In school, I learned that he proclaimed, "I have not yet begun to fight!" when being called upon to surrender his ship, the Bonhomme Richard, to the BIn school, I learned that he proclaimed, "I have not yet begun to fight!" when being called upon to surrender his ship, the Bonhomme Richard, to the British man-of-war Serapis, during the American Revolution.
In this book, I learned that he never actually said that (shades of Marie Antoinette not joking about "let them eat cake," either). Although he certainly displayed a similar attitude, if not those exact words. And he won in the end, accepting the surrender of the Serapis.
"Father" of the US Navy, he was never actually an admiral, nor did he command a fleet (though he desperately wanted to). Born John Paul, in Scotland, he added the "Jones" to his name later on. He was a very ambitious man, a brilliant strategist, and NOT very good at managing his crew. Any of his crews; mutiny was constantly threatened. Early on in his career as a sailor, he served for a few tours as crew on a slaving ship; later he became friends with former enslaved woman, Phyllis Wheatley, a very talented poet.
JPJ was flawed, creative, more than a little full of himself (much like Alexander Hamilton), and complicated. Interested in women, he never married (although he may have fathered an illegitimate child in France), went to work for Catherine the Great of Russia, and passed away in his early forties. I'm glad I learned more about him, but was not spellbound by the writing in this book.
Weddings are always a good place to meet potential partners, either short of long-term. Widower Lysander is coming to terms with a need to remarry, evWeddings are always a good place to meet potential partners, either short of long-term. Widower Lysander is coming to terms with a need to remarry, even though he still mourns his late wife. Their daughter is growing up a wild thing, and there's no shortage of marriageable ladies at the house party he is hosting on behalf of his niece, the bride.
Daphne, a widow, really isn't looking to remarry, just to prevent her adult daughter and maturing son from making terrible mistakes.
They find themselves drawn to one another, despite perhaps a more suitable bride, for Lysander, who is all but throwing herself at his feet, and a young rake with dastardly designs on Daphne.
It's a novella, so not quite slow-burn, but almost. I love that these two are in midlife, but not quite beyond love, and passion. Wonderful short Regency novella....more
This was an interesting read/look. Had never read a book about political disinformation in comic book format, but it was very well done.
There are someThis was an interesting read/look. Had never read a book about political disinformation in comic book format, but it was very well done.
There are some excellent sections of disinformation in history, all through to the modern day. Best for someone who've not a Ride or Die for the FFOTUS (First Felon Of The United States), but for those who've always seen through the dog-and-pony show, or for those on the cusp of realizing they'd been had....more
When it comes to historical figures like Anne Boleyn, context is everything, especially since we have so little material that she, herself wrote.
So thWhen it comes to historical figures like Anne Boleyn, context is everything, especially since we have so little material that she, herself wrote.
So the context of where she came to adulthood, in France, those who were (or she thought were) her friends, had a huge impact on her personal belief system. At the French Court, the sister and mother of Francis wielded much political power. So of course, as she rose to prominence in England, she expected to do likewise. Catherine of Aragon had also wielded political power, but she did it more discreetly.
You can only afford to make enemies if you have steadfast friends. Anne made a lot of enemies, she didn't produce a son, and Francis I, his mother Louise of Savoy, and his sister, Marguerite of Angouleme/Navarre, were only willing to go so far to support her. France, and France's relationship with the Pope, had to come first.
These relationships are what this book focuses on. As a Tudorphile, this expanded the depth of my knowledge about this fascinating Queen. ...more
I've read so many takes on Anne & Henry, it's hard to try to approach this from the "If you've never read or watched any of the stories perspective." I've read so many takes on Anne & Henry, it's hard to try to approach this from the "If you've never read or watched any of the stories perspective." That said, if you're in that place, I don't recommend this as the *first* book to read on the subject.
If you're familiar with the story(ies), it's an interesting new take. Bit dry in spots, but there are new nuggets, so overall, I enjoyed it....more
This author has a real knack of cutting through the fog of politics, to explain clearly, succinctly, and with humor, how American politics got to wherThis author has a real knack of cutting through the fog of politics, to explain clearly, succinctly, and with humor, how American politics got to where it is today. Why are there 100 Senators and 430 +/- Representatives in the House, and how are they elected? What ARE the three branches of government, anyway? How are they alike, and how are they different (or supposed to be)?
Thomas Paine's Common Sense was one of the inspirations for the fledgling American experiment, and A Return to Common Sense draws on the same ideas. She outlines six basic pillars of a functional democracy, with which most Americans (even R's) should agree: 1. America is a land of freedom. 2. Everyone should have the opportunity to rise. 3. Every citizen should have a vote, and that vote should count. 4. Representatives should represent the people who elected them. 5. The law applies to all of us. 6. Government should be a force for good.
