# Our Book Banter

> We banter about the books we've read!


## Posts

- [The Hero with a Thousand Faces book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-hero-with-a-thousand-faces-book-review/): After reading The Odyssey, I realized that I knew very little about Greek mythology. Previously, the subject never intrigued me, but now it does! So, I read Joseph Campbell’s masterful book on mythology from 1949, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. And wow, that book really opened my eyes, not only about mythology, but also the basis of our world’s major religions! If you’d like to learn more, read The Hero with a Thousand Faces book review, and see if you aren’t as astonished as I was! The Hero with a Thousand Faces book review The theme of The Hero with […]
- [The Odyssey book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-odyssey-book-review/): After decades of procrastinating, I have finally read Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. I delayed reading this great literary work because poetry is intimidating, and because I wasn’t motivated in reading about the main character, Odysseus. Fortunately, because of the recent film adaptation, I finally relented and did read The Odyssey. Here’s The Odyssey book review and book banter! The Odyssey book review When did Homer write The Odyssey? Instead of being written by one author, literary experts believe that The Odyssey storyline was initially recited or performed by various poets or storytellers. Each telling of The Odyssey likely included features […]
- [The Count of Monte Cristo book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-count-of-monte-cristo-book-review/): The Count of Monte Cristo, the classic, bestselling novel written by Alexandre Dumas, is a long, epic story of personal transformation and revenge. However, this story is also about doing good things for other people, all while remaining anonymous. I confess that I won’t be able to stop gushing about how good this book is. But, before we move on, let’s get into The Count of Monte Cristo book review, and see if there are any flaws. The Count of Monte Cristo book review Plot of The Count of Monte Cristo A good guy has some bad luck Edmond Dantès, a […]
- [Theo of Golden book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/theo-of-golden-book-review/): After I finished reading the very important, but also very disturbing, nonfictional bestseller, Gulag, I really needed a book that was uplifting and inspiring. So, I took a look at the #1 New York Times bestseller, Theo of Golden. So, did Theo uplift my spirits? Here’s our Theo of Golden book review and book banter. Theo of Golden book review Before you read this review any further, I pledge that I will not reveal any plot twists, I will not disclose the ending, and I will not reveal too much about the quirky characters in this novel. All that’s for you […]
- [Gulag book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/gulag-book-review/): Gulag, written by Anne Applebaum, tells the bleak history of the network of labor and prison camps. The Soviet Union used them to punish criminals, along with other enemies of the Russian government and leadership. This book is an incisive history of their camps of forced-labor. Not surprisingly, many of those prisons and camps had similarities to the concentration camps prevalent in pre-WWII Germany. Here’s our Gulag book review and book banter. Gulag book review Russian history never intrigued me Before I get to our book review of Anne Applebaum‘s Gulag, I should let you know that Russian history had never […]
- [Pride and Prejudice book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/pride-and-prejudice-book-review/): Pride and Prejudice was the only novel I have read by author Jane Austen. Frankly, I didn’t think I would like this book. After all, the story is about young women, and really, they were only girls, looking for wealthy husbands! I mean, come on, the story sounded too boring to bother, yet, I thought I should give it a chance. And, now that I’ve read the book, what do I think about this prim-and-proper romance, along with its clever humor? Read our Pride and Prejudice book review for the answer! Pride and Prejudice book review Pride and Prejudice premise Let’s […]
- [Memories, Dreams, Reflections book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/memories-dreams-reflections-book-review/): Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been interested in psychology. To be honest, I believe my own quirkiness and inability to connect with most people drove me to psychology in the hopes of bettering myself. Unfortunately, those efforts mostly failed, yet I did learn a lot. I guess that’s why I was drawn to the book, Memories, Dreams, Reflections, as told by the psychiatrist C.G. June. Here is our Memories, Dreams, Reflections book review. Memories, Dreams, Reflections book review Semi-autobiography of psychiatrist C.G. Jung Memories, Dreams, Reflections is the true story of the life and philosophies of the renowned […]
- [The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind-review/): The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is an inspiring true story about a boy who grew up in poverty in southeastern Africa. His family could not afford to buy electricity from their local utility. But, through determination and a sharp intellect, along with encouraging friends, this enterprising boy ‘harnessed the wind’ to get electricity into his family’s home. Here is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind review and book banter! The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind review Who is the boy who harnessed the wind? The boy, William Kamkwamba, grew up in a poor village in southeastern Africa. Unlike many of […]
- [Lewis and Clark book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/lewis-and-clark-book-review/): I first became aware of the massive content that Lewis and Clark had compiled during their multi-year expedition while watching Ken Burn’s excellent 1997 documentary on PBS. That tremendous documentary engaged me with its raw emotional admiration of the two intrepid explorers. Today, we can read edited excerpts from those journals. One good example is the excellent compilation which Bernard DeVoto edited. Here is The Journals of Lewis and Clark book review. The Journals of Lewis and Clark book review Thomas Jefferson orders an expedition In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson ordered a information-gathering expedition from the Missouri River to the Pacific […]
- [Strip Tease book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/strip-tease-book-review/): Strip Tease was a bestselling book from 1993, and I was one of those readers who bought into the hype. Later in 1996, a film adaptation was released, and it featured some really big stars—some of my favorites. Despite that, I didn’t see the movie. But what about the book? Was it any good? Here’s our Strip Tease book review and book banter! Strip Tease book review Strip Tease plot Basically, Strip Tease is the tense story about a young mother coming out of a bad marriage. Like other young women, this former FBI secretary decided to become a dancer to […]
