Category Archives: Non-Fiction

Contains all non-fiction book posts.

Biographies of Scientists, Biography, book review, Medical Ethics, Medical Science, Medicine, Non-Fiction, Women in History, Women's biographies

WONDER DRUG – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

Wonder Drug Jennifer Vanderbes
TitleWonder Drug: The Secret History of
Thalidomide in America and its Hidden Victims
AuthorJennifer Vanderbes
Publisher Random House (June 27, 2023)
FormatKindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
Pages432
GenreMedical History, Biographies of Medical
Professionals, Women’s Studies, Medical Ethics, Women in History
LanguageEnglish
ASIN# B0BG14PNPY

AUTHOR‘S BIO: JENNIFER VANDERBES

Jennifer Vanderbes is an author who has also worked as a journalist and screenwriter. Her written work has been translated into sixteen different languages. Her work can ce found in such august publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Granta, and Best New American Voices have all featured her writing. She has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, and her work on Wonder Drug earned her the title of NEH Public Scholar.

Vanderbes is a distinguished author whose literary works are known for their depth and sensitivity in dealing with complex historical and ethical issues. Her educational background at Yale and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop has equipped her with the tools to explore and articulate intricate narratives. Vanderbes has consistently demonstrated her literary prowess, beginning with her acclaimed debut, “Easter Island,” and continuing through her subsequent works. Her ability to intertwine emotional depth with historical accuracy has earned her numerous accolades and a respected place in contemporary literature.

SYNOPSIS

“Wonder Drug” by Jennifer Vanderbes was intended to be a biography of Dr. Claire Shipley. However, Vanderbes’ compelling narrative focuses on the titular character of Dr. Frances Kelsey and her diligent efforts and investigation that exposed Thalidomide’s dangerous side effects and far-ranging complications. What began as a biography quickly transformed into an examination of the ‘miracle drug’ Thalidomide and revealed a trail of dirty tricks that exposed the deeply disturbing machinations, misinformation, and disinformation by a large and influential pharmaceutical company. 

Initially touted as a sleep aid, a risk-free sedative, and safe even for children, Chemie Grünenthal released Thalidomide under the trade name Contergan. It was later mass-marketed as an antiemetic for morning sickness relief. The chemical company utilized post-war Nazi scientists to synthesize Thalidomide. 

In 1962, the drug was on the verge of completing the licensing process to authorize its use in the USA. The drug may have caused serious harm if it weren’t for the commendable efforts of doctor Frances Kelsey from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). She wisely denied permission to sell the drug until the distributor, William Merrill Company, thoroughly tested it.

Thalidomide was already used in 46 other countries and would eventually become available in 50. Doctor Kelsey’s action was instrumental in limiting the devastating outcomes in different nations. Thus, through her attention to detail and proactive stance, she minimized the disturbing birth defects of the drug, effects that included miscarriages, stillbirths, limb malformations, deafness, blindness, and internal disabilities.  

Kelsey’s robust and conscientious efforts revealed the horrific reality that there was evidence of government and corporate pharmaceutical organizations engaged in a cover-up to conceal the drug’s ability to cause life-limiting severe birth abnormalities. The proof that she revealed was so compelling that she felt obliged to block the release of Thalidomide in the USA.

Vanerbes excoriates both the government and big pharma’s involvement that led to tragic and avoidable consequences. What follows is a titanic fight that ends with Vanerbes challenging the specious machinations of the drug company, resulting in the empowerment of the victims of Thalidomide.

CONCLUSION

In “Wonder Drug,” Jennifer Vanderbes masterfully confronts the Thalidomide tragedy, offering a poignant and in-depth exploration of its far-reaching consequences. Her portrayal is not just a historical recounting but a deeply empathetic narrative that gives voice to the survivors and their families. The book is a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities of scientific advancement and the profound impact of medical negligence.

Vanderbes’s writing is both powerful and poignant, capturing the tragedy of Thalidomide with a sensitivity that resonates with the reader. She skillfully balances the narrative between the scientific aspects of the drug’s development and the deeply personal stories of those affected. “Wonder Drug” is a significant work that highlights a dark chapter in medical history and honors the resilience and courage of Thalidomide survivors. This biography is a testament to Vanderbes’s ability to tackle challenging subjects gracefully and empathetically, cementing her status as an important voice in contemporary literature. This expanded review provides a deeper insight into the thematic exploration of the Thalidomide disaster in “Wonder Drug,” underscoring Jennifer Vanderbes’s skill in handling complex and sensitive historical issues with empathy and depth.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

book review, Happiness Self-Help, Motivational Self-Help, Non-Fiction, Personal Time Management In Business, Self-Help

FEEL GOOD PRODUCTIVITY – Review

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Litercurious Book Review

TitleFeel-Good Productivity: How to Do More
of What Matters to You
AuthorAli Abdaal
PublisherCeladon Books (December 26, 2023)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
Pages292 pages
GenrePersonal Time Management in Business
Motivational Self-Help (Books)
Happiness Self-Help
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-10/131250865034 / ‏978-1250865038

Ali Abdaal’s Feel-Good Productivity is a new approach and powerful missive for a happier, more productive life. It contains instructions, techniques, and advice on how to work smarter, not harder, and workable approaches to reduce stress, improve information retention, reduce stress, and enhance your creativity – to the max.

