The Earth is All That Lasts: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and the Last Stand of the Great Sioux Nation – Mark Lee Gardner

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On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the two-hundred fiftieth anniversary of its creation following the long and violent revolution against British rule. The milestone will be the focus of extravagant celebrations and reminders of America’s long journey and how much work remains to be done. And while we celebrate with fireworks and cookouts, let us not forget the people who also called North America home and are a part of the continent’s history. The Bureau of Indian Affairs currently lists five hundred seventy-four Native American tribes, but the full number remains unknown. What we do know is that the continent was once home to millions of indigenous people who customs and groups are remnants of what they once were. In this book which caught me by surprise, Author Mark Lee Gardner revisits the Great Sioux Nation, one of the most significant tribes in all North America.

I have previously read books focused on both Crazy Horse (c. 1840 -1877) and Sitting Bull (c. 1831 -1890) and was able to approach Gardner’s work with a basic understanding of the tribe. It is not a prerequisite for readers to have familiarity with either figure as the author thoroughly explores their lives and the Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud (1822-1909) who plays a significant role in the narrative. And while their biographical stories are interesting, the author’s discussion of their customs and traditions are crucial to understand events in the future as the United States asserts its dominance over North America. On the side of American military might are men whose names are cemented in history such as U.S. Calvary Officer George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) and Gen. William T. Sherman (1820-1891). And when the two forces collide, it is a mix of trust, deception, and brutality not for the faint of heart.

There are several critical events which form the backbone of the book. The Treaties of Fort Laramie in (1851) and (1868) were intended to resolve pertinent issues between the U.S. Government and Native American tribes but became sources of anger, and proof to the natives that the Americans could not be trusted. The story is intricate and I strongly recommend taking notes or creating highlights as it progresses. In addition to the names mentioned, others appear in the story as the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. Government becomes increasingly complicated. And as one would expect, there is collateral damage. I learned for the first time the stories of Sioux captive Fanny Kelly (1845-1904) and Catherine Weldon (Caroline Schlatter) (1844-1921) who forms a close friendship living with Sitting Bull and the Sioux. Each account is interesting but for distinct reasons. On a side note, I strongly recommend S.C. Gwynne’s ‘Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History’, which is phenomenal and focuses heavily on white settlers held captive by native tribes. Despite the experiences of Kelly and Weldon, the war between America and the Indians continued to heat up. But Americans soon learned that defeating the Indians would not be easy and for the native, the Black Hills and other areas of the continent were far more valuable than the self-destructing gifts white soldiers offered. And when the Indians realize that the Americans would never let them live in peace, the story changes as two different sagas play out. And by the time each story plays out, Indians and Americans lay dead and life for the natives was never the same again.

The battles fought are revisited and these are the more difficult parts of the book. Frankly, there is no other way to explain what happens but to say that violence reigned supreme. However, this is the history not taught in schools. The cycle of negotiations, treaties, broken promises, and warfare repeats itself with tragic consequences. As a reader, I could see the writing on the wall that the native tribes could not hold out forever and would eventually succumb to American weapons. But the broken promises and view of the Indians as “savages” are also tragic. And these are two factors which contributed to the decimation and extinction of Native American tribes. Eventually, some of the Sioux leaders realize that the reservation cannot be escaped. But others would hold out and the hardliners teach American troops a tough lesson on more than one occasion. The carnage following Custer’s last stand is also revisited, and readers interested in the full story will enjoy James Donovan’s ‘A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn – the Last Great Battle of the American West‘, which provides a wealth of information on Custer’s life, the battle itself and the aftermath as the routing of U.S. troops stunned Washington. Although the battle at Little Bighorn was a setback for American troops, it did stop the tide from continue to turn against the Indians as America continued to expand west, and the finale we know is coming soon approaches. The Sioux resign themselves to the fate awaiting them, and the life on a reservation soon begins. And to this day, Native American descendants continue to live on reservations which have become epicenters of poverty and addiction. But they have not forgotten and neither should we.

I wish I could say that there is a happy conclusion to this story but nothing of the sort happened. No one rides off into the sunset. America continued its westward expansion, and Native Americans were forced to give up the lands they had called home. Some converted to Christianity and adopted Europeans ways while others remained loyal to the heritage of their tribe. And yet others were paraded around as attractions to be gawked at during stops in towns across America. Even today, the Indian is a mascot and imitated but the people of the Sioux, Comanche, Cherokee, and scores of other tribes were real people whose lives were changed in the name of American independence. We cannot rewrite the past, but we can ensure it is not forgotten. Gardner tells the story with the right balance of facts, suspense, and drama. It is well-researched and beautifully written. The subject matter is not “light reading”, but if you decided to purchase this book then I must assume you are aware that the story is not a “feel good” account. This is the reality of America’s creation and the people who died for it. Highly recommended.

