Play Book Tag discussion
Member Challenge Tracking 2021
>
Jeremiah's 2021 Challenge
date
newest »
newest »
24 Books for 20211. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - 5 Stars - January 18
2. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by Richards and O'Brien - 4 Stars - January 30
3. The Blight Way by Patrick F. McManus - 3 Stars - February 7
4. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson - 4 Stars - February 19
5. Avalanche by Patrick F. McManus - 3 Stars - February 21
6. Honolulu by Alan Brennert - 5 Stars - March 27
7. The Guest List by Lucy Foley - 5 Stars - April 19
8. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - 5 Stars - May 10
9. Living in the Rain - Ann Ormsby - 5 Stars - May 24
10. Divided States by Rick Treon - 3.5 Stars - June 4
11. Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris - 2 Stars - June 7
12. Picture Unavailable by Andrew Brandt (manuscript) - June 11
13. All the Right Notes by Andrew Brandt - June 13
14. Veritas by Charles D'Amico - 3 Stars - June 26
15. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty - 3 Stars - June 27
16. The Stonewall Reader by New York Public Library - 4 Stars - July 18
17. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts - 3 Stars
18. A Promised Land by Barack Obama - 5 Stars
19. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain - 5 Stars
20. Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner - 5 Stars
21. Fordlandia by Greg Grandin - 4 Stars
22. Let the Guilty Pay by Rick Treon - 5 Stars
23. The Kalahari Typing School for Men - by Alexander McCall Smith - 3 Stars
24. Falling Upward by Richard Rohr - 3 Stars
25. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer - 4 Stars
26. The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt - 2 Stars
27. Mind Hostage by Emily Skinner - 5 Stars
28. The Lost Man by Jane Harper - 5 Stars
29. No Greater Love by A.W. Tozer - 3 Stars
30. Red, White, & Royal Blue by Case McQuiston - 5 Stars
31. An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love by Richard and Kristine Carlson - 4 Stars
32. Home by Toni Morrison - 5 Stars
33. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah - 5 Stars and Favorite
Fly the PBT Skies1. January - Snow Flower - Bonus Tag - 7,786.51 miles
2. February - Walk in the Woods - 7546.83 miles
3. March - Honolulu - 7,154.06 miles
4. April - The Guest List - 5705.48
5. May - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - 5838 miles
6. June - Letter to a Christian Nation - 5944 miles
7. July - The Paris Wife - 4,718 miles
8. August - Fordlandia - 5294.24
9. September - Kalahari Typing School - 5,169.72
10. October - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - 7679.74 miles
11. November - The Lost Man - 10,449.84 miles
12. December - The Four Winds - 8986.09
12 Books from 2012 TBR1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
2. A Walk in the Woods
3. Honolulu
4. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
5. Letter to a Christian Nation
6. The Paris Wife
7. Fordlandia
8. Kalahari Typing School for Men
9. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
10. The Sisters Brothers
11. An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love
12. Home
6 Spiritual/Philosophy Audiobooks1. Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes - Richards and O'Brien - January
2. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty - February - June
3. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts - July
4. Falling Upward by Richard Rohr - October
5. No Greater Love by A.W. Tozer - December
6. An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love by Richard and Kristine Carlson - December
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See5 Stars
Reading Goal: Books Added to TBR in 2012
Cross Posted to Fly the PBT Skies
In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men.
As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
When evaluating a fictional book I pay particular attention to the development of the characters, the plot, and the overall execution of the novel. If any of these three areas are particularly lacking, no matter how much I enjoyed the book, I am going to lower my star rating. In order to receive five stars, each of these aspects must be especially well-done by the author.
The characters created by Lisa See in this novel were simple and yet relatable. Lily and Snow Flower, in particular, were both accurate to the time period and still convincing for the modern reader. The way they both experienced grief, pain, joy, and hope was well executed in both overt and subtle ways. Despite their differences, I found myself both loving and cheering for both of them throughout the novel.
Overall, the plot was quite simple but was appropriate for the lives of women in the time of the novel. Women were largely confined to the women's chambers or were serving others in the house. With that, a simple focused plot moving on a linear path was the ideal fit. Anything more dynamic or far reaching would have lacked authenticity.
Importantly, it was clear that Lisa See had done her research prior to attempting to write this novel. Her portrayal of the historical events as well as the cultural conventions made the novel not just an enjoyable story, but also an insightful glance into a unique history.
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by Richards and and O'Brien4 Stars
Audiobook
What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. For example: Biblical scholars Brandon O'Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that Western readers often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where modern Westerners have significantly different assumptions about what might be going on in a text. Drawing on their own cross-cultural experience in global mission, O'Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in language, time and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways. Getting beyond our own cultural assumptions is increasingly important for being Christians in our interconnected and globalized world. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ.
As a minister, all too often the problem with books on reading scripture is that they take the approach of telling the reader how they should interpret certain verses. They take a singular dogmatic doctrinal view and try to force all readers to accept that view. A major selling point of this book for me is the focus on concepts instead of particular interpretation.
Some of the concepts explored included: Individual vs. Collective; Right/Wrong vs. Honor/Shame; Sexual Modesty vs. Monetary Modesty; and Themes vs. Chronology as a structure for writing.
Clearly, the book focuses on reading scriptures as a Christian, but it also presents an interesting take on the values of our western culture that touch on where we are today with politics, the pandemic, entertainment, and general interactions.
This quote captures one of the themes so well and is extremely relevant outside of just how we read scripture:
"Western societies are, by and large, individualistic societies. The most important entity in an individualistic culture is the individual person."
My only reason for giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that it felt a bit repetitive towards the end. Overall, the book is well written, the narration is well done, and the book is quite thought provoking.
The Blight Way by Patrick F. McManus3 Stars
Audiobook
The characters, especially Sheriff Tully and his dad Paps were delightful. I laughed out loud at times and was completely rooting for them by the end of the book. I could just see the two of them bickering at each other but working together in perfect unison to catch the "bad guys."
Overall, if you want a "cozy mystery" with a small town take this is a book and series to pick up. I personally am on to book two in the Bo Tully series.
