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Topic: December---read any good books lately?

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Subject: December---read any good books lately?
Date Posted: 12/1/2017 12:19 PM ET
Member Since: 6/30/2008
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I'm still reading the same book I was reading before.

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Subject: One o'clock Jump: The unforgetable history of the Oklahoma City Blue Devils
Date Posted: 12/8/2017 12:30 PM ET
Member Since: 6/30/2008
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from the book jacket.

The Blue Devils have received very little attention from jazz historians, though the band members and the writer Ralph Ellison (who sometimes sat in with them) spoke with conviction about their sterling musicianship and their legendary ability to defeat all competitors in battles of the bands. In a literal sense, the band survived for ten years, from its founding in 1923 to its demise in 1933. In a figurative sense, the band continued for more than half a century because, as members Jimmy Rushing, Lester "Prez" Young, Oran "Hot Lips" Page, and Count Basie became jazz legends, their "apprenticeship" in the Blue Devils authenticated them as genuine jazzmen, real troupers ready to play for any and all occasions.

Chronicling the ten years the band was officially together, Douglas Daniels provides a corrective to most accounts of musical groups. He delves into the potent social and cultural history of the Depression to show its influence on the group"s founding as well as on the players" careers. This meticulously researched history of an iconic jazz band rescues them from undeserved obscurity and clears away the fog of neglect.



Last Edited on: 12/8/17 12:34 PM ET - Total times edited: 2
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Date Posted: 12/21/2017 6:43 PM ET
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After finishing a terrible audiobook last week, I then started "The Martian" as an audiobook ---- OMG, so very good.  Excellent story, excellent narration (even if the science leaves skid marks on my forehead as it glances off).  I know there is a thread on this book from a couple years ago with glowing reviews but let me go on record here as saying this audiobook makes me want to go for a very long drive on winding, twisting never-ending mountain roads until those sad words, "This audio recording has been brought to you by..." come on.  Phenomenal.  So good I am going to watch the movie again when I'm done.  

In print, I am reading a much older book, "Good Evening Everybody: From Cripple Creek to Samarkand" by Lowell Thomas.  The older folks here will recognize Thomas' name as writer, broadcaster, and world traveler through much of the 20th century.  Also known, arguably, as the "discoverer" of the iconic, Lawrence of Arabia.  This book meets my last remaining reading challenge for 2017 and now I'm sorry I put it off for so long.  It's really good.  Thomas was raised in Victor, Colorado, a town near Colorado Springs and one I often pass through on my mountain rambles (and with friends will stop at a bar there for a step back through a time warp into the early 1900s).  Victor and nearby Cripple Creek are iconic towns in the history of the American gold rush (think "Pikes Peak or Bust!") and some of the most famous and violent events in the miner/mine owner labor wars.  Thomas' book is chock-full of historical figures and events but is also a really entertaining read, almost conversational.

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Date Posted: 12/24/2017 7:52 AM ET
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I read The Martian a while back. Got it from the library. I had to put my name on a waiting list to get it. I thought it was engrossing but I got a little tired of the constant crises that kept coming up. kinda wore me out after a while. I wouldn't want to read the book again. Once was enough.

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Date Posted: 12/24/2017 11:04 AM ET
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I've read some good books but the last memorable book was Cinnamon and Gunpowder, historic fiction that stayed with me all this year.  Don't even know why I picked it up except the title was arresting.  The mix of characters was great an English Privateer and a Chef.  Period trading period with China and the power struggle between The Major European nations for the trade.  There were menues and battles and clashes of cultures.  I enjoyed it immensely.

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Date Posted: 12/24/2017 12:43 PM ET
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Speaking of China, has anybody read The Sand Pebbles. I don't remember exactly the author. It might be something like Kenna. This is the book the movie was based on. I liked it a lot.

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Date Posted: 12/27/2017 7:54 AM ET
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Texas Rhapsody by Bill Porterfield. might only be of interest to people who live in Texas. or people who once lived in Texas. non fiction. short 1 or 2 page vignettes about personalities of current Texans.

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Date Posted: 12/28/2017 12:34 AM ET
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Holiday season is not my good time of year so I have been trying to read 'up' books or not emotionally challenging stories.  I read a couple Westerns and looks like I will be reading a few more.  Once I get started with the good westerns, uncomplcated good guys and bad guys, it seems easier.