“It shouldn’t be forgotten that the immigrant people, Euro-Americans, who displaced the Plains Indians always held themselves up as “civilized,” as vastly superior to the Lakotas and other native tribes. And yet there was nothing civilized in the way the U.S. government, its Indian agents, and its citizens lied to and stole from the Lakotas. There was nothing civilized in the way the U.S. Army attacked Indian villages, killing and maiming women and children. There was nothing civilized in the deaths of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.” – James Donovan

ASIN: ‎B09CQ2QL8R
Publisher:‎ Mariner Books, June 21, 2022

This Thug’s Life: An Unapologetically Black Story – Mopreme Shakur

On By Genyc79In AutobiographyLeave a comment

At 4:03 p.m. (PST), on September 13, 1996, medical personnel at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada announced the death of rap star and actor Tupac Shakur (1971-1996). His mother Afeni (1947-2016) was forced to confront the death of her first-born son at the youthful age of twenty-five. Standing by her side was stepson Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, the son of Mutulu Shakur (1950-2023) and Sharon Harding. In the wake of Shakur’s death, attention was focused heavily on Afeni, but Mopreme has a story of his own which I had the pleasure of reading. I recently reviewed Jeff Pearlman’s ‘Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur‘ and Staci Robinson’s ‘Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography‘. Both books are well-written and explore Tupac’s thoroughly. However, Mopreme was in a unique position to tell what he knew both as a sibling and rapper. This is his story in which he revisits his own past, and the short and tragic life of his famous younger brother.

I first became aware of this book shortly after its publication due to a contact submission on this site and made a mental note to purchase the title when I had the time to read it. That moment arrived a few weeks back and I am more than satisfied with my decision. This book is good in so many ways, and I enjoyed learning Mopreme’s story which goes far beyond the rap music industry. In fact, the Shakur name is firmly entrenched in American history in both negative and positive lights, depending on who you ask. To clear up any confusion, Mopreme entered Afeni and Tupac’s lives several years following famous rapper’s birth. Mopreme recounts his family’s roots in Queens, New York, and the early childhood years spent with his Aunt Joanna in Fayetteville, North Carolina, before making his return to the city that never sleeps. And this is where the story begins to take unexpected twists and turns.

Mopreme’s mother is a source of stability in the book, sorely needed in contrast to the lifestyle of Mutulu, who goes “underground” to avoid authorities, particularly the eyes of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mopreme discusses their relationship which is filled with love but also complicated due to his father’s fugitive status. However, there are bright moments in the book, but Mutulu would eventually face the court system and lose his freedom for four decades. While behind bars, the multiple families Mutulu created would struggle with his incarceration and the pressure of carrying the Shakur name. As for Mopreme, his time with Tupac is still in the future, and his life takes a different path that I was not aware of previously, but what he explains provides the background information on residency in California, and reunion with Afeni, Tupac and sister Sekyiwa (“Set”) after a several years apart. And once the siblings are reunited, the story intensifies as the music industry becomes their focus.

While reading the book, I reminded myself not to lose focus on Mopreme’s story. Of course, Tupac’s role in the story is significant, but it is imperative to remember that Mopreme was also a rapper. His anecdotes from his time in the business as the Shakur brothers are “coming up” is gold. It is an incredible journey and Mopreme was there to witness it all. But the story takes a dark turn when Tupac is shot several times during a robbery at Quad Studios in Midtown Manhattan on November 30, 1994. And it set the stage for the last two years of Tupac’s short life. Mopreme was not present during the shooting but discusses what he knew and how the family responded to it. Further, he touches on Tupac’s conviction in December 1994 on sexual abuse charges. The following year, Tupac walked out of the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York to the waiting arms of Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight. Tupac was out of jail pending his appeal, but as Mopreme explains, things went from good to disturbing, and he began to see changes in his brother due to his association with the record label. Although Mopreme was never signed to Death Row, he did interact with its roster, and he provides insight into what he witnessed and how it changed his perception of where their lives were headed. And it forced him to reevaluate his own life which included marriage and fatherhood. But readers will see that a dark cloud is forming on the horizon.

The events of September 7, 1996, have been told countless times, and the night ended with Tupac Shakur critically wounded and Suge Knight with non-life-threatening injuries. Mopreme does not go into extensive detail about the shooting, but he does provide a glimpse into Tupac’s hospital room and his physical condition. His account is first-hand and should clear up any debate as to whether Tupac was aware of his surroundings at any time, he was admitted to the hospital. Initially, doctors had given Tupac a fair chance of survival, but in the days leading up to September 13, the trauma from the gunshot wounds took its toll on his body and his death on Friday, September 13, sent shockwaves across the globe. The impact on his family was monumental, and Mopreme details how it affected him personally. Anyone who has watched interviews with him in recent years knows that it still affects him to this day. Currently, Duane “Keefe D” Davis awaits trial in Las Vegas for Tupac’s murder. Time will tell in a jury will return a verdict of guilty but until then, the case against him continues to proceed. If David is found guilty, it will bring a sense of closure to the Shakur family and help Mopreme find peace with his brother’s death. I strongly recommend this book for Tupac fans or anyone looking for an enjoyable book about a family whose name and lives are part of American history.

