Ewok Book Club

So Oprah's book club is crap, not that I have ever seen it once, but I'm sure mine is better. I've read quite a few books since I've been out here and I'll give you the quick reviews. I'm a non-fiction guy...I personally find stories much more interesting when they are true. Anyway, below are my comments and my lame 1-5 star rating. 5 being the best and which I rarely will ever rate a book. (scroll down...)

Running with Scissors: A Memoir (Augusten Burroughs)	Absolutely hysterical book. Very quick read. Two scenes were a little too explicit for my 'conservative' taste, but that does not take away from the creative writing and amazing story of this childhood and how Augusten ended up to where he is today as a writer. 4 stars.
The Young Che: Memories of Che Guevara (Ernesto Guevara Lynch)	I knew very little about Che Guevara and was intrigued to know more. This book was written by his Dad and explained his childhood and documented all the letters Che wrote to his family (which is the majority of the book) as he traveled up South America and eventually into Central America and Cuba. It was a very good read and quite interesting to see 1.) his progression toward Socialism and 2.) "the other side of the story" to the effects American imperialism had on the everyday people. In short, their life was not good. It documents how he met Fidel Castro and their relationship before and after the invasion of Cuba. Very good book. 4 stars.
Eight Lives Down Chris Hunter	This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. Everyone and anyone should buy this and read it. It's written by a UK bomb expert (IED - the roadside bombs) who is based in Basra and is the only man that knows how to diffuse them. He is so good at what he does the insurgents put a bounty on his head. The stories of him traveling through the villages are astounding. You'll also learn a great amount about Iraqi culture, Iran's involvement, and how incredible the sacrifices these troops make are...all while trying to hold on to a marriage and family. 5 stars.
Fear and Loathing Las Vegas Hunter S. Thompson	I'm probably the last person on Earth to read this but what a phenomenal book. Truly a one-of-a-kind writer. 4 stars.
The Beat: Go-Go's Fusion of Funk and Hip-Hop Kip Lornell	So I finished the Eight Lives Down book faster than anticipated and had to hit a small bookstore in Queensland. The only book I saw that interested me was about the start of go-go music in D.C...following the story of Chuck Brown, EU, and the Junkyard band. Sounded cool. Wow, was I wrong. The author (white guy) spoke on HUGE lengths how about black music originated in tribal Africa and never got to the heart of the story. He repeated himself so much I could not take it anymore after 3 chapters. 0 stars.
Losing My Virginity Richard Branson	Anyone that wants to start a business, but doesn't have the nads to do it (me) should read this book. A lot of good lessons here and just a cool story to see how one person can start from nothing and build an amazing empire. He would have not made it ANYWHERE without the help of his one friend who was in charge of discovering and signing new bands. Branson comes off as a very reasonable person who rarely raises his temper and always tries to compromise. There are a few biographies out there that paint a VASTLY different picture so I'll be curious to read those. Anyway, the major point is that Branson failed in a LOT if not most of his attempts, but the ones he hit, he hit big. 4 stars.