Reviews and Comments

I really enjoyed this one. I was concerned it was going to be similar in plot to The Lincoln Lawyer but, while there are similarities, it's drastically different.

I enjoyed the false hints put forward, and how most (but not all) things are wrapped up nicely. These details - showing how the characters make mistakes, and causing you to make them, too - shows the talent Connelly has.

The appearance of Bosch, shown from Haller's point of view, is a lot of fun, too.

I knew very little about L'Ouverture going into this book, and learned a lot. The writing was engaging, and the information was very interesting.

The author is obviously biased toward the enslaved populace fighting for freedom but, honestly, how else should one be biased?

There are a few instances of racism in the book, attitudes about how "savage" the enslaved people were, etc.

Still, I highly recommend this. 4.5 stars, rounded up

If you like Bosch, this is a fun one. Takes him out of his element, and one of the few books in the series that I didn't see the resolution to in advance. A lot of moving pieces, but it gets resolved.

This book is phenomenal. The length is intimidating, but it is worth it.

I knew very little about Grant. I found him to be fascinating. Chernow obviously admires the man, but also does not shy away from his faults and mistakes. Indeed, some of his faults run straight through the narrative.

Finishing this book, I have a new appreciation for the man. He was far from perfect. He made some serious blunders, and remained gullible almost to his dying day. Still, he was incredibly steadfast, had an incredible strategic mind, and was (in some ways) progressive for his time.

I listened to the audiobook, which clocks in at 48 (!) hours. It is very well done, and I enjoyed it. My only complaint is that all the southern voices sound like derivatives of Foghorn Leghorn.

While it is very long, and in depth, it never seemed to get bogged down into details.

Quite the trip. Took me a bit to get into it, but it helps my attention all the way through. The world building in it is complete, but not so confusing that one can't follow it. Looking forward to the next book.

Just finished this, but it was already on my "best of 2019" list.

Kruse shows the link between the rise of public expressions of religion and the opposition to the New Deal. In other words, it was largely part of a public relations campaign to equate big business with "freedom in God."

I did not grow up in Church, but the idea that America has always been a very religious country was not new to me. However, Kruse shows that, in reality, the public faith only came to prominence under Eisenhower, and has its roots in opposition to FDR's policies. The links between big business and Christian nationalism are not an accident, Kruse argues, but instead a deliberate goal.

Early in my Christian life I was in the churches that link the GOP and God. I have, by grace, learned better. Still, Kruse gave me a lot to think about, and showed me history of this period of time in a way I had not encountered. I'm grateful for it.

Didn't figure this one out completely before the reveal.

Ending was also very good