AUTHOR BIO: DR. ALI ABDAAL

Ali Abdaal is the author and creative genius behind his seminal publication “Feel-Good Productivity.”

Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, content creator, and entrepreneur. Known for his engaging approach to self-improvement and productivity, Abdaal has carved out a unique niche in the field. His background as a doctor has informed his empathetic and evidence-based approach to productivity. Over the years, Abdaal has transitioned from practicing medicine to focusing on educating and inspiring others through various online platforms. His work emphasizes a balance between efficiency and well-being, advocating for strategies that enhance productivity and promote happiness and fulfillment.

Ali Abdaal is a doctor, entrepreneur, amateur magician, and the world’s most-followed productivity expert. 

SYNOPSIS: FEEL-GOOD PRODUCTIVITY

Ali Abdaal’s “Feel-Good Productivity” significantly contributes to the self-help and productivity literature field. It stands out for its humane approach, seamlessly blending practical advice with psychological insights. The author’s medical background brings credibility and novelty to the discussion, making complex concepts accessible and relatable.
The book is well-structured, with each section building upon the previous one to create a comprehensive guide. Abdaal’s writing is clear, engaging, and empathetic, making the book pleasant. The practical strategies are grounded in real-life experiences and scientific research, making them reliable and easy to implement.

However, some readers may find transitioning from medical anecdotes to productivity advice a bit jarring. Additionally, while the book covers many topics, certain areas, such as dealing with specific workplace challenges, could be explored more deeply.

“Feel-Good Productivity,” published in 2023, offers a refreshing perspective on personal productivity. Diverging from the conventional ‘hustle culture,’ Ali Abdaal introduces a more holistic and sustainable approach. The book is divided into three parts:

  1. The Philosophy of “Feel-Good Productivity:” Abdaal delves into the psychological underpinnings of productivity, challenging traditional notions that equate busyness with effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of well-being, mental health, and joy in productivity.
  2. Practical Strategies for Sustainable Productivity: This section is a treasure trove of useful advice, from time management techniques to digital tools. Abdaal uniquely combines his experiences in the medical field with productivity, offering insights into how physiological and psychological factors can be optimized for better work output.
  3. Long-Term Application and Life Integration: The book’s final part focuses on the long-term application of these strategies. Abdaal guides creating a life that balances work, personal development, and leisure, ensuring that productivity is a means to a fulfilling life, not an end.

CONCLUSION – A NEW PARADIGM OF PRODUCTIVITY

Ali Abdaal is the author and creative genius behind his seminal publication Feel-Good Productivity. If you haven’t heard of Ali Abdaal – where have you been? He is much more than an author: he is an Internet phenomenon. I was first introduced to Abdaal’s work when he was hosting his early YouTube Channel. Since those humble beginnings, Abdaal has qualified top in his class in his doctoral program at Oxford University and earned a degree in psychology in concert with growing his YouTube Channel to millions of subscribers. He has become the svengali of all matters of productivity. His metamorphosis has been admirable, and in “Feel-Good Productivity,” he shares the short-cut route you can take to reach your goals while enjoying every minute of the improvement process. Abdaal has distilled the most essential steps to take your creativity to the next level. The book is concise, entertaining, and informative in equal measure. Most of all, it is a practical guide that anyone could use in their own life and discover how much easier it could be to enhance your workflow. Why work harder when you can work less, have fun, and get smarter simultaneously? 

“Feel-Good Productivity” is a short read in a concentrated form. It is funny, engaging, and remarkably inspirational. You will return repeatedly to read through the gems of information that will forward your life improvement plans. 

Read “Feel-Good Productivity” if for no other reason than it is engaging and practical. Where other publications slog along with titbits of information here and their often ill-conceived or poorly delivered “Feel-Good Productivity” is concise and remains that way throughout. There is no wasted language, and the book is thoroughly thought through and equally well delivered. 

Did I mention that “Feel-Good Productivity” is also a fun read?

Overall, “Feel-Good Productivity” is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their productivity without sacrificing well-being. It’s a thoughtful, well-researched, and genuinely helpful book that goes beyond the typical productivity advice, offering a more balanced and fulfilling approach to work and life.

I unreservedly highly recommend this energizing, thought-provoking dive into a better way to enhance your proficiency and your every endeavor. Get “Feel-Good Productivity” today and move your moxie up to the next level.  

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Dr. Ali Abdaal, Celadon Books, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Feel-Good Productivity.

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THE DIVE – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

TitleThe Dive: The Untold Story of the World’s
Deepest Submarine Rescue
AuthorStephen McGinty
PublisherPegasus Books (June 10, 2021)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Audio CD
Pages336
GenreSubmarines / Survival Biographies & Memoirs /
Maritime History & Piracy / Survival Biographies /
Traveler & Explorer Biographies
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-10/131643137468 / 978-1643137469

‘ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE’

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.

