May be my favorite fiction book of the year. Five stars plus.
Nicholas Evans is the author also of The Horse Whisperer, a wildly popular novel and filmMay be my favorite fiction book of the year. Five stars plus.
Nicholas Evans is the author also of The Horse Whisperer, a wildly popular novel and film. I read his other book The Smoke Jumper and was more or less lukewarm on it in comparison. However, this book was masterfully written on a difficult subject, well balanced, well researched, with suspense and romance thrown in.
I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book, in particular the second half. I even shouted out loud at some of the events, held my breath on others. I love books with well-developed characters that I can fall in love with/or hate; yet, even there Nicholas manages to show both sides of that personality. I truly felt the characters were as real as if I had just returned from visiting them.
When wolves were re-released to Yellowstone, ranchers of Montana were up in arms. The government had the final say however. Yet much rode on the implications of this action in ranching communities.
Highly recommend this book. Sadly I found that Mr. Evans did of a heart attack suddenly at age 72. I am so sad that there will not be more books like this coming from his talented hand. ...more
What a lovely book, highly recommended for good reason. The story of a dog who crossed the jungle to find a home. Arthur is one special, determined anWhat a lovely book, highly recommended for good reason. The story of a dog who crossed the jungle to find a home. Arthur is one special, determined angel of a dog. Mikael is one determined, special angel of a man. A match made in heaven.
I loved this book. The only criticism I have is that it is 86 pages getting to the point. But the author is just a guy, and I suppose the background is necessary. After finishing it, I see that there are several books about Arthur that follow.
Oh, the only other thing wrong is I couldn't get the song by Christopher Cross from the movie Arthur (not about a dog) out of my head the entire time I was reading!! :-)...more
H.G. Wells again forecasts terrible things for the future, in this case centered on one man, a scientist, and his lack of true compassion and his selfH.G. Wells again forecasts terrible things for the future, in this case centered on one man, a scientist, and his lack of true compassion and his self-centered egotism.
Do ethics have a place in science and scientific inquiry? Where does Man fit in with the life forms on the Earth? Can a man create as a god without terrible consequences? These are some of the ideas that Wells explores.
To me this was a horror story. This is the second HG Wells I've read in a row, and I need a break from him for a while. He is an excellent writer, but like Stephen King sometimes his horror is too close to reality. We know today men who put their own selves above ethics and above common humanity, without sympathy, empathy or compassion.
I can't hardly tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book by Walter Farley, tha author of the Black Stallion series. A superb writer with lyrical dI can't hardly tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book by Walter Farley, tha author of the Black Stallion series. A superb writer with lyrical descriptions, great character development, and just enough suspense. I could hardly put the book down.
I'm going to pass it on to some young person. Oh, and it is a lovely book on family, on choices, on communication, on dogs too....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It will go on my reread list. The subject is fascinating, but the wonderful thing about this book is Erhlich's use of I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It will go on my reread list. The subject is fascinating, but the wonderful thing about this book is Erhlich's use of the English language, pure poetry, lovely and startling imagery, and deep insights.
I had read her book on living in the Arctic and was pleased, but this book blew me away for the above mentioned reasons. I particularly liked her comments and experience in the medical model (I was a nurse). Not all doctors are like Blaine, believe me.
It's also an interesting look at the near death experience and how it affected her life. I am so glad she shared her experience. I would highly recommend this book.
"The body is encoded. It is also an instrument inside of which the song of our lives is sung. As he hunched over an elderly patient and placed a stethoscope to the man's chest, Blaine's eyes closed in deep concentration, as if listening to music."
"In the evenings the boat spun on its anchor and mist fell to its knees, raining directly into seawater. Trees grew on red buoys, bald eagles lifted out of dark trunks like white-steepled chapels, a raven ate a crab in the boat's crow's nest, and schools of herring, who sometimes migrate in rolled-up balls five or six inches thick, broad-jumped the incoming tide."...more
I am in love with this book. Cooper Edens has a gift for imagination and here he pieces together art and narrative that is almost poetic. I love it noI am in love with this book. Cooper Edens has a gift for imagination and here he pieces together art and narrative that is almost poetic. I love it not only because it is comforting but because it is out of the ordinary with wonderful art to take you along.
