BOOK REPORTS—

Stone Cold by David Baldacci

A whipsaw ride through the clandestine side of Washington DC with more plot twists than curves in a bowl of fresh cooked spaghetti noodles. You’ll need a scorecard and still have trouble keeping track of the players. Nevertheless, it was Baldacci at his usual high velocity.


Lincoln and Douglas by Allen C. Guelzo

Fifty pages of notes support this author’s scholarly tome on the famous debates that grappled with the question of freedom or slavery and the very definition of what our Constitutional Democracy should be. Lincoln “won” the seven debates but lost the state senate election of 1858 in Illinois on which the debates were centered. Two years later he won an even bigger election—the US Presidency. A great read; if you are a research historian.


Rome and Jerusalem by Martin Goodman

I have long wondered why, since antiquity, people around the world have often hated Jews. I thought I might find a clue to that answer in this book sub-titled The Clash of Ancient Civilizations. Then after trundling through about 200 pages of this read I did an internet search on “Why People Hate Jews” and, presto, my answer in countless forms. Made me regard this book as like asking a fellow what time it is and he begins to tell you how to manufacturer a watch.


Way Off the Road by Bill Geist

Geist, a commentator for CBS News, sub-titles his offering Discovering the Peculiar Charms of Small-Town America; an apt description of this delightful read. He takes brief peeks at: …a Minnesota town so small its parade stands still and the population walks around it. …an Alabama town where airline passengers’ lost luggage winds up—by the semi-truckload. …an Oklahoma town that hosts the World Championships of Cow Chip Throwing. And, a couple dozen more just like these. A fun book.