A fascinating recounting of Drake's many adventures. One of my favorite aspects of these kinds of books are the discussions of how such explorers trieA fascinating recounting of Drake's many adventures. One of my favorite aspects of these kinds of books are the discussions of how such explorers tried to make sense of what they were finding: animals, weather, cultural customs that defied anything they had known before. I hadn't realized the close connection of Drake and Queen Elizabeth I--the book shows the vulnerability of the nascent British Empire of the time, how the booty Drake brought back truly did prop up the kingdom and the Queen at a difficult time. Bergreen helpfully gives insightful biographies of many of the characters, and his discussion of the Spanish Armada's defeat was far more complex and nuanced than any I had read before....more
I listened to this audiobook shortly after visiting the memorial and museum in OKC. It provided what I was looking for: a detailed recounting of McVeiI listened to this audiobook shortly after visiting the memorial and museum in OKC. It provided what I was looking for: a detailed recounting of McVeigh's life and motivations, actions leading to the bombing, and the aftermath. He helpfully details McVeigh's biography and intellectual journey, as well as the detailed actions and involvement of his co-conspirators.
I did feel he tried a little too hard to tie McVeigh's ideas and actions in with those of the January 6 rioters. He would often add a glib sentence at the end of a given chapter making this connection once again. I felt the ending chapter, where he went through these connections in detail, was far more effective than the somewhat facile connections he makes throughout the book....more
I've kind of gone down a rabbit hole on the royals because I think there are theological and psychological aspects to the projectionism, idealization,I've kind of gone down a rabbit hole on the royals because I think there are theological and psychological aspects to the projectionism, idealization, and vilification we give to royals/celebrities/gods. Overall, I was impressed and interested in Harry's perspective, vulnerability, and values. I find it interesting how many details he says he doesn't remember; this at time is almost an anti-memoir. But those blockages are part of his trauma and story. I appreciated reading about how he has tried to navigate his privileges and challenges to find a life that is satisfying and meaningful. Each in our own ways, we seek to do the same....more
A thorough, honest but tactful discussion of the life of Queen Elizabeth. There is particular attention paid to her childhood, learning to live in theA thorough, honest but tactful discussion of the life of Queen Elizabeth. There is particular attention paid to her childhood, learning to live in the public eye, and a dedication to duty. My thoughts are that people look to royalty as a kind of Incarnation, and thus royalty can be neither too near nor too remote. This book discusses that balance/tension ably....more
Terrific to hear loving, quiet narratives about a life in Scotland, especially her childhood in Fife, an area with which I was less familiar. Her writTerrific to hear loving, quiet narratives about a life in Scotland, especially her childhood in Fife, an area with which I was less familiar. Her writing in poetic, amusing, and clear. I learned about various places in Scotland but more so, what it was/is like to live there. Her discussions of the intersections of setting and fictional writing were intriguing. I hadn't read any of her mystery books before, but now I've added several to my list! (especially the ones set in Scotland)...more
As this book makes clear, TR's time out in the Dakotas was limited in time frame and extent. It was not solely what "cured" or "toughened" him. ExerciAs this book makes clear, TR's time out in the Dakotas was limited in time frame and extent. It was not solely what "cured" or "toughened" him. Exercise and nature were continually part of this equation for him.
This is a very detailed recounting of TR's childhood... parents get detailed biographies; parents of parents get detailed biographies; ancillary characters get detailed biographies. But they are all interesting portraits of life in the 19th century. Most intriguing was the discussion of TR's father's ebullient character, his love for children, his propriety, his zest for life... an inspiring character.
TR lives of a life of privilege but also challenge. His mind is expanded by nature, travels abroad, reading, etc. His mother's southern roots add another element, including quite a challenge within the family during the years of the Civil War.