William Whiting (1825-1878): Master of Winchester College Quiristers and author of the hymn “For Those in Peril on the Sea.” Source: https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/eternal-father-strong-to-save-for-those-in-peril-on-the-sea-lyrics/ (July 14, 2023). What are the lyrics to ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’ (‘For those in peril on the sea’)?

AUTHOR

Stephen McGinty is an award-winning journalist, author and producer. His documentary, based on his book Fire in the Night, won several awards. It won the Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and both BAFTA and RTS awards for the “best single documentary.” His documentary Dunblane: Our Story also won a BAFTA award.

He’s not only authored for London’s The Sunday Times, but he has also written several other books: This Turbulent Priest; Churchill’s Cigar; Fire in the Night; The Piper Alpha Disaster and Camp Z: How MI5 cracked Hitler’s Deputy. Stephen currently lives in Scotland.

SYNOPSIS

The Dive recounts the little-known maritime accident that left two submariners, Roger Mallinson and Roger Chapman, in a life-or-death struggle. The Pisces III, a deep ocean 3 man submersible, rapidly sank 1600 feet to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The men were faced with only two-days of life-giving air, one sandwich and one can of orange soda for sustenance. However, it would be three long days before the rescue ships could arrive; time was not on their side, and they knew it.

With time quickly evaporating, the entire recovery mission begins to look futile after two failed attempts to secure and raise the Pisces III. With only a few hours remaining, all looks lost. The rescuers are frantic to make another attempt to raise the sub before it’s too late; but time, the tide and the elements all seem to conspire against them.

Do they recover the Pisces lll with its fragile human cargo, or will the two men be consigned forever to a watery grave?

The whole World watches, waits and prays for the rescuers, and the two trapped crewmen.

CONCLUSION

The Dive is a three-in-one book: it is a condensed history of submarine technology, a history of submarine disasters, and a chronological account of Roger Mallinson and Roger Chapman’s quest for survival. The first third of the book covers the history and associated technology of submarines. Whilst the rest of the book is devoted to the disaster aboard the Pisces III.  

Stephen McGinty provides an uncensored account, in grim and unflinching detail, of the disaster and the men’s tribulations while trapped inside the submarine. The narrative pivots around the intimate human trails of the two trapped submariners. Those experiences forged a unique and enduring life-long bond; a bond that us mere mortals can barely comprehend. The graphic descriptions leave the reader little doubt of how odorous, tense, ugly and stressful the saga was for the two submariners.

The emotional privations, along with the psychological and physical exhaustion that the two survivors suffered were particularly emotive. Their strength of character and their solidarity in adversity were eminently admirable and inspiring in the extreme. The experiences, as described, reminded me of the Apollo 13 space mission and the diverse range of challenges experienced by that crew. Both teams showed the ‘right stuff’ in aspects such as: attitude, fortitude, fraternity, and stoic acceptance in the face of their dire situations.

The narrative is well paced and concise enough to maintain the readers attention. Some technical descriptions are overly detailed, however, not reading or understanding them is unlikely to impact your appreciation or comprehension. 

Overall, the book was well rounded, compelling and educational. I, therefore, have no hesitation in recommending this fascinating manuscript to you.

Needless to say, I won’t be volunteering to deep dive anytime soon.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

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GHOSTS OF THE ORPHANAGE – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

Ghost of the Orphanage – Christine Kenneally
TitleGhosts of the Orphanage: A Story of Mysterious
Deaths, a Conspiracy of Silence, and a Search for Justice 
AuthorChristine Kenneally PhD
PublisherPublicAffairs (March 21, 2023)
FormatKindle, Hardcover
Pages384
GenreSociology Books on Abuse, Child Abuse,
Murder & Mayhem True Accounts
LanguageEnglish
ISBN #978-1541758513

AUTHOR – DOCTOR CHRISTINE KENNEALLY

Christine Kenneally PhD., is a proud Antipodean born in Melbourne. She is an exceptional, renown award-winning journalist and author. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Linguistics from Cambridge University.

Her debut non-fiction manuscript, “The First Word: The Search for the Origins of Language,” earned her a  place as a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her next publication, “The Invisible History of the Human Race: How DNA and History Shape Our Identities and Our Futures,” was well received, being included in the New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2014. The investigation that would become the inspiration for Ghosts of the Orphanage began with a piece that she was researching whilst working as a senior contributor for BuzzFeed. Her report was published in August of 2018 and was hugely successful; winning an Online Journalism Award. Christine Kenneally also contributed to the Official Police Investigation into the crimes that took place at St. Joseph’s Orphanage. 

SYNOPSIS

Ghosts of the Orphanage is a stirring masterpiece of investigative journalism. Christine Kenneally shares her exploration of the atrocities committed on the wards of St. Joseph’s Orphanage by their ecclesiastical key turns. What follows is a catalogue of crimes that were subjected to police investigation. An investigation that exposed the daily routine horrors that the children endured during their time as reluctant guests of St. Joseph’s reprehensible clerical form of hospitality. 

