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.

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.