5-Star Books

Title

Author

Rating

Description

Atlas Shrugged

Ayn Rand

*****

A classic tale of the goodness of capitalism and how, once success is achieved, everyone wants a piece of it. Named as one of the most influential books by many CEO's, it is a good read, though a little long and preachy in places.

Crashing Through

Robert Kurson

*****

An amazing true story of a man who list his vision at age 3 in a chemical explosion. For the next 43 years, he lived as a blind person - and a very successful one, setting speed records for skiing, being a somewhat successful enterpreneur, even driving his sister's car! Then, a new procedure, using stem cells, restores his sight. Amazingly, that's where the story really starts. Both inspirational and educational, I highly recommend this book to anyone. I selected it because I so thoroughly enjoyed the author's previous book, Shadow Divers, which also earned 5 stars from me! Please don't ask me to choose between the two! Bradley adds: One of the most motivation and inspirational books I have ever read. What holds you back from reaching your full potential, will definitely be weakened after reading this book. This is a must read book in life.

Dear Hermit

B. McClenon Clark

*****

A collection of correspondence between my mother (the author) and her long term pen-pal, a self-described hermit who lived in the hills of North Carolina. The two never met, but through their letters they get to know each other in special and uniwue ways

Diary of a Reluctant Political Candidate

B. McClenon Clark

*****

Any book written by my mother is going to get 5 stars! Actually this is an excellent semi-biographical book about the author's experience running for political office. The book takes the reader through the diffult decision to run for office, then a day by

Guns, Germs, and Steel

Jared Diamond

*****

One the best books I've read. It explains how the white European people ended up conquering the world. A very easy to read and understand history of why people in the "fertile Crescent" area were able to get a head start on farming and domesticating animals and therefore develop their civilization more quickly. Bradley's comment - 5 stars. This book should be required reading for high school seniors as it offers an important perspective regarding race, timing, place and luck in the outcome of history.

Lonesome Dove

Larry McMurtry

*****

One of my all time favorites. I read it years ago, but have rarely found a book I enjoyed as much. It's a novel about two former Texas rangers who decide to drive a herd of cattle to Montana. Great story and fascinating characters. And the TV mini-series was great too!

Night

Elie Weisel

*****

A new translation of this classic book first published in 1958 that gives a first hand look at the horrors of the Jews who endured Nazi camps. The author and his family were transported from Transylvania and the author is the only survivor. A short, but graphic and poignant story that should be required reading for all.

Pillars of the Earth

Ken Follett

*****

The story of an architect and builder in the 13th century in England. A fascinating story which I really enjoyed.

Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea

Gary Kinder

*****

The first part of the book re-creates the shipwreck of the USS Central America during the California gold rush. The boat sinks off the coast of North Carolina in a hurricane. The second part of the book deals with the efforts to locate the wreck and to salvage the treasure. The boat sank in 8000 feet of water. It wasn't easy! You won't be able to put this book down. Bradley's Comments: 4;.5 Stars Agree with Kathy, a wonderfully engrossing book to read. It offers great insights into the complexity of deap diving. It also offers some discuss, that could have been expanded regarding the issue of whether treasure should be recovered and who owns it.

Space

James Michener

*****

This was the first Michener book I read and I was hooked. It tells the story of the US space program and the stories of many of the scientists involved.

The Count of Monte Cristo

Alexandre Dumas

*****

I first read this book in high school and its just as good the second and third time! Bradley's Comments: 5 Stars

The Old Man and the Sea

Ernest Hemingway

*****

A beautifully written story of an old fisherman's struggle to catch a huge fish and get it back to shore while a shark tries to snack on it.

The Source

James Michener

*****

A must read book detailing the history of Israel. Gives a wonderful understanding of the history of the region, the establishment of Israel as a nation, and the underlying causes of the tensions that continue to exist.

Wild Swans

Jung Chang

*****

Fabulous book about the cultural revolution in China and the effect it had one one family. A great combination of history and storytelling, I highly recommend it

 

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