Ghosts of the Orphanage present’s a panoply of horrific first person recollections of historic, systemic, and religious sponsored child abuse. Kenneally documents multiple victims accounts that coalesce into nightmarish clarity. She exposes the range of neglect and abuse that include: verbal, physical, sexual, mindless violence, cruelty and psychological tortures metered out to the wards of St. Joseph’s. The innocent children would go on to suffer lifetimes of horror, depression, survivors’ guilt, and nightmares.

Keanneally primarily focuses on the accounts of five victims; revealing their vivid and disturbing back-stories. The author exposes the gross and disturbing traumas of the former captives through her skillful dogged determination and dedicated research methods. Through her persistent and unrelenting efforts, she blows the whistle on the generational systematic abuse and neglect that resulted in so many casualties. Internee’s of these religious institutions, according to Kenneally, were subjected to crimes of the most egregious natures. These poor victims suffered decade after decade whilst their alleged abusers still remain unpunished.

It is common among children that endured such abhorrent treatment to self-medicate in later life. They suffer neurological problems, substance abuse issues and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Many survivors attempted to suppress their recollections of the trauma to which they had been subjected; insightfully, Kenneally includes this in her observations.

CONCLUSION

Christine Kenneally skillfully uncovers a culture of dehumanization and abuse on an industrial scale at St. Joseph’s Orphanage. She applies considerable talents to uncovering the evidence that include: first-person accounts, primary sources, diary extracts, and a range of official documentation to expose the heinous crimes committed against untold numbers of children over decades. The evidence recovered reveals the dark devilish history of the orphanage and the evil actions of the demon inspired clergy.

Ghosts of the Orphanage is an important work as it documents, not just the numerous crimes committed against the children, but also exposes the conspiracy of silence.

This book will likely effect the reader on many personal and emotional levels. It may leave you haunted, angry, sad, and even a little vengeful. The graphic descriptions of mindless cruelty, physical and psychological tortures make the blood run cold. It would be bad enough if this culture of terror was an isolated incident; but a brief internet search will reveal that the same culture spanned the globe in numerous religious institutions. These poor children suffered such great atrocities at the hands of their jailers, and it seems no one cared. The feelings that this book engendered in me are intense and difficult to forget.

Ghosts of the Orphanage makes for difficult reading. I found myself profoundly moved by the graphic nature of the horrors described. The children’s recollections left me with a deep sense of unease and were extremely emotive.

I would like to tell you that the victim accounts are the worst part of this book. However, the decades of abuse remain unpunished to this day, leaving the victims without meaningful justice. The casualties are left to suffer the emotional and psychological fall-out of their abuse leaving them to exist in an uncaring, disinterested world. A world who has yet to discover the degrees of horrors which plagued their young lives.

The narrative instilled a longlasting impression upon me and an infinite number of questions. There is one question that haunts me still:

What ever happened to little Mary Clark?

Be prepared to be enraged. 

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Christine Kenneally, PublicAffairs and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Ghosts of the Orphanage: A Story of Mysterious Deaths, a Conspiracy of Silence, and a Search for Justice .

OTHER WORK BY THIS AUTHOR

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CLEAN SWEEP – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

Clean Sweep by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
TitleClean Sweep: VIII Fighter Command Against the Luftwaffe, 1942–45
AuthorThomas McKelvey Cleaver
PublisherOsprey Publishing (May 23, 2023)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, Audiobook
Pages464
GenreMilitary Aviation History / World War II History /
Air War
LanguageEnglish
ASIN#B0BLHC79XC

AUTHOR

Thomas McKelvey Clever grew up in Denver, Colorado. At a very young age, aviation history excited his mind and imagination. He would spend his Saturday’s at the public library reading everything he could get his hands on about aviation and WWII history. Later, he joined the U.S. Navy and served

during the Vietnam War as an enlisted soldier in the field of aviation. In 1970 he obtained his own pilots license and has been flying ever since. His passion is the aircraft of WWII, which he had the chance to fly a few over the years. He met many famous WWII pilots and wrote various articles in such publications as: Air Enthusiast Quarterly, Air International, Air Force, Aviation History and Flight Journal magazines.

As an author, Thomas has several “best-selling” titles in the aviation and military history genre, including the best-sellers “The Frozen Choseen: The First Marine Division at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir” and “MiG Alley: The US Air Force in Korea 1950-53.” He is also a produced screenwriter.

SYNOPSIS

Clean Sweep is a detailed chronological book about the air war in Europe during WWII. The book details the air war mainly as it pertained to the U.S. Army Air-corps, but additionally includes the RAF and the Luftwaffe. It covers some of the great battles and aerial conflicts of the war. It further provides personal accounts by some of the pilots involved in the life and death struggle of aerial combat.

In his book, Thomas Clever describes the fighter and bomber aircraft as they pertain to both sides of the conflict. He provides the reader with a descriptive evolution of aircraft as they were modified and improved to meet the enemy and the mission requirements. He further discusses air battle techniques, operating procedures, and fighter concepts employed by all sides.

