As the year comes to an end, I am reflecting on what a joy it has been to read with you all and to share this literary journey. While it was my first year in the group, it will definitely not be my last. I started the year with a series on a plague (Alex Scarrow's Plague series), spent lots of time re-reading my Stephen King library in publication date order (starting in 1974 and making it as far as 1993), educated myself on politics, culture, and history, and took an active role in learning about racism and how to make changes for the better in our society.
It was quite a journey, and next year will be a wonderful continuation.
I especially want to thank
@willowsnn3 (Susan) for all of the hard work in keeping the list updated. You are my reading angel, and if it were up to me, I would nominate you to do it again (and to be a guest on a DIS podcast).
For now, my final two books for the year (unless I can sneak one more in):
66.
The Zealot and the Emancipator: John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, and the Struggle for American Freedom by H.W. Brands
This historical retelling of John Brown's life and featuring moments from Abraham Lincoln's life, is a fascinating study of the run-up to the Civil War, the abolitionist movement in America, and Lincoln's thoughts about slavery. With real life anecdotes from Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Jefferson Davis, John Wilkes Booth and other secondary characters, one gets a real taste of the times, and I left understanding much more about Lincoln's mixed history on slavery and racism. This was an education, and helped reframe my understanding of the times. I always knew John Brown was an interesting and troubled figure; this book helped me learn so much more about his struggle and his stated purpose.
67.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
This is a beautifully written memoir of the first half of Obama's presidency. A real page turner (and - wow - how many pages it is; more than 700), the book is a must read for anyone who has an interest in politics, regardless of your political beliefs. While some may read this and disagree with his characterizations, the book presents a very intimate look into the life of this former president. Each president in modern times has written a memoir; and this one does not disappoint. Looking forward to finishing it by December 31 (I am in the 500s right now), and looking forward to reading part 2 whenever it comes.
Thanks again to each of you for being a community of readers with me, and I look forward to our next year together.