The Whiskey Rebels: guest review by B (bookboy)

Introducing a guest review: B (bookboy or my husband) of B&b ex libris wanted to do a review today! I wish he could do more of these, I will keep my fingers crossed that after graduate school is over, he will :) Without further blabbing, Enjoy:

Title: The Whiskey Rebels
Author: David Liss
Pages: 515
B's review number; 1

I have to admit, when I first picked up this book, I was a little unsure. I was prepared for a stuffy, overly intellectual historical novel that was more history than novel. I was very pleasantly surprised. While still packed with a lot of very interesting detail on the early history of the United States and the beginning of the Whiskey Rebellion, The Whiskey Rebels is an exciting, deeply engaging book that I looked forward to reading each night.

The story is told from the first-person perspectives of Ethan Saunders and Joan Maycott, with the chapters alternating between the two characters. Saunders was a top spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary war, but has since fallen from grace. He is now a disobedient and often drunk quasi-spy for Alexander Hamilton, who is trying to uncover a plot against the U.S. Treasury. Maycott is a bitter widow of a frontier whiskey maker, leading a small band of rebels in a secret plot to topple the young U.S. financial system. You can see how the two are bound to collide with each other.

If nothing else, read this book for the Saunders character. He is, without a doubt, one of the most intriguing, hilarious, truly engaging characters that I have come across in a long time. David Liss's portrayal of this self-loathing spy is absolutely top-notch.

Without getting too wrapped up in the dry details of history, The Whiskey Rebels is a very fun book to read, and you will come away knowing more about this chaotic time in our country's formation. It's definitely worth your time.

A note from b:

As always if you have a review for this book, let me know I'll link to yours.

Oh, and make sure you enter my giveaway for MATRIMONY !!! You wouldn't want to miss that one!

A Short History of Tractors In Ukrainian

Title: A Short History of Tractors In Ukrainian
Author: Marina Lewycka
Pages: 326
Yearly Count: 34

When coercion, manipulation and big boobs capture the attention of their ailing father, sisters Vera and Nadia try to rescue him from his doomed fate. Nevertheless, he is in love, and belives Valentina can do no wrong. Soon everyone will be aware of how deep her claws can dig in and refuse to let go. The History of Tractors In Ukrainian is a delightful and deep read all in one. I was stunned by the writing , which was bright and original. The matter of the elderly and how to care for them, and respect their wishes while still protecting them from harm is not something I had ever read about.

To me this book is a good read, seemingly light as it is packed with laughs and interesting situations, however the subject matter is deep and gives the book a great balance. I fell right into this one, and in the end pages when coming up again to my real world realized just how much I enjoyed it, as now I am sorry to close the book and say goodbye. It is an endearing read, and it took me somewhere I have never been before. I highly recommend this read- great summer not-to-heavy, not-to-light pick!

I can't wait to read something else she has written :) I found it very interesting that before writing novels she wrote informative non-fiction help books for caring for the elderly. To me she seems to be laughing in the face of society and saying- wake up! Take care of your elderly, treat them right, respect them and never let them be taken advantage of! Youth is fleeting and not to be eternally preserved, you too will grow old. - but maybe that is just my take on things.

Other reviews for The History of Tractors in Ukrainian:
Corinne at The Book Nest
Tricia at Library Queue

Have you reviewed this book? if you give me your link I will put it here on my post :)