Hitler’s Pope#
John Cornwell
Rating: 4.0 / 5
Since traveling to Italy in the fall of 2024 and reading up on its history and culture, I’ve greatly enjoyed these focussed biopics of important individuals in Italy’s history. Hitler’s Pope by John Cornwell fits well within that curiosity, offering an engaging look at Pope Pius XII and the Vatican’s complex position during World War II. As with most narratives that touch on Hitler and the war, the subject matter is inherently compelling, but what stood out most was Cornwell’s insight into the Vatican’s inner workings during this turbulent era. Beyond the controversial wartime connections, the book also highlights how Pius XII redefined the papacy itself—expanding its global vision and responsibilities in the modern world.A fascinating and thought-provoking read overall.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service#
Ian Fleming
Rating: 4.25 / 5
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service truly feels like a classic Bond adventure—packed with twists and turns, high-stakes excitement, an exotic setting, and a surprising thread of true love. Blofeld makes a terrific villain here, both menacing and memorable, with a convoluted plot that is slowly revealed as Bond explores and probes. Without providing and spoilers, this novel has the best – at least the most dramatic – ending in the entire series. Easily one of my favorites among Fleming’s novels, I’d give it a solid 4.25 out of 5.
Cod#
Mark Kurlansky
Rating: 3.5 / 5
I picked up Cod expecting something in the detailed, immersive style of John McPhee, but Mark Kurlansky’s approach turned out to be a bit more high-level and informal. Rather than a deep scientific study, this book focuses more on the cultural and historical impact of cod on the peoples of the Atlantic. It’s an enjoyable read, but I found myself wishing for a bit more depth and analysis.
Octopussy#
Ian Fleming
Rating: 3.5 / 5
As the final installment in my read-through of Ian Fleming’s Bond canon, Octopussy was a satisfying conclusion – a collection of short stories that I genuinely enjoyed, even if I still prefer the full-length novels. These tales feel darker and more somber than the typical Bond adventure, though Bond’s familiar confidence and suave demeanor remain intact. There’s a brooding quality to the writing that seems to reflect Fleming’s own declining health and personal struggles at the time, giving the collection an unusual somber depth.
Algorithms in Bioinformatics#
Wing-Kin Sung
Rating: X / 5
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K#
Tyler Kepner
Rating: X / 5
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Rapt#
Winifred Gallagher
Rating: X / 5
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From Russia with Love#
Ian Fleming
Rating: X / 5
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Basic Economics#
Thomas Sowell
Rating: X / 5
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Currently reading:
- K by Tyler Kepner
- Rapt by Winifred Gallagher
- Algorithms in Bioinformatics by Wing-Kin Sung