You won't be sorry if you read this magical book....more
This is my first time reading Willa Cather, and I Love her writing style. Her words are like poetry; I think she could make a poem out of a grocery liThis is my first time reading Willa Cather, and I Love her writing style. Her words are like poetry; I think she could make a poem out of a grocery list. Her descriptions of nature and storytelling are just superb.
The setting is Nebraska, in the late 19th century. It is a story of friendship, choices and challenges among a small group of friends in a small rural community. The narrator covers about 40 years of his life moving to Nebraska from Virginia to live with his grandparents after the death of his parents at about 6 years old. The friends have a bond that keeps their friendship alive for all this time, even with some tensions and misunderstandings.
It is a wonderful insight to rural and small town life, and life in the period of the opening of the West in the US. Most of all, I loved her writing although the characters are well developed and real to me....more
W.S. Merwin (1927-2019) is among my favorite poets. His poems reflect on life through nature and he retains a sense of awe and awareness. I'll want toW.S. Merwin (1927-2019) is among my favorite poets. His poems reflect on life through nature and he retains a sense of awe and awareness. I'll want to read these over, one by one, and let them sink into my soul and heart.
A good, grounding book for the times we live in....more
This is a good way to find/relive history. As far as I can tell only these three volumes were ever published (1994, 1995 and 1996). I'll list the chapThis is a good way to find/relive history. As far as I can tell only these three volumes were ever published (1994, 1995 and 1996). I'll list the chapter headings: arts and letters, television radio and film, science, animals, religion, the story of the year: election, the world, Washington (D.C.), America talking, and Enders. Some of those interviewed (* now deceased) were Wynton Marsalis, *Oscar Peterson an Itzhak Perlman, Julie Andrews, *Richard Harris, *Edward O. Wilson, *Sherwin Nuland, *Roger Tory Peterson, *John Shelby Spong, Newt Gingrich, *Warren Zimmerman, *John Chancellor, Calvin Trillin, *C. Edward Koop and (President) Jimmy Carter. This is why I find it interesting to my interest in history. You will not hear 2022 interviews with those starred. I only wish more years had been published. Maybe we should write NPR.....more
I'll list here only my 5 star books, as there are many. I'm not too stingy with 5*; when I feel less than glad I read the book, it gets 4* or less. seI'll list here only my 5 star books, as there are many. I'm not too stingy with 5*; when I feel less than glad I read the book, it gets 4* or less. see () at end of listing for other genres book falls into, as they often do. I began both series and chapter books in 2021, listed there.
In Biography: Russell M. Nelson by Spencer J. Condie (inspirational)
In Memoir/History: A Child of Hitler by Alfons Heck Stories of a Lifetime by Dan Rather Memories of Old Jack by Wendell Berry
Civil/Political: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins (fiction) Carry On by John Lewis (inspirational, YA) Hard Times Require Furious Dancing by Alice Walker Raging 2020s by Alec Ross An Album of Memories by Tom Brokaw (History)
Inspirational: Simple Things by Jim Brickman (YA) No One is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg (ecology, YA) Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury (also holiday, YA, fiction)
Children/Young Adult Fiction: Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Gif Jumanji by Chris Von Allsburg Raising Dragons by Jane Nolen
Fiction (see above also): See Me by Nicholas Sparks
Anne McCaffrey series: Chronicles of Pern Dragonsinger (YA/fantasy/sci-fiction) Dragondrums Dragonsong Dragonseye Dragonheart Dragonharper Dragon's Fire Dragon's Kin Dragon's Dawn Dragon Quest Dragonflight Dolphins of Pern Masterharper of Pern Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern Nerilka's Story Renegades of Pern The White Dragon Dragonlover's Guide to Pern by Jody Lynn Nye and Anne McCaffrey The Atlas of Pern by Karen Wynn Fostad People of Pern by Robin Wood and Anne McCaffrey
Magic Tree House Series: by Mary Pope Osborne Afternoon on the Amazon Civil War on Sunday all also History Day of the Dragon King Dolphins at Daybreak Ghost Town at Sundown Lions at Lunchtime Midnight on the Moon Night of the Ninjas Pirates Past Noon Polar Bears Past Bedtime Tonight on the Titanic Vacation Under a Volcano Viking Ships at Sunrise The Merlin Missions: Abe Lincoln at Breakfast Dogs in the Dead of Night Night of the Ninth Dragon Stallion by Starlight Also by Mary Pope Osborne: Happy Birthday America...more
A wonderful lesson in history; for some of us in our own lifetime. Interviews of various figures, known and not so well known, to cover many topics anA wonderful lesson in history; for some of us in our own lifetime. Interviews of various figures, known and not so well known, to cover many topics and ideas. A gracious look into the lives of some popular figures, and a serious look into the beginning of terrorism in this country. Not excluded is the "common man" and how he is coping with the world of the 20th century. Also, some speculation as to what lies in the future. (Verrry interesting in many ways).
