[kaeru]

I'm in. I've been reading a lot of classics lately (mostly French), but I'm also interested in books which can teach me about things I don't know.

By the way, if anyone is specifically interested in French litterature, I'd be happy to discuss it.

[Sonsowey]

Kaeru, if you would like, propose a French book that we might all read. I know many people here do indeed speak French and might like to read in French, while the rest of us can certainly find translations.

I'd like this thread to now become a place where we discuss future book choices.

[Libertas]

Here's the structure we used at another forum to choose selected media over the course of a week (the last of the month):

The first stage was a nomination stage, lasting about three days. I propose we each nominate one book, with a synopsis.

Then we vote for four days on which book to read, then get started on the first.

[kaeru]

Works for me, I'll keep my recommendations for next month then.

[robreke]

I'm in. I started Thucydides and had a little spare time to read some wikipedia and internet info on that war to complement the reading and understanding of the book.

I like the idea of mixing in some contemporary books with the classics to get a balance. Maybe we could read a classic, then a contemporary book that closely parallels the lessons of the classic to understand how history repeats itself and see the same patterns going on today.

[Libertas]

For October I'm going to nominate Camp of the Saints.

It's just too damn relevant to what's happening now.

[Sonsowey]

(09-26-2015 04:55 PM)Libertas Wrote:  

For October I'm going to nominate Camp of the Saints.

It's just too damn relevant to what's happening now.

You know, I had a couple other ideas of books I have already read, but they are timeless classics. I have not read this one, but of course am interested.

I wonder though if it would get the thread just shut down.

I think I'm going to avoid it because I've gotten warnings in the past, but starting another Camp of Saints thread would be great.

[Sourcecode]

Confessions of an Economic Hitman

Quote:

With a presidential election around the corner, questions of America's military buildup, environmental impact, and foreign policy are on everyone's mind. Former Economic Hit Man John Perkins goes behind the scenes of the current geopolitical crisis and offers bold solutions to our most pressing problems. Drawing on interviews with other EHMs, jackals, CIA operatives, reporters, businessmen, and activists, Perkins reveals the secret history of events that have created the current American Empire, including:

How the defeats in Vietnam and Iraq have benefited big business
The role of Israel as Fortress America in the Middle East
Tragic repercussions of the IMF's Asian Economic Collapse
The current Latin American revolution and its lessons for democracy
U.S. blunders in Tibet, Congo, Lebanon, and Venezuela

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present

Quote:

Invisible Armies presents an entirely original narrative of warfare, which demonstrates that, far from the exception, loosely organized partisan or guerrilla
warfare has been the dominant form of military conflict throughout history. New York Times best-selling author and military historian Max Boot traces guerrilla
warfare and terrorism from antiquity to the present, narrating nearly thirty centuries of unconventional military conflicts. Filled with dramatic analysis of strategy and tactics, as well as many memorable characters―from Italian nationalist Guiseppe Garibaldi to the “Quiet American,” Edward Lansdale―Invisible Armies is “as readable as a novel” (Michael Korda, Daily Beast) and “a timely reminder to politicians and generals of the hard-earned lessons of history” (Economist). 70 illustrations; 8 maps

[wi30]

Confessions of an Economic Hit man is an excellent book. It really opened my eyes to what's happening behind the scenes.

[Horus]

Would anyone be interested in starting a similar movie club? I couldn't do it because my knowledge of movies isn't great, but I think it would be popular to have a weekly or fortnightly movie to watch and discuss in order to broaden our exposure to quality cinema.

[Quintus Curtius]

^^^
I think this is a good idea, Horus. I love discussing film and watch a lot of movies.

[Horus]

(09-27-2015 12:58 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  

^^^
I think this is a good idea, Horus. I love discussing film and watch a lot of movies.

So you're the man for it Quintus? Or can you nominate someone qualified to start the club?

[PapayaTapper]

(09-27-2015 02:08 PM)Horus Wrote:  

(09-27-2015 12:58 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  

^^^
I think this is a good idea, Horus. I love discussing film and watch a lot of movies.

So you're the man for it Quintus? Or can you nominate someone qualified to start the club?

Huge film buff so I'm definitely up for this. It could be structured very similarly to the book thread with discussions regarding masculine themes and social commentary. I think weekly might be too frequently but monthly too slow a pace...so bi-weekly?