I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book, however, I was pleasantly surprised and found that this is a must "own" book.
Wintering,I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book, however, I was pleasantly surprised and found that this is a must "own" book.
Wintering, in the most simplistic form, is about how the body and soul needs a "winter season" in order to be reborn. Much like nature, winter is a time to draw in, reflect, slow down, shelter or bunker down and take care of things that are closer to your soul or heart. Our author shared her stories of all seasons and how each phase prepares you for the final juncture (each year) of life. It's finding beauty and listening to nature all around you.
One of my favorite quotes in her book: "You don't have to be busy to be successful in life."
Enjoy! I know I "dog-eared" a lot of pages....more
I loved this book! Paddle to the Amazon is about a father and his 2 sons who decide to paddle in a canoe from Winnipeg, Manitoba to the Amazon. It wasI loved this book! Paddle to the Amazon is about a father and his 2 sons who decide to paddle in a canoe from Winnipeg, Manitoba to the Amazon. It was wonderful to relive some of the local scenery they encountered as they traveled through Manitoba and Minnesota. What I enjoyed most about this book was the author told the story through a journal that allowed the reader to go on this adventure via reading.
While the trip was mostly uneventful in the United States, it was when they arrived at the Gulf of Mexico that things started to heat up. First one of the author's sons decided to go back home and finish school, leaving just the two of them to power on. Then traveling around the Gulf in a canoe proved to be quite difficult due to weather, shore pound and the locals the closer they go to Central America. It was amazing to read the harrowing details of some scary places in Columbia and how positive and calm they both seem to be....more
Killing Kennedy is about JFK's intimate life and that leading up to the infamous car ride in Dallas, Texas. The book briefly touches on his many mistrKilling Kennedy is about JFK's intimate life and that leading up to the infamous car ride in Dallas, Texas. The book briefly touches on his many mistresses in the White House, Jackie Kennedy, and her demure appearance, as well as how JFK handled Bay of Pigs invasion and Vietnam. Killing Kennedy also gave the reader a glimpse into the relationship between JFK and Vice President Johnson and how JFK sought his brothers advise over his VP. ...more
This was a difficult book for me to read not only based on the subject matter but because of the harrowing detail in which war takes us. KillingWhew!
This was a difficult book for me to read not only based on the subject matter but because of the harrowing detail in which war takes us. Killing the Rising Sun is after Pearl Harbor and President Eisenhower and later President Truman, dropping the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima and then Nagasaki and the devastation it caused. It's about the decision leading up to dropping the bomb, the logistics and of course the aftermath of what no one thought would or could possibly happen. This book scares me to no end that there are multiple countries with the Atomic Bomb and no city, town, or country is safe.
There is an interesting article in Harper's Magazine that rips this book apart for inaccuracies. I'm curious to read that next. ...more
That was by far a depressing book. Blue Dreams covers mood altering drugs from Lithium to Psychedelics to pharmaceuticals to electronic implants and eThat was by far a depressing book. Blue Dreams covers mood altering drugs from Lithium to Psychedelics to pharmaceuticals to electronic implants and everything else in between that have helped shaped people with the propensity to depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD and many other prescribed illnesses. Dr.s often prescribing pills to see what happens, prescribing treatment to see how a patient will fair, prescribing lobotomies to fix simple illnesses to now mind controlling electronic pulses to cure everything from eating disorders to designer attitude adjustments all with a of a clicker.
It was rather alarming to think of where we might be headed next to alleviate mental illnesses or worse those who just want a change of pace or a new outlook on life. ...more
I finished this book a while ago and just haven't had a moment to get on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to update my progress.
A little background prior to my opinion of thI finished this book a while ago and just haven't had a moment to get on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to update my progress.
A little background prior to my opinion of this book...
I grew up in Minnesota and Lake Superior was an "ocean" to me. Vast, wild and huge tankers would be seen from the harbor of Duluth. I remember chucking flat rocks as a kid along the shores of Split Rock Light House not daring to wade into the frigid cold waters of Lake Superior. When I saw this book on the shelves in our local library I knew I would be interested - whatever the topic was.
The Death and Life of the Great Lakes is a rather depressing book. In the early 1900 it was thought to be a great idea to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes to create import/export opportunities. However, along with the connection various species where introduced to our great lakes that were otherwise sheltered from outside influences. However, once certain species invaded the lakes, many tributaries continued to carry these invasive species onward through out the United States. The biggest tributary once invaded was the Mississippi River. Well, then all hell broke loose. Even as far as California we are dealing with Quagga Mussels and the Zebra Mussels that everyone is struggling to find a solution.
Through science and trial by error we are slowing figuring out how to not only decrease invasive species but how to bring back fish that have been decimated by these little buggers.
