The debate about insanity in criminal defenses has been raging for years, but did you know that it was raging almost 100 years ago? I didn't - I thought that this type of defense was a relatively newer concept and was surprised to learn that I was wrong. Angel Killer: A True Story of Cannibalism, Crime Fighting, and Insanity in New York City by Deborah Blum (a Kindle … [Read more...]
Duplicity by Newt Gingrich (Book Review)
Newt Gingrich called this review "very impressive," "well-thought-out," and "honest." He also posted it on his site! Did you know that Newt Gingrich writes novels? I did not but it since I was first invited to read this book for Center Street, a Hachette Book Group imprint, I have learned that he has, in fact, written several. As in more than 10. Clearly, I have … [Read more...]
‘Fall of Giants’: More Fact Than Fiction
When I finished Fall of Giants, the first in Ken Follett's latest trilogy, I was filled with happiness. It was a stunning book filled with accurate historical accounts of the events surrounding World War 1 and the characters where rich and real to me. About five minutes later, I started to panic a little for the exact same reason - the book was over and I would never again get … [Read more...]
The President’s Shadow by Brad Meltzer
The giveaway for this post has ended and was sponsored by Grand Central Publishing, however the review is my own. Sample book provided by Grand Central Publishing.For years, I have a been a big Brad Meltzer fan. His upcoming novel, The President's Shadow, is his tenth and I have read every single one. I usually read them in a weekend but this one I read from … [Read more...]
The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin (Book Review)
I don't even know where to start reviewing The Bully Pulpit because it's such a big and all-encompassing one. In short, it's about one of Americas most famous friendships between Presidents' Roosevelt and Taft and its rapid and public unraveling. Beyond that, it's also about the first president who harnessed the power of the press, the divergence of the Republican party, … [Read more...]