Pedals & Pages

Happy New Year, bookworms! It’s time to set some reading goals for 2025. Below are the books I read for December 2024.

I hope you’ll read along with me and let me know what you’re reading, too!

The Shining by Stephen King

I have always wanted to read this book- many argue it is one of King’s greatest hits. As someone who is not a fan of horror, I found this book to be great and more of a thriller with some hair-tingling moments. I am going to check out a few more books from King, right now I am reading ‘Salem’s Lot.’ 5/5 for me.

Hitler (1+2) by Ian Kershaw

I have been on a World War Two history wagon for the past few months. Kershaw is considered one of the experts when it comes to the Second World War- and his biographical works on Adolf Hitler are perhaps the best to date. Kershaw actually has two volumes, this new version is abridged and has been revised. The author goes into just enough detail without the content becoming overwhelming. 5/5 for me.

The Oxford History of the French Revolution by William Doyle

This book on the French Revolution is a scholarly classic. A masterpiece and a very, very in-depth recollection of the revolution. I can see this book being extremely useful for scholars looking for DETAILED information on the event. However, it really does go into too much detail for someone just wanting to know about the revolution. But that’s not a bad thing, just be prepared for a long read! 5/5 for me even though it took me forever to read!

Alexander The Great by Phillip Freeman

Freeman’s book is highly accessible, making it an excellent choice for both those new to Alexander The Great and readers with more experience. Even without any prior knowledge of Alexander or the history of his empire, I found this book to be a fantastic starting point. The author does a remarkable job of striking a balance between providing insightful historical context and keeping the narrative engaging. Instead of overwhelming the reader with excessive dry facts or dense academic language, Freeman presents the story in a compelling and captivating way that draws you in from the very first page.

What I particularly appreciated was Freeman’s ability to make complex historical events and figures relatable and easy to understand. He manages to breathe life into the past, turning the rise and fall of a once-great kingdom into an enthralling narrative. The book offers a fascinating exploration of Alexander’s life, his conquests, and the cultural impact of his empire, all while maintaining a clear and accessible style that never feels overwhelming.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It kept me hooked throughout, and I found myself eagerly turning pages to learn more about Alexander and the world he shaped. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a great introduction to one of history’s most influential figures, I would highly recommend this book. It’s well-written, informative, and incredibly engaging. 5/5 rating from me!

The Storm of War by Andrew Roberts [DNF]

Andrew Roberts is one of my favorite authors, and while I greatly appreciate his work, I was unfortunately unable to finish this book. I opted for the audiobook version, but, in my opinion, the narrator’s performance was disappointing. His inconsistent use of different accents—shifting from a Winston Churchill voice to that of an American GI, then back to his normal accent—was distracting and detracted from the experience. It actually made me mad! However, the content itself was excellent, as expected from Roberts. I still recommend the book, but I would suggest either choosing an updated audio version or, perhaps, opting for the print version instead.

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

What can I say? I’m officially a Stephen King fan! Salem’s Lot was absolutely incredible, and I have to admit, I enjoyed it even more than The Shining. After finishing King’s IT, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to dive back into another one of his books, as IT was just a bit too terrifying for me. But I’m so glad I decided to give Salem’s Lot a chance. From the very first page, it had me hooked. The suspense and tension were so palpable, I found myself on the edge of my seat—quite literally—throughout the entire book. Every chapter kept me captivated, and I was constantly thinking about what would happen next. I’ve not read many horror novels, but there’s something about King’s writing that sets him apart. This one definitely deserves a solid 5/5 rating from me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling, spine-chilling read. I look forward to reading more of his books- I hear that he has written many.

The Fall of Berlin by Antony Beevor

Antony Beevor is an exceptional author, and after reading Stalingrad, I was eager to dive into The Fall of Berlin 1945. Beevor excels at providing a detailed yet engaging account of the final months of the Third Reich, capturing the chaos, fear, and desperation of those living in Berlin and its surrounding areas as Soviet forces closed in. He effectively conveys the human cost of the war, showing how civilians and soldiers alike struggled in the face of inevitable defeat.

What sets this book apart is Beevor’s specific look at the brutal crimes committed by Soviet forces as they advanced through Poland and Germany. He doesn’t shy away from detailing the widespread rapes, plunder, and violence inflicted on civilians, providing a balanced perspective on the horrors of war. He also does a good job of explaining to readers why these things happened. We are put into the shoes of the Soviet forces who, after devastating battles, were enraged at Germany and its people. Beevor’s narrative is rich with context, but he keeps it accessible and gripping, making it an insightful and thought-provoking read.

Overall, I’d give The Fall of Berlin 1945 a solid 4/5 stars. It’s a well-researched, impactful book that offers a sobering view of the war’s final days, and it’s a must-read for anyone interested in this period of history. Let me know if you read this book and how you like it!

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

I am very new to the history of Ancient Rome, and I found that Beard’s book received mixed reviews, and I can understand why. While the book is well-regarded by those with a foundational understanding of Roman history, I personally found it challenging to follow. The narrative is presented in a non-chronological order, which made it difficult for me to grasp the sequence of events.

I want to emphasize that this book has received excellent feedback, particularly from readers with some prior knowledge of Ancient Rome. Unfortunately, I did not possess that background, which made the material harder for me to engage with. Given these factors, I feel that I am not in a position to offer a star rating, as I don’t believe I was fully prepared for the content and it would be misleading to give a negative review 🙂 That said, I did learn some interesting aspects of the time period and some “gee whiz” facts; but, I struggled with the overall structure of the book. Don’t let my experience lead you away, try the book out but I strongly recommend brushing up on the time period before digging into this one! No rating.

The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic by Mike Duncan

Mike Duncan, the host of an excellent podcast delving into various aspects of the ancient (and occasionally modern) world, delivers a compelling single-volume overview of a pivotal era in Ancient Roman history. The Storm Before the Storm focuses on the years 146–78 BC, exploring the challenges faced by the first generation to navigate a volatile new political landscape. Abandoning the principles of their ancestors, figures like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set dangerous precedents that steered the Republic toward eventual collapse—a cautionary tale for any civilization that loses its way.

Duncan’s accessible writing style, with its use of layman’s terms, makes this book approachable for the average reader. While I found it a bit shorter than I would have liked (history nerd problems!), it’s understandable that only so much can be covered before it’s time to wrap up. I left the book wishing there was a bit more theory. What really caused the end of the Roman Republic? Overall, a fascinating read—4/5! Happy reading and let me know what you think of the book!

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Red Rising is the first book in the Red Rising saga by the incredibly talented author Pierce Brown. From the very first page to the final chapter, this gripping novel was nearly impossible to put down; that is, I was hooked throughout. As soon as I finished this book, I found myself diving straight into the second one in the series—I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next! If you’re a fan of high-stakes adventures, compelling drama, and a touch of rebellion, you absolutely need to read this book. Don’t just walk—run to your nearest bookstore or library to embark on this unforgettable journey! For me, it’s an easy 5 out of 5 stars, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. See you around for book two in January!

Well, that wraps up this month’s reading list- and 2024! Have a great New Year and I will catch you all at the end of January!