David Gilman: Master of War

Many books have been written about the 100 Years' War (some good ones among them too), but those tend to focus either on the great battles or the virtues (khm) and prowess of nobility. Master of War stands out, as it elects a conscripted English longbowman as its protagonist albeit an exceptional one.

"Fate with its travelling companions Bad Luck and Misery, arrived at Thomas Blackstone's door on the chilly, mist-laden morning of St William's Day, 1346."

While Thomas' experiences differ radically from that of a typical bowman (e.g., he actually manages to survive) for the sake of a compelling story, that can be forgiven as Gilman's book is historical accurate not just when it comes to social interactions (with minor sacrifices made on the altar of bitter humor), clothing and customs, but also in terms of fighting mechanics. It's about bowmen after all and thus it has to ring true when it comes to the intricacies of fletching ...

Újratervezés / My Guide

This is a master-class in short films. Extremely good actors who'd be able to tell the story through only facial expressions if they had to (and actually they do this in the middle third of the film). The setting is relatable and captivating. A dash of humor and an immense amount of emotions.

David Simon: Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets (1991)

David Simon, later creator of The Wire, at the age of 28 had the chance to shadow the Baltimore Police Department Homicide Unit for the full year of 1988. A Year on the Killing Streets, considered by many as the best book ever written about real police work, is the result of his experiences.

James Rebanks: The Shepherd's Life

It is always interesting to walk in someone else's shoes for a day, to try different walks of life. The next best thing is, to read a book about their lives. And what could be more different in the 21st century than being a shepherd of all things? We are in the luck - James Rebanks, an Oxford graduate decided to follow along with his family tradition and carry the torch in Cumbria raising lamb in some of the most unforgiving terrains known to man. He writes about the life in the fells in a voice that is not only entertaining but that pulls off being authentic - and yes, the words 'UNESCO' and 'fuck' can appear on the same page. While his days are filled with back-breaking work from dawn till dusk, he still manages to write prose that is not only slow but has a distinct bucolic feel to it that did spirit me away from the cubicles of corporate life into the lands of rain, fog, emerald green grass, joys and sorrows where the abilities of a dog, the posture of a sheep and the opinion of your neighbors matters more than the bottom line of the bank account. No wonder James Rebanks' twitter account became a thing.