Gransnet forums

News & politics

Your politics

(45 Posts)
Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 19:27:56

I know nothing about your politics and don't see me reading "history of" type of books but if anyone could recommend a interesting book I might read to be better informed? Today I was at a second hand book store and found a free copy of a book called Diaries by Alan Clark and I ordered a book by Jack Straw.Also got a free book called Sea Room an island life in the Hebrides by Adam Nicolson.Looked good for a free book!

MiceElf Mon 06-May-13 20:47:34

grin

Enviousamerican Mon 06-May-13 20:41:57

I did laugh at that book when Alan Clark stated he hated to drink coffee and tea from mugs!

MiceElf Mon 06-May-13 20:29:15

Everybody smile

I've got libraries of books to recommend. Best not to get me started,...

baubles Mon 06-May-13 20:26:11

Yes I've enjoyed reading it too (the thread, that is). In fact I'm going to take up some of the suggestions for myself.

Bags Mon 06-May-13 17:00:24

I've enjoyed reading this thread.

MiceElf Mon 06-May-13 16:36:20

A precise and accurate judgment EA!

Enviousamerican Mon 06-May-13 15:52:37

BTW,that free book is in the bin.Read quite a bit of it last night and I agree with his wife Jane.Acording to Wikipedia she said he was a 'S,H,one,T.Wikipedia isn't always correct but this I believe!

Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 23:31:54

Lilygran,you've got me there! I'll sound like a politician and say " let me get back to you" I don't have a big interest in American politics,I do vote of course,usually democrat,which would cause my parents to roll in their graves if they knew.Im for helping people the best way possible and parties don't matter to me.My best friend is republican all the way and just steams when she talks about Obama and healthcare.In my lack of interest I've never read a book on American politics. To much like school!

Lilygran Sun 05-May-13 23:08:09

I'm really impressed that you are following UK politics. You can't judge how interested the British public is in politics by some of the discussions on Gransnet. Most people don't even bother to vote in national elections. What would you recommend as a way in to American politics for the non-specialist reader?

Aka Sun 05-May-13 22:41:35

Sorry the link won't work sad

Aka Sun 05-May-13 22:40:53

try again

Aka Sun 05-May-13 22:38:28

envious I've put together a must-read list for you. Just follow the link. Reading these will explain all you need to know about the English, their politics and much, much more grin

The Quintessential Reading list

Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 22:35:38

MiceElf,I've been looking at the link,thanks,everyone else too.
should keep me busy for awhile.

MiceElf Sun 05-May-13 22:29:41

I think it's lovely that one of our 'cousins' from across the pond is interested.

All too often people on both sides of the Atlsntic don't care or are content with their uninformed prejudices. The more we know, the more we understand.

Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 22:22:53

Your politics seem to be a bigger part of life in your country.Thats why I'm interested.

MiceElf Sun 05-May-13 22:16:19

EA grin

I love America. We have very close friends who live in Virginia, both lawyers, they keep us au fait with the complexities of American politics. But it's hard to really understand without actually being there on a regular bais.

Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 22:11:39

MiceElf,don't worry about me,I wouldn't be here if I didn't expect a little ribbing now and them.

MiceElf Sun 05-May-13 22:11:17

Try www.thestudentroom.co.uk/attachment.php?id=56962&d=1218694413 A beginners guide to UK politics. It's unbiased and accessible.

Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 22:07:49

I do read many of your papers on line to keep up with current news.Like I've said before I see a lot of U.S. stories in your papers I don't see here.Just need to learn more about the parties. About that Alan Clark,not sure how seriously I can take a man that lived in a castle.Maybe I better read it and not skim the book.

Nonu Sun 05-May-13 22:03:53

mice , you certainly seem to have a handle on American politics , well done you .

Have you been as many times as i have .

Going now to watch a little more snooker .

Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 22:00:39

I need the best laymans terms possible.

MiceElf Sun 05-May-13 22:00:36

EA there are two weeklies published here. The New Statesman is left of centre and The Spectator is to the right. both well written and I think available on line.

New Society is worth reading too, it has a wide range of articles about many matters of currant interest.

MiceElf Sun 05-May-13 21:57:11

Nanaej, that's cruel.

Enviousamerican Sun 05-May-13 21:57:05

Oh a magazine,that's a good idea! I'll look that up and Morning star.

nanaej Sun 05-May-13 21:51:41

or for real balance try the Morning Star.