Title |
Author |
Rating |
Description |
A Hope in the Unseen |
Ron Suskind |
**** |
The true story of an inner city DC kid from Ballou High
School, one of the worst DC Public schools, who makes it to Brown
University. Suskind wrote a Pulitzer Prize winning article about the same
kid's high school experience and this book covers his first two years at
Brown. A very inspirational and eye-opening book. |
A Long Way Gone |
Ishmael Beah |
**** |
An amazingly well told first-hand story of the civil war in
Sierra Leone. The author, now in his 20's, lost his family and was displaced
during the war in which rebels opposing the government rampaged the
countryside, killing and terrorizing innocent civilians. Young boys were
often recruited by the rebels, or in the author's case, by villages trying
to defend themselves from the rebels. At age 12, the author became a soldier
and relates his horrific experiences, including his rescue and subsequent
rehabilitation by Unicef. This book should be required reading for anyone
living a life of privilege and luxury (and that is indeed ANYONE who is
reading this review). |
A Short History of Nearly Everything |
Bill Bryson |
**** |
Audio Book. Popular travel writer Bill Bryson tackles an
unusual subject - science. Learn about the creation of the universe,
cosmology, geology, chemistry, molecular physics, atomic physics, quantum
physics and more. Packed with great stories of obscure scientists and their
discoveries, the book is educational and entertaining. |
A Spot of Bother |
Mark Haddon |
**** |
A hilarious (British humor) story of a normal family with
two retired parents a gay son, and a daughter who is planning a wedding.
There is virtually no event out of the ordinary - no real action, no
murders, no spies, no high speed chases - yet it is a funny, moving, and
gripping story. One warning - there is a son who is gay and there are a few
graphic scenes with his boyfriend. A very enjoyable read guaranteed to make
you laugh. |
A Thousand Splendid Suns |
Khaled Hosseini |
**** |
From the author of The Kite Runner, this is a story of two
women in Afghanistan and how their lives are affected by the Russian
conflict and the rise of the Taliban. While the story is sad and depressing,
like its predecessor, it is beautifully written and will keep your interest.
You will come away with a real feel for life in Afghanistan during that
time. |
Abraham |
Richard Feiler |
**** |
Written by the author of Walking the Bible, this book
examines Abraham, the common ancestor of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
It tries to find common threads between the religions and ways they might
better communicate and co-exist. A good book for all to read. |
Angels and Demons |
Dan Brown |
**** |
The prequel to the Da Vinci Code, this is another thriller
featuring symbology, science, and the Catholic Church. Much better than
Digital Fortress and Deception Point, almost as entertaining as the Da Vinci
Code, this book at least will make you think ab |
Behind the Arches |
John Love |
**** |
A very pro-McDonald's story about the founding and
subsequent success of McDonald's. I read it quite some time ago and found it
truly fascinating |
Benjamin Franklin |
Walter Isaacson |
**** |
(Kathy's review) A new and comprehensive biography of
Benjamin Franklin. Gives a very good overview of his life and role in the
shaping of America. An enjoyable and well done book, but I ofund the writing
just a notch below thatof the great biographers such as McCullough.
(Bradley's review *****). An engaging book that should be read after reading
David McCullough's wonderful read on John Adams, our second president.