This book brings an understanding to the efforts made by local recreational lakes to keep them clean and to make sure all boats entering their waters are clean and without hitchhikers of the Quagga and Zebra Mussels just to name a few. ...more
I found this book engaging, suspenseful and well written. The Lost City of the Monkey God takes the reader through 2 decades of work trying to locate I found this book engaging, suspenseful and well written. The Lost City of the Monkey God takes the reader through 2 decades of work trying to locate a forgotten city in Nicaragua. Dubbed the White City because the local inhabitants fear it holds evil spirits because whenever someone gets close they develop a disease and die. This city, just outside of Mosquito (Miskito), was believe to have been separate from the Mayan people and quite advanced for their time, well over 1500 years.
The authors journey as well as others who travel with him recount their stories of not only how they located this forgotten city, but what they found, what they believe happened to the inhabitants, as well as what affliction they all got upon their return....more
OK. This book was not at all what I thought it would be.
1434 has really quite a following as the author, Gavin Menzies, travels the globe uncovering OK. This book was not at all what I thought it would be.
1434 has really quite a following as the author, Gavin Menzies, travels the globe uncovering the truth behind many legends that we are taught or have accepted as truth. In 1434, the author goes to great lengths to prove that the Chinese invented the first map using the stars and navigation. As well as mapping the stars. The Americas were already discovered well before Columbus by the Chinese. Inventions once believed were from the master mind Leonardo de Vinci were actually plagiarized from previous master mind Francesco di Giorgio Martini who plagiarized it from Mariano di Jacopo ditto Taccola who plagiarized from the Chinese, Nung Shu.
Quite an interesting read though much like a textbook....more
I pretty much like all books on the ocean, sailing and fishing. However, with that being said, I wasn't completely enamored with this book. I did enjoI pretty much like all books on the ocean, sailing and fishing. However, with that being said, I wasn't completely enamored with this book. I did enjoy the stories of past fishing excursions as well as the most recent in which the story is about. It was fascinating to read what goes into and expectations for sword fishing as well as running a commercial fishing boat. What I didn't enjoy was the lack character development and responsibilities. It felt more of a summary of events.
The Hungry Ocean is a retelling of Linda Greenlaw's fishing trip off The Grand Banks for Swordfish. 21-30 days out in the unpredictable ocean, battling other commercial fishing vessels for prime locations and keeping quiet on how well your fishing days are coming along. Linda, a captain of Hannah Boden, takes her crew of 5 men beyond the typical fishing spot, 45 miles east of the other commercial fishermen. When they start to catch a record number of fish, it's becomes a tale of keeping your lies straight, the crew from fighting and other commercial fishermen from stealing your thunder....more
The Boys in the Boat is a fantastic read. The author Daniel James Brown takes the reader on a journey of young Joe Rantz and his family living in WashThe Boys in the Boat is a fantastic read. The author Daniel James Brown takes the reader on a journey of young Joe Rantz and his family living in Washington State circa 1920's as well as the spiritual journey needed to fulfill Joe Rantz's life. By spiritual I mean finding his moxy, finding himself and finding where he sits in life.
Abandoned at a tender age, Joe is forced to make his way in the world and to not depend on anyone for anything. Finding odd jobs to stay afloat as well as fighting the odds, Joe attends Washington State and tries out for Crew. Here he is not only tested but finds his rhythm.
This is a story of Joe and 8 other college boys who crew for Washington State Huskies and make it all the way to Germany to race in the 1936 Olympics.
I hope this book sees its way to the big screen.
My only reservations with our author was there are not enough chapters. There are "parts" in the book but no chapters within. Often times I was reading depression torn communities and then tossed right into Germany without warning. However, once you started to flow with the story it became a mute point.
I loved this book. Erik Larson is a fantastic storyteller and did quite the job of extensive resource findings.
Dead Wake is about the British passengeI loved this book. Erik Larson is a fantastic storyteller and did quite the job of extensive resource findings.
Dead Wake is about the British passenger ocean liner, Lusitania, that disembarks on a journey from New York to Liverpool carrying over 1900 passengers as well as various cargo. Just under 300 of which are prominent Americans. Crossing the Atlantic during a time of war between Britain and Germany with German submarines hidden off the coast waiting to sink large ship, Lusitania steams ahead in virtual darkness, that is to say, without proper knowledge of what lies ahead.
Erik Larson tells the harrowing tale of events leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania as well as all the information that was learnt and withheld from officials that could have aided and saved the passengers on the Lusitania.
I found this book to be rather interesting in that it explained not only the origin of salt but how salt was really the early currency. Wars were fougI found this book to be rather interesting in that it explained not only the origin of salt but how salt was really the early currency. Wars were fought over the control of salt mines and how countries prided themselves on not only the type of salt they mined but the quality.