No book about WWII would be complete without a discussion of the toll the war took on the people, countries, and soldiers involved. Thomas does discuss the cost of war as it pertains to manpower, economics, resources, and lives. We also get a glimpse at the decision makers and their policies that effected the outcome of the war.

CONCLUSION

Clean Sweep is an excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning more about this great conflict. I especially enjoyed reading some of the personal notes and stories of the pilots; no matter which side they were on. This book was so well written that I felt bad for the young German pilots towards the end of the war. They were thrown into aircraft with minimal training just to become cannon fodder.

When one reads this book, it discusses the toll mainly in aircraft numbers, but one has to realize that each aircraft had a crew compliment. A fighter might only have 1 pilot, but a B-17 has 10 crewmen. When the air battle aftermath is discussed and the reader is told that 60 B-17’s out of 146 were shot down, the reader has to realize that means 600 men; the author seems to gloss over this important aspect at times.

I must admit, some of the stories are very personal and tragic, while others are hard to believe. An example might be: the pilot that tried to bail out but his parachute got caught on the vertical stabilizer of his aircraft and it drug him down to his death; or the pilot that did bail out only to land in his mother’s back yard and then went in to his home to eat pancakes.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. Clean Sweep is full of great historical characters and stories full of valor and bravery. It also provides the reader a brief glimpse into the lives of the pilots that flew these life-or-death missions.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Thomas McKelvey Cleaver, Osprey Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Clean Sweep: VIII Fighter Command Against the Luftwaffe, 1942–45.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

3 / 14

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SMITHY – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

Sir Smithy and the Southern Cross
TitleSmithy – The Life of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith
Author Ian Mackersey
PublisherSapere Book (November 20, 2022)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages533
GenreBiographies of the Air Force / Aviation History
Military Aviation History
LanguageEnglish
ASIN#B0BBGB6TSL

AUTHOR

Ian Mackersey was a New Zealand writer and documentary film producer acclaimed for his deeply researched and revelational biographies.

A former head of film and television production at British Airways in

London, where his documentaries took 24 international awards, Ian Mackersey, TV documentary producer and the author of ten books, including two novels. He began his writing career as a reporter on daily newspapers in New Zealand before going to London to work in Fleet Street and later as a feature writer for Royal Air Force Review, travelling the world reporting on the RAF’s global operations. There followed a year in Hong Kong as night news editor of the South China Morning Post, the editorship, back at the Air Ministry in London, of the RAF’s flying training magazine, Air Clues, and, later, a move to Central Africa.

In April 2015, after a short illness, Ian Mackersey passed away in Auckland. He is survived by three children; David, Paula and Kiri. Should you wish to make contact regarding their father’s work, please email Paula Mackersey here.

Excerpt taken in parts from https://www.ianmackersey.com

SYNOPSIS

Smithy (1897–1935) is the unvarnished tale of one of Australia’s most famous aviators. The book tells the life story of the first man to fly across the Pacific Ocean. It begins with Charles’ humble beginnings in a large family that was constantly on the move. A fun loving kid, Charles was always the center of attention; something he carried on with his whole life.

Sir Charles was quite a character! Always on the move and trying to entertain family and friends. He served at Gallipoli during WWI. As a motorcycle runner he was almost blown up by artillery. He transferred into aviation after recovering from his wounds, but got wounded and lost part of his foot during a dogfight. That didn’t matter much to him though, flying was now in his blood.

What follows are the many tales of master airmanship, woes of politics, love and loss, wild flights and crashes (many whiles drunk), and many World Record aviation attempts. Smithy is best known for his transpacific flight, but he accomplished so much more. He had to deal with inner demons that haunted him until his dying day; demons that sometimes left him incapacitated while flying. In a day where aviators flew by the seat of their pants, it is astonishing that he was able to fly across great expanses of water without getting so lost that he couldn’t land.

A true master aviator, Smithy flew an aircraft at night in bad weather and turbulence sitting in chairs that were unattached to the airframe and no seat belts. To make matters worse, there was no lighting in the cockpit so he had to use a flashlight to fly instruments. Some of these flights lasted 36 hours! There was no verbal communication between crew-members due to the engine noise so they attached notes to a broom handle and passed them back and forth to communicate. On one flight, Smithy lost one engine over the ocean, and the other was loosing oil. While in flight, one of the crew-members had to go out on the wing and drain oil from the dead engine and then cross the aircraft to the other wing to pour the oil in the running engine. If he hadn’t accomplished this remarkable feat, they never would have made landfall.

CONCLUSION

This book was truly an inspiration to someone who has been around aviation his whole life. The tales of flying over the ocean through thunderstorms at night with just the rudimentary set of flight instruments in an aircraft with no windows and wicker chairs as pilots seats, still amazes me! As a flight instructor and instrument examiner, I know how hard it is for pilots to accomplish these feats with all the modern equipment we have today.

One of the most hilarious stories was when Smithy had his radio operator and navigator climb into the back of the aircraft so he could make a short-field landing. When he touched down, one of the unfortunate fellows fell through the fabric butt naked on the runway. Smithy unaware of this taxied away and abandoned the poor man out there in front of a massive crowd in nothing but his birthday suit!