While there are some dark forces seeking to undermine, even end, democracy in the USA, this author believes (as do I) that we can and should fight those forces. If you have any MAGA-leaners in your circles, or under-educated voters/non-voters, consider gifting them this book, if they're willing to read or listen to it, and ask if they'd be willing to discuss with your afterward. Highly recommended, and I'll be rereading my copy....more
This was an amazing history lesson, from one of the best writers/explainers out there. Fascinating to hear about how the "liberal consensus" was born,This was an amazing history lesson, from one of the best writers/explainers out there. Fascinating to hear about how the "liberal consensus" was born, and also, how there have always been those against it.
Note: I read this on my Kindle, and because it is so chock full of end notes (see: historian), finished before I even reached the 50% mark. I guess I could've read those, too, but was content with the text.
The USA has been through a lot, but we've gone through rough times before. We can get through this, too - if we want it enough....more
This seemed like an excellent read, when I bought it in 2018, the year it was published. Reading it now, it's both horrifying and prescient. And explaThis seemed like an excellent read, when I bought it in 2018, the year it was published. Reading it now, it's both horrifying and prescient. And explains a lot why politics in the last decade or more has gotten to be such a radical fustercluck.
This is a must read for anyone wondering why extremists keep getting elected to Congress, and the state houses and senates. It's because of GERRYMANDERING.
Gerrymandering has been a "thing" in politics for decades, but because of computer programs, it's gotten ridiculously good - or bad, depending on your outlook. The mapping programs are amazing, AND, there are programs to help predict demographic shifts. There is also a Faustian bargain in many states, to "create representation" by creating majority minority districts.
So, yay, Mississippi, for example, has one district that will send a Black Dem Representative to the House. BUT the way the lines are drawn, the surrounding districts have been so "bleached" there's no way a Dem can be competitive in them. This kind of shenanigans is why Wisconsin, a truly purple state, voted in 2012 with 174,000 more votes for Democrats than Repubs, but ended up with only 40% of the state assembly seats.
The problem with "safe" red and blue seats, because of gerrymandering, means that candidates in those districts don't have to appeal to moderate voters at all, don't have to compromise or make deals. They just have to win the primary. So, these districts send reps to the capitols - state or US - who are radical, sometimes even a bit unhinged. Who are happy to shut down the government on any whim and grandstand, while milking their connections and perks to enrich themselves. See: 2023 Republican SOH Kevin McCarthy. 15 rounds of voting to get the gavel - and then ousted a few short months later.
We HAVE to do better. We have to look at states like Ohio, which keeps sending reps like Jim Jordan to the House because he has a district drawn like a dehydrated lizard. Gerrymandering isn't only bad for Dems, it's bad for Repubs, too. It's bad for ALL the American people, and we have to make it stop.
4.5 stars. While much is known about the short queenhood of Anne Boleyn, (and I've read much of it), this book takes a deep dive into her last year. T4.5 stars. While much is known about the short queenhood of Anne Boleyn, (and I've read much of it), this book takes a deep dive into her last year. There are lots of details that other works skim over; where Henry and Anne went on progress, where they stayed, how they were entertained. It gave a depth to my understanding of this era that I was pleased to discover.
The difference is like the difference of LOOKING at a photo of a blue velvet cloak, to actually putting it on, feeling the heft of it, running it between your fingers. If you're a Tudorphile like me, you'll enjoy this work....more
If you are a white American *raises hand*, chances are you aren't well-informed about the history and traditions of Juneteenth. This short work by PulIf you are a white American *raises hand*, chances are you aren't well-informed about the history and traditions of Juneteenth. This short work by Pulitzer Prize winning Black historian Annette Gordon-Reed, herself a Texas native, checks all the boxes, both in being a reliable, well-researched book, and the perspective of what Juneteenth means/meant to Black Americans, especially those who were formerly enslaved.
I'm glad I took the time to become better educated about this, and NOW I know where "Six Flags over Texas" came from. Well worth the purchase....more
This short work goes through the various health issues, known or suggested, from the royals of the Tudor period. Some have been verified (Anne Boleyn This short work goes through the various health issues, known or suggested, from the royals of the Tudor period. Some have been verified (Anne Boleyn died when her head was separated from her body), others are rumors without contemporaneous sources. The author offers a bit of background history mixed with the medical discussion.
If you're a Tudorphile *raises hand*, you'll probably enjoy this as one of the lesser known works about this period....more
This was interesting. More for a Tudorphile like myself, it doesn't actually dig - much - into Anne's experiences, but more about the courts and womenThis was interesting. More for a Tudorphile like myself, it doesn't actually dig - much - into Anne's experiences, but more about the courts and women she lived with, in France. What they thought, the environment, what Anne might have experienced and how it might have shaped her....more
This is an excellent, somewhat discouraging book about how and why we got to the place where the USA is in the political straits we are in. Note: I reThis is an excellent, somewhat discouraging book about how and why we got to the place where the USA is in the political straits we are in. Note: I read this on my Kindle, and because it is EXTENSIVELY researched, the last half of this is all the references linked in earlier chapters.