- [Beaverland book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/beaverland-book-review/): Is it possible that a rodent powered the economic development of the early United States? Yes, it is possible, but only if that rodent is the one classified as the common beaver (Castor canadensis). If you’re interested in this unique scenario, you might find the book, Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America, by journalist and author Leila Philip, an interesting book to read. Here is our Beaverland book review and book banter. Beaverland book review Beaverland premise The book titled Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America, tells the story of early fur traders in North America. Back then, trading […]
- [The Caine Mutiny book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-caine-mutiny-book-review/): At first, I didn’t think I would enjoy an old but epic novel about the Navy. But, as I started to read, there was something that intrigued me about 1951’s The Caine Mutiny. Read The Caine Mutiny book review and book banter, and see if you might be intrigued, as well. The Caine Mutiny book review The author was also a writer and a Naval officer Herman Wouk also served on an old minesweeper As a comedic writer and a Naval officer, Herman Wouk was also an officer on an old minesweeper, similar to the mythical USS Caine described in the […]
- [Eye of the Needle book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/eye-of-the-needle-book-review/): Ken Follett’s best-selling 1978 novel, Eye of the Needle, is a page-turning story about espionage and illicit romance during World War II. Here’s our Eye of the Needle book review and book banter. Eye of the Needle book review Premise of Eye of the Needle 1978’s Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett is a thrilling, spine-tingling, page-turning novel about secret agent surveillance, espionage, and reconnaissance, along with some spicy but illicit romance during World War II. MI5 chases a cunning German agent In the early 1940’s, a ruthless and elusive German spy, known as ‘The Needle’, obtained photos that could […]
- [Letters from the Earth book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/letters-from-the-earth-book-review/): Letters from the Earth is a controversial book of observations written by Mark Twain. Despite some harsh dissension about the author’s brutal criticism of organized religion, the collection was published after his death. So, here is our Letters from the Earth book review and book banter! Letters from the Earth book review What is Letters from the Earth about? A travelogue, observations, and a bedtime story Mark Twain’s collection of short stories, letters, observations, and recollections, titled Letters from the Earth, was published in 1939. The book includes Twain’s remembrances of his trips throughout Europe, along with a charming tale about […]
- [All the Pretty Horses book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/all-the-pretty-horses-book-review/): I am a big fan of Cormac McCarthy’s honest depictions of the unforgiving Old West. Naturally, I thought I should read his best-selling novel, All the Pretty Horses, so that’s exactly what I did! Here is our All the Pretty Horses book review and book banter. All the Pretty Horses book review The Plot of All the Pretty Horses They wanted an idyllic cowboy lifestyle Back in 1949, two young men, teenagers really, decide to run away from their border-town homes in Texas. They want to experience the idyllic and unbridled, free life of a cowboy in Mexico. Fortunately, both young […]
- [Mark Twain biography review](https://ourbookbanter.com/mark-twain-biography-review/): One of my favorite books is Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It’s a timeless tale about an adventurous but unfortunate boy who helped a slave escape in the Deep South. Huck’s coming-of-age narrative was full of boyhood innocence, adventure, and humor, but it was also surprisingly profound. So, I naturally wondered if the Huck Finn character was derived from the author’s personality. To find out, I read Ron Chernow’s best-selling book about the life of Mark Twain. Here’s our Mark Twain biography review. Mark Twain biography review I have always admired Mark Twain When I was young, I read […]
- [A Man Called Ove book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/a-man-called-ove-book-review/): I first became interested in the novel, A Man Called Ove, after I saw the previews for the movie, A Man Called Otto. Based on the excerpts that I saw, I thought I might be interested in seeing the movie and reading the book. A few years later, I still haven’t watched the film, but I have read the book! Read our A Man Called Ove book review. A Man Called Ove book review A Man Called Ove book review plot Ove is a crabby old man Fredrick Backman’s best-selling novel, A Man Called Ove, is the story about a grumpy […]
- [No Country for Old Men book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/no-country-for-old-men-book-review/): I remember watching the movie, No Country for Old Men almost 20 years ago. Above all, I remember how completely absorbed I became in the bleak, inhospitable story and dramatic characters. So, I finally decided to read Cormac McCarthy’s inspiration for the movie—his brilliant novel, No Country for Old Men. Here is our No Country for Old Men book review. No Country for Old Men book review Plot of No Country for Old Men A hunter finds dead drug runners While out hunting, a hunter finds a lot of dead guys, and their briefcase full of cash. He takes it, in […]
- [Get Shorty book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/get-shorty-book-review/): Elmore Leonard’s 1990 ‘too-cool-for-school’ novel, Get Shorty, was a popular bestseller that spawned a film adaptation in 1995. I read the book shortly after it was released, and I went on to read The Switch and Rum Punch as well. In general, I really love Leonard’s brisk and action-packed writing style—they are always packed with compelling dialogue. But, did I enjoy reading Get Shorty? Read our Get Shorty book review to find out! Get Shorty book review The Get Shorty plot A suave loan shark named Chili Palmer lives in Miami. He spends a lot of his time tracking down bad […]
- [American Prometheus book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/american-prometheus-book-review/): The 2005 award-winning, nonfiction book, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, chronicles the life and the times of the ‘father’ of the atomic bomb. This man’s story was so fascinating that producers made a compelling film adaptation of the book in 2023. Here is our American Prometheus book review. American Prometheus book review 25 years of research and writing American Prometheus The 2005 Pulitzer Prize winning biography, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, took 25 years to research and then to write. Unsurprisingly, there are almost a hundred pages of notes in the […]
