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A Review of Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

November 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

Here is my review of Angela’s Ashes. I loved this book. It made me miss my grandparents who were born about the time Frank McCourt was. His stories reminded me of my grandparents stories I heard going up.

Have you read Angela’s Ashes?

open.substack.com/pub/jeffreyr...

#histbookchat

A Memoir Worth Reading

A Book Review of David Grann's The lost City of Z

November 19, 2025 at 1:53 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

I recently finished The Lost City of Z by David Grann. I am a huge fan of his work and read several of his books.

Check out my thoughts on this book in my Substack
open.substack.com/pub/jeffreyr...

Bookabaloo book club page bookabaloo.com/pages/book-c...
#substack #histbookchat

Mystery in the Amazon

The Rise and Reign of Mammals

November 17, 2025 at 6:57 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

The Double Shots and Historic Plots book club is starting its vote for our December book. If you are interested in a book club that focuses on history and nonfiction, then come check us out. It’s a great place to hang out and talk.

You can our book club here: fable.co/club/double-...
#histbookchat

fable.co

November 17, 2025 at 2:09 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

I about half way through this book, and it’s so good. Angela’s Ashes brings out all the emotions from being sad and angry to out right laughing. People warned me about this and they were right.

What are you reading on your lunch break?

#histbookchat #history

November 13, 2025 at 5:52 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

The Lost City of Z by David Grann is an engaging blend of adventure, history, and mystery. It follows explorer Percy Fawcett’s daring quest to find a lost ancient city in the Amazon, while Grann retraces his journey to uncover what might have happened to him.

#histbookchat #history #booksky

November 13, 2025 at 1:13 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

I have the day off and thought I would come to @starbucks and enjoy a great book, great coffee, and some food.

I am reading The Lost city of Z. What are you reading today?
#histbookchat #booksky #history

November 11, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

I am starting Angela’s Ashes today. I have heard so many good things about this book.

Have you read it?
#histbookchat #memior #nonfiction

November 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

Here is what I read this month. I had a great reading experience. I read some of my favorite books in the month of Oct.

How about you? How was your reading experience? Did you have a favorite book that captured your interest and attention?

#histbookchat #booksky #history

October 30, 2025 at 9:20 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

Starting Thunderstruck by Erik Larson tonight.

What are you reading?
#histbookchat

October 29, 2025 at 10:14 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

Steve Brusatte is probably one of my favorite archeologists and his books are fire. If you like science, and storytelling that can bring that Science to life then check out The Rise and Reign of Mammals.

Check out the full article for free here: open.substack.com/pub/jeffreyr...
#histbookchat

A book Review

Justice, Legend, and the Wild West

October 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

Working my way through The Art Thief. This is such a great book. It’s captivating.

As usual I am having an Iced Shaken Espresso.

What are you reading and drinking today? Anything special?
#histbookchat #history #art #coffee

October 25, 2025 at 5:59 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

I recently finished Tombstone. Tom Clavin is an author I am going to explore more of his works. Here is an in depth review of Tombstone.

Have you read it before?

Check out the article here: open.substack.com/pub/jeffreyr...
#history #histbookchat #booksky

A Review of Tom Clavin's Tombstone

October 25, 2025 at 5:08 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

This is definitely one of the best books I have read in 2025. Tombstone is a book about people, a town and a famous shootout. Look for my Substack Article on Tombstone, where I go into more detail. It will be available on Saturday Oct. 25.

youtu.be/G9FbizaEP4Y?...
#histbookchat

Tombstone Review

The Art Thief and The Louvre Robbed

October 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

If you are interested in the news coverage of the Louvre, and how it was robbed in broad daylight. Then I have a great books that you could check out.

The Art Thief is about Stephane Brertwieser who stole over 200 pieces of art.

youtu.be/ARwLBK7QJfU?...
#histbookchat
#history #booksky

Into the Heart of the Unknown

October 21, 2025 at 10:30 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

New Substack Review

I recently finished The River of Doubt by Candice Millard. This is one of the best books I have in 2025. This book has science, history and adventure. It reads like a thriller novel. It’s an absolute gem.

Check out the post here: open.substack.com/pub/jeffreyr...
#histbookchat

Book Review of The River of Doubt by Candice Millard

October 21, 2025 at 12:15 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

This is a new periodical series I am working on. This series is about four books from two authors that I don't see much talked about on #histbookchat. What books do you love you don’t see getting the love on here?

Have you read any of these books?

youtu.be/HpsoCoLuk-s?...
#history

4 Books 2 Authors Part 1

History Revisited: The Myth of Civilization vs. the Savage

October 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

It’s Starbucks Saturday! I am having my iced shaken espresso and a blueberry muffin.

What are you reading today? Drinking anything special?

Today I am starting Atlantic Resolve which is a book I received from the author to review. I have been waiting for this one.
#fiction #booksky

October 18, 2025 at 3:28 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

This week’s History Revisited is based on Conquistador by Buddy Levy which is one of my favorite books. It powerfully reveals how advanced and sophisticated the civilizations that Cortés labeled as “savage” truly were.

open.substack.com/pub/jeffreyr...

#histbookchat #substack #history

How the Conquest Narrative Still Shapes Our Thinking.

House of Lilies Book Review

October 17, 2025 at 2:42 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

3rd Quarter Recap
Here are my top 5 favorite books from July to Sept.

You can find all of these books at my Bookabaloo Book Club, I do earn a small commission whihc helps to fuel more content like this.
bookabaloo.com/pages/book-c...

youtu.be/yv9WYmHEnR0?...

#histbookchat

October 16, 2025 at 8:20 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

The House of Lilies is a a history book completely surprises you, when it's not just dates and battles, but a story you can’t put down then I have a great book for you. That's exactly what happened when I picked it up.

youtu.be/4wCeWPlaQg0?...
#histbookchat #history

Book Review: House of Lilies: The Dynasty That Made Medieval France

October 15, 2025 at 12:55 PM

Jeffrey.Reads.History📚

@jwshoemaker.bsky.social

In October, the Double Shots and Historic Plots book club read House of Lilies: The Dynasty that Made Medieval France. This is one of the best books I have read in 2025. This is a great look at the Middle Ages through the French Perspective.

open.substack.com/pub/jeffreyr...
#histbookchat #history

October pick for the Double Shots and Historic Plots book club on Fable