excellent writing and heartfelt storytelling

The Last American Road Trip: A Memoir by Sarah Kendzior
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Last American Road Trip is a beautifully written collection of tales from Sarah's travels with her family spanning the past 20 or so years. In the spirit of a great travelogue, much interesting and relevant background history, people, and events are included to give depth and background to the places visited. I found the information on Missouri especially interesting, having spent my high school and college days in the Show Me state, as well as having ancestors there. But if you've read other of Sarah's brilliant books, you won't be surprised at the feeling of gloom clouding over these travels. That being said, given where we are in the United States in 2025, and the dystopian environment we live in, the gloom yields a contrast between the wonderful land and people of the US and the national movement that is systematically destroying our land and people. So I find the book a bittersweet collection, difficult to read, but at the same time inspiring a new urgency to discover what remains of our land and people. Excellent writing and heartfelt storytelling.

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a fascinating travelogue through Italy and through history

The Hero's Way: Walking with Garibaldi from Rome to Ravenna by Tim Parks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Hero's Way is a fascinating travelogue through Italy, and through history, as Tim Parks retraces the steps of Garibaldi from Rome to Ravenna in 1849. Parks and his travel companion walk the 400 miles that Garibaldi and his army of volunteers did. The story is interesting both in the historical events that were new to me, and also in Parks' account of the adventure and encounters in traveling this path nearly two centuries later on foot, in a world of motorcycles, autos, and trains. I love Tim Parks perspectives and commentary on both the history, and on the journey. A great trip.

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a commentary and reflection on St. Francis

St. Francis of Assisi by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3 stars for content, but 4 stars because it is G.K. Chesterton. This is not an objective biography, but more of a commentary and reflection on the life and impact of Francis of Assisi. It was enjoyable read because Francis is amazing, and because GKC is nice to read, but not on my list of favorite books on St. Francis. Don't miss this for completeness sake, but not a must-read.

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A richly written tale

The Cove by Ron Rash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A richly written tale of mystery, superstition, prejudice, nationalistic fervor, family, and love, set in Appalachia during the end days of WWI. Starting at the present, the tale jumps both around and back in time, building the back stories and characters into an unexpected yet inevitable conclusion. This is rich and beautiful writing by Ron Rash, maybe one of his best, although all of his books that I've read have been excellent. Real people in real places (usually in Appalachia) and real times are his forte. Recommended!

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frightening parallels to our daily news

It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"It Can't Happen Here", published in 1935, is an alternative history narrative of a depression era United States choosing the way of "Make America Great Again" as a way out of the Great Depression, instead of FDR's Liberal Consensus and social programs. With chilling parallels to 2025, the democratically chosen MAGA quickly descends into full blown Fascism, with deportations, exiles and prison camps for the the "Others" which question the administration and dare to bring facts and truth into the conversation. The protagonist is a journalist who is eventually imprisoned for reporting the facts. This story has many parallels to other more famous dystopian tales of the late 19th century through middle 20th century. I was struck by the insight of the story telling, and the frightening parallels to our daily news now that MAGA are fully in the drivers seat. This book is definitely worth a read to help understand how we got where we are.

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a way forward and upward, despite feeling like it's too late for the US

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

2025:
I wanted to re-read this book, and it was worth it. Sagan presents such a rational and reasoned argument for the scientific method in every area of our lives. Upon my original reading, i thought he went overboard on the alien abduction stuff, but in 2025 with Q-anon and other conspiracies not only having widespread support, but actually driving political discourse and outcomes, the parallels are clear, still very relevant. And then the last two chapters blew me away, reading them after the start of the 2nd Trump term in the US and reading Sagan and Druyan, written in the early 1990's, describe the collapsing state of the US as if they wrote it today. Chilling. As always Sagan's intellect and wisdom illuminates the darkness and offers us a way forward and upward, despite feeling like it's too late for the US.

my 2014 review:
Finishing this book leaves me with a profound sense of loss realizing that Dr. Sagan is no longer with us. His voice is needed more than ever today in all areas of our society and lives. He lends such great knowledge and especially wisdom to all the subjects covered in this book. Our world would be a better place if more people had access to this book. I heartily recommend it as required reading. Spend some time learning at the feet of a true master. He was a prophet to our world, and i'm grateful he has left some of his wisdom and knowledge behind to be taken to heart.

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a concise summary - find a copy and read

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Tyranny is a concise summary of 20th century historical events as they relate to the rise of tyranny in other places, combined with an overlay of current events in the US which are directly related or analogous. This book is in the format of the traditional "pamphlet" and reads well and fast. Everyone in the US should find a copy and read this.

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a pretty good overview, but feels defensive

They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent by Sarah Kendzior
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What started out feeling like a good overview of the author's previously published work ended up feeling more like an explanation and justification of the methods, terminology, and worldview of the author. Having spent many years in Missouri, i loved reading View From Flyover Country. And I appreciated her insight and fresh approach in Hiding in Plain Sight. But this book didn't feel the same to me. It does provide a pretty good overview, but the tone feels somewhat defensive.

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a great story that stands on its own

Road to Assisi: The Essential Biography of St. Francis by Paul Sabatier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Road to Assisi" is a concise, accessible, well translated and edited biography of Francis Bernardone, better known as Francis of Assisi or Saint Francis. This story of Francis' life is captivating, compelling and inspiring. This work is considered one of the first works using modern textual criticism techniques. The result is a highly reliable account of the life and events surrounding Francis of Assisi. Having read this immediately AFTER a visit to Assisi, it leaves me excited to return and spend more time retracing Francis' steps, and visiting more places important to this story. This is a great story that stands on its own, yet points to so much more. Excellent and highly recommended.

