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Nineteenth Century Ireland: The Search for Stability by D. George Boyce, a British historian. For those interested in how the present-day situation of Ireland, Northern Ireland and England developed, this is the book. Despite the title, the book narrates and analyzes events up to 1923 - the logical end of 19th century developments. He is a serious writer of history, and makes his points with citations from publications and speeches of the era, and he moves meticulously from the top of the social scale to the bottom, and through Anglican, Dissenter and Catholics views. It is a marvelous accomplishment, as he carefully threads through the social and political labyrinth of these decades with a dispassion and evenhandedness that is refreshing.
Has UNBROKEN BEEN MENTIONED? WWII biography of Louie Zampergini, one of the bravest and resilient men you would ever know. It is written by same author who wrote Seabiscuit. I'm a woman with no real interest in military but I do love biographies and this one has so much action in it. Don't Google him, as it will tell you too much about his story. I enjoyed being surprised as I read it. A great read.
I'm currently reading The Disappearing Spoon and Other True Tales of Madness, Love and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements.
Sounds dry and boring? It is not. I'm typically not a NonFiction reader, but the last few months I've been stuck to Nonfiction. This book does not disappoint. The author, Sam Keen, goes through each element (carbon, neon, etc..) and shows how they play their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, arts, poison, etc..
This book is not stuffy at all. It's written with each element getting a chapter about the elements discovery, uses , etc. Very captivating and an easy, informative read.
In January I found a few more nonfiction books that I think are very interesting. Let me say, however, that they are of a secularist nature.
Why We Believe What We Believe: Uncovering Our Biological Need for Meaning, Spirituality, and Truth by Andrew Newberg.
I thought this was a fascinating book outlining Newberg's research as a neuroscientist. He observes patients' brains during prayer, meditation and a speaking in tongues experience. He performs scans of patients during these activities and analyzes the results.
The Science of Good and Evil: Why People Cheat, Gossip, Care, Share, and Follow the Golden Rule by Michael Shermer.
A nonreligious view of morality. He briefly discusses the concept of being good with believing in a deity, but mostly the book focuses on the evolutionary reasons behind morality and why it exists.
Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism by Susan Jacoby.
Just what it sounds like. It feels like a look at American history through the eyes of the nonreligious beginning with Thomas Paine and founders to present day. She talks about people marginalized in present day history books, or those, like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who are only remembered for one aspect or movement.
These are the 3 latest reads that I would recommend to others.
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