ASIN‏ ‎ B0FBHY2KD3
Publisher : Dafina, February 24, 2026

The Unwanted: A Memoir of Childhood – Kien Nguyen

On By Genyc79In Autobiography, Vietnam WarLeave a comment

Of all the books I have read about the Vietnam War (1954-1975), none had revisited the conflict strictly from the South Vietnamese non-military point of view. So, when I saw this book by Kien Nguyen, I made the purchase to learn about the conflict from a survivor of the war whose life was permanently altered by it. And what I found is an unforgettable story about a war, which divided both Vietnam and the United States. The story begins in the spring of 1975 as American forces are slowly withdrawing from South Vietnam. Young Kien and his family are still in their family home, but everyone knows the People’s Army of North Vietnam, also known as the North Vietnamese Army (“NVA”) is steadily approaching. The fallout from the American withdrawal is swift and chaotic, with Kien, brother Jimmy, their mother Khuon and her love interest Lam, and the family’s servant Loan attempting to join thousands of others desperately trying to escape the NVA. And from the outset, there is confusion mixed with the explosion of tensions simmering below the surface which bring everything to a grinding halt. And it soon becomes clear that there are secrets harbored in this family.

Nguyen pulls no punches and delivers a shocking revelation which would come back to haunt Lam later in the story. Lam, as readers will learn, emerges as the book’s antagonist, and never fails to provide a source of disgust throughout the story. But there is a comeuppance for him towards the conclusion of the book which proves to be one of the most uplifting moments in the story. However, before we reach that part in Nguyen’s account, we must first follow his journey as life under communist rule becomes a haunting reality, and his mother finds herself a target due to her past success and social status. Lam’s actions early in the book leave her on the ropes as she is forced to defend herself, her family, and her unborn child in the face of relentless humiliation. But when Lam makes his return, the story takes a dark turn which I did not expect and removed any doubt that Lam could redeem himself. Yet, in the face of adversity, there are guardian angels in the book in the form of Kien’s grandparents and the servant Loan who takes on the role of big sister and provides the love and attention the brothers needed. Sadly, her story becomes a tragedy on its own in ways I did not anticipate. There are instances in the story wherein Kien’s mother is abrasive and curt, but I also had to remind myself of the reality she faced in the wake of a war which tore her country apart. Further, Kien’s life is complicated by the fact that his father is American and returned to the United States when he was an infant. His brother Jimmy is also the child of an American father, and this proves to be the ammunition needed by party members and other citizens who despise Khuon and her family. The vitriol is mind-bending, yet she stands her ground through it all.

As the story progresses, the difficulties of life under communist rule become vividly apparent. Kien’s mother does all that she can to find a way out of their situation which is dire at times. The addition of a sister further complicates matters. I also noted the interactions between Kien’s household and that of his aunt who lives across the street. The tension is unsettling and the occasional eruptions of physical and verbal altercations are surreal. I personally could never imagine my mother and aunt having interactions described by the author. It was clear that the war had ruined everyone’s life and nothing was the same. A small window of opportunity opens through a neighbor Ms. Dang, who has found a questionable path to America. It is risky but Khuon agrees that Kien should make the trip. This part of the book is where the story goes completely left and I was speechless at the series of events which occur as they embarked on their perilous journey. The fallout from the problematic escape plan is off the rails and it is a miracle that Kien survived to tell this story. His ordeal, however, was far from over and his next stop is a place where no one wants to be. But this is also the place where the love between mother and son sets everything in its place and for the first time in the story, I was able to smile.

Despite the setbacks, Kien never loses sight on a way out for the family. And out of left field comes a path to a new life in America. This section of the book moves fast, and I could feel Kien scrambling as he and his family set their plan in motion to leave Vietnam. And while he is working on his future life, a troubling truth about the war emerges. Kien remarks on his towards the conclusion when he looks back on his life as the child of a Vietnamese mother and American father whom Kien also discusses in the book. Kien and his family eventually make their flight out of Saigon, but it is a wild journey up until the very end. And he left behind endless memories, both positive and negative, of the place he called home. I did not know what to expect before I read this book, but having finished it, I can say that it is a story that needed to be told. His story is a complicated aspect of the Vietnam War rarely discussed, but its effects were fare more reaching than the bombs dropped and bullets spent. If you are curious about the aftermath of the fall of Saigon and life for the Vietnamese left behind, this book is for you. It is a mix of love, betrayal, violence and harsh truths, but also a story which will reach you. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001IZC3TC
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Back Bay Books, Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 22, 2008

The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I – Douglas Brunt

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Those of us who own and operate motor vehicles go to the gas station and fill our takes with gasoline which powers millions of cars, motorcycles, and sports utility vehicles around the world. However, we may also see a dedicated pump for diesel fuel. Growing up I did not know much about it except to never put it in the car’s fuel tank unless specifically required. So, when I saw this book about Rudolf Diesel (1858-1913), the engineer behind the world-famous engine, my curiosity peaked. The automotive technology which carries his name is fascinating and it revolutionized engine design and use. But I wanted to know more about the man behind the engine, and his mysterious death in September 1913. Author Douglas Brunt explores Diesel’s life and death in this well-written and well-researched book which left me with more questions than answers.