- [Jane Eyre book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/jane-eyre-book-review/): Charlotte Brontë’s novel, Jane Eyre, is classified as a Gothic romance, but to me, this enchanting book is so much more. In our Jane Eyre book review, I’ll convey the many ways that the heroine, Jane, spoke to me—she uplifted me with her faith, and cautioned me that if I want to stay true to myself, I will have to make sacrifices, just like she did. Don’t worry, dear reader, I will not reveal the ending But, that’s not all—there’s still so much more to tell about this wonderfully engaging novel. However, dear reader, trust that I will not reveal the […]
- [The Switch book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-switch-book-review/): One of the first Elmore Leonard books that I read was Rum Punch. Even though that was a long time ago, I remember how much I loved that book. And, I loved the film adaptation, Jackie Brown, even more! So, what about the author’s older novel that came out before Rum Punch? You know, the one where he introduced us to a younger Ordell Robbie and Louis Gara. That book is called The Switch. Well, here’s The Switch book review and book banter. No important disclosures for The Switch! But first, I promise to not reveal any important plot twists-and-turns, and […]
- [Wuthering Heights book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/wuthering-heights-book-review/): As a young boy, I remember pulling Wuthering Heights off the book shelf in our local school library. I read a few paragraphs, but quickly put it back on the shelf. Unfortunately, it was too stuffy and poetic for my youthfully unrefined tastes. Recently, however, I read the whole book, and was shocked and intrigued by the content. Here is our Wuthering Heights book review and book banter. I won’t reveal the conclusion of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights Rest assured that during this book review, I won’t reveal the ending, or disclose major plot twists-and-turns. Instead, I will focus on the […]
- [The Perks of Being a Wallflower book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower-book-review/): The first time I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I was already middle-aged. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to empathize with many of the characters. Sure, I thought the book was good, but that it didn’t match the tremendously good reviews and adulation it had received. Now that I’m even older, I read it again, and I loved it. Here is our The Perks of Being a Wallflower book review. The Perks of Being a Wallflower book review This is a book review, and not a book report Rest assured that I will not reveal all of the surprising plot […]
- [Breakfast at Tiffany's book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/breakfast-at-tiffanys-book-review/): Through the years, I’ve had lots of chances to watch the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But, I suspected it would be a sugary-sweet romantic story with a happy ending, Hollywood-style. So, I just wasn’t interested in that. Still, I knew that Truman Capote, a writer whom I admire, had written the original story in 1958, so I thought I should read it while I had the chance—and that’s what I did. Here is our Breakfast at Tiffany’s book review. Breakfast at Tiffany’s book review A Breakfast at Tiffany’s book review, but not a book report All reviews at Our Book Banter […]
- [Rum Punch book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/rum-punch-book-review/): Way back in 1992, I first read Elmore Leonard’s best-selling novel, Rum Punch. And, as a fan of Elmore Leonard, I expected to be entertained, and I was. Later in 1997, Jackie Brown, the film adaptation, was released. Surprisingly, I felt the film was even better than the book. Recently, while feeling nostalgic, I read the Rum Punch novel once again. Here’s our Rum Punch book review and book banter, two times around. Rum Punch book review Not a book report—instead, a Rum Punch book review This review of the novel, Rum Punch, will not be a book report. I will […]
- [The Buried Giant review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-buried-giant-review/): Kazuo Ishiguro has become one of my favorite authors. His books are literary treasures that are compelling and hard-to-put-down. I love the author so much that I recently read his 2015 bestseller, The Buried Giant. This is my The Buried Giant review. Before I begin, rest assured that I won’t reveal any of the many plots twists in this intriguing, fantastical tale! The Buried Giant review Kazuo Ishiguro won a Nobel Prize in Literature The prolific author of The Buried Giant, Kazuo Ishiguro, won a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017 for his body of innovative, ground-breaking novels. He’s one of […]
- [Cosmos book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/cosmos-book-review/): As human beings, we all have an innate need to wonder—we dream about what is out there among the stars. Ever since I was a child, I would gaze into the night sky, and dream about what creatures might live on other planets, or in other galaxies. My curiosity was the main reason I first read Carl Sagan’s Cosmos shortly after it was first published in 1980. And now, decades later, I have read it again. This time, more intently and more studiously. So, here is our Cosmos book review. Cosmos book review Cosmos, Carl Sagan’s book, is still relevant today […]
- [Watership Down book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/watership-down-book-review/): Watership Down, written by Richard Adams, was first published in 1972 as a children’s story. Since then, the epic story about rabbits as they struggled to survive in their precarious world, has also become an adult classic book. Here is our Watership Down book review. Watership Down book review How I first heard about Watership Down While Watership Down was a commercial success almost immediately after its first publication, I had never previously heard of the book. But, as I was reading Stephen King’s novel, The Stand, I became intrigued when one of the characters in that book raved about how […]
- [Unbroken book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/unbroken-book-review/): As I started reading Laura Hillenbrand’s nonfictional book, Unbroken, I was immediately drawn into this true story. It was an inspiring story of determination to overcome insurmountable odds during the turbulent World War II era. Fortunately, this story is also one of survival, with a few miracles thrown in. Here is our Unbroken book review. This is a review, but not a book report As I present my review about this must-read, spine-tingling book about “survival, resilience, and redemption”, I hope I don’t reveal too much of the compelling story. Please rest assured that this review will not be a book […]