The book covers so much more than just the fascinating flights in old cloth and frame aircraft; it also deals with the politics of the times. Not just Australian politics, but world politics; like the time when Smithy got banned from Turkey.

There is so much in this book for an aviation aficionado to delve into. I definitely recommend this book. Ian did a masterful job in his research and writing. I had never heard of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith before I discovered this book, and now I’ll never forget this aviation master and wild character! I had to keep reading merely to see what Smithy would get up to next.

He may have been a womanizer. He may have been an alcoholic, but he was definitely one hell of a pilot!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Ian Mackersey, Sapere Book, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Smithy – The Life of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

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SPITFIRE!-REVIEW

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NOTHING BUT THE NIGHT – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

Nothing But The Night By Greg King & Penny Wilson
TitleNothing But The Night
AuthorGreg King and Penny Wilson
PublisherSt. Martin’s Press (September 20, 2022)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, and Audiobook
Pages352
GenreTrue Crime, Murder & Mayhem, United States History
LanguageEnglish
ISBN # 978-1250272669

AUTHOR

Greg King is the author of many internationally published works of history, including The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Majesty Magazine, Royalty Magazine and Royalty Digest. He lives in the Seattle area.

Greg King bio source: Macmillan

Penny Wilson is the author of Lusitania and The Last Voyage of the Andrea Doria with Greg King and several internationally published works of history on late Imperial Russia. Her historical work has appeared in Majesty Magazine, Atlantis Magazine, and Royalty Digest. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three Huskies.

Penny Wilson bio source: Macmillan

SYNOPSIS

On 21 May, 1924, 14-year-old Robert “Bobby” Franks was found brutally murdered. Bobby was the son of a millionaire business owner. Although murders were commonplace, Bobby Franks killing was, arguably, the first of its kind for America; its first “thrill killing.”

The two accused, both teenagers, viewed themselves as Übermensch; a phrase meaning Supermen as described by nihilist and philosopher Frederick Nietzsche in his book1 Thus Spake Zarathustra. Übermensch is a term to describe men for whom the normal rules do not apply. The grim truth of the crime was even more vomitus than anyone could ever imagine.

Dubbed “the crime of the century,” the court case proved to reveal more than the details of a crime, but introduced America to a sickening new criminal trend; the thrill killers! In the dock were the two accused: 18-year-old Richard “Dick” Loeb and 19-year-old Nathan “Babe” Leopold Junior.

Richard Loeb was the son of a wealthy lawyer who became a senior executive at Sears, Roebuck & Company. He was handsome, well-healed, charming and liked by his peers. Next to Loeb sat his co-conspirator, Nathan Leopold Jr. In contrast to Loeb, Leopold was described as “sinister.” He was once admired for his prodigious intelligence and yet he appeared to some of his cohorts to be “peculiar” because of his haughty attitude and aloof nature; preferring book-learning to social situations. 

Due to the nature of the crime, the two teenagers faced a charge of murder in the first degree. Their legal counsel was the highly esteemed defense attorney, 67-year-old, Clarence Darrow Esquire. Who was arguably the most feared attorney in America at the time. 

Their case was infamous for being the first recognized case of a ‘thrill kill.’ It was also noteworthy due to the fact that it was extensively planned and coordinated for the sole purpose of committing the ‘perfect’ crime and escaping subsequent justice. You can probably appreciate by now that the latter part of the plan failed, or we would not be here analyzing it today. A crime committed not by the usual suspects, but exceptional because of the social status of the individuals, their education and their religious/national identity.

The horrendous crime that Leopold and Loeb committed was so complex, notorious and shocking to the world, that it inspired Alfred Hitchcock to write the 1948 movie Rope starring James Stewart.

CONCLUSION

In a carefully crafted narrative, King and Wilson breathe new life into an old case of murder and mayhem with this, their latest literary masterpiece. Nothing But The Night is a high quality detailed accounting of ‘the murder of the century,’ as it was labeled at the time. The authors provide an unocculted view into the devious nature of the two murderers covering how they conspired together to kill without risk of capture. They guide us through the comprehensive, elaborate, and intricate planning that preceded the crime; to the actual murder, their eventual apprehension and their subsequent trial.

The trial is the end of the book, but the beginning of the conundrum. It is a view into the minds of men who believe that they were outside the norm, superior in every way, exceptional, special and entitled. They believed they held dominion over the life of their chosen, hapless victim.

King and Wilson avoid the trap of focusing on the deviancy of the two men, Leopold and Loeb. Hints of sexual indiscretion are implied but not explicit. Some things are obvious without reference, and this technique adds to the power of the work overall.

There are some books that one reads and discards without a second thought, and then there are others that resonate with us. Well, this is a work that you will contemplate for some time. You will find yourself dwelling on some aspect of the story, and weeks or months later still remember the contents and imagery of this book.

Nothing But The Night is written with consummate skill and unrivaled clarity. It is an exceptional work of its kind, and an absolute must have for true crime aficionados, students of psychology, law, or criminal justice.

If you enjoyed todays review and would like to see more of the same subject matter please like, comment and subscribe for more content.