Although Diesel spoke German, the story begins in Paris where his Bavarian immigrant family resides. From the outset, his father Theodore is an odd character, and his behavior throughout the story is surreal at times. The family’s life is stable until the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, which forces them to emigrate to London. However, for Rudolph, life soon takes a different turn when his parents send him back to his father’s native Augsburg to learn Germany and focus on his studies. And this crucial decision set the stage for the innovative mind that changed world history. Once Diesel decides on his future as an engineer, the story picks up the pace. But the author also includes a discussion on the emergence of oil and the role of John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) and industry giant Standard Oil. Although Diesel and Rockefeller had no direct connections, their roles in the development of engines and fuel technology cannot be underestimated. Standard Oil plays a significant role in the story as readers will learn.

We follow Diesel’s journey as he meets senior engineers who play important roles in his later success. One of the most important is Carl von Linde (1834-1942), whose refrigeration cycle provided the blueprint to the machines which keep our ice and groceries consistently cool. Diesel’s time working with and for Linde proves to be invaluable. While the young engineer is proving his worth on the factory floor, love enters his life when Martha Flasche (1860-1944) catches his attention. Their marriage provides a source of strength for Diesel when professional obligations take their toll. Interestingly, Martha plays a part in the development of the engine but not in the way readers may expect. When the first diesel engine has a successful test run, the game changes as Rudolf’s value to his field increases exponentially. However, this breakthrough may have also been the reason for his unsettling demise.

As I read the story, I found myself fascinated with diesel technology. The author provides a very thorough analysis of the science behind Diesel’s marvel and the benefits that come with its use. However, initially the new engine had its skeptics as explained in the book. But once word spread of an innovative technology which allowed less maintenance, better gas mileage, no smokestacks on ships and cleaner combustion, the flood gates opened and Diesel’s path to fame is paved. The surge is quick and the money rolls in, but Diesel’s true goal was much larger than money, and had the world not become engulfed in war, he may have seen his dream come true. But the book is still fascinating, and as Diesel moves through social circles, he finds himself the center of attention, spending time with innovative giants, one of whom was the world-famous Thomas Edison (1847-1934). It is a surreal ride to the stop, but dark clouds begin to form on the horizon, and England moves to form stronger bonds with Diesel and his engine which is vital to naval operations.

As World War I nears the story takes on a darker tone as the grim reality of impending conflict becomes real. In September 1913, Diesel prepared for a trip on the SS Dresden across the English Channel from Belgium to London. The Dresden arrived at its destination, but Diesel did not. This part of the story is the most chilling and unhinged. Officially, he perished at sea due to suicide, but there are credible reasons to question that position. Brunt examines the case thoroughly and provides another angle to the incident which is also plausible. Diesel’s actions prior to the trip are unusual and raise the question, did he know what was coming? We can only surmise and the passage of time further ensures that Rudolf Diesel’s death is set to remain a mystery. Regardless of that fact, Brunt’s book is engaging from start to finish, and I found it to be a solid account of Diesel’s life and his importance to engine technology. Highly recommended.

ASIN : ‎ B0BV123PC8
Publisher : ‎ Atria Books, September 19, 2023

Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art – Gene Wilder

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When I saw this book for sale, I did a double take and decided to take a closer look as a fan of the late film star Gene Wilder (1933-2016). I previously watched interviews with Wilder wherein he discussed his life and the entertainment industry, but I was curious to read his words in this autobiography which is an interesting look at his life. I had no expectations before reading the book and reminded myself that life behind the camera is far different from when they are rolling. And that holds true in this book which I enjoyed reading. The book ends many years before Wilder’s death on August 29, 2016, at the age of eighty-three due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease but his life was from ordinary as readers will learn.

Wilder’s story begins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the 1930s. And from the beginning, we learn a few things about his family life, including the health issues of family members which reappear later in the story. At school things are surreal as his Jewish background is noticed. His experience gets off to a rocky start in a way that left me both speechless and shaking my head. At home, his relationship with his mother is both strong and complicated and later in the book, as Wilder talks to his therapist Margie, we see how his early life had long-lasting effects. As he matures, life takes him in different directions, and I found the section about his time in the United States Army remarkably interesting. It is an aspect of his life overlooked but it was a crucial step in the direction which led to the silver screen. And when he is no longer in the possession of Uncle Sam, a move to New York City opens Pandora’s Box.

While the Gene Wilder we know is being constructed, behind the scenes, he was going through his own growing pains which included multiple marriages. In fact, I am amazed at the number of marriages but also understood why he walked down the aisle several times. And like a gentleman, he does not have a bad word for any of them. However, that does not mean the relationships were without their share of complications and drama. His stepdaughter Katie proves to be a challenge in her younger years before transforming into a mature woman focused on her life. Their ordeal is only one of the struggles Wilder faced as his fame increased. But anyone who is familiar with his life is aware of the dark clouds hovering over the story. And as each approached, I could feel the vibe shift as the issue of mortality is placed front and center.

