Subtitle: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6 - September 30, 1945

In America, one typically thinks of nuclear weapons in the terms of "Oppenheimer" and how their beneficial use brought a swift end to WWII (Japan). This diary looks at the immediate aftermath of the explosion in Hiroshima through Japanese civilian eyes.

From the back cover: The late Dr. Michihiko Hachiya was director of the Hiroshima Communications Hospital when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. Though his responsibilities in the appalling chaos of a devastated city were awesome, he found time to record the story daily, with compassion and tenderness. His compelling diary was originally published to worldwide acclaim in 1955. 

I think the author Pearl Buck sums up my sentiments exactly: "A book that we all ought to read in order that we may know what we have done and what will happen in the future if the atomic weapons continue to be used."

In a bit of a coincidence my son and I bought this book at the same time, myself because I needed a book for my August category and he at the recommendation of a friend. We both really enjoyed the book and would read more from this author. A rather clever take on time travel with a shade to Schrodinger's cat of quantum physics fame. Once I stopped trying to figure out the math and physics I enjoyed it even more. The author does tie the ending up in neat little bow, but for myself I would have enjoyed traveling with Harry into his next fifteen lives. 

2021

I had originally had another title in mind for my August book title but when I stumbled across this one I couldn't resist and changed course. It is about a young girl and her female therapist, most of it being set in the office during her analysis. It is told from perspective of the therapist and some of the chapters deal with her own personal life. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more by this author, new to me, but apparently quite well known for writing Looking for Mr. Goodbar.

2023 has turned out to be a lot. In times of stress I read a lot BUT I don't retain a lot...it has been that kind of a year to put it mildly.

I enjoyed this I'm sure. The author has yet to dissapoint and I always enjoy his books, so no doubt the same applies here, I just don't remember the plot.

2022

This book is modeled after one of my favorite books--Enchanted April. I liked it for what is was but it is a pale comparison to Elizabeth von Armin's classic.

This book won a Pulitzer Prize in 1963. I have read other of her books and I credit "A Distant Mirror" for igniting my love of reading history. For the most part, this book does a fine job painting a picture of the first month of WWI, however...it left me needing more. I do give myself credit for the selfless forced march I took on to slog through to the end of this book. It is mostly compelling reading but it does bog down in parts.

It is a top down look from the perspective of the bumbling, weepy, arrogant idiots --oops my bad-- the fine moustachioed gentleman who were in charge of making goverment, diplomatic, and battlefield decisions.  

Since this book was writtten much more is known and much more has been written. Off to the trenches...