- [On the Plain of Snakes review](https://ourbookbanter.com/on-the-plain-of-snakes-review/): Recently, I read Paul Theroux’s travel book called On the Plain of Snakes. In it, he traveled along the border of the United States and Mexico, and interacted with people he met along the way. After exploring the interesting towns on both sides of that long border, he then headed deeper into the richly diverse country of Mexico. This is our On the Plain of Snakes review and book banter. On the Plain of Snakes review UNDERSTAND THE AUTHOR: Paul Theroux is an excellent observer Before I start with my review, I should confess that Paul Theroux is one of my […]
- [Nightmare Alley book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/nightmare-alley-book-review/): I first heard of the Nightmare Alley book after I had watched the 1947 film version on an old Film Noir presentation on television. It was an engaging movie, but it was also a little disturbing to watch. So the next morning, I browsed online for this book, and I bought it! So, was the book better than the movie? Read our Nightmare Alley book review and banter to find out. This review is not a book report for Nightmare Alley Before we embark on our Nightmare Alley book review and banter, please be assured that we will not reveal the […]
- [The Stand book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-stand-book-review/): The first novel I read by Stephen King was ‘Salem’s Lot. I really loved that book—it spoke to me. Later, I read other Stephen King books, but I wasn’t as impressed. Fortunately, the author published The Stand in 1978. I had first read that book in the early 1980’s, and really liked it—that one spoke to me, too. And now, decades later, I decided to read The Stand one more time, while I still have the chance. Here are my updated thoughts for The Stand book review and banter. The Stand book review will not be a book report! Please rest […]
- [Mrs. Dalloway book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/mrs-dalloway-book-review/): As I searched for another literary adventure to enjoy, I stumbled upon the works of Virginia Woolf. She was an influential writer who used a poetical, stream-of-consciousness style of writing to tell her story. After researching, I thought Mrs. Dalloway sounded like a fun, compelling book to read, so I bought it! Here is our Mrs. Dalloway book review. Mrs. Dalloway book review During our Mrs. Dalloway book review, we promise not to reveal to much of the plot. Instead, we’ll discuss the characters and the important themes of this marvelous book. Virginia Woolf’s stream of consciousness What is stream of […]
- [The Mosquito Coast book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-mosquito-coast-book-review/): After reading a few travelogues by Paul Theroux, he has become one of my favorite authors. But, are his fictional books just as entertaining and well-written? Well, I decided to find the answer to that question. This is The Mosquito Coast book review, a discussion about this fictional adventure novel by Paul Theroux. The Mosquito Coast book review During The Mosquito Coast book review, I promise not to reveal the storyline, the many plot twists, or the nail-biting ending. Instead, I will focus on the writing, the characters, the settings, and my thoughts along the way. Action and exploration in the […]
- [Leaves of Grass book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/leaves-of-grass-book-review/): I find poetry to be intimidating, so I haven’t read many poetry books. However, I do have a book by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which I’ve partially read, but that’s about it. But I’ve always been intrigued by poetry as an artform, so who else could I read? That’s when I remembered hearing so much about the renowned poet, Walt Whitman, and the impact he had on literature. Therefore, before I die, I needed to read at least one work by Walt Whitman. And so, I did. Here’s my Leaves of Grass book review! BACKSTORY: Leaves of Grass book review The art […]
- [The Diary of a Young Girl review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-diary-of-a-young-girl-review/): I first read The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank when I was about 10 years old. As you might expect, I found it extremely disturbing, and was only able to read bits and pieces before stopping. When I turned 31, I had finally read the entire book. And decades later, I read it again. Both times, I still found Anne’s story to be extremely unsettling. This is The Diary of a Young Girl review and book banter. The Diary of a Young Girl review Anne Frank’s early history Anne Frank was born in Germany in 1929. She had […]
- [The Art of War review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-art-of-war-review/): Years ago, I bought The Art of War by Sun Tzu after watching the movie, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. It was a unique film, and I became intrigued about how the protagonist studied and followed the teachings of Sun Tzu. I bought the book, and I discovered a new, unconventional mindset to frame my life. To see if Sun Tzu’s teachings could benefit your life in a profound way, read The Art of War review and book banter. The Art of War review and book banter I am a neutral, detached observer of myself I keep my copy […]
- [The Non-Designer's Design Book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-non-designers-design-book-review/): Years ago, I discovered a book that not only helped me with my graphic designs, but also helped me create a more attractive landscape and living space. This is The Non-Designer’s Design Book review. The Non-Designer’s Design Book review BACKSTORY I was not a designer—I was a non-designer For most of my adult life, I have worked with graphic designers. Years ago, in my offset printing business, even I was forced to put together a graphic design in an emergency. However, I do not consider myself a designer—in fact, I used to be a ‘non-designer’! Today, I don’t operate a printing […]
- [Huck Finn versus James](https://ourbookbanter.com/huck-finn-versus-james/): Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of my favorite Mark Twain novels. Because of the realistic and ground-breaking themes, Huck Finn is now considered a classic American novel. Recently, Percival Everett published his novel, James, which tells the Huck Finn story, but from the Black slave’s point-of-view. So, which novel is better? I’ll discuss Huck Finn versus James, in this book banter! Huck Finn versus James, part 1 Read our review of Percival Everett’s novel, James In case you missed it, we have already reviewed Percival Everett’s novel, James. That story was an eye-opening, but humorous, revelation of what the Black […]
- [Heat 2 book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/heat-2-book-review/): One of my favorite movies is Heat, the 1995 classic crime-thriller starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. I loved the psychological tension, especially between Neil McCauley, the meticulous and disciplined criminal, and his obsessively thorough adversary, LAPD Lieutenant Vincent Hanna. So, when I saw that Meg Gardiner wrote a book called Heat 2 that was co-written by director-producer-writer Michael Mann, I immediately put my order in to buy! But, did the book meet my high expectations? Read our Heat 2 book review for that answer! What I liked about Heat, the movie The conversations The thing that really grabbed me […]