After his divorce from second wife Jo, Wilder finds himself a bachelor again and meets the woman who would change his life in ways no one expected. In 1975 a new comedic series called Saturday Night Live made its debut, and one of the brains behind the success was a young woman named Gilda Susan Radner (1946-1989). And when she crosses paths with the comedic actor Wilder, the stage is set for their relationship and marriage. However, neither was instantaneous and what Wilder explains is interesting. And the incident which triggers their marriage gives credence to the saying that things happen for a reason. The elephant in the room soon makes its presence felt as Radner becomes sick with the cancer which took her life. Wilder discusses her illness, their battle to fight it and his own struggles in caring for her as the disease took its toll. It is a somber moment in the book and Wilder pull no punches regarding the impact of her death. But healing, a fresh start and his own battle with mortality are waiting in the wings. His fourth wife Karen Boyer would become a source of happiness and strength until his death in 2016. As the book concludes, it is the end of a journey we have taken with Wilder, a young boy from Milwaukee he went on to become a Hollywood great alongside frequent collaborators Mel Brooks and the late Richard Pryor (1940-2005), the latter of which Wilder makes clear was a not a close personal friend. Readers anticipating a lengthy discussion about Pryor will not find it here, but the author recalls aspects of their working relationship which are still interesting. Nonetheless, this autobiography is good and an invaluable source of information about Wilder as all it comes from the man himself.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003G83U50
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, April 1, 2010

Pandemic 1918: Eyewitness Accounts from the Greatest Medical Holocaust in Modern History – Catharine Arnold

On By Genyc79In American History, World HistoryLeave a comment

On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed at Compiègne, France, ending the hostilities of World War I (1914-1918). The war formally ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Millions of people had perished in the war but there was another killer in 1918 which spread across the globe undetected until its horrifying effects became hauntingly clear. It is known as the Spanish Flu, a virus of the H1N1 influenza strain. During the final year of the war, this silent killer wreaked havoc across the globe as health officials and politicians struggled to contain the deadliest health epidemic in modern history. Author Catharine Arnold takes us back to 1918 when the Spanish Flu changed world history.

The book begins in September 2007, the body of Sir Tatton Benvenuto Mark Sykes (1879-1919) was exhumed at a cemetery in Sledmere, Yorkshire, England. The lead lined coffin holding his remains had helped preserve body tissue scientists believed to hold critical clues about the Spanish Flu. And to understand why they are in the trenches in the fight against influenza, we must step back to the year that changed the world which is the focus of this book which left me speechless. Prior to reading Arnold’s book, I knew that the story would be challenging, primarily due to the subject matter. The cover removes any doubt as to what readers can expect within and once the story begins, it does not let up as she takes us through one of the darkest periods in world history.

Today we have the benefit of advanced medicine and the internet, tools which aid in the rapid recovery from influenza. And although the virus does claim lives each year, the number of deaths is significantly lower than it was in 1918. And as the book progresses, it becomes clear why the virus claimed millions of lives. Further, the virus did not discriminate and touched every sector of society. Author John Steinbeck (1902-1968) and silent film era star Myrtle Gonzalez (1891-1918) are two examples of the notable figures impacted by the virus’s spread. As doctors struggle to understand and contain the virus, it shows no signs of abatement, and the experiences of those who survived are part of what makes this book fascinating. Their stories are vivid, and they pull no punches about their ordeals which leave a chill in the air as the grim reality of influenza settles in. For all of them, it was a trip to hell and back as they stared at death in the mirror. The horror or the plague is compounded by the spread of the virus both unknowingly and unwittingly and I could feel the sense of helplessness which consumed doctors, nurses, city officials, and military personnel as the virus continued to claim victims. The parallels between the Spanish Flu and the Covid-19 epidemic are eerie, but today we are in a far better position than the world’s inhabitants in 1918. However, readers will note the discussion regarding face masks which were controversial and integral as both pandemics ran their courses.

The book is a roller coaster ride through 1918, and I can only imagine how it affected those who survived. We have some of their words here, but there were scores of people who fell victim to the Spanish Flu, survived, and moved forward with permanent scars and dark memories. But just when you think the story of the Spanish Flu is finished, the author takes us to Hong Kong in 1997 where a three-year-old child named Lam Hoi-ka falls victim to influenza, sparking fears that the deadly virus was returning. The concerns of health officials were valid as readers will see in the story. In hindsight we know that a new plague did not happen, but Hoi-ka’s death did play a crucial role in scientists understanding the influenza virus and its spread to humans from animal species. And this is an important tool which will help physicians confront future pandemics. And as we continue to plan for future events, we can use the Spanish Flu as an example of where we should never return. The book is beautifully written, and while grim in content, it does contain valuable historical information. Despite the subject matter, I found it easy to read and I could not put it down once I started. If you are curious about the Spanish Flu and the 1918 Pandemic, this book is must read.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079LB96CJ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, August 28, 2018

 

Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur – Jeff Pearlman

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September 13, 2026, will mark thirty years since the death of the actor and rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur (b. Lesane Parish Crooks) (1971-1996). The trial of alleged conspirator Duane Keith “Keefe D” Davis is scheduled for August 2026, and if convicted, Davis faces life in prison. Whether Davis is convicted remains to be seen, but the events on the night of September 7, 1996, at the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, remain permanently etched in history. Following a scuffle involving Southside Crip Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson (1974-1998), Shakur and Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight were ambushed by gunfire as their vehicle remained stopped at a traffic light on the Las Vegas strip. I can vividly recall when the news broke of the shooting and the sense of dread felt among fans of the star. And when Hot 97 radio host Angie Martinez announced his death, the dark cloud hovering over the rap music industry seemed to get even darker. Shakur’s short life came to a violent end at the age of twenty-five, yet years later there is much about his life that is misunderstood. I recently reviewed ‘Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography‘ by Staci Robinson, which is a thorough account of his life and the trials and tribulations his family endured intensified by the struggles of his mother Afeni Shakur (1947-2016). I strongly recommend that book if you also decide to read Pearlman’s biography. When I saw Pearlman’s book, I decided to see how it holds up to Robinson’s work and what he had to say about Shakur’s life.

The biographies are similar in some respects, but Pearlman takes a slightly different approach at the beginning by revisiting the story behind Shakur’s hit song ‘Brenda’s Got a Baby‘. It is fascinating and provides more context behind Shakur’s decision to write the song after learning about the story while reading the newspaper. Following that trip down memory lane, we dive into the story of Tupac Shakur and his unorthodox life. Pearlman discusses Afeni’s role in the Black Panther Party and trial in New York State Court in which she won an acquittal. Both authors rightly point out that while incarcerate, Afeni becomes pregnant with her first child. And here is where the books diverge. Robinson provides more backstory on Tupac’s biological father Billy Garland while Pearlman mentions him on occasion throughout the book. However, Pearlman focuses slightly more on Carol Jean Crooks (1946-2022), Afeni’s cell mate while incarcerated and Tupac’s godmother. Despite the smaller differences, both books are spot on in the way they present the subject matter. And that is the case for most of the book, but Pearlman dives a little deeper into various aspects of Tupac’s life.

Tupac’s early years are well-documented, and the family’s nomadic lifestyle highlights the ongoing struggles he would have throughout his life, both internally and externally. But what is seen in both books is the lack of a father in the home, something that Shakur said himself was a major reason his life became so complicated. And just when it seems as if the family might find stable footing, they are required to move again. However, the moment when Tupac learns he is being sent to California and forced to leave the Baltimore School of Performing Arts is heartbreaking and I have always wondered what his life would have been like had he remained on the East Coast in better surroundings. The importance the school had during his early teenage years should not be overlooked. It was a transformational period in his life, and the place where he met life-long friends Jada Pinkett Smith and John Cole.

When we think of California, we picture beautiful weather and nice beaches but in Marin City, it was a hard knock life for a kid fresh from Baltimore, Maryland. Despite the dire living conditions and Afeni’s spiraling drug use, the West Coast is where Tupac eventually gets his break in the music industry. The story is interesting and shows how chance encounters can change our lives for good. I also appreciated Pearlman paying homage to the late Shock G (b. Gregory Jacobs) (1963-2021), the leader of Digital Underground and the reason we had the rap star 2Pac. And once Tupac gets his break in the industry, the story moves faster as fame, infamy and tragedy occur. The main components are all there including Interscope Records, his 1994 court case, introduction to Death Row Records, a marriage, and the fateful trip to Las Vegas. Readers familiar with the events will know the main aspect of each, but the author does provide background information of which I was not aware. And while there is no smoking gun regarding his murder, the premise matches what prosecutors will rely on as they attempt to put Keefe D behind bars for good. As I read, I could feel the climactic ending coming and felt chills as Vegas approached. However, Pearlman does a thorough job of showing the multiple sides of Shakur and how these complexities came together for form a young man who was both driven and conflicted. And the eerie premonition of death found in Robinson’s book is also found here. As a result, there is a sense of urgency around everything Shakur does.

I have seen criticism of the book in videos online and some allegations are slightly off based. Pearlman does not slander Shakur, nor does he present a picture of an artist who is without faults. What I found was a biography which shows the many sides of him from an author who both admired the late rapper and recognized his flaws. Shakur himself was always aware of his unhealthy habits and admitted his mistakes. And if you revisit the interview he sat for with Ed Gordon of Black Entertainment Television (“BET”), you can hear him explain how the presence of a father would have changed his life. I often think of Tupac and find it incredible that decades after his death, people still talk about him. But I also find myself angry at the decisions and statements he made which came back to haunt him and cost him his life. I wish he had never traveled to Las Vegas or joined Death Row Records, but the past is done. The films and music he left behind remain symbols of his short but extraordinary life. He was talented, flawed, emotional, rough, impulsive, and intellectual -a mixed bag that touched lives. Behind the facade of a gangster rapper, was a young man carrying heavy burdens from a childhood cursed by struggle and trauma. But his life is also a story of the American way, a system in which you can find fame through arduous work and the right connections. Shakur will also be controversial and his last moments in Las Vegas will remain the subject of conspiracy theories even if Davis is convicted. Regardless of what happens, the fact remains that a young man lost his life in a senseless tragedy and his murder remained unsolved for too many years. That may soon change. This is yet another fascinating look at the life of the late Tupac Amaru Shakur.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DTKH4BWL
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books, October 21, 2025

Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution – Mike Duncan

On By Genyc79In UncategorizedLeave a comment

On September 3, 1783, representatives of the United States Government and King George III (1738-1820) of Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. After eight long years of violent conflict, the war was over but in France, another revolution was brewing internally. And in both there was a central figure named Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) often referred to as “Lafayette”. Before reading this New York Times bestseller by author Mike Duncan, I had limited knowledge of Lafayette and the intricacies of the French Revolution (1789-1799). But after finishing the biography, I know have a deeper understanding of American and French history. And this is what makes the book immensely invaluable. It is a story of two history changing revolutions and the man who was both a witness and a participant of each.

The story begins in Chavaniac-Lafayette, France during the mid-1700s, where Lafayette is born on September 7, 1757. It is not long before tragedy strikes the Lafayette family and sets the young man on his path to career in the military and in government. It is not long before the story takes twists and turns, beginning with the entry of future wife Adrienne (1759-1807). But in August 1775, a meeting with the Prince William Henry (1743-1805), Duke of Gloucester changes the story forever and sets the stage for Lafayette’s contributions to the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. And once he departs from France, leaving wife and child behind, the story evolves into a roller coaster ride as Lafayette serves under the command of Gen. George Washington (1732-1799) who would become America’s first Commander-in-Chief. He also became acquaintances with the men who became the nation’s founding fathers and Duncan’s work is a step back into time when America was still a concept in progress. It should be noted that Lafayette was not the only Frenchman to pledge allegiance to the colonists. In fact, the full story of the recruitment in France is an underrated aspect of the colonial effort. Admittedly, I was not aware of the facts presented by Duncan regarding the inclusion of French troops and the country’s complicated relationship with Great Britain.

We follow Lafayette throughout his service to Washington and witness the difficulties the Continental Army faced both externally and within, including the traitorous actions of Gen. Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) and troops threatening mutiny. Readers interested in the American Revolution will thoroughly enjoy this section of the book. Lafayette departs America before the treaty is signed and returns to his wife Adrienne and his growing family whom he had not seen in several years. However, their brief period of happiness is soon overshadowed by the growing threat of revolution in France, where the people had reached their limit with King George XVI (1754-1793) and his wife Marie Antonette (1755-1793). In time the couple would flee, and their last moments are gruesome examples of the brutality in 1700s France. Their deaths and the last moments of other government officials are not for the faint of heart. Frankly, if the people came to despise and wanted your head, they took it. I felt chills multiple times while reading of the grisly fates awaiting officials deemed enemies by the people. Throughout the chaos, Lafayette manages to survive and find his own path away from the anarchy but eventually finds himself incarcerated at the Olmütz prison in Austria. The story takes an unexpected turn yet again when Adrienne makes a decision that left me speechless. However, it is a testament to the meaning of true love. Sadly, this decision would also have dire consequences later in the book as readers will learn.

The entry of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) in the story is another turning point and indirectly contributes to Lafayette’s release from Olmütz. But the relationship between Bonaparte and Lafayette is interesting, and the latter soon sees the dictatorial tendencies in the ambitious military officer who once saw himself as the emperor of Europe. The author does an excellent job of explaining the social climate and the growing threat Napoleon represented to the future of democracy in France. Lafayette remains in high standing and continues to serve in government, but his growing belief in the abolitionist cause would place him at odds with his mentor and friend, George Washington who died in 1799, years before Lafayette’s final visit to America with son Georges (1779-1849) in 1824. It would be his last hurrah and a bittersweet farewell to the country he fought so valiantly for. And as the events play out, we can also see that age is catching up with him and mortality is a reality from which no one escapes.

Upon Lafayette’s return to France, the story again heats up with another threat to the democratic process. Thankfully, it is averted, but the story highlights how close the French came to another violent revolution. For Lafayette, his eyes had seen too much bloodshed, too much greed and he understood the importance of peace and a healthy democracy. And when he makes his final departure in the story, I felt the closure to an extraordinary life that could never be scripted. He was not without his flaws, but I can appreciate his contributions in assisting a young nation called the United States establish itself as a new independent republic in which I was born. Further, there are a couple of interesting facts about his last visit to the United States that left me with a smile on my face. And it is one more reason I have always felt Black history is American history. If you are interested in the life of Marquis de Lafayette, the American Revolution and the French Revolution, this book is must read. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08KQ38BS5
Publisher ‏ : ‎ PublicAffairs, August 24, 2021

 

Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong – Katie Gee Salisbury

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

Each day, tourists visiting the City of Los Angeles make their way up to the world-famous Hollywood sign which overshadows the busy metropolis below which became home to the motion picture industry and the destination for people with dreams of becoming stars. However, some stars are home grown as they say and grow into adults with the film industry right in their backyards. In January 1905, a family of Chinese ancestry welcomed a daughter named Wong Liu Tsong who later became known to the world as film star Anna May Wong (1905-1961). In the fifty-six years that she lived, she went from a student helping in her parents’ laundry business to an international star who rubbed elbows with names cemented in Hollywood’s history. But there is more to her story than film roles, press photos, and statements to the media. Behind the scenes her life was far more complicated, and those complexities are unraveled in this biography by Katie Gee Salisbury, which thoroughly explores the late film star’s life.

