characters and their viewpoints well, but there are some sloppy elements. How did Tess who onbviously is English, get a position in Cherbourg, from which the Titanic sailed? Why is Jack Bremerton,
Tess's middle-aged shipboard admirer and an associate of Henry Ford, driving a Buick? Even a moderately alert reader will wonder about these things.
Still, the story is a fun read, a worthy title for the Titanic Centennial bookshelf.

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— Jan 31, 2013 | Add your feedback
- A Friendly Game of Murder (1)
- An Algonquin Round Table Mystery
- By J.J. Murphy
- Finished on Jan 27, 2013
  
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A Friendly Game of Murder

A FRiendly Game of Murder An Algonquin Round Table Mystery

This latest entry in the series finds the Round Table stalwarts
(Parker, Benchley, Woollcott and Marx) joining forces with Mary
Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to solve a murder on a frenzied New Year's Eve. Like the previous two books, this has intricate plot with many red ... (continue)

This latest entry in the series finds the Round Table stalwarts
(Parker, Benchley, Woollcott and Marx) joining forces with Mary
Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to solve a murder on a frenzied New Year's Eve. Like the previous two books, this has intricate plot with many red herrings, but one key plot detail has slipped the author's mind, and this problem calls part of the ending into question. Who edited this
manuscript?
Overall a fun read, but the sloppy editing creates a serious flaw.

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— Jan 28, 2013 | Add your feedback
- A Little History of the World (3)
- Finished on Jan 25, 2013
  
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A Little History of the World

A Little History of the World Illustrated Edition

Revised to include illustrations for the first time, this highly-
regarded book has what it takes to help children (and more than a
few adults) develop excitement, and hopefully passion, about world
history. The author moves his narrative swiftly and fluently, with
clear explanations of how religion ... (continue)

Revised to include illustrations for the first time, this highly-
regarded book has what it takes to help children (and more than a
few adults) develop excitement, and hopefully passion, about world
history. The author moves his narrative swiftly and fluently, with
clear explanations of how religion and commerce developed, why nations went to war, and how, in general, history consists of people simply acting like people. His explanation of how the French Revolution came about is worth at least ten full-length books on this subject alone.
Beautifully presented, this book is the passport for a journey around the world and through time, to see what has brought us to the present day. Highly recommended

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— Jan 26, 2013 | Add your feedback
- The Romance of the Middle Ages (1)
- By Nicholas Perkins, Alison Wiggins
- Finished on Jan 20, 2013
  
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The Romance of the Middle Ages

The Romance of the Middle Ages

This sumptuous book,a catalogue of a Bodleian Library exhibit, traces romantic writing and its traditions from the Middle Ages until today, when Tolkein books become box-office champion Oscar-winning films, and Monty Python's wacky spoof can become both a classic film comedy and a huge hit on Broadw ... (continue)

This sumptuous book,a catalogue of a Bodleian Library exhibit, traces romantic writing and its traditions from the Middle Ages until today, when Tolkein books become box-office champion Oscar-winning films, and Monty Python's wacky spoof can become both a classic film comedy and a huge hit on Broadway.
The lavish illustrations almost eliminate the need to see the exhibit in person, but at the same time can make the reader wistful about missing it.
A bit specialized, of most interest to literary scholars, but still a visual feast.

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— Jan 21, 2013 | Add your feedback