The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough
Another McCullough classic. Centered on designers/builders the Roebling family but covering everything about the build. 4/5
Reaching for the Moon: A Short History of the Space Race
by Roger D. Launius
Very much a short overview, but unusually covers the Soviet programme as well. Concentrates on the politics more than technical details. 3/5
From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming
The Russian counter-intelligence agency sets a trap for Bond. Interesting the first third of the book is the Russian preparations. Bond is not seen. Exciting read. 4/5
Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma and Louise Drove Hollywood To the Edge by Becky Aikman
Well written book about the pre-production, production and reaction to the movie. Well researched with quotes from most people involved. Enjoyable. 4/5
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
A semi-repeat of The Martin where a lone astronaut has to science the shit out of a bad situation. This time to save humanity. I enjoyed and if you like the Martian you will too. 4/5
Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America by Jared Cohen
Profiles of 8 VPs who became US President. A biography, circumstances of evaluation and assesment of Presidency. Plus some near-misses and Ford who misses the main list?! 3/5
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
Set in 1930s England, a group of children aged 7-12 sail in boats, camp on islands and have adventures on a lake. Fun Children’s adventure book. 4/5
My Scoring System
- 5/5 = Brilliant, top 5 book of the year
- 4/5 = Above average, strongly recommend
- 3/5 = Average. in the middle 70% of books I read
- 2/5 = Disappointing
- 1/5 = Did not like at all