I forgot to keep track. My new method of selecting a book is picking one from the "hit" list, one from a random shelf anywhere and another from the noI forgot to keep track. My new method of selecting a book is picking one from the "hit" list, one from a random shelf anywhere and another from the non-fiction shelf all in the library. So here is my non-fiction pick.
Nothing Daunted is about 2 best friends growing up in New York who are college educated, love to travel in style, shop and who enjoy the finer things in life. When they answer an ad for 2 school teachers in Colorado they immediately take up the challenge. Upon arrival, nothing prepares them for the lack of amenities, harsh weather and poor conditions yet these 2 women preserve. ...more
I originally checked out this book at the library thinking it might be a funny spin on why women drink, unfortunately, I was in for a (pleasant) surprI originally checked out this book at the library thinking it might be a funny spin on why women drink, unfortunately, I was in for a (pleasant) surprise in that it actually dove into statistics of women drinking and AA.
Basically Her Best-Kept Secret...takes the reader on a journey from the early 20's to current time. Early on women were scorned if they touched alcohol. That if a man drank beer it was to relax after a long day working and macho, but if a woman drank beer she had a problem and was quickly labeled as loose, a trouble-maker or worse unstable. Fast forward a decade and AA was introduced to help men who were alcoholics but excluded woman because they didn't need support - women alcoholics just didn't exist. Fast forward another decade when women started attending AA, it became the breeding ground for predators. In fact, AA had high cases of rape and abuse of new female members because they were weak, vulnerable and an extremely easy target especially when women attended AA to seek help and the men were a little to eager. When asked the AA Directors to step in and develop policies to protect these women from predators, AA said it's not their problem. After all, AA's thoughts were most alcoholics need to replace one addiction for another and it's often sex. Besides, they said, the women know what they are getting into. Hmmm - sounds like a "good old boys club" to me.
Her Best-Kept Secret...shares with the reader reasons why women are turning to the 4 o'clock cocktail, or better yet, "it's 5:00 somewhere". Changes in role responsibility. Career women who left jobs to become full-time at home Moms are suddenly feeling bits of anxiety, shame and exhaustion over expectations, lack of fulfillment and of course over scheduling of various activities. Brings meaning to the saying, "my emotion well is empty". ...more
Unfortunately this book read like a text book and I kept waiting for it to be funny and poignant. Neither of which happened by the way.
A History of thUnfortunately this book read like a text book and I kept waiting for it to be funny and poignant. Neither of which happened by the way.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses is about the discovery of beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and Coke Cola and what impact they made on America as well as around the world.
Although the book was interesting it was a laborious read. ...more
I saw the movie forever in a day ago and more recently I came across this book which I had to read as well as own.
Hopefully we all know what SchindlerI saw the movie forever in a day ago and more recently I came across this book which I had to read as well as own.
Hopefully we all know what Schindler's List is about. But for those of you who don't I will give you a quick refresher coarse.
Oskar Schindler, a philanthropist, has a factory in Cracow using Jewish workers. When the Reich sweeps threw Germany culling all Jewish inhabitants, Herr Schindler barter's for his employees. What starts out as a way to keep his business deals from going under soon turns into a fight for the Jewish people.
When Herr Schindler learns of what is to become of the inhabitants at the various concentration camps, he builds a second factory using his own money and creates a list of Jews who are to work in his new factory. Of course each factory didn't supply any armaments or wares but acted as a front - a refugee camp of sorts. Though to SS officers inspecting, it looked and acted much like any other camp. Often Herr Schindler would buy weapons and implant them on the factory floor to pass off as his own.
Reading this book gave me an indebt look into Oskar Schindler's life as not only a man prior to "the list" but to what became of him after the liberation. ...more
Upon choosing a bookshelf I was very tempted to include "tragedy" as well as non-fiction.
Well, with all this whoop-la over Tom Cruise and Katie HolmesUpon choosing a bookshelf I was very tempted to include "tragedy" as well as non-fiction.
Well, with all this whoop-la over Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes it was only fitting that our book club selected a Scietology book. I was very eager to read it and almost as eager to finish it. Note: this is not a book to read at night.
Inside Scientology is a watered-down version of the machinations inside this cult, er, I mean...no, I meant cult. The author, Janet Reitman, shares with the reader how L. Ron Hubbard founded or rather plotted this new sensation. Originally he was a science-fiction writer and it's no wonder that Scientology has a lot of BS about immortal beings, planet Xena, Thetans, and the dictator of the Galactic Confederary himself, L. Ron Hubbard. Seriously?! Tom Cruise, really? Are you buying into this bullsh*t?
