This book is a great source of information about Sun Ra and the Jazz music scene of 1930s-80s. Full of great anecdotes and quotable quotes.

This book provides an outline of what we believe pre-christian western religions might have looked like. I would have preferred to have more comprehensive and detailed accounts of the different religions and cults of Ancient Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as more detail regarding the process by which Christianity supplanted the old religions. Overall, this book is a good starting point for its topic.

Adventure stories set in the same medievalist world as A Game of Thrones and Sequels. Not as dark or heavy as the Song of Ice and Fire books, but still a thoughtful take on medieval society.

A book about the history of Sacramento California's early transit systems. Includes info about the PG&E, Sacramento Northern Railway, and the Central California Traction Railroad rail systems that operated in Sacramento. Includes historic maps and photos of Sacramento and its streetcars. A good book to read while waiting (and waiting) for a bus!

Good page-turning mystery. I enjoyed reading the sympathetic portrayal of the train-riding, out-of-control drunk main character enough that I didn't need the mystery to enjoy this book. The mystery was what kept me turning the pages past 2am on a work night, though!

Fascinating glimpse into the modern world of 1990s America, as seen through the cartoons of Tom Tomorrow. It also illustrates how little has actually changed in the past 30 years. Many of the cartoons are just as relevant today as when they were first written, decades ago!

An "Autofictionalbiography " (to use Lynda Barry's term).

In addition to being full of Machiavellian advice to would-be doges, the Prince is full of commentary on 16th century politics, and history. It is interesting to see a 16th century Italian perspective on the Borgias, the Papacy, ancient Roman and Greek history, and more. Machiavelli's Italian nationalism and republicanism are barely concealed. This book is especially relevant today when the legitimacy of democracy and republicanism are being challenged by both the fearful and the opportunistic.

Not quite as good as Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, but far better than the Honourable Schoolboy. Like Tinker Tailor, it focuses on Smiley's character and his detective work. This book is also interesting for the its detail in describing counter surveillance techniques, secret message delivery, and other espionage tradecraft.