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Franciscan Spirituality and the town of Assisi

Enter Assisi: An Invitation to Franciscan Spirituality by Murray Bodo O.F.M.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enter Assisi is a nicely written account of how Franciscan Spirituality overlays the town of Assisi in Perugia. Aspects of the Franciscan way are linked to times, places and events in and around Assisi, where St. Francis was born and died, and based his ministry from. I especially enjoyed the latter part of the book as it described events in places we visited this past summer when in Assisi. I look forward to a more extended stay there.

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a deeply layered and multifaceted account

Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska by Warren Zanes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is like a biography, except it's for an album rather than a person. In "Deliver Me from Nowhere", Warren Zanes brilliantly delivers a deeply layered and multifaceted account of the birth of the amazing album "Nebraska" by Bruce Springsteen. In this book, we learn the backstory of Nebraska, get acquainted with all the people involved, but most interestingly, we get to see how and why it was written, recorded, "produced", and released. Every aspect of this story is fascinating. Especially interesting to me (besides my being a lifelong fan of Bruce and his music) were the technical details of the recording, mixing, and mastering. Being a retired Electrical Engineer, who for 40 years have felt some regret for not pursuing the music industry in my career, and having run sound equipment, mixers, and recording setups for artists and bands on the amateur level, the techie section was pure joy. Nebraska was one of the first Springsteen albums I purchased in college, right after it was released. I've loved it in many ways over the years. Today, i went back and put the CD on after i finished the book, to relive the album with all the details fresh in mind. Given the excellent writing and amazing subject matter, this was an easy 5 star rating for me.

Note that this book inspired the recently aired PBS Television special entitled "Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska - A Celebration in Words and Music", narrated by Warren Zanes and featuring many artists performing the songs live. Especially love Noah Kahan's version of Atlantic City!!
https://www.pbs.org/show/bruce-springsteens-nebraska-a-celebration-in-words-and-music/

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rewrite of the Jack Kirby saga

Eternals by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A rewrite of the Jack Kirby saga, which i haven't read. It was interesting, but my interest was tempered by recent revelations. Too bad. The art was much improved over the original (comparisons in the appendices).

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A fun geeky read

The Iron Road: An Illustrated History of the Railroad by Christian Wolmar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm in the process of collecting a lot of books to donate to the Friends of the Library, and ran across this one that i decided to read before donating. Its a very high level history of the development of railroads globally. Written on the level of a middle/high school text book with generous illustrations, it was fascinating to follow the birth and evolution of rail travel and transportation over the centuries. Coming off spending a month on the trains in Italy and other adjoining EU countries, i found it interesting to see how those rails systems developed. A fun geeky read.

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an amazing worldview

Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi by Richard Rohr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first overview of the Franciscan way. I have read other writings and books by Father Richard, but this was a first book about the Franciscan way. I picked it because we were in the process of planning to go to the town of Assisi this past summer. I have been inside of Christianity most of my life, and in my view, the Franciscan way is the most credible and worthy form of Christianity i have ever seen. Offhand, i can't even think of a close second. What an amazing worldview. I recommend this book.

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much to think about

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In cleaning out and giving away a bunch of books, i ran across this one that i had not read. It is not the most encouraging story to read at my age, but nevertheless, a well written story. It deals with many aspects of survival and success in our capitalistic society. Published in 1949, this script has been the basis for many stage productions and films. It is a well told story that leaves much to think about. Very good.

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delightful and satisfying travels

Italian Ways: On and Off the Rails from Milan to Palermo by Tim Parks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This my second title by Tim Parks and I'm a fan. I love reading travel writing, but Prof. Parks includes so many of the dimensions that are seen only in the very best travel writers. I especially like his grounded, honest, approach to describing not just history and politics behind the places, but such thoughtful reflections on the people, places, and sights, including self reflection to give a special context to the journey. I loved Italian Neighbors (how was that NOT made into a film?) and this just adds more layers to the delightful and satisfying life story of Prof. Parks. I will continue pick up and read more of his canon, especially as i reflect on traveling to Italy, both before and after. Excellent account.

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a "manifesto" for travel

Rick Steves' Travel As a Political Act by Rick Steves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rick Steves' "Travel As a Political Act" is his "manifesto" for travel. In it, he shares many details of his most meaningful and life changing travel, and expounds on what was learned and how it changed him. The book shares a wide diversity of places, people, and experiences. In addition, through advice and experience, the author shows us how we can apply the same principles of travel to our travel experiences, in order to make ourselves better citizens of the world, as well as to connect meaningfully to a larger scope of humanity. Rick is a really cool person who lives what he publishes. This is a great read for anyone venturing outward, whether out of state, or across the globe.

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ditto, this time Florence

Rick Steves Pocket Florence by Rick Steves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another excellent and concise overview, this time of Florence. Great maps, tours, and recommendations. All around great summary which will definitely go with us to Italy! Thank you, Rick Steves!

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Another excellent and concise overview, this time of Rome.

Rick Steves Pocket Rome by Rick Steves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another excellent and concise overview, this time of Rome. Great maps, tours, and recommendations. All around great summary which will definitely go with us to Rome! Thanks again, Rick Steves!

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Excellent and concise overview of the Cinque Terre

Rick Steves Pocket Italy's Cinque Terre by Rick Steves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent and concise overview of the Cinque Terre and the surrounding towns. Great tips, recommendations, and i especially love the detailed walks in and around each town. I also appreciate the frankness in the reviews of sites and eateries. All around great summary which will definitely go with us to the Cinque Terre! Thanks Rick Steves!

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