- [The Pillars of Hercules book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-pillars-of-hercules-book-review/): One of my favorite travel authors is Paul Theroux. He is a brilliant observer of people and their unique environments. In other words, Theroux is the author of gritty travel books. I especially enjoyed his book from 1995. That book chronicled his travels along the Mediterranean Sea’s coastline. Read my thoughts about this unique, eye-opening travelogue in The Pillars of Hercules book review. The Pillars of Hercules book review What is The Pillars of Hercules about? The author’s goal was simple! He documented his travels around the Mediterranean coastline, starting with Britain’s Rock of Gibraltar territory. From there, he hopped up […]
- [The Spy and the Traitor book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-spy-and-the-traitor-book-review/): Ben Macintyre’s nonfiction book, The Spy and the Traitor, was on The New York Times’ list of bestsellers. I really liked this book, but my opinion differs from the views of many other critics. Read our The Spy and the Traitor book review and book banter. Then, share you thoughts in the comments section below! The Spy and the Traitor book review What is this nonfictional book about? The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War is about a top-ranking KGB officer who also functioned as a double agent for MI6, or British Intelligence. In addition […]
- [For the Love of Physics book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/for-the-love-of-physics-book-review/): After reading a book about The Elements and watching Neil de Grasse Tyson’s show on Netflix, I realized how much I loved science and physics. My new-found fascination with the topic led me to the next step—reading Walter Lewin’s book about physics. This is our For the Love of Physics book review. Our For the Love of Physics book review Professor Lewin is on YouTube If you’re like me, you’ve already watched many YouTube videos from Ivy League schools like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For instance, Harvard University allows any of us to access lectures from […]
- [Our Dubliners book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-dubliners-book-review/): Usually, I’m not a fan of short stories. Instead, I like novels, so that I can get to learn the protagonist really well and empathize with their predicaments. However, I do like James Joyce’s collection of short stories called Dubliners. Here is our Dubliners book review and book banter. As usual, I will not submit a book report outlining or giving away plots or endings. Instead, I’ll examine the themes, characters, and how I related to the author’s style of writing. What is the book called Dubliners about? Dubliners is a collection of 15 short stories written about people who lived […]
- [Our One Hundred Years of Solitude review](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-one-hundred-years-of-solitude-review/): Despite being an avid reader all of my life, there is one prominent author whose works I had not read. His name is Gabriel García Márquez, and he’s won a Nobel Prize in Literature for his writings. One of his most renowned works is One Hundred Years of Solitude. This is our One Hundred Years of Solitude review and book banter! Our One Hundred Years of Solitude review and book banter Solitude and alienation: The title, One Hundred Years of Solitude, immediately caught my attention. I guess it’s because I love authors like J.D. Salinger who wrote about alienation, loners, and […]
- [The Unconsoled book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-unconsoled-book-review/): Years ago, I read my first novel by author Kazuo Ishiguro. It was the Nobel-Prize-winning novel, The Remains of the Day. I loved it so much that since then, I have read many more works by this imaginative writer. Recently, I read The Unconsoled, a novel from 1995. This is The Unconsoled book review and book banter. If you’ve read the book, share you thoughts below! The Unconsoled book review and book banter Mixed reviews on Amazon Before I buy any book, I love to read what others thought. Unfortunately, Ishiguro’s The Unconsoled had many one-or-two star reviews. One reviewer wrote, […]
- [To Kill a Mockingbird book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird-book-review/): Published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird bravely tackled racial injustice and prejudice through the innocent eyes of a child. The book was a huge commercial success, because the themes resonated with our changing society. Here’s our To Kill a Mockingbird book review and book banter. Please share your thoughts about the book and the author in our comments section below! As always, I will only write generally about the plot, in order to preserve your total reading pleasure. And, this book will be a pleasure to read, despite the disturbing themes. More importantly, this review will be a thoughtful probing […]
- [We Were the Lucky Ones book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/we-were-the-lucky-ones-book-review/): We Were the Lucky Ones, written by Georgia Hunter, is a book based on the author’s family history during World War II. The book is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching historical novel that shows how one extended Jewish family suffered, and how they survived while Nazi fascism spread its tentacles-of-hate throughout Europe. Fortunately, our We Were the Lucky Ones book review does not include spoilers that might ruin your reading pleasure. We Were the Lucky Ones book review Real-life characters interwoven with historical events The author, Georgia Hunter, used the historical changes that were happening throughout Europe to show how her Jewish […]
- [The Best Land Under Heaven book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-best-land-under-heaven-book-review/): Years ago, I visited Reno, Nevada, and explored Virginia City along with the rugged Sierra Nevada landscape around Lake Tahoe. It was an eye-opening adventure, but nothing like what the Donner party experienced as they headed to California in 1846. This is our The Best Land Under Heaven book review and banter. Just like in all my book reviews, I promise not to reveal too many details. I especially promise not to reveal how this true story turns out for the Donner family, along with the fates of the many other families traveling with them. The Best Land Under Heaven book […]
- [The Devil in the White City book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-devil-in-the-white-city-book-review/): This is our The Devil in the White City book review and book banter. This bestseller is a non-fictional narrative about 1893 World’s Fair that took place in Chicago, and about a notorious serial killer who was active in the area at the same time. Out of respect for your reading pleasure, I promise not to reveal any plot twists. Instead, I’ll use this review to comment on the style of writing, and why I might have completely missed out on reading this excellent, insightful book. The Devil in the White City book review and banter At first, I wasn’t engaged […]