Franklin was one of several key people who, without his wisdom and skill I
doubt the United States would have been born. He retired at 42 and committed
the rest of his life to public service. He made the United States and the
world a better place by his efforts. This is a must read in order to
understand the true struggle the founding fathers faced. I recommend reading
this book where you have good internet access, as you may want to read some
the original documents written by Franklin. Isaacson does an excellent job
of providing good internet sourcing information. |
Blind Side |
Michael Lewis |
**** |
A fascinating book that details the changes in value and
responsibility for the left tackle position in professional football, the
position responsible for protecting the quarterback's "blind side" from
ferocious pass rushers. Left tackles have come from complete anonymity to
become some of the highest paid athletes in sport. The main character in the
story is the top high school lineman prospect in the country, a large, very
athletic black kid from the poor side of Memphis who is ultimately adopted
by a white Chrisitan family and begins a football career in his junior year
in high school. The book is a fascinating look at professional football as
well as a great story about the overwhelming odds facing even the best
athletes.Not just a sports story, this book is also a great story about
people and how love can changes lives. |
Charlie Wilson's War |
George Crile |
**** |
Fascinating book about the 80's war in Afghanistan and how
one congressman and one CIA agent came to the aid of the Afghan rebels,
allowing them to drive out the Soviets, a key event in the fall of the
Soviet Union. If this book wasn't true, you would nev |
Devil in the White City |
Erik Larson |
**** |
The author weaves together two stories of the 1893 Chicago
World's Fair. First, the incredible story of the planning and preparation of
the World's Fair, filled with incredible characters and stories of true
American ingenuity. Second is the story of a se |
Dreams from My Father |
Barack Obama |
**** |
Presidential hopeful Obama's book about his early life
growing up as the son of a white mother and African father who he never
knew. The book is very personal and well written and provides some good
insight about racial identity, the differece in racial cultures in America
today, and the difficulty of those stuck in the middle. A worthwhile read.
|
Every Second Counts |
Lance Armstrong |
**** |
A sequel to Lance's first book (It's Not About the Bike)
this picks up after his first Tour de France Victory and covers his next
four wins. It details the changes in his life during that time, including
the birth of his children, his rise to celebrity status, his ongoing
commitment to his cancer foundation, and the toll it takes on his personal
life. An easy read (half a day), it's not great literature but is worth the
time. |
Eye of the Albatross |
Carl Safina |
**** |
A fabulous book centered around an albatross named Amelia
and her journeys as she raises her chick on a remote island. A satellite
transmitter allows Amelia's travels to be tracked, revealing incredible
information about the range of these largest seabird |
Flyboys |
James Bradley |
**** |
This is a very gripping story about WWII, that follows the
history of 9 pilots in the pacific ocean. The most famous one, went on to
become the 41st president of USA, George H. W. Bush. Bradley does an
excellent job in the first 125 pages helping set up |
Follow the River |
James Alexander Thom |
**** |
Historical fiction that brings to life the journey of a
woman kidnapped by Indians who escapes and makes her way home on foot, over
1000 miles away. Based on the experience of Mary Ingles, the book is very
well researched. Though about 3/4 through you start to wish she would just
get there, it's overall a great story and very well told. |
Following Seas |
Beth Leonard |
**** |
We met the author while cruising Tasmania. This book tells
the story of Beth and her partner Evans' first circumnavigation aboard their
sailboat Silk. As a novice sailor, Beth soon gained a passion for sailing
and this book tells the story of her transformation into a new way of life.
A very well written book, it is recommended for anyone who really wants to
know what the cruising life is really like. |
For Whom the Bell Tolls |
Ernest Hemingway |
**** |
A classic story of love and war, this puts you right in the
middle of guerilla warfare in the Spanish Civil War. The hero, Robert Jordan
is an American fighting to help a band of Spanish guerillas to blow up a
bridge. You feel like you are part of the action. |
Fortune's Favorites |
Colleen McCullough |
**** |
This is the third (of four) book in McCullough's First Man
in Rome series and it is every bit as good as the first two. Despite its
daunting size - more than 1000 pages - it goes by fast. This book deals with
the period when Lucius Cornelius Sulla became |
Franklin and Winston |
Jon Meacham |
**** |
(From Bradley) For those of you who love history and hold
