French Foreign Legion Book

Due to the troubles in Mali and the botched hostage rescue in Somalia by the French, I decided it is time for me to look into a bit of the French military.  This means putting away the usual Navy SEAL books that I like to read.  Fighting for the French Foreign Legion by Alex Lochrie piqued my interest and since it was only $11, I decided to go with this book.

So far, I am just about half way through this book and I am really enjoying it.  The author wrote a bit of their training and some of the mission they took.  Very interesting to say the least.    I learned a few things and realized that some of the things I thought I knew about the FFL are actually not so true.

Its a good read so far and anyone who enjoy these types of books should definitely give it a shot.

Nothing to Envy

I am currently reading Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick.  It has been a while since I last read a non-fiction book and I came across this in the Amazon bookstore.  I am about half way through the book and so far I am quite enjoying it.  It is very informative and have opened my eyes with what goes on on the other side of the DMZ.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Over my vacation, I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.  It was not an overly long book so I was able to finish it in a few sittings on the beach.  The book tells the story of Lily and her friendship with Snow Flower over 19th century China.  During this time, foot binding was a common practice and a woman's worth was how she can serve her husband by bearing him sons.  I was always fascinated by the foot binding practice and this book really opened the gates on the reasoning behind it and how it is done.  I still cringe when I think back on it.

Eight Skilled Gentlemen

I am currently reading the final book in Barry Hughart's chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox.  The last book in the three book series, I am so far enjoying it.  I have read the two previous books, Bridge of Birds and The Story of the Stone.  The series was introduced to me by my friend Peter who is an avid reader.

As I have read through half of this book, I am sad that this tale is coming to an end as I quite enjoy the characters in this series.  Unfortunately, the author only ever wrote these three books and credited his incompetent editors and publishers for his stopping.

A Game of Thrones 4-Book Bundle

After two weeks of procrastination, I decided to splurge and buy the Kindle edition of this four book bundle.  At $17.80 CAD on the Kindle Store, this bundle comes with A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Feast for Crows.

Old Man's War

Thanks to Peter who recommended John Scalzi's Old Man's War for a great book to read.