- [Our Gone with the Wind book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-gone-with-the-wind-book-review/): Today, critics consider Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind to be a great American novel, with over 30 million copies sold. Since I have never read this 900-plus page, big beautiful book before, I decided to read it before I died! And, that’s exactly what I did. Here is our Gone with the Wind book review and book banter. Our Gone with the Wind book review Gone with the Wind is not just a romance novel At first, I was afraid this would be just another predictable romance novel designed for ladies only. But, I was wrong about that—Gone with the […]
- [The Reformatory book banter and review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-reformatory-book-banter-and-review/): I’m not a big fan of horror books, so I was skeptical that I would enjoy Tananarive Due’s award-winning book, The Reformatory. But, one critic claimed it was “One of the best novels published in 2023” (NPR), so, I thought I’d give it a chance. Read my thoughts in The Reformatory book banter and review. Then, share your opinions in our book banter comments section below. The Reformatory book banter What is The Reformatory about? During the 1950’s in Florida, Robbie, a young Black boy, is sent to an institution for juvenile offenders. While there, he and the other Black and […]
- [Our the curious incident of the dog in the night-time book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time-book-banter/): This is our The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time book banter (title should be all lower case—see book cover!). Our book reviews are not book reports! Instead, we will review this award-winning and thought-provoking book while focusing on the writing style, the content, and the overall message. Our the curious incident of the dog in the night-time book banter Recommended on The Great American Read Even though the curious incident of the dog in the night-time book was first published in 2003, I had only recently read the book in 2019. What took me so long? Well, before […]
- [Our Good Omens book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-good-omens-book-banter/): It’s been 30 years since Good Omens was first published. I don’t know why it took me so long to hear about this best-seller. Since their Good Omens days, the collaborators have earned many other literary successes. Read about our Good Omens book banter and review for our impressions. Our Good Omens book banter Before you begin reading the book, be sure to look up the definition for ineffable. This little-used but evocative English word was an integral part of the entertaining dialog. It was one quirky aspect that made this deceptively delightful book so humorous. The world comes to a […]
- [Our Ordinary Grace book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-ordinary-grace-book-banter/): William Kent Krueger wrote a 2014 best-selling book, Ordinary Grace. As we banter about this book, we promise not to reveal any plot twists, or to even reveal too much about the characters and the situations they encounter during their lives in Minnesota. Simply, this is our Ordinary Grace book banter and review. Our Ordinary Grace book banter Mixed emotions about Ordinary Grace, but hard to put down I have mixed emotions about Ordinary Grace. On one hand, I loved that it was a difficult book to put down. I wanted to keep reading so I could find out what happened […]
- [Our Killers of the Flower Moon book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-killers-of-the-flower-moon-book-banter/): Our Killers of the Flower Moon book banter and review will not reveal plot-twists, and will not reveal whodunit. Instead, our review will include my thoughts about the writing, research, as well as my own biased social commentary. Positive reviews make me suspicious When I first opened the book, I found six pages of positive reviews—that was disappointing. Normally, when someone has to tell me how great they are, or how fabulous their book is, I get suspicious. Especially when they take up six pages for those great reviews. After all, we’ve all read about the fake 5-star reviews on popular […]
- [Our Deep South book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-deep-south-book-banter/): Paul Theroux writes travel books, and I’ve read many of them. I find his communications with the locals to be revealing and informative—they capture the soul of his destinations. So, when Deep South was published in 2015, I was an eager buyer. Read our Deep South book banter and review, and see if Theroux’s Deep South is a place you would love to visit! Our Deep South book banter and review Many travel books are boring Normally, travel books don’t excite me. In fact, I also find many television travel shows to be boring. Most focus on clichéd tourist traps and […]
- [Our Les Misérables book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-les-miserables-book-banter/): In my life, I have never watched a complete musical adaptation of Les Misérables, the epic story from Victor Hugo. In general, I don’t like musicals, so maybe that’s why the story never connected with me. However, once I read the book, I was overwhelmed with amazement. The story was multi-dimensionally good. Read our Les Misérables book banter and review, and see if you agree. Our Les Misérables book banter and review I will not reveal the storyline or ending In this book banter and review, I promise not to reveal major plot sequences or spoil the novel’s intricate storylines or […]
- [Our For Whom the Bell Tolls book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-for-whom-the-bell-tolls-book-banter/): I believe that every person who loves to read should include this novel by Ernest Hemingway on their must-read list. Discover my thoughts about this remarkable book in our For Whom the Bell Tolls book banter and review. Fictionalized snippets from the Spanish Civil War One night, I eagerly sat down and read Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls. Published in 1940, this novel is a fictionalized snippet of the Spanish Civil War. Our For Whom the Bell Tolls book banter and review During our For Whom the Bell Tolls book banter, we will not reveal critical plot turning points, or […]
- [The Catcher in the Rye book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-catcher-in-the-rye-book-banter/): This is The Catcher in the Rye book banter and review. Ever since I was a young teenager, I was obsessed with this book and with the author’s secretive life. As a young student, I read this book often, and carried it with me, along with my other textbooks, as I attended school. However, no other student ever commented on this book, and I never saw any of my other classmates read this book! I don’t know what that says about me, or my classmates, but I’ll just put it out there. The Catcher in the Rye was a banned book […]
