We are seven handsome and charming* guys who meet at a different restaurant every month or so, having read a book in common, and discuss whatever we want--generally the assigned book, but usually many other timely topics as well. We rotate the responsibility to suggest titles, but the group has the final say. Our book club rules: 1) Anything goes, fiction or nonfiction; 2) paperbacks are preferred; and 3) staying under 300 pages is desirable (N.B., we violate this one all the time). We rate all books and restaurants on a 5-point scale.

* All other adjectives were vetoed.

October 5, 2023

Crooked Path to Abolition by James Oakes (Gus Gus)

The book was an interesting and important topic which focused particularly on Lincoln's evolving understanding and attitude toward abolition.  He was against slavery from his early years, but wanted to deal with it in a step-by-step manner, and as his presidency developed, he became more radical in his thinking.  The problem with the book was the author's need to record every twist and turn on that crooked path.  The end result was a tedious and confusing account.  We decided that he needed a better framework with a consistent look at the big picture.  

The next book is Iric Nathanson's biography of Don Fraser.  Other books considered were Sturdevant's bio of Her Honor, Rosalie Wahl, Werle's Stassen Again, and Milikan's Union Against Unions.  Next meeting is Sept 27.  

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