either Franklin Roosevelt or Winston Church in high regard, this is a must
read book. This is a very honest look at the epic relationship between two
men, which clearly saved the world from Fascism. It shows both men in their
brilliance and their weakness, and how working together, they mobilized the
free world to win World War II. Jon shows the deep, intense and sometimes
complicated nature of a relationship that flourished amid cataclysmic global
events and occasionally competing national interest. Hope you enjoy this as
much as I did. |
Ghost Soldiers |
Hampton Sides |
**** |
(From Bradley) True story of the Baatan Death March and the
rescues of some of the survivors 4 years later by the US Rangers. This is
both a timely book for the challenges we are now facing and an excellent
tribute to those brave solders who were sacrifi |
Harry Potter |
J. K. Rowling |
**** |
I bought the first one just to see what this Harry Potter
thing was all about. I couldn't put it down and quickly bought the rest. |
Hawaii |
James Michener |
**** |
Excellent story of the history of Hawaii. Makes you want to
shoot the missionaries! |
I Don't Know How She Does It |
Allison Pearson |
**** |
Humorous and well written story of a working mother with a
high pressure job as a fund manager in London. International best seller by
a British author, well worth the read for women and men alike! |
I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This |
Bob Newhart |
**** |
I listened to the audio book read by the author. It
recounts his career as a comic in his typical dry but very funny style. If
you are a Newhart fan, you will enjoy it immensly. |
In Her Shoes |
Jennifer Weiner |
**** |
Fun and engaging book about two sisters who are very
different in every aspect of their lives, but who happen to have exactly the
same shoe size. They unexpectedly are thrust into living together and the
result is quite entertaining. |
It's Not About the Bike |
Lance Armstrong |
**** |
Personal account of Lance Armstrong overcoming serious
cancer and going on to win the Tour de France bike race two years in a row
(He's won a 3rd straight since writing the book). An unbelievable and
inspirational story. Bradley's Comments: 3.5 Stars With so few true heros
around, this is a wonderful book written by a modest young man (as compared
to the many fake heros our press covers) who has demonstrated some old world
values anew. Focus, determination, hard work and possitive mental attitude
can accomplish much. |
Jackdaws |
Ken Follett |
**** |
Gripping and enjoyable thriller about an all female British
espionage team sent to France in WWII. Good characters, good story and based
on real events. |
John Adams |
David McCullough |
**** |
Excellent biography of our second president. Very few
people realize the impact he had on this country. Bradley's Comments: 4
Stars Had this been written by Adams himself, we would think how self
inflated an ego he had, but because this is by David McCullough, we come to
realize just how significant an impact this Adams had on the successful
founding of the United States. This a wonderful book to give one and inside
look on the struggles our founding fathers faced, as they created a new
nation. Much better then any history book every read during high school, or
college. |
Marley and Me |
John Grogan |
**** |
Entertaining story of Marley, "the world's worst dog", and
exuberant yellow lab. Anyone who is thinking of getting a dog should read
this book first - it is an accurate portrayal of what life with a high
energy creature can be! Guaranteed to have you alternately laughing and
crying, this is a great dog book. |
Master and Commander |
Patrick O'Brian |
**** |
A great classic series of books about sailing adventures in
the 19th century, recently made into a hit movie. Great fun to read! |
Mayflower |
Nathaniel Philbrick |
**** |
Well researched and well written book about the voyage of
the Mayflower and the journey of the Pilgrims and their descendents over the
next 100 years. I great read for anyone with a remote interest in US
History. Philbrick is also the author of In the Heart of the Sea and again
proves to be an excellent non-fiction writer. |
Merle's Door |
Ted Kerasote |
**** |
(From Bradley) If you are a dog lover this is a must read
book. If you do not have or like pets, then you can skip this, because
you will not understand or agree with Ted’s observations and experiences.
Not only does Merle’s Door raise some very interesting questions it also
helps reset the philosophical foundation regarding the love and care of our
Canine friends. Ted is very observant and anyone who has a dog, will
recognize many of his experiences, but hopefully in a new light. I
must warn you, that it does end on a sad note but it is still worth the
read. Lots of licks for all. |
Middlesex |
Jeffrey Eugenides |
**** |
Pulitzer Prize winning novel about a Greek family who
immigrates to Detroit. The story is told from the point of view of a second
generation child who recounts the story of her/his grandparents and parents.