I first learned of Anna May Wong while reading Jeff Chang’s ‘Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America‘. Years before Bruce left his mark on the film world, Wong was blazing her own trail. But I asked myself why had I not heard of her before? After finishing Chang’s book, I sought out material about Anna May Wong and found this book which was everything I had been searching for. The stage is set in Los Angeles where her parents Wong Sam Sing (1860-1949) and Lee Gon Toy (1886-1930) have made home for themselves and their growing family. We travel back in time when discrimination against Asians was socially acceptable and codified in legislation. I must warn readers that some of the subject matter may be difficult to accept. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 hangs over the story like a dark cloud, and even when Anna becomes famous, she still cannot escape the scrutiny by United States Immigration officers as she travels to and from the country of her birth. But early on she was a simple teenage girl in a typical family with strong work ethic and connections to the old country, but Hollywood was the place which both captivated her and held her attention.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Anna is not the typical Chinese girl. And through a series of events, she finds her way into the film industry which at that time, had never shown Asian stars in leading roles. To say that Hollywood is a dark place would be an understatement. I am sure that many of us have heard stories about the underside of Tinsel town. Anna May Wong entered this world, and her life was never the same for better and worse. There are dehumanizing and humiliating experiences in the story, and even people who are allegedly “progressive” contribute to the cycle of bigotry which kept her from reaching the stardom she could have obtained. And there is also the practice of “yellowface” which would be seen today as a concept from another planet, but it was standard practice during her era. To reinforce the absurdity of it, Salisbury includes the story of the fictional Charlie Chan, played by Swedish actor Warner Orland (1897-1938). This role which brought him fame and wealth also resulted him becoming both typecast and a victim of substance abuse. It should be noted that Orland was one of several actors to play Chan. Despite the insulting practice, Asian stars did find work, but for Anna, the life changing success she craved came from another continent called Europe.

I was not surprised that she found success across the Atlantic Ocean, due to the obstacles non-white performers faced in America. She had learned the brutal reality of show business and had been changed by her visits to New York City’s Harlem neighborhood and other places which stood in stark contrast to Los Angeles. Along the way she forms friendship will starts from all over, and her friendship with the late Paul Robeson (1898-1976) is a heartwarming part of the story. As she climbs the stardom ladder, she also contents with attention from male suitors. However, there is a major issue with her love interests manifested in the disturbing concept of miscegenation which made it impossible for a life with a husband who was not Chinese. That would change in 1963 when Supreme Court ruled in the case of Loving v. Virginia 388 U.S. 1 (1967) that it was unconstitutional to prevent people of different races to marry. However, by that time Anna May Wong was gone.

Her success in Europe helps elevate her career and I was surprised at the amount of time it took then to travel from one continent to another. But I reminded myself that this was before jet-aircraft for passenger travel. Ships were the main method of travel, combined with rail and surface transit. But that does not stop her from becoming a world-traveler who splits time between multiple continents and even finds time to visit her father in China after he left Los Angeles yearning for life in his ancestral homeland. However, the looming threat from Japan would affect the family later as explained in the book. The trip to China is a mixed bag but it has her in good spirits and there is talk of her starring in a film by Irving Thalberg (1899-1936) called ‘The Good Earth‘ based on the book by author Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973). The film was a hit, but it is also a classic example of how yellowface prevented Asian stars from securing roles they should have landed. The full story as told by the author is hard to believe but this was the reality Wong and Asians faced. What is even more of a gut punch is the tools used by actors dressed in yellow face to prepare for their roles. Frankly, it is a case of adding insult to injury. And this would later be one of the main reasons Bruce Lee was determined to change the perception of Asian stars. Anna Way Wong was far from finished but she soon had another battle to fight with her own body.

Following the success and controversy of ‘The Good Earth’, Wong’s life quiets down a bit. She later finds more success in film and television but is racing against the clock. And this part of the book is heartbreaking. I did not know how severe her personal demons were until I read this biography. A disturbing reality emerges in which we can see how the industry chews up stars and spits them out. Wong was only one of many people both in front of and behind the camera whose lives ended in a downward spiral. By the time I finished the book, I came to understand the struggles and pressures she faced in an industry unwilling to fully embrace her talent. Her life story is an account of what could have been. Thankfully, decades after her death she has begun to receive the attention she rightfully deserves. And although she is long gone, her memory lives in articles, films, and books like this which preserve the life and legacy of a forgotten star in the murky world of motion pictures. The story is beautifully written, and while reading I felt as if I were transplanted back in time to roaring 1920s and 1930s before Germany sparked a second world war. For readers interested in the life of Anna May Wong, this is must read. You will see why she was not your China doll.

ASIN‏: ‎B0C7TVJKSZ
Publisher: ‎Dutton, March 12, 2024