Caught in the Revolution: Petrograd, Russia, 1917 - A World on the Edge
by Helen Rappaport
Revolution Action (10/18/2016)
This would be the go-to nonfiction book for anyone wanting to learn the observations of foreigners living in Petrograd, Russia during the 1917 Revolution. The extensive research is vividly viewed with a timeline representing the progress of the experiences of these personalities.
Before attempting to read such a publication, it would help to have prior understanding of the history of the players and circumstances in such an uprising. I feel I might have grasped more had I spent time familiarizing myself with that. The book flowed and was interestingly written.
The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey
by Rinker Buck
Rinker Buck's Jaunt (7/29/2016)
For me, this was one of the most interesting true-story history books I’ve read in a long time. And, the author is not shy when he is telling us about the real-life adventures he and his brother, Nick, and the Jack Russell, Olive Oyl, experience while on their covered wagon trip along the Oregon Trail. He gives us colorful and laugh-out-loud scenes as they travel across the country.
The writing shows abundant research and beautifully composed rhetoric. I learned some things I’d not known—mainly, the Mormon’s journey and their consequential failures. There is a complete index that is convenient and many photos throughout the pages. The ending was so sincere it brought tears. I enjoyed this book.