Starting Location: ChinaDestination: North Carolina (Tagged by 11 People - Page 4 - Right Column)
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Miles: 7546.83
No Bonus Miles
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
4 Stars
Cross-Posted for Travel Game - North Carolina
The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America—majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way—and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).
I am not an outdoors person, not a hiker, not a person who wants to sleep out in a tent -- but for some reason this book has intrigued me for a number of years. I added it to my To-Be-Read shelf in 2012 and have thought about reading it many times since then. I was never quite sure why it intrigued me, and I was always afraid I would be sorely disappointed when I did read it. But it was the perfect book for February so I decided to finally get it off my never ending TBR list.
First of all, let me say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. All too often books like this feature an author that in all their toxic masculinity is proud to have wondered aimlessly through a blizzard, lost three toes in an accident, and made fun of everyone who can't walk 14 miles a day through the wilderness. Bill Bryson still walked far more of the Appalachian Trail than I ever want to but his approach was far more realistic and far more honest about the struggle. This made the book several degrees more enjoyable.
While there is a good deal just about his adventures on the trail, I also found the ecological asides very interesting. There is no doubt in my mind that the decades and even centuries of abuse of our lands in this country have done irreparable harm to the natural world around us. However, it does seem as though the impact to the woodlands of the eastern part of the country is by far more devastating than most. The worst part being there is no easy way to reverse that trend.
Finally, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of humor. There were moments that I laughed during the book but I expected a bit more wit and well crafted humor as Bryson told this story. Maybe I had a faulty expectation going into the book but it was a let down how much of the book was very factual and to the point.
Overall, I am glad that I finally picked up this book. It was a worthwhile read.
Avalanche by Patrick F. McManus3 Stars
Audiobook
2nd Book in the Bo Tully Series
SHERIFF BO TULLY OF BLIGHT COUNTY, IDAHO, IS BACK.When the call comes in that Mike Wilson, the unlikable owner of West Branch Lodge, has gone missing, Sheriff Tully is delighted. This is an excellent opportunity for Tully, his tracker pal Dave, and his retired sheriff father, Pap, to enjoy a few evenings of hot tubs and single-malt scotch at the luxurious lodge while working the case. However, visions of R & R vanish in a flash on the drive up, when Tully and Pap suddenly realize an avalanche is thundering down the mountain, straight toward them.
The second book in the Sheriff Bo Tully series is just as much fun as the first book. If you are looking for serious literary merit or a mystery that provides unexpected plot twists these books are not for you. But if you enjoy a fun-cozy mystery, that reduces your anxiety because the stories follow the formula they are supposed to, then these are excellent books.
The characters, especially Sheriff Bo Tully, are absolutely fantastic in these books. I really enjoyed Pap in the first book, but he doesn't play as significant a role in this second story. But the good-hearted but yet tough nature of Bo continues to develop and continues to be a delightful experience. While I would not say the character is complex, I really appreciate the fact that he is dynamic and despite his rough edges his moral code shines through.
The narration of this second book was improved over the first book which helped to be able to enjoy it.
Overall, these are fun cozy mysteries that make for really fun reading.
Honolulu by Alan BrennertPaperback
5 Stars
Cross Posted to PBT Skies
Instead of the affluent young husband and chance at an education that she has been promised, she is quickly married off to a poor, embittered laborer who takes his frustrations out on his new wife. Renaming herself Jin, she makes her own way in this strange land, finding both opportunity and prejudice. With the help of three of her fellow picture brides, Jin prospers along with her adopted city, now growing from a small territorial capital into the great multicultural city it is today. But paradise has its dark side, whether it's the daily struggle for survival in Honolulu's tenements, or a crime that will become the most infamous in the islands history...
Published in 2009, Honolulu by Alan Brennert went through its glory days where it was all the rage to read. Now in 2021, likely forgotten by many who did read it and completely unknown to many younger readers, it deserves a reawakening and a fresh bout of hysteria.
Brennert creates historical fiction in Honolulu the way historical fiction was meant to be written. The research behind this book and the quality of the writing is so impeccable the mind struggles to truly know what is fiction and what is an historical account of a tropical oasis. I have long said James Michener dominates my understanding of the history of Hawaii because of his writing, but now that is equally split with this tale.
I honestly do not understand how anyone that reads this book could: (1) not fall in love with the characters. Both the main character of Jin and her family as well as all of the other characters from the most significant to the most minor face the challenges of life -- money, love, disease, etc. -- and grow in the process; and (2) not feel like you have spent a few years of your life in Hawaii with them. The characters and their experiences are so well crafted you feel as though you know the characters personally when the story is over.
Finally, this is one of those rare books that truly deserves the genre of literary fiction. This is a genre that is thrown around too much in my opinion with books that don't necessarily have the sophistication in the writing to make them truly literary. Honolulu on the other hand is so well written that the literary nature of the book becomes subtle as the story line captivates.
The Guest List by Lucy FoleyHardback
Fly the PBT Skies
5 Stars
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.
But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.
And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?
Don't you love a book where no blurb can ever do it justice?
There is simply no way you can write a blurb or a review that captures how fantastic this novel is without it being filled by spoilers. That being said, let me see if I can give you a taste for a few of the things I really thought were successes.
First, I am a huge fan of multiple narrators telling the story, especially when it is expertly executed. This particular novel moves between the bride (Jules), the groom (Will), the best man (Johnno), the plus one (Hannah), the wedding planner (Aoife), and a neutral third person narrator. That may seem like a lot of story lines to keep up with, but the character's voices are so clear and distinct that it is never confusing. Instead, it adds depth to the story but that depth is created in a completely natural way without providing too much insight.
Speaking of insight, a huge part of what made this novel work so well was that depth was created in the story and yet never so much that you figured out the story. I was constantly rocked by the next surprise and while most thrillers telegraph their story, this one did not in the least. I was genuinely surprised with each twist because the story was told with such authentic voices.
Finally, the length was ideal. There was plenty of space to develop the characters back stories, and they are fantastic, but yet the story was not bogged down my so many details. The pace was nice, the story was captivating, and most importantly the ending was both punctual and yet unhurried.
