I've run through the O'Brian tales of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin several times now. They are among my favorites. Hint for new readers: M&C is somewhat slow to start, keep at it and you'll be rewarded handsomely!

"What a fascinating modern age we live in." (J. Aubrey, RN)

March 2010 Update: Just read it again.

Fah. Couldn't get through this one. Too much fluff.

One of the best military SF novels out there. How can I say that? Look at the number of author's who have followed in the footsteps (Joe Haldeman, John Scalzi, John Ringo, John Steakley and many others). Good mix of how to train, philosophy and morals, and great action. On the bounce!

An O.K., book, but somewhat aged. I prefer Tracy Kidder's "Soul of a New Machine" for a look on how the IT industry works (also aged, but just a better written book, so has stood the test of time more gracefully).

Anything by MacDonald is worth a read, and this intensely personal view of combat is one of his best.

Dang fine book (and a dang fine movie). I would love to have an edition with larger (fold-out) maps.

While an enjoyable read, I think that Robert A. Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" (which I think this book replaced on the list) is a better read and a better tool for members of the military.

Read this as part of my non-fiction/military fiction reading program for 2010, following the USMC list as a model. Good story of a soldier who is cut off behind enemy lines for several months (!). He manages to survive and build and irregular force that harasses the enemy until he can rejoin his unit--clothing worn, severely underweight, but with his rifle functioning and his equipment present. Excellent!

Thomas Friedman is a lively writer and is enthusiastic about green jobs and energy efficiency and all that. One of his primary source in this book, however, is the IPCC, who is now in the process of admitting that their data was not as rock-solid as they had claimed. Friedman also offers solutions like a huge gas tax to make solar/wind more cost-effective - which is easy for him to say, but not so great for the E4 struggling along on $2K per month. There's also Friedman's "China for a Day (but not two)" where he bemoans the democratic process which prevents the technocrats from imposing their will on the ignorant masses. So despite his engaging style and the many interesting anecdotes, I don't think this was a good selection.

A pretty good overview of India and China's recent rise in power. Outlines the major challenges facing those countries, too - e.g., corruption and pollution. Unfortunately, her recommendations for how the U.S. can keep pace are all about big government - more money for Dept of Education, spending lots of money on government research centers, etc. Anyhow, the bit about China buying up lots of U.S. debt was especially relevant... would be interesting to see a 2nd edition in 5 years or so.