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
Delightful book. So refreshing to be given a tour of the White House without any political angst. I always loved Barbara (Bar as Millie calls her) andDelightful book. So refreshing to be given a tour of the White House without any political angst. I always loved Barbara (Bar as Millie calls her) and reading this I now know why.
This is from the dog's point of view ("dictated to Barbara Bush"), and accompanied by colorful photos. I appreciate the identification of people in the photos at the end. How many are either out of either public life or life itself now. So there's history thrown in as well. If you were alive then you may remember some of them.
Millie is proud of her children as any Mom would be, and glad to tell her story. I think children would love this book, and adults enjoy it as well....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
This is Book #4 of A Wrinkle in Time quintet. I loved it as much as the others or more. What a wonderful descriptive writer. Not only can you see whatThis is Book #4 of A Wrinkle in Time quintet. I loved it as much as the others or more. What a wonderful descriptive writer. Not only can you see what she describes but you can nearly feel it as well. Her characters are well developed, and if you were to meet them you would already know them. Each book can be read on its own, but reading in sequence is a fuller experience. These books go from a family through 3 generations (so far). You will see the characters as they grow up, but mostly you will be rooting for them in their adventures. If you like stories of time travel, mythology or history you will love these books. Lots of mythical characters and animals. I kind of missed Meg and Calvin and Charles Wallace after the 3rd book, but that did not detract from my pleasure. Highly recommended for all ages. A good book to read to those younger too....more
What a joy to read! If you have tissues nearby you will use them for laughing so hard the tears roll down your cheeks. The writing is fantastic, the lWhat a joy to read! If you have tissues nearby you will use them for laughing so hard the tears roll down your cheeks. The writing is fantastic, the laughs many, the dogs definitely stars in their own right. Hidden beneath all, not too far, is advice for life and living that is simple and profound.
I am not familiar with John O'Hurley, which may have made the experience better. Maybe not, if you have enjoyed him before. He has some other books which i look forward to enjoying. You will too....more
A delightful book that will resonate with any cat lover (or non-cat lover too). Captures the spirit of the fline personality as its owned caretaker reA delightful book that will resonate with any cat lover (or non-cat lover too). Captures the spirit of the fline personality as its owned caretaker reads to it. Three stories, easily read and enjoyed. Colorful illustrations. Children and early YA. (and me)...more
By the author of The Never Ending Story, this was a delight to read with magic, evil, a council of animals, a witch and a sorcerer. Lots of suspense aBy the author of The Never Ending Story, this was a delight to read with magic, evil, a council of animals, a witch and a sorcerer. Lots of suspense and more than just the battle between good and evil. Excellent YA book, or for anyone loving a fun read. I stayed up reading half the night, couldn't put it down at the end....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
What a lovely book by the wonderful writer W. Bruce Cameron, author of A Dog's Purpose. This book the first of the Dogs With Purpose series on dogs wiWhat a lovely book by the wonderful writer W. Bruce Cameron, author of A Dog's Purpose. This book the first of the Dogs With Purpose series on dogs with different jobs. [working dogs] This was an ARC, so the rest of the series is truly something to look forward to.
A boy in Hawaii has a father who trains rescue dogs, and the boy falls in love with his latest pupil, a chocolate lab. The bond grows stronger as Kimo trains Zeus, but there may come a day when Zeus will have to be sold in an auction in Europe to support the family. How can the dog and his boy stay together?
Cameron never disappoints with his mixture of tension and humor. His characters are three dimensional, and the story exciting. I had trouble putting the book down. What I love about Cameron's dog stories is they are from the perspective of the dog; however, he doesn't anthropomorphize them, but the narration from the dog shows what the dog may or may not understand.
This is an excellent book for the classroom, or for any child/YA, or any lover of dogs. At the end there is a reading group guide for grades 3-7, ages 8-12. In fact, I would say any book club would love this. Highly recommended....more
I am head over heels in love with this book. I lived with the characters and feel I'd met each of them. This is inspiring and yet down to earth and reI am head over heels in love with this book. I lived with the characters and feel I'd met each of them. This is inspiring and yet down to earth and realistic. The writing is superb. The history interesting and accurate. A young girl leaves her family in 1917 and travels on horseback to eastern Oregon (near me) to "gentle" horses. She is a horse whisperer, and that is what led me to the story. I haven't been on horseback since I was 6 years old, but if you are a lover of horses, you will truly fall in love with this book as I did. The community of people she meets and the work she does are all believable and three dimensional. This is during the First World War and its impact on regular people is well handled, as are patriotism and prejudices. A precursing of wars to come. The wars in my lifetime had less sacrifice on the home front other than those drafted and those who served. I would put this book in the same category of excellence as A Man Called Ove and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, to give you an idea. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful book....more
Another interesting peek at the past. this time 1993 and the age of Clinton, Bosnia, the end of apartheid in South Africa, worry over health care refoAnother interesting peek at the past. this time 1993 and the age of Clinton, Bosnia, the end of apartheid in South Africa, worry over health care reform, Rodney King and still other glimpses into the world and America in 1993-94.
Interviewed were Fred Rogers, Desmund Tutu, Charles Schulz, Donald Hall, Arthur C. Clark, Sherwin Nuland, May Sarton, Patch Adams, Carl Reiner, Karen Armstrong, Barry Goldwater, Dick Cheney and James Jones, Jr. (yes, That James Jones). Also many others in many different fields.
No age was without its worries, hopes and fears. No age was completely peaceful (even the 50s that everyone holds as a model). It is good to look at the past for to see how we are coming with our hopes and promises. Therefore, we stay on a path that might lead to a brighter future.
Everything old is new again:
"All I'm saying is it's obvious to me the American justice system is unfair, always has been and will be for years to come. The Rodney King case is a classic example of aberration. I cannot describe my loathing and revulsion at a system where we looked at a television beating of a person, and those lying officers get on the stand and claim that it took that many people to restrain one man. If they're that weak they should be off the force."~ Benjamin Hooks
"Oh, politics is a game, and it's a game that has to be played. I wish we would work together a little more than we do at times. If we would all work together , I think that sometimes we could accomplish our goal a lot faster." ~Bob Bacon (farmer)
"The law may not make you love me, but the law can make you treat me right until you learn how to love me." Benjamin Hooks quoting Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.
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
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
A lovely book except for Anne's penchant for having parents who are either abusive or distant emotionally. Makes me wonder about her childhood. Anyway,A lovely book except for Anne's penchant for having parents who are either abusive or distant emotionally. Makes me wonder about her childhood. Anyway, Menolly is the singer and things make her endearing and a sympathetic character. You can read the Harper Hall books without worrying about sequence....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
Another wonderful Magic Tree House-Merlin Mission book. I love how this fun and interesting story is just enough to pique interest in Alexander the GrAnother wonderful Magic Tree House-Merlin Mission book. I love how this fun and interesting story is just enough to pique interest in Alexander the Great. Lessons are given softly and with fun and suspense. These are chapter books, but after you've read the beginning three or four of the Treehouse and Merlin series, they really can be read in any order, the premise and the characters are familiar. Reading them in order would be terrific though; I get mine from the library. Oh, and there is a magnificent dragon in this one!...more
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