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Showing posts from May, 2024

U2: The Definitive Biography

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KHATAM Title: U2: The Definitive Biography Author: John Jobling Publisher: St Martin's Press, New York Year Published: 2014 Started reading: 25 February 2024 HOW PAUL DAVID HEWSON AND DAVE EVANS GOT THEIR NICKNAMES Each member of Lypton Village was given a nickname that reflected their personality and the imaginary altered state they inhabited. It was here that Paul christened Derek "Guggi," and Guggi returned the favorby calling him "Steinhegvanhuysenolegbangbangbangbang." But Paul eventually rejected the moniker and instead nominated "Bono Vox ofO'Connell Street," with Bono Vox being an alteration of "Bonavox," the Latin phrase for "good voice" (although he denied all knowledge of this) and the name of a hearing aid store just off the aforementioned street. He later shortened it to just “Bono." Dave Evans, a casual associate of the gang, was to be known henceforth as "the Edge" because of...

Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team

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Title: Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team Author: John Steinbeck Publisher: E-book Year Published:  Started reading: 23 May 2024 About the book: First published in 1942, it offers an insightful and patriotic account of the training and experiences of a World War II bomber crew.  Commissioned by the U.S. Army Air Forces, Steinbeck’s narrative is both informative and inspiring, capturing the camaraderie, dedication, and courage of the young men preparing for aerial combat.  Through his vivid descriptions and keen observations, Steinbeck highlights the rigorous training, technical skills, and psychological resilience required of bomber crews.  While the book serves as wartime propaganda, its compelling storytelling and empathetic portrayal of the airmen make it a valuable historical document and a tribute to the bravery of those who served.

America and Americans and Selected Nonfiction - John Steinbeck

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Title: America and Americans and Selected Nonfiction Author: John Steinbeck Publisher: E-book Year Published:  Started reading: 2 May 2024 About the book: America and Americans and Selected Nonfiction is a compelling anthology that showcases the breadth of Steinbeck's keen observations and reflections on American life.  This collection offers a rich blend of essays, journalistic pieces, and speeches that highlight Steinbeck's deep empathy, sharp wit, and critical eye. His prose is both lyrical and incisive, painting a vivid picture of the American landscape and its people.  The book captures the complexities and contradictions of the American experience, making it a valuable read for both Steinbeck enthusiasts and those interested in American culture and history. #reading #books #bookstagram #read 

Eradicating Corruption in Ancient Egypt

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Title: History of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 5 (of 12) Author: Gaston Maspero Publisher: Project Gutenberg Year Published:  Started reading: 17 March 2024 ERADICATING CORRUPTION IN ANCIENT EGYPT Harmhabî, who was continually looking for opportunities to put down injustice and to punish deceit, at length decided to promulgate a very severe edict against the magistrates and the double-dealing officials: any of them who was found to have neglected his duty was to have his nose cut off, and was to be sent into perpetual exile to Zalu, on the eastern frontier.  His commands, faithfully carried out, soon produced a salutary effect, and as he would on no account relax the severity of the sentence, exactions were no longer heard of, to the advantage of the revenue of the State.

Recollections of Bush Life in Australia - Henry William Haygarth

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Title:  Recollections of Bush Life in Australia Author: Henry William Haygarth Librivox Audiobook app  Read by Kirksvoice  (6 hr 26m) Started listening: 13 May 2024 About the  book: Recollections of Bush Life in Australia by Henry William Haygarth offers a vivid portrayal of life in the Australian bush during the 19th century.  Through Haygarth's keen observations and engaging storytelling, readers are transported to a world of rugged landscapes, colorful characters, and the challenges of pioneering life.  His firsthand experiences provide valuable insights into the hardships and triumphs of early settlers, making this book a captivating read for history enthusiasts and those interested in the Australian frontier. #books #bookstagram #read #reading #audiobook

A Russian Journal - John Steinbeck

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KHATAM Title: A Russian Journal Author: John Steinbeck Publisher: E-book Year Published: 1948 Started reading: 24 April 2024 About the book: "A Russian Journal" by John Steinbeck offers a captivating glimpse into post-World War II Soviet Union. Steinbeck's vivid descriptions and keen observations paint a poignant picture of the country's landscape, culture, and people during a pivotal moment in history. Through his narrative, Steinbeck skillfully captures the complexities of Soviet society while offering profound insights into human resilience and the universal quest for hope amidst adversity. This travelogue is not only a testament to Steinbeck's literary prowess but also serves as a timeless exploration of the human spirit in the face of political turmoil and ideological divides. #reading #books #bookstagram #read