Since he didn't intend his diary for publication, Sander is brutally honest. This allows the reader to both feel his humanity and humor as well as witSince he didn't intend his diary for publication, Sander is brutally honest. This allows the reader to both feel his humanity and humor as well as witness his Nazi ideology in operation and his callous brutality. This juxtaposition presents some of the core challenges of warfare. His way of speaking of Jews and Slavic people is rightfully offensive, but his bravery and care for his comrades is admirable. It is an interesting insight into the day-to-day life and tactics of German panzer units....more
Like most voices in the current culture wars, this book tends a bit too far to one side. Though he gives lip service to the genuine tragedies and injuLike most voices in the current culture wars, this book tends a bit too far to one side. Though he gives lip service to the genuine tragedies and injustices of American history, he always moves past them very quickly to make his point. But he makes a valid point, that we have become too obsessed with finding something to be outraged about and have lost our sense of humor, perspective, and resilience. I especially appreciated his early chapters about resilience and fortitude, that allowing quitting or "Plan B" into your mind makes it more likely you will quit. Mental toughness is needed, though he nicely nuances this, saying there are times for a strategic and thought-out change of tact. Hearing about his life and experiences in the SEAL teams was also interesting....more
First of all, the audiobook version of this work is tremendous--long bits of music are included, and Bono's reading voice adds delight to the text witFirst of all, the audiobook version of this work is tremendous--long bits of music are included, and Bono's reading voice adds delight to the text with his upward, lilting voice lending unique emphasis to certain words.
Bono is humble, self-aware, funny, poignant, and insightful. Major themes include religion, about which he is hopeful and yet well-aware of its hypocrisies. His faith is organic, questioning, and in process. Social justice is another large theme, so much so that in the later stages of the book, this theme predominates over his discussions of the band's music. At one point he even jokes about his "other band" (U2) that he might still be part of.
The book perhaps goes on a bit too long... there are like 3 endings to the book, but it keeps going on, almost like he was striving to get to the "40 songs/chapters." Still, one could do far worse than spending 20 hours in Bono's compassionate, funny, thoughtful company....more
This was an astute blend of biography, general history, military strategy, and philosophical discussion. By going over the same battles multiples timeThis was an astute blend of biography, general history, military strategy, and philosophical discussion. By going over the same battles multiples time through the narratives of different generals, the listener solidifies her understanding of the shape and impact of those battles. In an early lecture, Gallagher ardently defends that Lee was indeed pro-Confederacy and pro-slavery in his politics. In the last lecture, he ably takes down the "Lost Cause" philosophy that sought to rewrite and recast Southern history and politics in a more favorable light. This series helped me understand the origins of the Lost Cause mythology in the legacy and writings of some of these revered Confederate generals....more
There were a few editing/recording errors in this audiobook, but the story was an efficient, effective narrative of Fremont's life. I would've preferrThere were a few editing/recording errors in this audiobook, but the story was an efficient, effective narrative of Fremont's life. I would've preferred some more detail about his explorations out West, as that is the portion of his life I was most interested in, but it was good to learn of the breadth of his work (business, political affairs, etc.). Most interesting was how instrumental his wife was in writing his travel narratives and memoirs....more
Probably of necessity, this was almost more a book about Napoleon than von Clausewitz. Still, it was an interesting, brief introduction to von ClausewProbably of necessity, this was almost more a book about Napoleon than von Clausewitz. Still, it was an interesting, brief introduction to von Clausewitz's interesting life and ideas. This is a complex era historically, with shifting alliances and formative countries. This book provides a helpful guide to all this. Notable was the significant role his wife played in assembling his multi-volume, "On War." Next, I would be interested to know more of the specifics of his military strategies....more
I listened to this audiobook while trucking around the country, and I interspersed the reading with listening to the albums Springsteen had just discuI listened to this audiobook while trucking around the country, and I interspersed the reading with listening to the albums Springsteen had just discussed in the book. That was a fun process!
First of all, Springsteen is remarkably open about his own struggles with anger, depression, relationships, etc, but he couples that with a light touch that keeps things in perspective. He writes tactfully and appreciatively about the people in his life, even those he had conflicts or falling outs with.
Springsteen is of course a poetic writer (even if a bit over-fond of long lists in his writing), so his language is sophisticated and, at times, truly elevating.
Lastly, he has a broad vision of the purpose and function of music in our lives and society, and it's interesting to hear him talk about what has and hasn't changed with "rock n' roll."
In short, this read and re-listen gave me a deeper appreciation of the bar band roots of his music and how hard they can rock. Previously, I had been mostly drawn to his quieter albums like "Nebraska" and "Ghost of Tom Joad." I feel like I understand and appreciate his music more broadly now....more
It turns out that Remington wasn't especially laudable. He was pretty dismissive of the indigenous people he portrayed, and he was strongly anti-SemitIt turns out that Remington wasn't especially laudable. He was pretty dismissive of the indigenous people he portrayed, and he was strongly anti-Semitic. Still, I enjoyed learning more about him, his failed business attempts, his journeys back and forth (he didn't simply stay out West), and his pursuit of art in a surprising amount of mediums. This book was well-written and just the right length for learning about someone like Remington....more
I read this out of curiosity to learn more about Chris McCandless' childhood. It was revealing, to say the least, especially his father's bigamy. In tI read this out of curiosity to learn more about Chris McCandless' childhood. It was revealing, to say the least, especially his father's bigamy. In the end, we don't get to judge other people's suffering. Carine obviously suffered a lot from her upbringing, though has valiantly transcended it. It seems Chris did the same, in his own way.