1Nietzsche F. Thomas Common (trans.), New York: The Modern Library Press, 2017 (1883–5).

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

OTHER BOOKS BY THESE AUTHORS

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BARRED: Why the innocent can’t get out of prison

By Daniel Medwed

Aviation, Aviation History, Biography, book review, Military History, Non-Fiction, Survival, World War 2

LOST AT SEA – Review

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Litercurious Book Review

Lost at Sea – John Wukovits
TitleLost at Sea
AuthorJohn Wukovits
PublisherDutton Caliber (May 16, 2023)
FormatKindle, Audiobook, Hardcover
Pages‎432 pages
GenreBiographies of World War II, Military & Spies Biographies, WWII Biographies
LanguageEnglish
ASIN#B0B9WKFWT7

AUTHOR

John Wukovits has a detailed biography on his website: https://johnwukovits.com/about-the-author

SYNOPSIS

Lost at Sea is an epic journey of the human spirit, the will to survive and faith!

In October, 1942, eight men took off from Hawaii in a B-17D Flying Fortress bound for Canton Island; its first stop enroute to the South Pacific. The plane never arrived. Having drifted off course by hundreds of miles, the plane and crew were hopelessly lost. As with Emilia Earhart, the crew became frantic and the plane was low on gas. With no other option the pilot, Captain Cherry, was forced to ditch at sea.

It is a testament to Captain Cherry’s piloting skills, that he was capable of landing the aircraft on a rolling ocean without it coming apart and killing everyone instantly. The eight people onboard were able to escape the sinking plane and mount three life rafts. What followed was a twenty-four day struggle for survival adrift a vast ocean.

On board the aircraft was WWI most famous aviator and flying Ace Eddie Rickenbacker. He was accompanied by John Bartek, Wiliam Cherry, John De Angelis, Alexander Kaczmarczyk, James Reynolds, and James Whittaker. Unfortunately, only seven would survive the ordeal.

CONCLUSION

Lost at Sea is a very good book! John’s unrelenting research into this incident is evident in his writing. He takes the reader alongside Eddie Rickenbacker on his sojourn through life. The reader actually feels as if he is sitting right next to Eddie as he his racing his car around the track, or sitting in an open cockpit WWI fighter earning his Medal of Honor. The reader is right there with Eddie and those men crammed in little rubber rafts drifting on the Pacific Ocean. I literally got hot, hungry and thirsty just reading about their trials and tribulations.

Lost at Sea is a book for every aviation enthusiast. Anyone who has flown an aircraft over the ocean outside the sight of land can definitely sympathize with those men. I heartily recommend this book. It will certainly keep the reader engrossed and captivated.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank John Wukovits, Dutton Caliber, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Lost at Sea.

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THE RED MARKET – REVIEW

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TitleThe Red Market: On the Trail of the World’s
Organ Brokers, Bone Thieves, Blood Farmers,
and Child Traffickers
AuthorScott Carney
PublisherHarper Collins e-books; Illustrated edition
(May 31, 2011)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, Audiobook
Page272
GenreAnatomy, Physician & Patient Medical Ethics,
Business Ethics
LanguageEnglish
ASINASIN : B004FEF6OW

A trade that exists on the boundaries of what is considered ethical, moral and legal. Scott Carney’s investigation exposes the inequity and abuse of the current systems as they relate to the market in human genetic material that include whole body sales of adults, children and babies. Litercurious.com

AUTHOR

Scott Carney is an investigative journalist, author and anthropologist, as well as the creative talent behind of such notable works as: The Enlightenment Trap, What Doesn’t Kill Us’, The Wedge and The Vortex.

SYNOPSIS

For more than a century, graves have turned up empty across the Indian countryside; the bodies sold abroad as anatomical skeletons. Until recently the trade was so extensive that just about every classroom skeleton in America is rumored to have come from India.

The Red Market is a look at the contemporary markets for human sourced materials and their uses. It examines the cultural, sociological, moral and ethical aspects of an increasing market in everything from human organs to humans themselves; and everything in-between. Carney reflects on the disparity and inequity of the trade in human genetic materials and the methods used by ‘richer’ nations to harvest from the poorest people.

Carney initiates a sobering self-appraisal of the financial worth of his own body on the Red Market. He shares with us that the value of his physical being is approximately a quarter of a million US Dollars. From his skeleton to his plasma and from his corneas to his heart, he calculates the possible income from the sale of his body. He explains why the ‘Red Market’ is booming across the world; a trade that Carney estimates to be calculated in billions of dollars.

Carney addresses the critical nature of the many people who are unable to receive donated organs in the West. Due to legal hurdles, these people often travel to such diverse locations as India or China to exploit the poverty of those nations citizens. Through middle men who tend to make the greatest financial profit from every transaction, they purchase their organs on the ‘Red Market.’ The huge demand for human sourced materials combined with the wealth that can be earned, encourages the unscrupulous and the criminal element. Thus ensuring the donor receives the lowest possible amount of compensation; often without appropriate post-care support.