Truly one of my favorite thrillers I have read in quite some time.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford5 Stars and a Favorite
Paperback
Fly the PBT Skies and Pursue It
In 1986, Henry Lee joins a crowd outside the Panama Hotel, once the gateway to Seattle's Japantown. It has been boarded up for decades, but now the new owner has discovered the belongings of Japanese families who were sent to internment camps during World War II. As the owner displays and unfurls a Japanese parasol, Henry, a Chinese American, remembers a young Japanese American girl from his childhood in the 1940s—Keiko Okabe, with whom he forged a bond of friendship and innocent love that transcended the prejudices of their Old World ancestors. After Keiko and her family were evacuated to the internment camps, she and Henry could only hope that their promise to each other would be kept. Now, forty years later, Henry explores the hotel's basement for the Okabe family's belongings and for a long-lost object whose value he cannot even begin to measure. His search will take him on a journey to revisit the sacrifices he has made for family, for love, for country.
Rarely is an author able to blend effectively the telling of human oppression with the constant hope of story telling.
The absolute horrors that America engaged in towards the Japanese Americans during WWII is a blight that cannot be forgiven. The darkness of those actions reveal the deepest sins of our nation. Ones that have been repeated in different forms towards different groups over and over again. It is the role of literature to capture such atrocities and keep them in the forefront of our minds.
Yet, at the same time great writers allow us to preserve hope. To believe that love conquers time. To see humanity in the gentleness of youth. To believe that oppression need not destroy our optimism.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet deserves to be read by each new generation of readers. It reminds us of the hate we should avoid and the love we should embrace. I highly recommend this read.
Living in the Rain Ann OrmbsyKindle - ARC - Published June 1, 2021
5 Stars
If your soulmate gives you an ultimatum, is he really the one for you?
When Cassie Pennebaker was just fourteen years old, her mother suddenly abandoned her, leaving Cassie with her unpredictable, mentally unstable grandmother, Sally. From that moment on, Cassie had to pick up the pieces and be the responsible adult. Six years later, she's faced with an impossible decision: leave town with her boyfriend, Joe Darby, to pursue a college degree, a career as a foreign correspondent, and a whole new life-or stay and care for Sally, who cannot care for herself.
Somehow always caught in the middle, Cassie is being pulled apart by everyone else's needs. And it doesn't help when her coworker, Sierra, shows her how carefree life could be-if only the weight of Sally's past wasn't crushing Cassie's slim shoulders.
I must admit I was not prepared for how heavy this novel would be. I finished it a few hours ago and the heartache and fear of the characters is still sitting on my chest. As a warning, if sexual abuse is a trigger for you be cautious with this novel. The author does an incredible job of portraying the long-term devastating impacts of sexual abuse in our country and I highly applaud her for that but oh my...
Authors are gifted with different abilities which are unique and beautiful in their own right. Some create amazing characters, others create story lines that captivate the imagination, and some are able to speak to the human condition. In a style reminiscent of Jodi Picoult, Ormsby takes on the subject of mental illness in America. She hits at the point of how treatment for mental illness is stigmatized, how it often only addresses the surface issues, and how it is so often tied to poverty. Treatment of mental illness is one of the greatest needs facing our nation and this novel does an incredible job of humanizing it and allows us to see the depth of the issue.
Finally, Ormsby raises the question of how do you choose between two loves? How do you choose between one who is your family and one who could be your family? How do you choose between loyalty and hope? These are impossible decisions to make. No matter the choice that is made sorrow and love are going to mix and flow forth. The struggle then becomes finding joy in the midst of the day-to-day struggles that must be conquered.
This one will leave you reflecting on your own choices and also wanting to know how the characters live with their own. A must read novel for 2021.
Divided States by Rick TreonPaperback
3 Stars
In the confusion following a mass shooting, self-destructive Lori Young is kidnapped and told she’s the key to stopping a terrorist plot aimed at reunifying the former United States and restoring its status as a global superpower.
The group of former CIA officers wants Lori to leverage her ex-husband and his team of former Tier One military operators into hijacking a nuclear weapon, which will be used to destroy the flow of the continent’s most valuable resource and ruin global markets.
But the terrorists have a traitor in their midst, and together they can help avoid the nuclear strike — if she learns to weaponize her unusual skillset instead of constantly numbing the pain of her troubled past.
Rick Treon has created a unique work of speculative fiction. While he clearly states in the acknowledgements that this book is not tied to the current state of American politics, it is difficult to read this book and not see the parallels. Because of that, whether intended or not, Treon's speculative fiction at times hits very close to home.
For a work that is not historical fiction or non-fiction, it is clear that Treon has done a significant amount of research into special forces groups and operations. The technical lingo in the book, while at times almost too much, gives the book an extra weight of authority and authenticity. I truly appreciate an author that while writing fiction does their homework.
For me, a few things drive how I feel about a book. Two of those items for me are character development and nature and pace of the plot. What really stood out in Divided States was not so much the development of the characters but rather the creation of them. I don't want to give away any spoilers here, but Lori is one of the more unique characters I have read in recent months.
As for the plot, the story moved at a good pace and kept me engaged as a reader. I did find that some of the twists were hard to follow. I appreciate not seeing a twist coming, but not understanding how a twist developed did hurt my overall view of the book a bit. However, the plot is engaging and unique.
Overall, if you enjoy thrillers and especially ones that involve politics, this is a great read to pick up.
Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris2 Stars
Kindle
Cross Posted to Fly the PBT Skies
In response to The End of Faith, Sam Harris received thousands of letters from Christians excoriating him for not believing in God. Letter to A Christian Nation is his reply. Using rational argument, Harris offers a measured refutation of the beliefs that form the core of fundamentalist Christianity. In the course of his argument, he addresses current topics ranging from intelligent design and stem-cell research to the connections between religion and violence. In Letter to a Christian Nation, Sam Harris boldly challenges the influence that faith has on public life in our nation.
This was a quick read for me, but overall a disappointing read. I am always willing to read opinions and perspectives that differ from my own. In fact, I picked up this book because I expected it to challenge me. After all, Sam Harris touts this novel as the a measured refutation of the beliefs of Christianity.
The problem is, the book is so poorly formulated that it defies respect. The author seems to form the basis of his arguments around the thought that morality is defined as eliminating all suffering. That if mankind is facing heartache, grief, or other forms of discomfort that it must be because the answers to that are somehow inadequate.
