Something New, A Book Review (Roger Crowley's "1453")

I've decided to add a regular feature to this blog, and if you read the rhyming portion of the title, you've figured out what the feature is going to be.

A little over a month ago I stopped by a local bookstore in search of a book.  I was finally finishing up a book I was reading on the Spartans.  I say "finally" because it took me about 3 years to finish it (I had used the receipt as a bookmark).  I decided to search for another history book, but there were so many history books I had to narrow my search somewhat.  I wanted to read about something I had no significant knowledge about, which meant that U.S. history was out, and that narrowed my search quite a bit.  To make a long story short, I decided to purchase Roger Crowley's book 1453.  Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

One of the signs of a good story teller is the ability to to keep the listener/reader engaged in the story even when they already know how the story is going to end. One of the reviews on the back of the book said that the book "reads more like lively fiction" and that is definitely the case.  I read the book primarily at night, and I often had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep, which may not sound too unusual, but you have to remember that this is a history book.

So if you like reading, but find yourself a bit reluctant to pick up a history book that is not a novel.  Go to your local bookstore or follow the above link and pick up 1453.  I'm pretty sure that you will not be disappointed.