The writing style flows well and information is presented in a way that is easy to understand.
It does end on a positive note, with lots of ideas on how to combat disinformation. ...more
I already "liked" Officer Dunn, based on what I'd seen of him through the media. This book underlines how worthy he is of being liked (and elected, I I already "liked" Officer Dunn, based on what I'd seen of him through the media. This book underlines how worthy he is of being liked (and elected, I hope).
There's a lot of profanity in this book, but IMO, the people who bore the brunt of the assault on the Capitol on Jan 6, get a free pass to say f*ck as often as they f*cking well want to.
We get a glimpse of how Harry once hoped to become a prof football player, but injuries ended that dream. He first got into being a police officer enticed by the salary, but grew to love and understand how important his work was, not just in protecting Congress, but in helping Americans exercise their right of peaceful protest.
Jan 6 took that away from him, as did the betrayal of some of the Congresspeople he protected on that dangerous day. And as of the date of this memoir, he still struggles with PTSD. ...more
4.5 stars. Always thought-provoking, at times poignant and heartbreaking. I'm not a huge fan of the epistolary style - the asides to the son, the orig4.5 stars. Always thought-provoking, at times poignant and heartbreaking. I'm not a huge fan of the epistolary style - the asides to the son, the original target/reader of this work, took me out of it.
But it's still brilliant, and something everyone who is NOT a Black man growing up in the United States, should read. I will never be able to fully comprehend that experience, but now I understand it a little bit better....more
Had a hard time not clicking my "horror" shelf for this one. Because the details of this ARE horrifying. Also important to learn and understand.
PeoplHad a hard time not clicking my "horror" shelf for this one. Because the details of this ARE horrifying. Also important to learn and understand.
People mocked Hillary Clinton for talking about the vast right-wing conspiracy, but she wasn't wrong. There really is a large group of rich white men who want to roll back the political clock in America to a time when only white, land-owning MEN were able to vote and hold office. When oligarchs ran everything. The attacks on voting rights, on public school, on abortion rights - it's all of a piece with this philosophy. And it didn't start yesterday.
I can't say I enjoyed this book, but I'm glad I read it. My only "quibble," and it's a "small one," is that the author uses "so many quotation marks" for phrases large, small, and sometimes only "one" word, it "became distracting" to me as a reader. It's very well-researched and I recommend it to anyone who's a fan of democracy. ...more
This book is an important, if painful read. there are so many small, separate, primarily white militia groups and internet trolls, who all came togethThis book is an important, if painful read. there are so many small, separate, primarily white militia groups and internet trolls, who all came together to try to overthrow the government on January 6, 2021.
The American culture is changing. and those who have been in power are reacting to this, trying to hang on. And they may yet succeed, and destroy the American experiment, democracy.
I hope many people read this book, and understand what those of us who love democracy, equality, and justice for all....more
4.5 Stars. It's a very "thick" book, in terms of ideas and stories that take a while to mentally digest. Maria was born in the Philippines, but spent 4.5 Stars. It's a very "thick" book, in terms of ideas and stories that take a while to mentally digest. Maria was born in the Philippines, but spent most of her late childhood and early adulthood in the USA, before returning to the Philippines to be a journalist there.
She was there at the beginning of CNN, and watched Facebook go from a force for good and connection, to a force leveraged for evil. She's fought her entire life for journalism and journalistic integrity, even when living under oppressive and tumultuous regimes. Her stories are both fascinating and a horrific warning. We MUST do better re: media, especially social media.
She entirely deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. May other good journalists follow her example....more
4.5 Stars. As a challenge, I'd love for a woman friend who didn't start off mad, read this and see if she isn't incendiary by the end. Because there a4.5 Stars. As a challenge, I'd love for a woman friend who didn't start off mad, read this and see if she isn't incendiary by the end. Because there are SO MANY injustices to women that we have meekly accepted as "just the way the world works," for far too long.
But we're getting over the habit of doing that, getting mad, instead, and women's anger IS bringing about change, however slowly. If we continue to see our anger as a tool for change, and refuse to be shut down, there is, indeed, hope we can change the world....more
Phew! This is not an easy read, emotionally, but it's an important one. So many stories of how America came to be, have whitewashed Black and brown foPhew! This is not an easy read, emotionally, but it's an important one. So many stories of how America came to be, have whitewashed Black and brown folks clean out of them, even though these enslaved people BUILT this country and its wealth.
Without sharing in it. America is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, but we got here through the labor of enslaved and exploited people, and some are working very hard to ensure there are ALWAYS exploited people, to keep the rich getting richer.
The stories and essays are painful, and thought-provoking, and the poetry tears at the heart. My fellow white folks, we must read and learn from works like this, and become part of the wave demanding our country does better....more
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