"One Summer: America, 1927" by Bill Bryson

I don't think Bryson could write enough books for my life. I am glad I haven't sought them out as I might wish to because, knowing there are more of his works out there to discover gives me a great joy. "One Summer" walks the reader through the remarkable and dramatic events of 1927, primarily the summer months. From Babe Ruth and the Murderer's Row Yankees, to Lindbergh's cross Atlantic Flight, the bombing of an elementary school, the Mississippi River flooding and the political goings on, the book skims shallow then dives deep into the personalities, precipitating events and fallout of what was, truly, an incredibly news filled summer. I love the way Bryson weaves anecdotes and unforseen side effects into the through-line of his story-telling. It's like a beautifully composed orchestral piece. Give me more Bryson, but take your time doing it. I want to savor this.

"God Emperor or Dune" by Frank Herbert

I have been on a tear with the Dune series, in part, because they are so hard to put down. The chapter sizes, pacing of the action, and swiftness of story make these books quick reads, relative to their length. Leto II has evolved into a sandworm with the face of a man. He is now over 3000 years old and he lives as a god and as emperor of the universe. Almost all principal figures from the original trilogy are now historical figures, discussed as ancient figures of great consequence, primarily by their lineage. Only Duncan Idaho remains, though in his most current iterations. As a ghoula, he is replaced by a newly cloned version of himself as Leto's military leader. Yet again, as is the expectation with Herbert's writing, allegory and metaphor assail the reader at every turn. Religious visions and leaders, climactic change, fate vs. freewill, aristocracy, eugenics, love vs. duty, all these themes flow through the pages. I can't wait to get the next books from this series and devour them as well.

"Children of Dune" by Frank Herbert

Intrigue and never-ending jockeying for power are abundant in this chapter of the Dune series. Leo and his sister Ghanima are a pair of 9 year old bodies with access to millenia of experiences. Their aunt Alia holds their throne as regent but even as she struggles with the idea of relenting power, she gives in to temptation and allows her recently killed and deposed ancestor Baron Harkonnen to take root in her mind, controlling her thoughts and emotions. Jessica has her own machinations as she has been folded back into the Bene Gesserit faith. The preacher, who may or may not be Paul Atreides, is causing a stir in the imperium and Farad'n, nephew of the emperor that preceded Paul Atreides has ambitions of regaining the throne for house Corrino. Gurney Halleck, Duncan Idaho, Stilgar all play important roles as the story weaves to it's conclusion. Once again, the story is an allegory for so many aspects of culture. Arrakis is into it's transformation from desert planet to a rich and lustrous climate. Powerful monopolies and governmental oversight groups wield power through dangerous and morally questionable ways. This portion of the Dune series brings it full circle back to rooting for the righteous protagonists.

"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu

In my opinion, this is more of a meditative guide than a book about the rules of warfare. In the edition I read, the arranger provides quotations by other famous thinkers of ancient Asia, illustrating possible practical uses of each rule. This was, at times, helpful, and, at others, distracting. If left alone with just the writings of Tzu, I would have many questions but, also, with a greater satisfaction. Figuring out a riddle is far more satisfying than reading someone else's idea of the solution.

"Dune Messiah" by Frank Herbert

This, the second installment of the Dune series follows Paul Atreides from his self-made Emperorship to his disappearance from humanity. Much of this book follows the woven stories of the remaining Atreides family as Paul navigates the necessary steps to ensure the continuation or humankind in the universe. He is now, very much, a God-head and supreme ruler but his visions show him the dangers of letting the world fight in his name. What unfolds is a delicate dance, attempting to keep his self-named "golden path" open. Ultimately, he sacrifices his "life" for the good of humanity. The parallels to religion, government, classism and environmental abuses abound. Though less loved by many readers, this tale of the fall from grace was, and is, an important allegory. Herbert warns the reader of giving another unbridled trust and power.

"Dune" by Frank Herbert

In light or recent movies and television shows based on this lore, I wanted to revisit the source materiel. Though this is a second reading, it has been over a decade since I've had the pleasure of reading the sci-fi master. The numerous levels and messages found in this seminal work are incredible. The commentary on environmental abuses, class warfare, governmental intrigue and religion are woven into a story that could stand on it's own entertaining narrative. Though almost 900 pages in the print I read, this book took me less than to days to devour. It's impossible to put it down as the story lines weave an incredible adventure, in which, you are rooting for nearly every character.

"How to Back Up a Trailer" by Kurt Anderson

The subtitle of this book is "And 100 other things every man should know how to do". Many of the instructionals were old news for me but many were insightful. The author instructs, efficiently and humorously, the reader in rules and decorum for many games and sports, life-saving tips for one found in nature, and various advisements for cooking, electrical, transportation and plumbing. All together, this was a quick and enjoyable read.