“….unless it’s Atlas Shrugged” – Tbogg.

Now then. May I recommend “The Arms of Krupp” during the convalescence?
Almost a thousand pages, but simply fascinating; it’s about the rise of Germany’s preeminent armorer of the 19th and 20th centuries.

with the possible exception of the gangster stuff and all the horsie guys with knives on the Argentinian steppes

You have to know a little bit of Argentinian Lit to get reversals he does in those stories.

I will also second Juan Cole’s recommendation of Gentlemen of the Road.

I’m glad I woke up and can’t get back to sleep.

Thanks for the post, tbogg. I’m always looking for something new and Belano looks interesting as does Chandra.

I actually know a family whose son is attending Patrick Henry. When I found out where he was going I made a joke that at least it wasn’t Regents…talk about an awkward silence. I hadn’t been aware prior to this of how intensely these people were attached to their beliefs. Scary.

The book has its moments, but it’s only for impressionable teenagers. I’ve met some people who read that when they were young, and it got inside their heads and stayed there. It’s like religious dogma. It’s hard to shake when you expose yourself to it as a young person. Not saying it should be banned, just ignored.