As both a spiritual person and an avid reader this approach to life is incongruous with reality. Life will never be without suffering and cultures the world over have accepted that fact. The question rather is, how do we counter that suffering with love, beauty, and compassion?
I'm glad I finally picked this book up, but I am sad it fell so short of expectations.
Veritas by Charles D'Amico3 Stars
Paperback
Neil Baggio has adjusted to life after the Bureau, finally accepting he may never close the case of his mentor-turned-famed-killer, Cappelano.
But Cappelano isn't finished with his student yet. Neil is still in need of his teachings, and Cappelano will do everything in his power to finish the lesson.
After a rash of killings by Cappelano, Neil is drawn back into the Bureau and his unfinished business with his mentor. But to finally put things to an end, he won't play by the Bureau's rules again. He'll have to color outside the Bureau's lines if he's going to catch Cappelano once and for all.
Mystery novels are my guilty pleasure. I love nothing better than a good police procedural with characters that are willing to cross the line in the name of justice. Combine that with a unique story line of a former partner and mentor turned into a serial killer and Veritas seemed like a novel I would not be putting down and the Neil Baggio series one that I would be consuming greedly.
Don't get me wrong, there was a great deal about this book that I really enjoyed. Neil Baggio is a character in the same vein as Harry Bosch. Tough as nails, willing to work on his own while playing his cards close to his vest, and yet be a lover and a kind hearted man all at the same time. For any faults this book has, Neil Baggio as a character is not one of them.
I also really liked the plot line. There was enough realistic elements to keep me engaged and yet it was fantastic enough that I was not worried about it being believable. In other words, I knew it was fiction and I loved getting sucked in to the story.
The only real problem with the book, and it is a huge problem, is the editing. If the book was edited it was done so very poorly. Entire passages were wrong because the time changed within the passage. The internal dialogue was confusing and weighty. In general, the book could have been about 75 pages shorter and would have been much improved.
I am still giving this book three stars because I genuinely liked the characters and found the story line engaging. I will still likely read the second book in the series because I want to know what happens, but I sincerely hope more effort was given to refining the series as it moves forward.
Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty3 Stars
Audiobook
In this inspiring, empowering book, Shetty draws on his time as a monk to show us how we can clear the roadblocks to our potential and power. Combining ancient wisdom and his own rich experiences in the ashram, Think Like a Monk reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits, and access the calm and purpose that lie within all of us. He transforms abstract lessons into advice and exercises we can all apply to reduce stress, improve relationships, and give the gifts we find in ourselves to the world. Shetty proves that everyone can—and should—think like a monk.
Honestly, this is one of those books that I am not entirely sure how to review. It is undoubtedly valuable, whether you are religious or not, whether you are spiritual or not, or whether you are a fan of self-help or not there are things you can apply from this book to your life. But at the same time, it was one of those books that packs too much information into the pages in order to absorb it all.
To be honest, it took me a long time to work through this book. I did not find myself being drawn back into the text and had to really dedicate myself to it in order to finish. Maybe it was that disjointed nature that took away some of the value for me. In the end, I am happy that I made it through it and I am pleased with the matters of perspective it gave me in tid bits.
My greatest piece of advice to potential readers is to know what you want from this book when you pick it up. If you are wanting to systematically implement the tools and advice that Shetty provides you need to have a good process for note taking, application, and re-reading in place. Reading or listening straight through will need lead to wholesale application. If you are interested in thoughtful reminders, bits of advice, and new perspectives then you can probably devour this one much faster.
The Stonewall Reader by THe New York Public Library Paperback
4 Stars
Drawing from the New York Public Library's archives, The Stonewall Reader is a collection of first accounts, diaries, periodic literature, and articles from LGBTQ magazines and newspapers that documented both the years leading up to and the years following the riots. Most importantly the anthology spotlights both iconic activists who were pivotal in the movement, such as Sylvia Rivera, co-founder of Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries (STAR), as well as forgotten figures like Ernestine Eckstein, one of the few out, African American, lesbian activists in the 1960s. The anthology focuses on the events of 1969, the five years before, and the five years after. Jason Baumann, the NYPL coordinator of humanities and LGBTQ collections, has edited and introduced the volume to coincide with the NYPL exhibition he has curated on the Stonewall uprising and gay liberation movement of 1969.
First of all, this is a must read for anyone that is interested in understanding the history of the battle for LGBTQ rights in this country. The combination of perspectives and along with the period of time covered (pre-Stonewall, Stonewall, and post-Stonewall) makes the book an excellent primer on that portion of the fight to recognition. I particularly appreciated the different viewpoints on the Stonewall uprising that the book presented.
I must say though that reading a collection like this takes a certain mindset and preparedness. With each of the excerpts you are launched into the middle of a person's story which can be somewhat abrupt and hard to follow. If you are wanting a more complete account or more context around why an author wrote what they did, this book requires a good bit of follow-up.
Finally, it is important to understand that you are reading actual accounts from 50 years ago. The world, including the LGBTQ world, has changed greatly in the last 50 years. Sadly, there are some things that have not changed as much as they should. It is important though to realize that the terms used and the attitudes expressed were the reality of that time period. Some can seem offensive if read through today's lenses but they were simply the reality of that time. We should not devalue a historical book such as this because it does not match with our modern sensibilities.
Overall, this is an excellent collection and well worth the read.
All the Right Notes by Elliott AndrewsKindle
5 Stars
Rett Gordon, the lead singer and primary songwriter for breakout country stars Rett Gordon and the Last Train Home, has a problem: despite the city of Nashville re-opening after the global pandemic, allowing the band to play sold-out concerts once again, he suffers from writer’s block. Knowing that a new album is necessary as part of their contractual obligations with Giant Records, he needs to get the songs written.
When the record label hires renowned poet Nico St. John to assist with the writing of the band’s fast-tracked sophomore album, Rett is incensed, trusting his own skills and talents as a songwriter. St. John, initially unimpressed with Rett, is a reluctant partner, seeing the job as a temporary stop-over in her career in academia.
Despite their initial averseness, Rett and Nico begin working together – and the sparks of attraction become harder and harder to hide. As they write the album, Rett’s stardom becoming more and more apparent, the band lands a surprise tour with industry superstar Mackenzie Taylor – who may have ulterior motives of her own with Rett.
