Born a Crime - Trevor Noah

Subtitle: Stories from a South African Childhood

Read this on my Kindle Voyage I bought a couple of years ago and hadn't tried out.  With the upgraded software I liked the reading experience, though I need a better case.

The book was for one of my book clubs and I really enjoyed it.  It started sort of amateurish but got better a few chapters in.  I knew nothing of Trevor before reading his story and came away thoroughly impressed.  I watched his stand up comedy routine on Netflix.  Really thoughtful, intelligent and funny guy.

I bookmarked a bunch of quotes and Kindle is supposed to email them to me and I haven't figured that out so I'll add them when I do.

Published: 2018  Read: March 2019  Genre: Autobiography

The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton - Jane Smiley

I've read other of Smiley's books with mixed enthusiasm.  This novel is a historical fiction, focusing on the experiences of a young Boston woman who marries and travels west to settle in the territory that would later become the state of Kansas.  The story presents the views of both sides of the slave issue, the abolitionist from the North and the pro-slavery supporters from the south in what become known as "Bloody Kansas".  The battles between the settlers were the beginning of what would become the Civil War divide. 

I enjoyed reading the story and being drawn into the primary character, Lidie, as she tried to make sense of the arguments and differences.  I learned a bit of history I wasn't familiar with and a lot of the struggles of settling the new nation.  Recommended.


Published:  1998  Read: March 2019   Genre: Historical fiction

Callings - Dave Isay

Sub-title: The purpose and passion of work

I picked this up in the bargain bin at Office Max.  The Story corps company, founded by the author, has established recording booths around the country for ordinary people to share stories of their lives.

This collection focuses on those stories related to work.  There are sections on Dreamers, Heroes, Philosophers and others.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning of every day jobs and the strong emotions shared by those who loved those jobs.  It was inspiring and enlightening.  From garbage truck drivers to dentists to bar owners the friendship and pride was evident.  Good little read.

Published:  2016  Read: March 2019  Genre: Business

In the Blood - Steve Robinson

This was a Christmas gift. The author writes mysteries that focus on using genealogical data to solve the case.  His protagonist, Jefferson Tayte is a modern genealogist using those skills to unravel old secrets.  It was entertaining and made accurate and clever use of genealogy sources and methods.  The writing was a little formulaic and it took sometime to capture my attention.  I would read another volume in the series while relaxing on the beach.

Published:  2011  Read: March 2019  Genre: Mystery

Becoming - Michelle Obama

This was a Christmas present that I just enjoyed immensely!  My first impression is what a dedicated Mom she is and how she makes that a priority.  I really enjoyed finding out how she progressed through school and the work world, how she juggled career and marriage and family.  A class act and well written.  The insight into the campaigning experience was so straight forward and eye-opening.  Just a good read.


Published: 2018  Read: 2019   Genre: Auto-biography