"Death and peace. How can you feel peaceful if you don't feel anything?"~~Delia Ephron
"But the wonderful thing about our democratic system is that anyone can jump in regardless of qualifications and present himself or herself to the American people, whether you are a former general, a former politician, a fool, or whatever."~~Colin Powell...more
Is it that I'm getting tired of Pern, or is it the frequent time travel, or is it the abundance of characters across many books-or is it because this Is it that I'm getting tired of Pern, or is it the frequent time travel, or is it the abundance of characters across many books-or is it because this was written by Anne's son, Todd? I realy hate to give a Pern book less than a 5, but this is so dark and overdone that I have no choice.
This is book 3 of the third pass, turn #508 (most of the time). I mean you need a full wall chart to keep track of these people and dragon's and events. I think also the reason I was less than enamored (although I still like the Pern series) was in this book bad things happened to so many for such a long period of time. Not just the bad guys.
I did like how some enemies became friends in Todd's books. But what all happened to them in other books? Only hints. I guess if I owned all the books and was obsessed with Pern I would make the chart, but I read for pleasure, not work.
Here are some of the characters in this book that carry over from others: Kindan, Lorana, Bekka, Terin, Tullea, B'nik, M'tal, F'don, Fiona, Cisca, T'mar, Xhinna, Teniz, etc. And also associated dragons....more
This is the story of climate change and of a 14 year old who found the facts frightening enough to do something about it. She rallied young people aroThis is the story of climate change and of a 14 year old who found the facts frightening enough to do something about it. She rallied young people around the world to strike for change, because the present change in our approach is too little, and probably too late.
These are reprints of her talks given around the world on the dangers of Climate Change, now and in the future--her future. Her Asperger's makes her unafraid to speak truth, and she has taken much grief because of it. But her message has inspired others to do the same. After all, it is her future we are dealing with.
She gives us till 2030, or rather scientific evidence does, till we have passed the no turning back (tipping) point....more
A quick and enjoyable read, and object #2 to save Morgan is the quest. Along the way they meet fire ants, leopards, a crocodile, a water snake, a monkeA quick and enjoyable read, and object #2 to save Morgan is the quest. Along the way they meet fire ants, leopards, a crocodile, a water snake, a monkey, and just escape seeing a vampire bat. Peanut the mouse accompanies them again. These three should be better read in order as it is a three part quest. First ones I've seen with cliffhangers (almost literally). That would be #5, #6 and #7 of the Magic Tree House series....more
I am only sorry I did not discover the Magic Tree House series when I was a child, but am delighted to read these now. I always end with a smile on myI am only sorry I did not discover the Magic Tree House series when I was a child, but am delighted to read these now. I always end with a smile on my face and increased love for the author. A brother and sister discovered a magic tree house and have gone on many missions as assigned by strangers, or by Merlin. Each adventure travels in time and place. (Shhh-Don't tell the kids they will Learn from these books). This time they travel to the Alps and get to know (very well) some St. Bernards. I think you will enjoy these regardless of your age. The book says from age 7-10, but I say from 7-90....more
This was a delightful book. Had a smile on my face through most of it. Piemur is now my favorite character, next to Master Robinton. No plagues, no warThis was a delightful book. Had a smile on my face through most of it. Piemur is now my favorite character, next to Master Robinton. No plagues, no wars, only one (good) death, lots of fire lizards and more dragonriders and dragons. It is Anne all over and I loved it....more
Three stars only because it is Pern. I find it almost impossible to follow Todd's characters (pernites?) and time jumping. Yes, it adds to the suspensThree stars only because it is Pern. I find it almost impossible to follow Todd's characters (pernites?) and time jumping. Yes, it adds to the suspense, and maybe it all comes together in the end, but it is altogether too much work to keep it all straight and follow the story line. Todd admits to some mistakes in the epilogue; good for him. Maybe fix them too. That said, the characters are well flushed out and somewhat lovable. In spite of himself....more
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