Many people have a few genres that they consistently read from. That is not me. I am able to bounce from genre to genre and when I do I always remember how much I enjoy that genre. Romance, especially modern romance novels like All the Right Notes, immediately pull me in and remind me how much I love the hopeful feelings you get from these books.
I was not planning to read a romance novel, but when I picked up All the Right Notes I could not put it down. I really appreciated how this book combined the unrealistic aspects of just stumbling into love with the very real aspects of how our past and the baggage we carry impacts relationships and how we trust one another. It was the perfect combination of hopeful and yet heart wrenching.
It is still the season for beach reads and guilty pleasures. This is the perfect book to pick up for the end of the summer and just enjoy falling in love.
The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan WattsAudiobook
3 Stars
In this fascinating book, Alan Watts explores man's quest for psychological security, examining our efforts to find spiritual and intellectual certainty in the realms of religion and philosophy. The Wisdom of Insecurity underlines the importance of our search for stability in an age where human life seems particularly vulnerable and uncertain. Watts argues our insecurity is the consequence of trying to be secure and that, ironically, salvation and sanity lie in the recognition that we have no way of saving ourselves.
In the seventy years since this book was written and originally published, much in the world has changed. The circumstances we deal with from day-to-day, the technology that often pollutes our world, and our level of knowledge of events globally has altered our world view. But amazingly, a work like this is just as relevant today as it was seventy years ago, and possibly even more relevant.
This was not a five star or even four star read for me, because it is very esoteric. Watts not only tackles a difficult subject but he does so by cramming more ideas into one page than the mind can comprehend. I appreciate the value of the thought, but as a work for readers to digest it lacks in approachability.
The most powerful thought for me coming out of this book is to avoid the habit of trying to step outside of oneself to judge the morality or benefit of our actions. Watts encourages the reader to understand that you cannot separate yourself in this fashion. In the present, you yourself, your environment, and those around you. As such, morality is based on how you treat your entire present world.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama5 Stars
In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency—a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.
There are certain books which are simply difficult to review. A Promised Land is one of those books for me. It contains too much information, too many insights, and is, quite frankly, too factual to make it easy to review. Having said that, here are a few thoughts of mine after finally finishing this behemoth.
First, it is insanely well written. These memoirs go into depth about a multitude of events covering a substantial period of time and not once did I get lost in the series of events or the people involved. I cannot even precisely explain how this was accomplished but I was impressed by the clarity of the presentation of information. Furthermore, in a world where virtually every book has editing errors this one did not seem to have any. Maybe a former President can demand that, but it seems to be a rare accomplishment in today's publishing industry.
Second, it is personal. In its personal nature the insights shared and the intelligence of this man show through. Keep in mind this is a memoir. It relies not only on facts as they stood that day but on hindsight after the event. The trends developing during President Obama's first term and the future events resulting from those trends are displayed and reflected upon.
Finally, it is political without being political. What I mean is, the book discusses policies, attitudes, and politics but this book is not a hack job. It does not set out to destroy political opponents or build political futures of allies. The book reports the views of this leader and how those views were influenced by and influenced the world of politics. This in and of itself is refreshing.
It took me over 6 months to finish this incredibly long book. It amazes me to think of how many more volumes are coming in order to cover the eight years of this administration, but I look forward to reading the next volume.
Starting Location: AmericaDestination: Paris (Tagged 288 times)
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Miles: 4,718
Bonus Miles: 0
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
5 Stars
Paperback
Cross Posted to Fly the Skies
Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway and her life changes forever. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill prepared for the hard-drinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy. Surrounded by beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.
A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.
Off the top, I must admit that I am not truly a neutral audience for this book. When I came to love American fiction, Ernest Hemingway was one of my first loves. In addition to that, The Sun Also Rises and A Moveable Feast are my favorite works by Hemingway and are deeply linked with this book. So I was destined to be captivated by this novel.
Even given that, this book is fantastic and unique. It is truly historical fiction, but McLain researched it so well that it feels more like a memoir than fiction. I once heard -- history says Hemingway walked to the window and historical fiction tells you what Hemingway thought as he walked to the window. That was absolutely the case with this novel. The way McLain brings these characters to life and tells the story fresh again was absolutely breathtaking.
There is no way for me to try to capture everything I loved about this novel. Reading it was the experience of being absorbed by it. The deliciousness of feeling every word that was written and being inexplicably sad when it was over.
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner5 Stars
Paperback
Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favor to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless.
A sparkling novel about the complexities of female relationships, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most.
This book was a classic summer read -- just letting you slide in and enjoy. It doesn't make you work or struggle, just smooth and easy like good jazz on a hot summer night.
For me, I really like the mix of chic lit/romance with a mystery. I won't say any more to keep from including spoilers. This mixture was a fun twist and added an extra dimension to the reading.
The characters and character development was nothing exceptional but the characters are not flat either. As a reader, you are not inundated with complex backstories but you get enough information for the characters to be alive and relatable. In similar fashion, the plot was not necessarily complex but yet it was not predictable either.
This was a really nice vacation read.
Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City by Greg Grandin4 Stars
Kindle
Cross Posted to Fly the PBT Skies
The stunning, never before told story of the quixotic attempt to recreate small-town America in the heart of the Amazon.
In 1927, Henry Ford, the richest man in the world, bought a tract of land twice the size of Delaware in the Brazilian Amazon. His intention was to grow rubber, but the project rapidly evolved into a more ambitious bid to export America itself, along with its golf courses, ice-cream shops, bandstands, indoor plumbing, and Model Ts rolling down broad streets.
Fordlandia, as the settlement was called, quickly became the site of an epic clash. On one side was the car magnate, lean, austere, the man who reduced industrial production to its simplest motions; on the other, the Amazon, lush, extravagant, the most complex ecological system on the planet. Ford’s early success in imposing time clocks and square dances on the jungle soon collapsed, as indigenous workers, rejecting his midwestern Puritanism, turned the place into a ribald tropical boomtown. Fordlandia’s eventual demise as a rubber plantation foreshadowed the practices that today are laying waste to the rain forest.