A complex but exceptionally well written story, it covers a variety of
interesting subjects - Greek history and culture, Detroit from the 1920's to
present, US history and culture, and family issues covering everything from
incest to the hero, who was born as a hermaphrodite (unkown to all), raised
as a girl, and then identified as really a male at age 14. Though it may
sound a little strange, it all works and you will be very well entertained
throughout the book! |
Morgan's Run |
Colleen McCullough |
**** |
The story of Richard Morgan, a successful Englishmen who
through a series of tragedy and bad luck ends up as a prisoner and one of
the first people transported to Australia. A typical McCullough story, well
researched, entertaining, and mostly true. Much of the story takes place on
Norfolk Island, where the author now lives. |
North and South |
John Jakes |
**** |
First of a great series of historical fiction about the
American Civil War. Others are 'Love and War' and 'Heaven and Hell'. Gives a
great picture of life during those times and an understanding of what
happened and why. |
Old School |
Tobias Woldd |
**** |
A wonderfully entertaining and well written book set in a
boys prep school in the 60's. Students engage in writing contests with the
prize being the chance to meet privately with great authors such as Robert
Frost, Ayn Rand, and Ernest Hemingway. No murders, guns, car chases, or
violence, but the best fiction book I've read in a while. |
Over the Edge |
Jonathan Kellerman |
**** |
An early Alex Delaware novel, this is the book that made
Jonathan Kellerman a bestselling author. Good story, good plot, good
characters. A page turning, interesting thriller. |
Pride and Prejudice |
Jane Austen |
**** |
A classic about English sisters looking for love and
marriage. Wonderfully written with a story that holds your attention. A
great look at the times - the late 18th century - and what life was like. |
Pursuit of Happyness |
Chris Gardner |
**** |
Subject of a recent movie (which I haven't seen) this is an
autobiographical story about an African American man, going nowhere, with an
infant son to care for, who becomes a very successful Wall Street
stockbroker and financier. Inspirational and well told, it's a terrific
story. |
Red Sky in Mourning |
Tami Oldham Ashcroft and Susea MacGearhart |
**** |
(Reviewed by Bradley)This is one of the best survival books
I have read. A true story of a couple caught in a storm and how she
survivied and sailed the boat without a mast or navigation equipment for 42
days to find the Hawaiian Islands. This is a must read book for anyone
considering blue water passage making. |
River Town - Two Years on the Yangtzhe |
Peter Hessler |
**** |
Written by a Peace Corps volunteer teacher who spent two
years in Fuling in Schezuan province of China where there are no other
foreginers. A very revealing book about Chinese culture. Worth reading for
anyone planning to visit China or who wants to understand more about the
Chinese people. Well written and entertaining. |
Running With Scissors |
Augusten Burroughs |
**** |
A hilarious yet disturbing autobiographical tale of a young
man from a troubled family whose emotional unstable mother sends him to live
at various times with her psychiatrist, a man whose methods are unorthodox
to say the least. Poor Augusten goes from one dysfunctional family to
another, but tells the tale with a great sense of humor. An enjoyable tale
well told. |
Sailor: My Journey Across the Atlantic Ocean on the Tall
Ship The Pride of Baltimore II |
Chip Raymond |
**** |
My friend and Shear Madness veteran Chip Raymond secured a
crew position aboard a tall ship for a great adventure across the Atlantic.
