Some Books I Recommend

I haven’t had much of a chance to write recently (and it’s not for lack of subjects!).
So I thought I’d list a few books that I think are worth reading (in no particular order):
1984, George Orwell
This is a classic. If you’ve never read it or haven’t read it in a while, read it (again). It’s a timeless reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism, authoritarianism, unchecked governmental control — that sort of thing. Not necessarily completely pleasant to read, it is strangely engrossing.
Sacred Hunger, Barry Unsworth
This is a great historical novel about greed, cruelty and the 18th century slave-trade. Sounds terrible, but it’s not; it’s gripping. Read it.
How The Scots Made America, Michael Fry
This book appeals to me because I’m Scottish. But it’s also a highly entertaining and well-researched look at the influence the Scots have had on how and why The United States are what they are today. For example, Fry explains American democracy as a governmental variant of Scottish presbyterianism — in which the people choose their representatives and the representatives are the servants of the people.
On The Occasion of My Last Afternoon, Kaye Gibbons
I love Kaye Gibbons (and I’ve never met her). She’s from North Carolina so maybe I’m biased. This is a wonderful book about the US Civil War from the perspective of those (primarily women) who were left behind (in this case in Raleigh, which for me, makes it even more interesting) while their government sent their young men off to die.
The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty, Sebastian Barry
I don’t know what to say about this book other than: read it. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s a historical novel surrounding a young Irishman in the early 20th century. Just read it.
Happy reading.