More than a parable of one man’s arrogant attempt to force his will on the natural world, Fordlandia depicts a desperate quest to salvage the bygone America that the Ford factory system did much to dispatch. As Greg Grandin shows in this gripping and mordantly observed history, Ford’s great delusion was not that the Amazon could be tamed but that the forces of capitalism, once released, might yet be contained.
This book provided a look into not only Henry Ford's incredible experiment in the Amazon but generally into the life and views of Henry Ford. If you are not familiar with Ford and the history of how he ran his business this book will likely surprise you and leave you upset at the foundation of this major car company.
In regards to the experiment in the Amazon in particular, I found this book to be a vivid portrait of what happens when we do not believe in relying on expertise. We are currently living in an age where the death of expertise is all around us, but this view is not entirely new or unique. Henry Ford relied more on "his people" than expertise and this reliance had devastating impacts on his experiment.
There are many other thoughts that stood out from this book, but the last one I will capture here is just how much money was spent. This experiment in the Amazon took place in the early portion of the 1900's. Henry Ford and his company spent well over $40 million on this experiment. Even in today's market, $40 million is a sizable investment. But spending $40 million in the midst of the great depression is just beyond my imagination.
If you are interested in economics, ecology, history of Americana, or global business this book is a must read.
Let the Guilty Pay by Rick Treon5 Stars
Paperback
Bartholomew Beck has a secret.
He saw who killed his neighbor, but he lied to the police and now the wrong man is on Death Row.
Oh, and he wrote a bestselling true-crime book on the murder, further cementing his lies.
Twenty years after Summer Foster’s death, Beck’s writing career has gone cold and he’s making ends meet on a Texas oil pipeline when he finds a co-worker beaten to death with a screwdriver sticking out of her right eye — just like Summer.
Mystery novels are my guilty pleasure when it comes to genres to read. However, over the years, I have found that I like mysteries that are not police procedurals. The ability of the characters to move in and out of what might be legal or ethical without losing the credibility of the story is quite enjoyable.
The setting of this book, working on a pipeline through the Texas panhandle, was a unique twist. I did not enter this reading experience with much knowledge of how pipeline construction works, but it seems to me the author did at least an adequate if not a strong job of researching the setting and it is extremely believable. It was exceptionally nice to read a mystery in a new and unique setting such as this.
Finally, I love character development and the characters were truly excellent in this novel. The author was successful in creating characters which captured the small town feel without them feeling stereotypical or flat. I was particularly impressed with the narration and how Beck remained small town but more polished as a professional writer.
Overall, this was a unique and enjoyable mystery.
The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith3 Stars
Cross Posted to Fly the PBT Skies
Mma Precious Ramotswe is content. Her business is well established with many satisfied customers, and in her mid-thirties (“the finest age to be”) she has a house, two adopted children, a fine fiancé. But, as always, there are troubles. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has not set the date for their marriage. Her able assistant, Mma Makutsi, wants a husband. And worse, a rival detective agency has opened in town—an agency that does not have the gentle approach to business that Mma Ramotswe’s does. But, of course, Precious will manage these things, as she always does, with her uncanny insight and her good heart.
This is a difficult book for me to rate and review. Overall, the book is well written. The language is concise, the characters are engaging, and the story moves at a good pace. There is nothing at all wrong with the book, except for the fact that it is generally not engaging. Everything labels this book as a mystery, but there is really no mystery to the book. There is no true plot. How do you rate a book that is expertly written but utterly forgettable?
Many years ago I had read the first three books in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. In going back to read things I shelved in 2012 I wanted to return to this series. Ultimately, I was reminded why I both loved the series but also stopped reading the series. It was my first exposure to "African" story telling but yet it was completely dull. To say the least, I will not return to this series again, but at the same time I could completely understand why people enjoy the series.
Falling Upward by Richard RohrAudiobook
3 Stars
In the first half of life, we are naturally preoccupied with establishing ourselves; climbing, achieving, and performing. But as we grow older and encounter challenges and mistakes, we need to see ourselves in a different and more life-giving way. This message of falling down - that is in fact moving upward - is the most resisted and counterintuitive of messages in the world's religions. Falling Upward offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life's mysteries: how those who have fallen down are the only ones who understand up. We grow spiritually more by doing it wrong than by doing it right, and the disappointments of life are actually stepping stones to the spiritual joys in the second half of life.
Like many books on spirituality, this intriguing work by Richard Rohr is quite esoteric in nature. The spiritual concepts within this writing are complex and nuanced. While the book has value, it simply is not an easy read and not easily understood.
Despite its nature, I found the read to be beneficial and thought provoking. The most insightful aspect of this work is the distinction between first half of life and second half of life mentality. Rohr argues that in the first half of life as people we desire clear boundaries, defined groups, and determined social cues. The first half of life is exclusionary and centered on judgement. In the second half of life, we become much more focused on acceptance, fluid social groups, and relatively loose standards. In other words, in the second half of life we seek to accept, care, and show empathy for those around us.
Based on this concept, Rohr argues that many intuitions, including government, schools, and religion are stuck in the first half of life. These groups have strict standards and form solid walls of exclusion. In order to combat those trends it is necessary to have leaders who have passed into the second half of life. These leaders are able to deal with the pushback they will receive and have the well-being of the entire organization in mind.
I will not claim to agree with everything Rohr sets forth in this book. I found some of his interpretations of scripture to be a stretch and at times that he was forcing ideas to fit the point he was trying to make. However, despite the difficulty of the read and the disagreements at times I found the book a worthwhile endeavor.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran FoerPaperback
4 Stars
Cross-Posted to PBT Skies
Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is an inventor, amateur entomologist, Francophile, letter writer, pacifist, natural historian, percussionist, romantic, Great Explorer, jeweller, detective, vegan, and collector of butterflies. When his father is killed in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre, Oskar sets out to solve the mystery of a key he discovers in his father's closet. It is a search which leads him into the lives of strangers, through the five boroughs of New York, into history, to the bombings of Dresden and Hiroshima, and on an inward journey which brings him ever closer to some kind of peace.
This is yet another book that has been languishing on my TBR pile for some years, but virtually and physically. In my challenge to get books read which I added to my list in 2012 I finally forced myself to pick it up. On the whole, I am glad I finally read this one.