When Chip sailed with us to New Caledonia, we did not have the smoothest
passage and after reading his account of the At |
Sandy Koufax |
Jane Leavy |
**** |
A biography of one of baseball's most famous pitchers, the
book interweaves the story of Koufax's life with a recap of the perfect game
he pitched in 1965. It's a great story of an incredible athlete who also
became a Jewish hero for refusing to pitch the opening game of the World
Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. It also gives a great view of
professional baseball before the days of free agency and huge salaries for
players. A must read for all baseball fans. |
Seven Years in Tibet |
Heinrich Harrer |
**** |
True story of an Austrian mountaineer in India at the start
of WWII. Imprisoned as a POW, he escapes and makes his way to Tibet where he
spends the next seven years, ultimately becoming a confidante of the young
Dalai Lama. The book offers an incredible view into life in Tibet, which
even today is hardly known. Highly recommended. |
Shadow Divers |
Robert Kurson |
**** |
For anyone who has an interest in history, diving and
U-boats, this is a must read book. Expertly researched and written, Kurson
does a good job of keeping you on the edge you your seat, with being fake or
flashy. While there is much sadness in the book |
Shantaram |
Gregory David Roberts |
**** |
An autobiographical novel set in Bombay. The "hero" is a
shady character who escapes from a maximum security jail in Australia and
flees to India where he embarks on a series of adventures as well as lessons
about love and humanity.It is very well written |
Six Minutes to Freedom |
Kurt Muse & John Gilstrap |
**** |
(from Bradley)This is a wonderful thrilling easy and quick
read. It this the true story of Kurt Muse an expat American living in
Panama who was arrested by Noriega. While he was not without some
responsibility as he had been running a liberation radio station, he quickly
became a pawn that Noriega tried to use against the US. This is the
story of one mans struggle to survive nine months in prison, how his wife
and two children dealt with the ordeal and there own late night evacuation
from Panama. It is also the story of his rescue by Delta Force, that
is far better then any fiction movie. Strongly suggest you read this
you do not have to stop. I read in less then 24 hours |
Space Race |
Deborah Cadbury |
**** |
(By Bradley) An outstanding book that for the first time
gives you a real look behind the scenes of both the American and Russian
space programs from their inception at the end of World War II until the US
landed on the moon. "In this exhilarating, fast- |
Stolen Lives |
Malika Oufkir |
**** |
Malika Oufkir was born in Morocco and at age 11 moved into
the royal palace where she was a companion to the young princess and adopted
daughter of the king. Her father, a general in the army, was later involved
in an unsuccessful coup to overthrow the king. The general was executed and
his family was imprisoned in horrendous conditions for nearly 20 years
before escaping and later being allowed to leave the country. This is Malika
Oufkir's first hand account of the ordeal. |
The Age of Sacred Terror |
Bernard Lewis |
**** |
For anyone who truly wants to understand the core issues
the world is facing the in the middle east, this is a must read. Lewis does
an excellent of trying to help us understand the issues from many
perspectives and the challenges we face. Given our nee |
The Bounty Trilogy |
Charles Nordhoff |
**** |
Three books staring with Mutiny on the Bounty describe (1)
the journey of the Bounty and the Mutiny; (2) the incredible voyage of
Captain Bligh and his crew in an open boat across the ocean, and (3) the
journey of the mutineers led by Chirstian Fletcher and their settlement and
ensuing life on Pitcairn Island. |
The Captain's Wife |
Douglas Kelley |
**** |
A novel based on the true story of Mary Patten, the wife of
Captain Joshua Patten who was in command of a clipper ship bound from the
east coast to California in 1856. After the mutinous first mate is thrown in
the brig the captain falls ill, leaving his wife, who has learned celestial
navigation, and an inexperienced second mate to sail the ship around Cape
Horn and complete its voyage. A well written and enjoyable read. |
The Covenant |
James Michener |
**** |
Fascinating story of the history of South Africa. I was so
glad I read this book before going there. It gave me such a great
understanding of the whole situation. |
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time |
Mark Haddon |
**** |
Wonderful book written from the point of view of an
autistic 15-year old boy. The boy finds his neighbor's dog murdered and
after at first being suspected, is determined to find the real killer. The
story line is really just a forum for allowing us to see into the life of
this boy and understand how he sees the world and how the world see him.
Entertaing, funny, and sometimes sad all at the same time. ANd of course, he
does solve the murder! |
The Da Vinci Code |
Dan Brown |
**** |
Fascinating novel featuring a secret society once headed by
Leonardo da Vinci and its quest to protect a secret potentially harmful to
the church. The story is good but the fun is in all the tidbits of factual
information about da Vinci and the church. |
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea |
|
**** |
A good story weaved around the true events of the life of
William Chamberlain, an 8 year old boy who was kidnapped by the captain of a
whaling ship, later taken by pirates, then saved by the English where he
fought in the battle of Algiers, ultimately to return home to Australia
where he became captain of his own whaling ship. Quite an incredible tale,
well researched and fun to read, though some events have by necessity been
arrived at by speculation to weave the story together. |
The Discoverers |
Daniel Boorstin |
**** |
Excellent book that examines mans history as discoverers.