- [Our October Sky book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-october-sky-book-banter/): When I first saw the October Sky movie, I was already a middle-aged adult. Looking back now, I wish I had watched the movie and read the book when I was younger. Read our October Sky book banter and review, and then leave your own comments about the story below. It’s been 20 years since the October Sky movie was released. Since then, I’ve seen the movie many times. Each time I was captivated by Homer Hickam’s story. He wrote about the United State’s space race with Russia, and how he wanted to be part of that race to space. Our […]
- [Our In Cold Blood book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-in-cold-blood-book-banter/): Our In Cold Blood book banter started when I was much younger. I first noticed Truman Capote‘s award-winning book from my junior high school English class. The year was 1970—for two weeks, my pretty English teacher had it positioned on the corner of her desk. She was well-read, and enjoyed reading a new book during her free time. Our In Cold Blood book banter To be honest, I became interested in the book mainly because I was smitten with that English teacher. She had read other best sellers, too, but I was most interested in the story of In Cold Blood. […]
- [Our Outliers book banter and review](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-outliers-book-banter-and-review/): This is our Outliers book banter and review. Like all my book reviews, I promise not to present a detailed book report that reveals secrets, plot twists, or motivations. Instead, I will focus on the content presentation, the author’s writing style, and how the content impacted me. Our Outliers book banter and review The author, Malcolm Gladwell, had been a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine for over 20 years. Outliers, the Story of Success, is the first book I have read by this author. Because of his unique vantage point, Gladwell gives the reader a distinctive perspective on successful […]
- [Our Prophet of Freedom book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-prophet-of-freedom-book-banter/): Unfortunately, we live in a world where not all people are treated equally. Even in the United States, where “all men [all people] are created equal” (The U.S. Declaration of Independence), some people are treated better than others. One man who fought to bring that declaration of equality to all people was Frederick Douglass. Here is our Frederick Douglass Prophet of Freedom book banter, and why you should read this enlightening book. Our Prophet of Freedom book banter and review Our Prophet of Freedom book banter is not a book report Personally, I hate reading book reviews that reveal all the […]
- [Our James book banter and review](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-james-book-banter-and-review/): As I write about Percival Everett’s novel called James, I promise not to reveal too much of the plot. Instead, I will focus on Jim’s mindset as he tries to stay alive and reunite with his family. Read our James book banter and review for Jim’s perspectives on life and how they at times matched Huck’s beliefs and perspectives. Our James book banter James is the story of a slave named Jim, along with his friend, Huckleberry Finn. The book chronicles the adventures of Huck Finn and Jim as they embark on an unplanned and dangerous adventure on the Mississippi River. […]
- [Our Life of Pi book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-life-of-pi-book-banter/): I don’t think I’ve ever read a book as unique as Life of Pi. It was only recently that I watched a few minutes of the movie on a Spanish television network. I saw a boy and a Bengal tiger stuck on a lifeboat together. What is this movie, I asked myself? Then, I wondered, what is this book? Those questions have led to our Life of Pi book banter review. Like all my book reviews, I promise not to reveal plot secrets, or the fateful finale. The views I present in our Life of Pi book banter are my own […]
- [Our Seabiscuit book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-seabiscuit-book-banter/): Some of our favorite books were written by Laura Hillenbrand. One that touched us the most was her true story about Seabiscuit, an American Legend. This is our Seabiscuit book banter review, but if you haven’t read the book or seen the movie, do not worry—we promise not to reveal too much of the story. Another favorite book of ours is Unbroken, also by the same author. Both books are about people in difficult circumstances, and how they conquered their fears and overcame their desperate circumstances. I had read Seabiscuit when it was first published, but I’ve only recently enjoyed Unbroken. […]
- [Our Boys in the Boat book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-boys-in-the-boat-book-banter/): Before you read our Boys in the Boat book banter and book review, please remember that I’m not an athlete, and I don’t enjoy watching sports on television. And surprisingly, the only Super Bowl I have ever watched was in 1980—for me, that was an excruciatingly tortuous experience. Despite my lack of athleticism, I really enjoyed reading this book about competitive rowers and their goal to row in the 1936 Olympic games. Our The Boys in the Boat book banter True stories are the best stories True stories are always the best kind of stories. The Boys in the Boat is […]
- [Kitchen Confidential book review](https://ourbookbanter.com/kitchen-confidential-book-review/): Anthony Bourdain, the late chef and television personality, first published his ground-breaking exposé two decades ago. However, despite being a fan for many years, I have only recently read Kitchen Confidential. Read our Kitchen Confidential book review and book banter for more insights about this brilliant artist, chef, and writer. Kitchen Confidential book review Kitchen Confidential book review is not a book report Unlike many reviewers of books, I will not do a book report that reveals plot twists or important facts that should only be revealed while you read. Those types of book-report reviews spoil the plot. Instead, I’ll reveal […]
- [Our Shoe Dog book banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/shoe-dog-book-review/): I hate when book reviewers reveal too much of the plot during their reviews. That happens too much on Amazon when readers post their reviews. As we present our Shoe Dog book banter, I promise not to reveal too much. Instead, I will present my thoughts about the author, Phil Knight, along with his writing style and the most memorable moments in this hard-to-put-down book. First, this book about the shoe business is one of the best books I have ever read! Can you imagine—a book about the shoe business that was engaging and compelling? Well, for me it was, and […]