I appreciated the way the author experimented with the structure of the novel. The spacing, the insertion of pictures, the compressed dialogue, and many other aspects made this book a unique reading experience. Even if the story line and the characters were lacking experiencing the structural aspects of this book was worth the time to read it.
As for the story line and plot -- the characters were intriguing if not believable. With all of the characters a suspension of disbelief was necessary in order to accept the story as it was created. This approach to creating characters is not my favorite, but none the less it was well crafted. The plot on the other hand felt rushed and confused. I was never sure what the author was trying to accomplish with different events and the conclusion left much to be desired.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWittAudiobook
2 Stars
With The Sisters Brothers, Patrick deWitt pays homage to the classic Western, transforming it into an unforgettable comic tour de force. Filled with a remarkable cast of characters–losers, cheaters, and ne'er-do-wells from all stripes of life–and told by a complex and compelling narrator, it is a violent, lustful odyssey through the underworld of the 1850s frontier that beautifully captures the humor, melancholy, and grit of the Old West and two brothers bound by blood, violence, and love.
Sometimes the blurb for a book makes it sound much better than the reality of the reading experience. Such was the case with The Sisters Brothers. This book is supposed to be comical but I must have missed those passages. The better description was listless and awkward.
As for the narrator, it seemed as though the author wanted him to have an awakening over the course of the events, but yet it was unclear what he was awakening to. The violence did not stop and the method of resolving issues continued in the same fashion. The ending seem to defy the logic of the early portions of the book. Ultimately, the conclusion of the book felt as pointless as the story line.
I have had this book on my TBR list for a number of years and I now realize why I was unable to find it on the shelves of any local bookstore. It simply is not a book that can be recommended in good faith.
Mind Hostage by Emily Skinner Advanced Reading Copy - Kindle
5 Stars
Inspired by true events.
The effects of anesthesia can linger post-op in a geriatric brain, as was the case with Suzy's mother, Ginny. But something has gone terribly wrong. As Ginny's thoughts are being erased, she exposes shocking repressed memories. Conspiracy. Revelations, that if true, could mean Suzy is in danger.
This is a complex book (in a good way) which I ended up enjoying very much. However, because of the complexity it is difficult to succinctly review. Skinner takes on a challenging task in this novel which left me thinking about the work in multiple layers.
Working from the inside out, the first layer of the book is a medical mystery. Skinner tackles the very real issue of post-operative cognitive disorder (POCD) which happens with many geriatric patients when they are placed under general anesthesia for a surgical procedure. This layer of the book is about raising awareness and to some degree advocacy. I highly encourage you to read the detailed section on this after the conclusion of the book. While this layer is insanely eye opening and incredibly important it is also well blended into the novel and not overwhelming in medical terms and explanations.
The second layer of the book is classic conspiracy/espionage mystery novel. Throughout the book there is suspicion lingering in the air, a sense of being watched, and honestly fear of who or what might happen next. I am a fairly experienced mystery novel reader and typically have the book worked out no less than 3/4 of the way through. However, this novel defied my ability to sort out the plot line and figure out who the mystery. Very impressed that it was unveiling itself to me as I read the final pages.
Third and final layer -- structure, composition, and extraneous details. The weaving in of different characters, the day-to-day activities, the presence of a natural disaster all added to the novel. However, you are looking as a reader for something formulaic and predictable that will not raise your anxiety this book is not that. Rather, the structure, composition, and little details of the book added to a sense of chaos and urgency the main character was experiencing.
Overall, while the complexity of the story through me for a loop at times, I really was impressed with this novel in the end. Excellent writing of a mystery but also very eye opening advocacy. Well worth the read.
The Lost Man by Jane Harper5 Stars
Audiobook
Cross Posted to Fly the PBT Skies
Two brothers meet at the border of their vast cattle properties under the unrelenting sun of outback Queensland. They are at the stockman’s grave, a landmark so old, no one can remember who is buried there. But today, the scant shadow it casts was the last hope for their middle brother, Cameron. The Bright family’s quiet existence is thrown into grief and anguish. Something had been troubling Cameron. Did he lose hope and walk to his death? Because if he didn’t, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects…
The Lost Man was my first experience with a Jane Harper novel and I was extremely impressed. I am quite hopeful that other novels by this author, with an Australian setting, are equally as well written and quite frankly pleasurable to read.
With the end of the year approaching I was looking for a mystery novel set in Australia and this one set in the rugged Outback presented unique qualities which made it especially engaging. While I like mysteries with the rogue individual trying to solve the crime I tend to like police procedurals because they require a bit less suspension of disbelief. However, given the limited cast of characters and the isolated setting, the lack of a detective to solve this crime was not only creative on Harper's point but completely logical as a reader.
Character development is a non-negotiable for me when determining the rating for a book. The Lost Man not only has a depth of character development that is rare, but also has an astounding degree of variety amongst a small group of characters. The variety was to such a degree for it to be nearly impossible to confuse any of the characters.
Finally, and I will attempt to avoid spoilers, while this is a mystery novel I was impressed with Harper's handling of a sensitive social issue and family struggle. It is easy for an author to use these struggles to drive the plot but it is rare when a book fully captures the emotional turmoil as well.
Without a doubt The Lost Man vaulted into my top five reads for this year.
No Greater Love: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus through the Gospel of John by A.W. Tozer, James L. Snyder (Editor)3 Stars
Audiobook
God came in the flesh to show us what love looks like. To truly see the dynamics of this love, we must take a close look at Jesus's relationships while he was here on earth. How he loved then is how he loves now, and how he loves now is how we as believers are to love.
No Greater Love is a study of Jesus's interactions with people throughout the book of John, including Nicodemus, the woman at the well, and even the Pharisees. What did this love look like in action, especially with those who are hard to love? As it turns out, he didn't love people because they deserved it; he loved them because he is love.
This book is essentially based off the sermon notes of A.W. Tozer. As such, it is not like reading or listening to a traditional book and is more a collection of thoughts. Each of the chapters focuses on an aspect of God's love in the way Tozer structured his analysis of the subject. The chapters are short and relatively focused. It is recommended that you only read one chapter and then meditate upon it. I chose to listen straight through and will likely go back and listen to one chapter at a time later.