It includes many great adventures and scientific discoveries and bring to
life many heroes of discovery, both well-known and not so known. It also
parallels the path of discoveries on a world-wide basis, incorporating
fascinating information on Asia that many Americans have never heard of. It
does take some time to get through, but you will find it time well spent. |
The First Man in Rome |
Colleen McCullough |
**** |
Historical novel set in Rome in the first century BC. A
very entertaining book that brings the ancient Roman culture and politics to
life. The main characters are real historical figuresand the actions
described in the book are historically accurate. A long book (900 pages)
with a complex set of characters, but definitely worth the effort. First
book of a four part series. |
The Fountainhead |
Ayn Rand |
**** |
The tale of a great acrhitect and others who are very good
at what they do. |
The Gates of November |
Chaim Potok |
**** |
(Bradley's review) This really makes one appreciate their
US Citizenship, flaws and all. This true story is a short but very revealing
history of the Soviet Union, beginning in 1900 until 1991, as seen and
experienced through the eyes of the Slepak Family, Volodya and Masha.
Voldoya's father was a Jew, and one of the founding fathers of Soviet
Communism. Volodya and Mashsa became one of the most famous Refusnik’s of
the 70’s and 80’s. This is the story of their lives, and the brutal
repressions that occurred in the USSR. Could it happen again? |
The Glory |
Herman Wouk |
**** |
A continuation of the story begun in The Hope - just as
good! |
The Grass Crown |
Colleen McCullough |
**** |
Second in the First Man In Rome Series. It continues the
adventures of Gauis Marius and Cornelius Sulla. A long book that is worth
the effort. |
The Greatest Game Ever Played |
David Frost |
**** |
A great true golf story about the 1913 US Open won by
amatuer player Francis Ouimet. A combination biography of Ouimet and his
British foe, Harry Vardon, combined with a great history of the game, Frost
combines stellar research with a great writing style |
The Hope |
Herman Wouk |
**** |
Excellent historical fiction novel about the beginnings of
Israel. Very good use of characters and good story-telling. |
The Inextinguishable Symphony |
Martin Goldsmith |
**** |
Reviewed by Bradley. True story of a Jewish family in
Germany from 1930 through the 1990's. What makes the story so potent is
rather than focusing on the horror of the camps, Goldsmith follows his own
family's journey through the evil of Germany leading up to the war. By
taking us through the daily impact of each new law we are given a new
understanding of how a country could become so evil while the world stood
by. |
The Innocent Man |
John Grisham |
**** |
John Grisham's first attemp at non-fiction tells the story
of two me falsely convicted for a rape and murder in a small Oklahoma town.
One was sentenced to death and was within several days of his execution when
he was granted a new trial and eventually exonerated. It is a well
researched and well told story which should scare even the staunchest
proponents of the death penalty. The story touches on all aspects of the
criminal justice system, from police investigation to prosecution, to
corrections facilities, to the appeals process, and includes much about
mental health issues. Definitely worth a read! |
The Kite Runner |
Khaled Hosseini |
**** |
Fabulous book about a young boy growing up in Afghanistan.
The author is able to educate us about the political history of the country
and how it affected the people who live there as well as creating a
wonderful set of characters who experience their own personal struggles and
growth. One of the best books I have read in a while, this one is on the
highly recommended list! |
The One Percent Doctrine |
Ron Suskind |
**** |
(Bradley) This is a very powerful book. If you are a fan of
the current administration it is an eye opener as to how they shot down
legitimate discussion to find the best solutions. But it also clearly shows
why the superficial solutions the Democrats’ have offered (and are about to
offer again in 07) will not work against an enemy focused on the long term.
We must find was to keep our focus, fight terrorism, install democracy in
the Middle East without losing our rights at home. For anyone not intimately
involved in government Ron does an excellent job of taking the reader inside
the decision process. One key weakness of this book is his inability to
quote or document his sources for most of the work, because of this current
administrations extreme desire to quell debate even among Republicans. I
gave it four stars, because it is a book that I think most Americans would
benefit from reading, and then we could have a good public debate on how we
want to face the challenges of the fanatical Terrorist.
|
The Power of One |
Bryce Courtenay |
**** |
Excellent novel set in South Africa before and during WWII.
