BOOK REPORTS--

2012 and the End of the World by Matthew Restall and Amara Solari

The authors, both professors at Pennsylvania State University, have more than 30 years experience studying the Mayan culture, hence are well equipped to examine the popular prediction the world will end in December 2012.  In professor jargon, here's one of their revealing comments:  "...as with the more hysterical 2012 literature, or as the butt of parody, which is what 2012 is no doubt soon destined to become."  

Regardless of who is right, I did go ahead and buy that expensive camera I've been drooling over.


Wild Bill Donovan by Douglas Waller

Donovan is described as the spy master who created the OSS (during WW II) and modern American espionage.  In its nearly 400 pages the book takes a close look this WW I hero who won the Medal of Honor, went on to achieve the rank of general in the Army then formed the organization known today as the Central Intelligence Agency.  This is a dandy read--if you are a military historian.


The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory by Sherri Brake

This is another of those relatively little, 150 plus page paperbacks; this one a quite interesting read about the historical Mansfield facility.  There is lots of local history here including a chapter on a Civil War camp that preceded the reformatory--and, as is suggested, may have contributed to some of the paranormal activity described.  I found it curious the author waited until the 85th page to finally get to the "Spirits, Ghosts and Shadowy Encounters" clearly implied as the central theme in the book's title.


Flashback by Dan Simmons

This is a chilling, Orwellian-like novel which takes a peek at the near-future US where a huge percentage of the population is addicted to the drug "Flashback".  There, they blissfully enjoy the past while ignoring the country's unbelievable turmoil under the threat of an Islamic Global Caliphate.  It is a chilling tale of the Muslim march to world dominance.