Disunion: Modern Historians Revisit and Reconsider the Civil War from Lincoln's Election to the Emancipation Proclamation   The New York Times, Ted Widmer
Interesting, somewhat out of the mainstream, essays about the Civil War by scholars writing today. Read most of them when they appeared in The New York Times. Because of the historical perspective and the short length, quite a few new intricacies I at least, was unaware of. Very valuable.

The Disagreement   Nick Taylor
Novel about a young Virginia man who goes to medical school during the civil war. Though it is very nicely written in prose something like that period, I found that I disliked the protagonist more as the narrative developed, none of the characters were of any real interest, there was really nothing about the war, it is only a plot device, and I felt almost nothing when I finished it. Too bad.

Gathering Prey   John Sandford
Latest Lucas Davenport police procedural about a Manson-like group of killers traveling to Juggaloe gatherings. As usual, excellent, spare prose propels the interesting plot right along. Good addition of more of Davenport’s daughter Letty, an interesting character. Enjoyed it, good entertainment even though I don’t really like Davenport that much, definitely less than Virgil Flowers. Fun.

The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861   David M. Potter
History of the period leading up to the beginning of civil war. Written in florid, sometimes almost pompous prose, with too many asides for the reader and comments about what other historians have done, would have preferred “just the facts, ma’m.” And it didn’t really provide information I wasn’t already getting from other, better sources. Disappointing.

The Promise   Robert Crais
Latest highly-entertaining Elvis Cole novel. Also includes Joe Pike and Jon Stone, as usual, two excellent additions, as well as Maggie, a German shepherd, and her handler. Fast-paced plot rendered in Crais’ usual crisp, clean prose, a little of Cole’s famous sarcasm, and just enough emotion. A lot of fun, and a nice distraction. Couldn’t put it down.

Showa 1953-1989: A History of Japan   Mizuki Shigeru
Fourth volume of Mizuki’s brilliant manga history of the Showa period (1926-1989) of Japanese history. This volume covers events he thinks were important as well as Mizuki’s postwar struggles to make a living, establish his manga career, have a family, and find happiness. Once again, fascinated by every frame. Couldn’t put it down. Mizuki died late last year, that’s how I heard about this history. Now that I’ve finished it, I feel sad, like I’ve lost a friend.

A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance: Portrait of an Age   William Manchester
Beautifully written history of the transition from the Medieval to Renaissance worldview in Europe. Some of Manchester’s sources seem a little suspect, like Will Durant, but the detail is good, and the narrative is gripping. Love this mixture of intellectual and social history. Couldn’t put it down.

Religion and Sexuality: The Shakers, the Mormons, and the Oneida Community   Lawrence Foster
Interesting history of these three religions’ sexual ideologies. All three blossomed during the early decades of the 19^th Century, thus my historical interest. Though it reads like a Ph.D. dissertation, it is filled with good research and insights. Interesting to me that each movement Foster documents perfectly reflects the sexual desires of the founder, though of course, they all say it’s from God. Good distinction between polygamy of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Enjoyed it.

Saturn Run   John Sandford and Ctein
Entertaining and interesting science fiction novel about a race between American and Chinese spaceships to contact aliens in the rings of Saturn. Well-written with plausible science and plot. A little weak on the alien encounter, but fun and diverting. Enjoyed it.