The best book by Australia's best known author. |
The Real All Americans |
Sally Jenkins |
**** |
Though the story centers around a football team at the
Carlisle Indian School, the book is about much more than football. It offers
an insight into the debates about what to do about Native Americans, how to
educate and assimilate them, the biases against them, the humilations they
suffered, etc. There are heroes and villains and ultimately a football team
that people cheered for until they started to beat the college football
powers like Harvard. The story culminates with the game between the Carlisle
Indians, with their legendary coach Pop Warner, and West Point. Whether you
like football or not, you will likely enjoy this book! |
The Sea Shall Embrace Them |
David W. Shaw |
**** |
True story of the shipwreck of the steamship Arctic in 1854
and the actions of the crew which ranged from heroic to despicable. A well
written book, easy to read. It is based entirely on factual accounts of the
incident. |
The Tiger Ladies |
Sudha Koul |
**** |
A memoir of the author growing up in Kashmir during the
time immediately following India and Pakistan gaining their independence. A
beautifully written book, it tells the tale of a typical Kashmiri family
living in harmony with their neighbors and the land and how that was all
ultimately changed by violence and hatred. |
Touch the Top of the World |
Erik Weihenmayer |
**** |
True story of a man who lost his vision in his teens,
struggled to "find himself" and ultimately became a world-class rock climber
and mountaineer. Told by the author, the story is both fascinating and
inspiring - I highly recommend it. The final chapter tells of his successful
attempt to climb Mt. Everest - a controversial feat as it potentially can
endager his climbing partners. Don't pass this one up! |
Trinity |
Leon Uris |
**** |
Great historical fiction illustrating much of the history
and source of problems in Ireland. |
Tuesdays with Morrie |
Mitch Albom |
**** |
True story of the author who looks up an old college
professor who has a terminal illness. What began as just a visit, evolves
into a weekly meeting where the professor continues to teach his student
about the meaning of life. A touching, well-written book about a great
character, you will definitely need some Kleenex. |
Two Years Before the Mast |
Richard Harvey Dana, Jr. |
**** |
A classic sailing book. Dana was a Harvard graduate who had
severe eye strain and signed on for a two year voyage as a common seaman in
1834. This is the story of his two year journey which took him around Cape
Horn to a foreign country called "California" where he and his shipmates
collected cow hides to bring back to Boston. The book is full of great
details about the difficulty of a sailors life - rich in imagery, heavy on
sailing jargon, and loaded with real characters, including a ruthless
captain and many exotic fellow sailors. The book was a bestseller when
published in 1840 and remains a classic today. Recommended for anyone with
an interest in sailing the old fashioned way. |
Under the Banner of Heaven |
John Krakauer |
**** |
An intruiging but disturbing book which examines the
fundamentalist side of the Mormon Church in the context of two brothers who
murdered a woman and infant in the name of God. The book provides a great
history of the Mormon Church and points to the danger of fanatic extremism
in any religion. |
Walking the Bible - A Journey by Land Through the Five
Books of Moses |
Bruce Feiler |
**** |
The author, who is Jewish but not very religious, sets of
on a journey throught the middle east to visit the primary sites of biblical
events in the Old Testament in a personal quest to come to grips with his
own beliefs. Along the way he comes to have a better understanding of both
modern and ancient cultures, how to reconcile archeology with the events in
the bible, and many different views of spiritualism and God. It is a well
written and thought provoking book that will be enjoyed no matter what your
religious beliefs or view of the bible. |
World Without End |
Ken Follett |
**** |
The long awaited sequel to Pillars of the Earth, one of my
all time favorite books. This one is good too, though quite long - it could
be subtitle "Book without end". Like its predeseccor 18 years ago, this book
is set in 14th Century Kingsbridge, where the residents endure injustice,
greed, plagues, love, hate, revenge - all the things a good epic novel need.
For lovers of historical fiction, this won't disappoint. Though the
characters can at times be annoying, and there is a bit too much injustice
to the poor, it's another great effort and one you will enjoy - IF you have
the time! |