The Ideals Guide to American Civil War Places by Julie Shively

The Ideals Guide to American Civil War Places by Julie Shively-272 pages

This was an interesting read. I knew about many of the historic sites and places mentioned, but there were a few new to me, so that made it worth while. I worked for a summer at one of the places mentioned (Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee) and have visited several others, but I have yet to visit any in the east and I really want to go to Gettysburg, Antietam, and to all the sites in Virginia. I wanted to read this not only because it meets the travel requirement for this month but also because I am somewhat of a Civil War expert/historian and I have visited and want to visit many of the sites detailed in this volume.
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Battles of the Medieval World, 1000 - 1500: From Hastings to Constantinople by Kelly DeVries

Battles of the Medieval World, 1000 - 1500: From Hastings to Constantinople by Kelly DeVries -- 224 pages

Introduces 20 key battles from Europe and the Near East in an age when traditional codes of chivalry gave way to increasing professionalism. These battles include Hastings, Hattin, Leignitz, Lake Peipus, Bannockburn, Crecy, Agincourt, Constantinople, and many more. The book includes exciting, full-color tactical maps for each battle, showing the reader the dispositions and movements of the opposing armies at a glance.

A Chain of Thunder by Jeff Shaara

A Chain of Thunder by Jeff Shaara (audiobook)-562 pages in print

I enjoyed listening to this on audiobook, though the reader's presentation of some of the characters is a bit disappointing and it is 22 hours long. This is a novelization of the Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi by the Union Army in 1863, culminating with the surrender of the Confederate Army on July 4, 1863. I really like Shaara's portrayal of Fritz "Dutchie" Bauer, a Private on the front lines and his portrayal of Lucy Spence, a young, single civilian woman in Vicksburg, as well as his portrayals of Generals Sherman and Pemberton. I really like Shaara's humanization of these historical events and his portrayal of the key figures involved in them. This might actually be my favorite Jeff Shaara novel so far, although I do like them all, to a degree.

The Smoke at Dawn: A Novel of the Civil War by Jeff Shaara

The Smoke at Dawn: A Novel of the Civil War by Jeff Shaara-495 pages

I enjoyed reading this one a lot. It is a novelization of the Battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge (a.k.a. the Battles for Chattanooga). I have been to Lookout Mountain and it is a sight to see. To my knowledge, the novel is as historically accurate as a novelization can be. Jeff Shaara is becoming one of my favorite authors. He takes history and humanizes it in an intriguing, attention-grabbing way. Both books of his that I have read have been page-turners. I like that he focuses on a few of the key figures and tells the story from each of their perspectives. I am somewhat of a Civil War "expert," though, so I realize his books aren't for everyone.

King John: Treachery and Tyranny in Medieval England

King John: Treachery and Tyranny in Medieval England

By Marc Morris

382 pages

Many historians consider King John one of the worst rulers of England. He begin his rule in the year 1199. This publication unravels the complex life of the King, including his battles, sieges, betrays and excommunication from the church.  The author attempts to review the whole character of the subject and includes both positive and negative aspects of his personality.   It was an enjoyable read. 

Bleach, v.53 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, v.53: The Deathberry Returns 2 by Tite Kubo - 210 pages

Ichigo is sinking into despair at the Ginjo's betrayal when his friends from the Soul Society come to his aid.  With their help he truly regains his Soul Reaper powers.  Back in form, he chases after Ginju while the other Soul Reapers battle individually against the Fullbringers in Yuzio's alternate realities.