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johnrrymer

johnrrymer

My living is computer-industry research, which is a lot of fun. I do lots of other things only for fun, reading among them. I like reading history best, but I've been enjoying novels lately as well.
  • member since August 28 2008

johnrrymer’s last login was 3 weeks ago. show recent activity »

Random books from my shelf

     
 
 
 

Public Notes

  • Darra W

    Darra W says

    Hey John.

    I've been reading quite a bit about China since the Olympics last summer. I'll be interested in what you think about "Out of Mao's Shadow." I've got it on my wish list shelf.
    Right now, I'm reading a memoir that views the collapse of Vietnamese feudal society. It's told through the eyes of a member of the former Northern aristocracy who is forced to flee to Saigon in the 1950s. It covers the period from 1940 - 1976, and includes the Japanese occupation during WWII, the break from French colonialism, and the Vietnam War. It's called "The Eaves of Heaven." As I'm reading, I'm gaining a much deeper understanding of the "modern" history of that country, and the impact of our "police action" back in the 60s and early 70s.

    Will just finished the Torre book. He said it was great. I get it next ;-)

    posted 4 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Miles M

    Miles M says

    Hi, John, thanks for the update on your reading. It's appropriate that you've been reading The Picture of Dorian Gray, since I just got back from London visiting my pals Jon Gardner and Kristen Hallam. You'll be getting a postcard soon.

    posted 6 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Darra W

    Darra W says

    A ball game sounds like a great idea! Let's get a look at the schedules and get something on the calendar.

    Can't wait to get my hands on the new Torre book...

    posted 10 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Darra W

    Darra W says

    Hi John,
    Hioe you, Cyn, and all the family are having a terrific holiday season.
    Brooks and I both just finished a thought-provoking little (175 page) book you might want to take a look at. (I found it at the Danville Library): Fair Ball: A Fan's Case for Baseball by Bob Costas. Costas takes a pretty incisive look at the state of the game at the turn of the 21st century, with some interesting ideas for getting the playing field level again.

    posted 11 months ago. ( send a note )
  • Darra W

    Darra W says

    Hey John,

    I see you've added Dreams from My Father to your "plan to read" shelf. I read it about a year ago, and found it very insightful, especially since it was written well before Obama was elected to the Senate. Have you read Audacity of Hope? I just put that one on my "plan to read" shelf...

    posted 1 year ago. ( send a note )
  • Darra W

    Darra W says

    Thanks for the invite, John. I've been reading much more non-fiction than I used to in the past year or two and really enjoy it. Your shelf is loaded, and I'll be keeping my eye on it for recommendations.

    I see we've read a lot of the same fiction as well: Faulkes (Birdsong is a personal favorite), Stegner, Russo, Max Barry...

    Darra

    posted 1 year ago. ( send a note )
  • Darra W

    Darra W says

    Hey John,

    You've got a great shelf!

    Please let me know what you think of the Tony La Russa book when you get around to reading it. (Have you read Three Nights in August about a key, mid-season Cards/cubs match up? Excellent!)

    Also interested in your response to Young Stalin. I've been hearing a lot about it, but not from anyone who has read it.

    Have a good weekend,

    Darra

    posted 1 year ago. ( send a note )
  • Jedd S

    Jedd S says

    Wow great choise of reading. Iv read a few of those series, please commont me.

    posted 1 year ago. ( send a note )
  • David H

    David H says

    Interesting list, John... We share an interest in a certain type of history. I'll put my list up over the week-end... stay sane...

    posted 1 year ago. ( send a note )
  • Jill P

    Jill P says

    Thanks John! Hey, I notice the Patrick O'Brien books on your shelf - I think those are the ones my dad really likes.

    posted 1 year ago. ( send a note )