The book also talked about different members who after a while actually go insane and instead of members taking care of them, they try and treat them with minerals, vitamins, and wholesome living and if that doesn't work - isolation. Yeah, isolation always works for me especially when I'm not given food or water. Hello?! Some people actually NEED meds. Scientology's philosophy is no medical intervention, no therapy, and not psychiatry. Members actually died due to listening to other Scientologist and stopped taking their prescription medicine. But wait, that is not all. These "members" prior to going mad spent basically their life savings on Scientology books, classes, sessions, and training. One family spent over $600,000 and when they ran out of money Scientology made them work off their "debt". I get it...use then discard, right?! There is more...L. Ron Hubbard was actually on medication to treat insomnia. And he was on Vistaril when he died. Go figure?
So when I wrote earlier that Inside Scientology is a watered-down version I meant that I really didn't learn what Scientology IS. I learned all about how they schemed money out of people and businesses and how they basically threatened their way into communities, government and of course how they killed members, stole documents, lied, sued everybody, and then sent death threats to those who left the cult or didn't accept them in their community. Whew!
I did a lot of cross references as I read this book. I Googled his fleet of ships, homes, Scientology headquarters, Paulette Cooper, and Tom Cruise. I also YouTube Scientology and found an awesome site about the tragedy of past members who were murdered.
Very interesting and frustrating at the same time.
This was another one of those book sitting on my book shelf waiting to be read. I'm so glad I did. While most of the story is heart wrenching, there aThis was another one of those book sitting on my book shelf waiting to be read. I'm so glad I did. While most of the story is heart wrenching, there are some very comical parts. It was a learning lesson in the Hmong culture set in Merced, California.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is actually a belief that the Hmong feel happens to you when an evil spirit (dab) takes your soul. In this case, Lia, is a 3 month old little girl who, when her sister slams the front door scaring Lia, has her first epilespy. Unknown to The Lee's, they believe a "qaug dab peg" has stolen Lia's soul causing her to fall over.
From this point forward it is the clash of two cultures. The Lee's believing that a spirit stole Lia's soul, want a quick fix from the American Drs. but not a complete fix because in their culture having your soul stolen is an honor. And they want to treat their daughter with traditional medicine - a "txiv neeb" or witch Dr. who will help guide her soul back to her body. Of course one favors drugs while the other favors the Gods. However, unable to communicate; which is to say read, write, and speak English it becomes almost impossible to not only help Lia but to help the parents as well....more
While reading Reading Lolita in Tehran I felt like I not only had a literature lesson, but a cultural lesson as well.
Reading Lolita in Tehran is aboutWhile reading Reading Lolita in Tehran I felt like I not only had a literature lesson, but a cultural lesson as well.
Reading Lolita in Tehran is about Azar Nafisi, a Literature Professor at The University of Tehran, who teaches literature to both men and women and reads not only Lolita, but The Great Gatsby, works by Henry James, Jane Austen, and talks about many books previously read and discussed. Not only is the book fasinating, but it takes place in the time of The Islamic Republic where women have no rights and are forced to wear the veil with new more idiotic rules that are enforced brutally for which the women must adhere to. Basically women must follow these new rules or be imprision, beatened, and even murdered.
At one point, Azar Nafisi, starts a book club in her living room every Thursday with a select group of women from her classes. It is in this book club that the women reveal themselves by removing the veils, letting out their cascading hair, displaying the vibrant colors that they were beneath the dark robes, and talking openly about the books they read, relationships, as well as how they feel about The Islamic Republic.
I felt it was well written and at times rather frightening that Azar Nafisi risked so much and yet wasn't imprisioned or worse, murdered, because she continued to teach forbidden materials and was often with a man (her mentor) who wasn't her husband nor a relative.
My only issue I had with this book was that it was 100 pages too long. After about 250 pages, Azar Nafisi got a little preachy about her love for her country while bombs where exploding all around her as she sat with her two daughters and read by candlelight. She talked endlessly about her desire to leave Iran and how much it tormented her and yet the idea that she could walk around without the dark robes, veil, fear of being beaten, imprisoned, murdered, didn't really weigh much in her decision at the beginning. Not being from her culture, I had a hard time understanding her desire to stay in a place where she didn't have rights and was in constant fear.
...I guess if you live your life in fear long enough you start to believe that you are worthless and will soon deny youself simple things, like strength and freedom....more
Anita Diamant is a fantastic story teller and Day After Night is equally telling.
Day After Night is about 4 women who are concentration camp survivorsAnita Diamant is a fantastic story teller and Day After Night is equally telling.
Day After Night is about 4 women who are concentration camp survivors who meet up at Atlit detainment center for an unspecified time. It's about their story, the bond they forged, and the new jounrey that lies ahead for each of them.
Anita Diamant placed the reader right inside the detainment center, Atlit. She placed the reader insides their lives and the day to day activities in the center and ultimately to each of them, their freedom.
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