Five Books

[H2O Man]

On Wednesday, I got five new books. As summer comes to an end, and the kids are back in school and college, it gives me an opportunity to read a little more. Below are the books that I’m reading now:

{1} One Minute to Midnight; Michael Dobbs; Alfred A. Knopk; 2008.

This is an interesting, well-documented study of the Cuban missile crisis. I can’t help but think that in the next few years, there is a good chance that the United States could be faced with an up-dated international crisis that threatens to spin violently out of control. In my opinion, this is an important factor in determining who our next President should be. In comparing the thought processes of Barack Obama and John McCain, the choice is all too obvious.

{2}The Last Campaign; Thurston Clarke; Henry Holt & Co.; 2008.

Clarke presents a detailed story of the 82-day campaign for the democratic nomination in 1968. It’s a nice addition to the Kennedy section of my library. For DUers my age, it is an intense subject, that reminds us of the hope and promise of that era. There is still, of course, some intense emotions that one feels reading this book, especially when looking through the photographs.

{3} The Strong Man; James Rosen; Doubleday; 2008.

On one hand, James Rosen is not among the journalists I have a high opinion of; on the other hand, this is the first book that examines John Mitchell and his unique role in the Watergate crimes. By no coincidence, I have found an error in the book; interpretations of facts that I strongly disagree with; and some very interesting – including some new information – contributions to the understanding of what the series of crimes known as "Watergate" were actually about.

{4} The FBI: A History; Rhodri Jefferies-Jones; Yale; 2007.

Stanley Kutler, the author of "Wars of Watergate," recommends this book as a valuable resource for understanding the dangers of the Patriot Act. I agree.

{5} Moyers on Democracy; Bill Moyers; Doubleday; 2008.

Bill Moyers understands the Power of Ideas. Hence, I am confident that this is the type of book that Sarah Palin wants to ban from libraries.

(Note: I am curious if other DUers have read or are reading these books.)