Overall for me, there were soundbites and individual points Tozer makes which were incredibly insightful, still relevant today, and ones I can truly apply and think more on. Unfortunately, in my opinion, Tozer misses the mark terribly on the most important points of belief in Jesus Christ. He misses the mark on the nature of salvation multiple times and when he does it distracts from some of the very valid points he is establishing.
As for the method of reading this book -- I am sure it would be enjoyable to read in print. I did, however, really enjoy the narration and I would recommend for most people to listen to the audiobook. There is something about having these topics spoken out loud to prompt meditation and further thought.
Finally, as with many spirituality/philosophy books, I believe you should approach this book with a desire to be challenged. It should call into question our actions, make us wonder where we can improve, and set us forward on a path to be a better force in the world in which we live.
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonPaperback
5 Stars
First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince.
As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?
After reading this book, there is no doubt in my mind why it was a Goodreads choice winner for 2019. It is the perfect combination of humor, poignant political insight, and hopeless romance.
After all, I am not sure which is more unrealistic -- falling in love with a Prince or turning Texas blue in a Presidential election -- either way both are fun plots for a book.
This book truly has all of the things you look for in an easy read. The characters are well developed, complex enough without being difficult, and relatable. The plot line moves at a good pace without feeling rushed. And the heroes and villains are well defined.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love by Richard and Kristine Carlson4 Stars
Audiobook
Richard Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series has been an incredible hit, with over 9 million copies of the original book and over 16 million copies of the entire series in print. Sadly, Richard died unexpectedly in December 2006 at the age of 45.
Now Kristine Carlson has created an incredibly moving book in memory of her beloved husband, including Richard's love letter to Kristine on their eighteenth wedding anniversary. The letter answers the questions, "If you had one hour to live and could make just one phone call, who would it be to, what would you say, and why are you waiting?" Kristine responds to this letter in the second half of the book.
This is an extremely short book, but it packs an incredible message.
The premise of the message is simple -- If you only had an hour to live, who would you call? What would you say? And why are you waiting?
These all seem like really simple questions, but in reality the answers are not simple at all. Most of us would have many people we would want to talk to, many things that had been left unsaid, and many regrets about not having enough time. Because of this, the book is not so much about the hypothetical situation but rather about how to live today.
One of the things I appreciate most is this book was written from a place of grief. So often books such as this are written from an outsiders viewpoint trying to offer expert advice. That is not the case with this book. It is not researched and complicated. Rather, it is the simple advice of a woman who lost the love of her life way to early in life in a sudden way. In that sense, the book is raw and so much more powerful.
For most readers, you can finish this in just a few hours. But it is worth reading over and over again. I highly suggest you challenge yourself by reading this book.
Home by Toni Morrison5 Stars
Audiobook
Frank Money is an angry, self-loathing veteran of the Korean War who, after traumatic experiences on the front lines, finds himself back in racist America with more than just physical scars. His home may seem alien to him, but he is shocked out of his crippling apathy by the need to rescue his medically abused younger sister and take her back to the small Georgia town they come from and that he's hated all his life. As Frank revisits his memories from childhood and the war that have left him questioning his sense of self, he discovers a profound courage he had thought he could never possess again.
Toni Morrison is one of the legendary and defining voices of American literature and in particular African-American women's literature. The manner in which she crafts a story brings about mental images that cannot be put away and emotions that cannot be suppressed.
In this particular novel, Morrison explores many important themes. Whether it be the racism in America Frank experiences, the torture he endures from his PTSD, or the impact an oppressive society has on family and community the themes are rich and devastating.
One aspect of this novel which I found to be incredibly intriguing was the journey Frank takes to come back home. In so many ways, the path he follows and the manner in which he gets from "central city" in the north to small town Georgia is almost the underground railroad in reverse. The journey took him from an integrated Army, to a racist but less so northern city, through the midwest, and ultimately back to the place of his original and continuing oppression.
Along the way, as readers we not only learn about the racism he experiences, but also about the causes of his PTSD, the trauma his sister Cee went through, and the destruction oppression causes within families and communities.
Finally, in the end, while Frank Money finds himself, redemption is not part of the discovery. How can it be? How can one be redeemed from weight they have to continue to carry?
P.S. -- An extra joy I had with this book is Toni Morrison narrates it herself. I love reading in print the works of legendary authors, but to hear Toni herself voice this story was a treat and a joy.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah5 Stars - Favorite
Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.
In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation.
A devastating and yet spectacular read!!
Being from the Texas Panhandle (just an hour and a half south and east of Dalhart) the Dust Bowl and its ravaging impacts is something I have read and studied about a great deal. Until now, I believed The Worst Hard Time, best captured not only the events of that era but the emotions which went with it. I still recommend The Worst Hard Time if you want to learn the nonfiction side of the Dust Bowl, but if you want to feel the human impact The Four Winds is now my number one recommendation.
The way Hannah describes the residents of the Panhandle as being stubbornly and fiercely independent is still true today. Those with roots in this country will defend their perception of individual liberty despite how contrary it is to their best interest or their good sense. They will set aside prior values, will abandon friendships, and wreck families over the idea of being independent. I appreciated the way Hannah captures this reality, and yet also captures the incredible and loving people they are deep down. In times of tragedy, like we have experienced recently, both of these sides are glaringly apparent.
While this book in many ways is terribly depressing it also continually presents a flicker of hope that cannot be extinguished. For those that recognize the flicker of hope in others, and who see the way it continually is threatened by the hardships of this life, a desire for empathy is the only possible result. Hannah captures this truth in the way Elsa finds her voice, in the way Jack fights for others, in the teenage fire of Loredo, and in the pure love of Ant. These characters, fictional as they are, will forever live with me. They will forever remind me of who we ought to be as people.
Finally, I must say how much I appreciate a work of fiction which is written in such a way as to capture the grotesqueness of the human condition without becoming coarse in its presentation. It is rare in modern literature to find the author who both captures the asanine inhumanity of people but does not make the work so crass as to be unappealing in and of itself.
I am so glad that I finished my year of reading with this book. It is absolutely a 5 star incredible read and a great way to finish the year.
2. Fly the PBT Skies
3. 12 books from 2012 TBR
4. 6 Spiritual/Philosophy Audio Books