"The Constructed Mennonite: History, Memory, and the Second World War" by Hans Werner
It was a great read because it gave an insight into the "Russian" style perspective of the Anabaptist understanding, and the deep complications around: nonresistance, nationhood, language, and war. It is only a small slice of some of the horrifying realities the Anabapists' suffered at the hands of both Axis and Allies during WWII, but as a personal account, and as a detailed series of event, it is excellent.
"Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture" by David Kushner
It gave a real snapshot of what it was like making (and playing) games in the 80's and 90's. It helped to remind the reader of the technical challenges programmers faced, as well as the much less money-focused nature of video games as an industry. (I have way more to say on this, but will resist the urge.)
"Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe
Gives, in my opinion, very accurate account of both "sides" of the issue regarding The Troubles. It brought up a massive number of details I was either unaware of, or forgot about. From my perspective, it didn't appear to pull any punches, but instead laid things out precisely as they happened, and showed the blood on the shirts and knuckles of both side. It gave a personal insight to the people who were going through it first hand, and the ways in which they lived their lives; in many ways, it reminded me of some of the descriptions I had heard about the 2003-2011 Iraq War from civilians. (A common theme in both I recall hearing described was the fear of waiting in lines for things, as it meant that location might be targeted for bombing.)
"History Is Wrong" by Erich von Däniken
Although the book is meant to be a serious read, I take it as a comedy. I enjoy listening to various conspriacy theories to see whether I find any shreds of truth in them. In this book, there are some claims about how the way we understand human history is fundamentally wrong, and that "a lost subterranean labyrinth in Ecuador" held specific secrets in the form of "gold panels" - panels which mysteriously disappeared.
Note: I don't mean to sound overly dismissive to anyone who might be a "true believer" in this specific line of thinking, I just find the claims made to be preposterous.
+1 for Say Nothing, Radden Keefe is one of the best non-fiction writers around today imo. Been meaning to read his latest on the Sacklers for a while also.
Happen to have any recommendations for other resources on Irish History or The Troubles?
I checked out "The Northern Ireland Conflict: Bolinda Beginner Guides" by Aaron Edwards and Cillian McGrattan a few years ago, but was a little underwhelmed by how the information was presented - it felt a little one sided, if I remember correctly.
Alternatively, "The Celtic World" by The Great Courses (audiobook) was pretty good, but a little overwhelming in the amount of time it was covering (Again, I think. It's been a few years since I listened to it.) I'd really like to hear something historical about Ireland that focuses in on one or two eras/generations, not necessarily a "Here's the last 1,000 years" type approach. Anything in particular around the time Romans had come to the English area would be of especial interest to me, due to certain religious perspectives and beliefs I'm interested with.
It was a great read because it gave an insight into the "Russian" style perspective of the Anabaptist understanding, and the deep complications around: nonresistance, nationhood, language, and war. It is only a small slice of some of the horrifying realities the Anabapists' suffered at the hands of both Axis and Allies during WWII, but as a personal account, and as a detailed series of event, it is excellent.
"Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture" by David Kushner
It gave a real snapshot of what it was like making (and playing) games in the 80's and 90's. It helped to remind the reader of the technical challenges programmers faced, as well as the much less money-focused nature of video games as an industry. (I have way more to say on this, but will resist the urge.)
"Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe
Gives, in my opinion, very accurate account of both "sides" of the issue regarding The Troubles. It brought up a massive number of details I was either unaware of, or forgot about. From my perspective, it didn't appear to pull any punches, but instead laid things out precisely as they happened, and showed the blood on the shirts and knuckles of both side. It gave a personal insight to the people who were going through it first hand, and the ways in which they lived their lives; in many ways, it reminded me of some of the descriptions I had heard about the 2003-2011 Iraq War from civilians. (A common theme in both I recall hearing described was the fear of waiting in lines for things, as it meant that location might be targeted for bombing.)
"History Is Wrong" by Erich von Däniken
Although the book is meant to be a serious read, I take it as a comedy. I enjoy listening to various conspriacy theories to see whether I find any shreds of truth in them. In this book, there are some claims about how the way we understand human history is fundamentally wrong, and that "a lost subterranean labyrinth in Ecuador" held specific secrets in the form of "gold panels" - panels which mysteriously disappeared.
Note: I don't mean to sound overly dismissive to anyone who might be a "true believer" in this specific line of thinking, I just find the claims made to be preposterous.