Nineteen Eighty-Four

by George Orwell

The world is in constant war, people are watched contantly, and life is without any pleasure.

I had never read this classic and, since I generally enjoy classic science fiction, I thought I'd read it.  Quite disappointing.  It's a depressing book, really.

The Imperial Cruise

by James Bradley

The story of the President-Theodore-Roosevelt-arranged diplomatic cruise in 1905 and the history behind it; the president's ingrained idea of white supremacy is clearly revealed.

A very eye-opening book, not only about Roosevelt, but many other presidents and famous people.