Books matching: fierce competition
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- #1
Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World by Jill Jonnes is a fascinating historical account chronicling the early days of electricity and the key players involved in its development. The book delves into the competition and innovation sparked by Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse as they vied to electrify the world. Written in a light and engaging style, the narrative provides insights into the personal and professional lives of these pioneers, their differing approaches to electricity, and the impact of their inventions on society.
In the late spring of 1882, Thomas Alva Edison, world famous as the folksy genius who had invented the improved telegraph and telephone, the amazing talking phonograph, and the incandescent light bulb... - #2
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater is a fantasy novel set on the desolate island of Thisby, where the annual Scorpio Races take place involving deadly water horses called capaill uisce. The story follows Puck Connolly, the first female rider in the race, and Sean Kendrick, a seasoned competitor, as they form an unlikely alliance to train together for the dangerous race. The book beautifully describes the relationship between the characters, the setting of the island, and the mythical water horses, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.
Usually, if you ask someone on the island where they come from, they say something like Round about Skarmouth or Back side of Thisby, the hard side or Stone’s throw from Tholla. But not me. I remember... "Nathaniel's Nutmeg" by Giles Milton is a historical account of the fierce competition between the Dutch and English East India Companies over the lucrative spice trade in the 17th century. The narrative revolves around the struggles and conflicts that ensued in the quest to control the Spice Islands, particularly focusing on the tiny Nutmeg growing island of Run. The author delves into the hardships faced by merchants and sailors, the brutal battles for supremacy, and the significant historical events that unfolded during this period. Despite the title suggesting a focus on Nathaniel Courthope, the book offers a broader perspective on the larger geopolitical and economic forces at play during the spice wars.
The writing style in "Nathaniel's Nutmeg" is often described as engaging, informative, and entertaining. Readers appreciate the detailed historical background provided by the author, which keeps the narrative interesting and compelling. is commended for shedding light on lesser-known historical events and characters, such as the struggles for control of the Spice Islands, the exploration of new trade routes, and the dynamics between colonial powers in the spice trade industry.
IT WAS THE LOOK-OUT who saw them first. Two crippled vessels, rotting and abandoned, lay at anchor close to the shoreline. Their hulls were splintered and twisted, their sails in tatters and their cre...- #4
Berlin's Spandau Prison holds a dark secret tied to Rudolph Hess, Hitler's Deputy Fuhrer, and his mysterious flight to Britain in 1941. After Hess' death in 1987, a police sergeant discovers his diary hidden in the prison rubble, revealing shocking revelations about Hitler's sinister plans. As the tale unfolds, a deadly competition in international espionage ensues, involving Germany, the Soviet Union, Israel, and more, leading to brutal violence, global intrigue, and a race to seize the Spandau papers. The riveting thriller moves across time and the globe, from Germany to South Africa, from England to Israel, unveiling a Nazi dream that refuses to die.
The wrecking ball arced slowly across the snow-carpeted courtyard and smashed into the last building left on the prison grounds, launching bricks through the air like moss-covered mortar rounds. Spand... - #5
'Delay of Game' by Tracey Richardson is a captivating love story that follows the lives of the characters Eva and Niki. The plot intertwines romance with ice hockey, Olympics, and intrigue, creating a fast-paced and engaging narrative. Readers found themselves engrossed from the first page, unable to put the book down until the very end. The characters are well-developed, with Eva being described as hot with an Italian butch flair and Niki as mature, athletic, and a loving mother. The story revolves around the sacrifices and consequences of doing the right thing, exploring themes of integrity, love, and the price of winning at all costs.
- #6
'Geek Love' by Katherine Dunn is a dark and twisted tale about a family of circus performers who resort to extreme measures to create new acts for their show. The story follows the lives of the Binewski family, who engineer their own physical deformities through drug use during pregnancy to produce a collection of freakish offspring. The narrative delves into themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, identity, creation, and the blurred lines between beauty and monstrosity. The writing style is described as vivid, imaginative, and hypnotic, perfectly matching the baroque and bizarre events that unfold within the story.
“When your mama was the geek, my dreamlets,” Papa would say, “she made the nipping off of noggins such a crystal mystery that the hens themselves yearned toward her, waltzing around her, hypnotized wi... - #7
'Summer of '49' by David Halberstam captures the excitement and competitiveness of the 1949 baseball season, particularly focusing on the intense rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. The narrative follows the story of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams, two legendary players of that era, as they lead their respective teams in a thrilling battle for the American League pennant. Halberstam, who was a teenager during this season, provides insights into the financial aspects of baseball, the changes taking place in the sport, and the emergence of new talents like Yogi Berra and Willie Mays. offers a fast-paced chronicle of the season, highlighting the fierce competition and the classic collision between longtime rivals.
IN THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY following World War II, professional baseball mesmerized the American people as it never had before and never would again. Baseball, more than almost anything else, seemed to ... - #8
'MY SILENT WAR' by Kim Philby is an autobiography that offers a glimpse into the life of a notorious double agent. The book delves into Philby's career in the British intelligence services, providing insights into the workings of the SIS and his efforts to evade detection. Readers will not find detailed accounts of his personal life or motivations, but rather a focus on his espionage activities and strategies to outsmart his adversaries. The writing style is described as well-crafted and engaging, offering a mix of anecdotal stories and reflections on the complexities of espionage during the Cold War era.
It was in the summer of 1940, to the best of my knowledge, that I first made contact with the British secret service. It was a subject that had interested me for some years. In Nazi Germany and later ... - #9
THE SPORT OF BARONETS by Theresa Romain is a novella in the Romance of the Turf series, set in the world of horse racing. The story revolves around the feud between two elite families, the Crosbys and the Chandlers, who raise, train, and race thoroughbred horses. The plot follows Sir Bart Crosby and Miss Hannah Chandler as they navigate the mystery of a stolen prized colt, Golden Barb, just a week before a crucial race. The book is praised for its original concept, meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and engaging dialogues between the main characters.
- #10
Being stolen from their respective planets, Ral and Ariel find themselves as slaves taken through space by the Absorb to find women for bearing children. As they make their escape to Zorn, Ariel faces the challenge of adapting to Ral's world with vastly different traditions, viewed with suspicion. The story delves into their evolving relationship amidst the backdrop of intergalactic conflicts and alien worlds, with a mix of romance, adventure, and cultural differences.
Ariel kept her eyes down. She’d learned to not look up. Her left cheek still hurt from the bruises she was sure marred her face. She knew help would never come. She was still in deep shock and it was ...