- [The Remains of the Day review](https://ourbookbanter.com/the-remains-of-the-day-review/): I promise that as you read our The Remains of the Day review, I will not reveal the plot. Just like you, I hate when reviewers reveal the twists-and-turns of a good book. In fact, most of the synopses that I’ve read about this book have missed a few of the beautiful subtleties contained in this brilliant novel. So, instead of focusing on the plot in The Remains of the Day review, I’ll write a little bit about the important characters, and the even more important issues that are alluded to by the author. The Remains of the Day review The […]
- [Our Klara and the Sun Book Banter](https://ourbookbanter.com/our-klara-and-the-sun-book-banter/): Ever since I read The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, I have been a big fan of the author’s writing style. Since then, I bought three more of his books. One of those included his latest best-selling book about a robotic artificial friend (AF). This is our Klara and the Sun book banter and book review. Unlike most book reviews, I promise not to reveal too much of the plot. Instead, I will focus on the author’s writing style and explore some character motivations. Klara and the Sun book banter Is this science fiction? You might think this novel […]

## Pages

- [Terms and Conditions](https://ourbookbanter.com/terms-and-conditions/): Please read these terms and conditions (“terms and conditions”, “terms”) carefully before using ourbookbanter.com website (“website”, “service”) operated by ourbookbanter.com (“us”, ‘we”, “our”). Conditions of use By using this website, you certify that you have read and reviewed this Agreement and that you agree to comply with its terms. If you do not want to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, you are advised to stop using the website accordingly. Our Book Banter only grants use and access of this website, its products, and its services to those who have accepted its terms. Privacy policy Before you continue using […]
- [About us](https://ourbookbanter.com/about-us/): Our Book Banter We read every single day We love books and we read every single day. Even as children, we read every single day. Read to arm yourself against misinformation Reading allowed us to grow. Reading allowed us to mature. And, reading allowed us to be well-informed, against an onslaught of misinformation. Recently, we’ve been reading the classics, like Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables and Stephen King’s The Stand. Reading is a vicarious adventure By turning the page and reading, we can all experience adventures that would be impossible in our real, day-to-day lives. Not only that, but by reading, we […]
- [Home](https://ourbookbanter.com/home/): If you love to read, then you have found your home at Our Book Banter home. Our Book Banter home… If you love to read books, then Our Book Banter is the place for you. Our reviews, and your book banter At Our Book Banter, read our reviews, and post your thoughts about the books you love or about the books you hate. When it comes to our book banter, your book banter counts just as much! Feel free to comment As always, your comments after each review are welcome, and encouraged! Content and photos by Doug Martin and Our Book […]
- [Fiction](https://ourbookbanter.com/fiction/): Fiction books for a taste of the unreal. These are some of my favorites. Read our review about the captivating book, The Stand This book was like a dream. Sometimes it was a disturbing dream that I couldn’t wake up from. Other times, it was a fantastical dream filled with unreal wonders, threats, and chaotic disturbances. All-in-all, The Stand was a wild ride and really a worthwhile reading experience! Read about the novel James, and how Jim perceived things differently than Huck did James is an update on the Mark Twain’s novel about Huck Finn. Read our James book banter and […]
- [Classics](https://ourbookbanter.com/classics/): Classic, must-read books that belong in every bibliophile’s library. The beautifully captivating Jane Eyre novel I was totally surprised as I started to read Charlotte Brontë’s brilliantly moving novel, Jane Eyre. Jane’s plight, and her way of thinking, and her personality all captivated me—I immediately empathized with her. Please read our very long book review of the beautiful novel, Jane Eyre. The disturbing and not cuddly novel, Wuthering Heights Movie producers have found Wuthering Heights to be a compelling story, so they’ve made lots of film adaptations. However, I’ve found that the book is usually the best adaptation of all. Read […]
- [Bestsellers](https://ourbookbanter.com/bestsellers/): Our list includes some of the bestsellers of all time. Some might be your favorites! Theo will tug at your heartstrings Do you enjoy reading books with an uplifting theme? Well then, you might enjoying reading this book about the mysterious Theo and his visit to the mythical Golden, Georgia. Take a look at our Theo of Golden book review and book banter! The best-selling book, Eye of the Needle Characters that come to life—I love reading a book that has well-developed characters, and Eye of the Needle is one of those superb stories. However, there were some aspects that I […]
- [Nonfiction](https://ourbookbanter.com/nonfiction/): Some of our favorite nonfictional bios, history, and more. All these books and more are in Our Book Banter nonfiction library! The elements of mythology and more… Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces is a study about the elements contained in all myths, all religions, and all folklores. It was fascinating! But, if you don’t believe me, read our book review about The Hero with a Thousand Faces yourself! The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind review First, there was no light and there was no electricity. But then, a poor but precocious boy in southeastern Africa started reading about […]
- [Favorites](https://ourbookbanter.com/favorites/): Our Book Banter’s favorite books of all time. This group encompasses books of all genres, including many classics from the 1800s. No Country for Old Men, another favorite! I really, really loved the movie, No Country for Old Men. It took me awhile, but I finally have read the novel that inspired that movie. Read our book review for No Country for Old Men, and then post your thoughts! The Catcher in the Rye book banter and psychological insights The Catcher in the Rye is still one of my favorite books, even after all these years. It was a brilliant study […]
- [Contact](https://ourbookbanter.com/contact/): Content and photos by Doug Martin and Our Book Banter For our favorite books, please check out our Favorites page! Contact Our Book Banter by emailing us at dougtmartinwrite@gmail.com Or, check out our About page to discover more about Our Book Banter!
- [Privacy Policy](https://ourbookbanter.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://ourbookbanter.com. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media If you upload images to the […]

## Optional

- [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/ourbookbanter.com/mcp)

[comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)