Whilst most procurements are abhorrent, the sales are more often than not legal and sanctioned due to the implicit moral argument that it is to save human life. Any hint of criminal activity is concealed from the glare of publicity behind a veil of altruistic propaganda. Carney notes that Western attitudes to such things as organ donations for transplants create an unhealthy one-way market. Flesh donations only move up the social classes and never down in an inherently inequitable system. Carney opines that the donors are doubly disadvantaged. There is no benefit to the donor beyond a small financial incentive, and they face only disadvantages as a result of their misguided altruism.

The Red Market is essentially a peak behind the hidden world of organs and human genetic materials donations and the trade in children internationally. A trade that exists on the boundaries of what is considered ethical, moral and legal. Scott Carney’s investigation exposes the inequity and abuse of the current systems as they relate to the market in human genetic material that include whole body sales of adults, children and babies.

CONCLUSION

I realize many may be unaware that a human genetic source market exists or possess any knowledge of just how lucrative a business it is. If you are healthy, you probably never even consider it at all; unless you have a friend, family member or an associate with a condition that requires medical intervention. We never think about the significant life challenges that might ensue for the donor and their family. It prompts the question, in my mind, of what are the limits of responsibility that the recipient has to the donor. The laws that prevent the recipient from knowing who provided their life-extending genetic material, also prevents appropriate post-operative care for the donor.

There are some who are awaiting for the alternatives known as xenotransplantation; transplanted organs that come from animals rather than from humans. One thing seems apparent, with the increasing aging population, the demand for a vast range of human based medical interventions is likely to expand. In any economy, scarcity drives the price and according to Carney the current system only benefits those with significant resources; to the detriment of those least likely to benefit from the trade.

Whilst the subject is sometimes grim, disturbing and alarming, I am still delighted that I took the time to read it. There is a lot to digest here, and I took a long time before producing this review. The weight of the subject lays heavy on your heart and it is a struggle to remain objective and dispassionate. You may find The Red Market a challenging page turner. However, I expect the real-life stories will touch you and remain with you long after you have put the book away.

If you enjoy reading The Red Market, I strongly recommend you equally consider reading The Organ Thieves by Chip Jones. Although the two publications cover many of same ethical dilemmas, they approach the subjects from very different time frames and stand-points. The Organ Thieves provides a broader historic perspective on the topic. It is invaluable in advancing an understanding of the ethical complexities of the subject handed down from the past to the present day.

Read our review of The Organ Thieves here.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Scott Carney, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review The Red Market: On the Trail of the World’s Organ Brokers, Bone Thieves, Blood Farmers, and Child Traffickers.

OTHER WORKS BY THIS AUTHOR

Scott Carney The Enlightenment Trap
Scott Carney The Wedge
Scott Carney What Doesn’t Kill Us
Scott Carney On Diamond Mountain

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American Demon – Review

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Litercurious Book Review

American Demon by Daniel Stashower
TitleAmerican Demon: Eliot Ness and the Hunt for
America’s Jack the Ripper
AuthorDaniel Stashower
PublisherMinotaur Books (September 6, 2022)
FormatKindle, Hardback, Audiobook
Pages352
GenreTrue Crime, Serial Killers True Accounts
LanguageEnglish
ISBN #978-1250041166

Quote:

It could equally have been called the Beast of Kingsbury Run, Cleveland. AKA Cleveland’s Torso Killer Quote: “Slays in the same manner as Jack the Ripper.”  Loc 57. Page number in this book unavailable.

AUTHOR

Daniel Stashower is an acclaimed biographer and narrative historian and winner of the Edgar, Agatha, and Anthony awards, as well as the Raymond Chandler Fulbright Fellowship in Detective Fiction. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine. 

Excerpt taken from Amazon.

SYNOPSIS

American Demon is written by the highly regarded biographer and historian Daniel Stashower. In this his most recent publication Stashower documents the life, times, and cases of the eponymous Detective Eliot Ness. American Demon focuses on Ness’ most notable cases: The Cleveland Torso Killer, Al Capone and one that got away; the aptly labeled, American Demon.

Daniel used a diverse range of research resources that included: Eliot Ness’ original Manuscripts and the Library of Congress Manuscript Division; as well as books, magazines and journals. Written in a biographical style, Stashower catalogues Ness’ meteoric rise from his humble beginnings as the youngest son of an immigrant family, through his education in law enforcement and to his involvement with some of America’s most ignominious and memorable cases. 

CONCLUSION

American Demon by Daniel Stashower, is an interesting historical account of the trials, successes, and tribulations of Eliot Ness’ many high profile criminal investigations. 

Stashower’s narrative is easy to read, informative, expertly researched and concise. It was not the monograph I was expecting, but a compendium of Ness’ cases across his career. It was remarkably interesting learning about his various cases; some of which I was unacquainted with. 

There is much to discover in this notable work. If you find the accounts discussed in this tome worthy of further research, Stashower  provides an extensive bibliography for your reference.

I highly recommend American Demon: Eliot Ness and the Hunt for America’s Jack the Ripper.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Daniel Stashower, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review American Demon: Eliot Ness and the Hunt for America’s Jack the Ripper.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

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