June

 the abominable man a martin beck novel (1971) by sjöwall and wahlöö

These authors were the first to write in the crime detective genre. It makes sense they are Swedish authors because that genre continues to be a favorite in the Scandinavian countries. What was striking to me in the novel was the negative view the authors had of Sweden. Having recently moved to Sweden, I have found the Swedes proud of the country they have built. The story has been twists and turns and was a bit too gory for my liking. 

West with the Night (1942) by Beryl Markham

My brother recommended I listen to this book. The narrator is terrific in bringing alive the poetic writing of Beryl Markham. The book is a sort of memoir of her life. She highlights her growing up adventures in Africa, her love of training racehorses, and the many flights in Africa and across the Atlantic. I highly recommend this book. 

The Histories Book 7-9 (425 BCE) by Herodotus

The account of the Persian Wars by Herodotus are so amazing that many movies and books have come from his storytelling. Overall, a great read yet I often become lost with the many names.

Leviticus (6th century BCE) by tradition says Moses

The voice in the book of Leviticus is mostly God. I found this unusual. There were two recurring phrases in the book: 'And the Lord spoke to Moses' and 'I am the Lord'.  God gives detailed instructions to Moses on his commandments. This passage in Leviticus 17 seemed the thesis for the book: vs. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and vs. 12 For it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. 

On Interpretation (4th century BCE) by Aristotle 

On Interpretation is the beginning of Aristotle's discussion on logic. This sentence describes my reading experience: Now that which is must needs be when it is, and that which is not must needs not be when it is not.

Statesman (387 BC) by Plato

This dialogue is part of our Great Books Project. Plato leaves no stone uncovered is determine what is a Statesman. 

The History of the Peloponnesian War ( 431 BC) by Thucydides

The speeches that Thucydides recounts are brilliant. The many speeches are a window into the lives of the individual and the culture. And yet, these speeches are current and could be spoken today.