Troublesome Young Men: The Rebels Who Brought Churchill to Power and Helped Save England

Tom Magill

Troublesome Young Men: The Rebels Who Brought Churchill to Power and Helped Save England
by Lynne Olson
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (2007)
ISBN-13: 978-0-374-17954-0
ISBN-19: 0-374-17954-9

This is a remarkable tale of the British parliament and the group that finally got Neville Chamberlain to resign and have Winston Churchill replace him shortly after the start of WW II. This small group displayed some remarkable personal and professional courage. In addition, you get a great insight into Chamberlain. His conviction that he alone could save Europe by personal negotiation with Hitler is a tragic event well described.

I learned a great deal about the workings of the House of Commons in that historic era. Beyond that the author does an outstanding job of analyis on figures we grew up with; Anthony Eden, Harold MacMillan and others.

An interesting side note, Ms. Olson discloses the background of the romance novelist, Barbara Cartland. One of her brothers was a member of Parliament during this time and he and another brother were both killed in the battle of France that preceded the evacuation at Dunkirk.

This one is a winner.

The FairTax book : saying goodbye to the income tax and the IRS

Paul Fullmer

The FairTax book : saying goodbye to the income tax and the IRS
by Neal Boortz & John Linder
New York : Regan Books, (2005)
ISBN 0060875410

Bill Tice highly recommends that every '55er read The Fair Tax Book by Neal Boortz and John Linder to get a different perspective on tax reform. I concur with his recommendation. It is eye-opening.

Jesus of Nazareth

Jerry Hughes

Jesus of Nazareth : from the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration
by Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI ; translated from the German by Adrian J. Walker
New York : Doubleday (2007)
ISBN 9780385523417

"Jesus of Nazareth", the first book by Pope Benedict XVI since his elevation, ISBN 978-0-385-52341-7, published by Doubleday, is a trip into Christology. This is a book you have to stay focused and concentrated on. You can't put it down in mid-chapter and expect to keep the thread of his exposition. The Holy Father takes you through a journey to grasp the real personage of the Lord. You'll have a much deeper understanding of the Lord's Prayer and the Sermon on the Mount when you finish the book. A wonderful reinforcement of faith.

The Somme : Heroism and Horror in the First World War

Tom Magill

The Somme : Heroism and Horror in the First World War
by Martin Gilbert
New York : H. Holt (2006)
ISBN 9780805081275

A sobering review of the grim 4 month British offensive at the Somme river in WW I
Great loss on both sides..........little gain.

The Few : the American "Knights of the air"

Tom Magill

The Few : the American "Knights of the Air" who risked everything to fight in the battle of Britain
by Alex Kershaw
Cambridge, MA : Da Capo Press (2006)
ISBN 9780306813030

Describes the activity of a handful of Americans who violated US neutrality laws to fly for the RAF in the early 40's. Only one survived. Well written.

The War of the World

Tom Magill

The War of the World : Twentieth-Century Conflict and the Descent of the West
by Niall Ferguson
Penguin Press (2006)
ISBN 1594201005

Brit author.......looks at 20th century and describes the paradox between our amazing scientific and human progress and our uncanny ability to find ways to slaughter our fellow men at a greater rate than anything in history.

Union 1812 : the Americans who fought the Second War of Independence

Tom Magill

Union 1812 : the Americans who fought the Second War of Independence
by A. J. Langguth
Simon & Schuster (2006)
ISBN 0743226186

A close look at the war of 1812 with an solid analysis of the players. Both Hamilton and Burr are highlighted. Good understanding of the heavy political shenanigans of the Founding Fathers after Washington's terms. Not unlike today.