Introduction

[marny_h96]

Name: marny_h96
Goal: 75 books read from January 1, 2009 until December 31, 2009
Definition of book: No e-books, no audiobooks
Books read so far: 21

A little about my goal and my reading habits: I've never set a goal for myself about how many books I'd like to read in a year although I've always read a lot. This year I hope to read 75 books. I read almost everything but my favorites are non-fiction (mostly history), historical fiction and murder mysteries/thrillers.

Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Fall of Prussia 1600-1947

[marny_h96]

Title: Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Fall of Prussia 1600-1947
Author: Christopher Clark
Number of Pages: 800 pages
Book Number/Goal: 21/75 for 2009
My Rating: 4.5/5

Christopher Clark's book offers a very in-depth look into the history of a state that is mostly known as being reactionary and militaristic. What is often forgotten is that Prussia was the most progressive of the German states – e. g. religious tolerance and freedom of press already existed during the reign of Frederick the Great (later followed such reforms as a nationalized health insurance program and a state pension system).

The structure of the book is thematic rather than linear and it can sometimes be a bit difficult to follow. The author's writing style is fluid, though, and very detailed. At 800 pages it might be a bit too long for readers who only want an overview of the Prussian history. For everyone interested in history, this is a must read. Very much recommended.

Three Books of Roman History

[telesilla]

Title: The Twelve Caesars (De Vita Caesarum)
Author: Suetonius (Gaius Suetonius Tranquilius), translated by Robert Graves, intro by Michael Grant
Number of Pages: 321
Genre: non-fiction, history
Book Number/Goal: 26 of 100 to be read in a year
Rating: 4/5

Title: The Annals of Imperial Rome (Ab excessu divi Augusti)
Author: Tacitus (Publius [or Gaius] Cornelius Tacitus), translated and intro by Michael Grant.
Number of Pages: 415
Genre: non-fiction, history
Book Number/Goal: 27 of 100 to be read in a year
Rating: 3/5

Title: 69 A.D.
Author: Gwyn Morgan
Number of Pages: 313
Genre: non-fiction, history
Book Number/Goal: 28 of 100 to be read in a year
Rating: 3/5

( short reviews through here )