At some point, my reading evolved from only interest in Chris' background to enjoying Carine's story as well. Say what you will, she is open and honest about her own mistakes and failures, some of which I could quite relate to. But in the process and onward, she set herself on a path of honesty, integrity, love, and spirituality. I was very moved and touched by this story....more
I reread this for either the 2nd or 3rd time. Having been to Alaska and passed by Healy and the Stampede Trail gave this reading an extra level of resI reread this for either the 2nd or 3rd time. Having been to Alaska and passed by Healy and the Stampede Trail gave this reading an extra level of resonance this time, as I could better picture where Chris was.
People seem to either glorify or villify Chris. Maybe he was something in the middle, simply human. Capable, idealistic, charismatic, and also a little naive and underprepared in the way that most young adults are. I'm always drawn to those who seek travel and experiences over possessions and are willing to live unconventionally. Chris was such a person.
Krakauer tends to give quite a lot of background, stories of alternate adventurers, and even a fair amount of information about himself. You could see this as extraneous or as setting Chris' story in a richer context....more
This is one of those books where a good writer meets a good topic. John Muir is of course impressive, inspiring, and interesting. But Colwell is an erThis is one of those books where a good writer meets a good topic. John Muir is of course impressive, inspiring, and interesting. But Colwell is an erudite, clear writer, who doesn't merely convey the narrative, but whose lovely prose isn't obtrusive either. She capably distills many threads and Muir's own complex writing into a flowing narrative driven by key themes, such as the balance between development for human needs and conservation. She captures the complexity of Muir's character, who both a loner and socially effusive, kind and yet hard-driven, religious and yet unconventional. She particularly focuses on Muir's kindness to animals, learned through his work on a farm.
I particularly appreciated her discussion of Muir's fundamentalist religious upbringing. When I had read Muir's "Travels in Alaska," I was surprised by the religiosity of it, and how it is almost a narrative of the missionaries he accompanied. Now I realize how far he had come religiously: from fundamentalism to a kind of open panentheism, seeing God in all things.
Muir had a tough life in some regards, struggling with money, a demanding father, manual labor, loneliness. This makes his joy, kindness, and effusive love of nature all the more inspiring.
In the afterword, Colwell suggests that, beyond particulars of conservation, we simply adopt Muir's mindset of being in love with nature, and this will serve us better and more broadly than any anachronistic policy. It is a good suggestion....more
A friend recommended this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by it! Though the book is themed about "life on the road," it is about 60% a summary ofA friend recommended this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by it! Though the book is themed about "life on the road," it is about 60% a summary of Steinem's political work and advocacy. The travel vignettes--going back to her childhood-were interesting, as she considers buses, taxis, even over the road truckers. But I was most surprised by her political summations. Anyone who would dismiss her as having the shortcomings of "First Wave Feminism" has clearly not read or interacted with her material. She has a thorough, persistent, and trenchant understanding of intersectionality, repeatedly emphasizing that "sexism and racism can only be uprooted together."
When she first mentioned the indigenous people of America and traveling to "Indian Country," I assumed it would be a token example to diversify her narrative. Instead, she goes deep into the philosophy, culture, politics, and history of America's First People, showing her genuine engagement and true love for the cultures and the people. Towards the end of the book, she spends significant time summarizing the lives of certain indigenous women who served on the board of Ms. Magazine and became friends of Steinem's.
In short, I came for travel stories and left with a more nuanced understanding of Steinem's politics. She also speaks intriguingly about how deeply rooted traveling and wandering are in the human psyche because of our forebears; and also that travel gets us beyond the statistics into stories of actual people's lives....more
Lauren is lovely, humorous, insightful, and humble... Her narrating the book meant it was 5 hours of listening to Lorelai, not a bad way at all to speLauren is lovely, humorous, insightful, and humble... Her narrating the book meant it was 5 hours of listening to Lorelai, not a bad way at all to spend some time. It was particularly interesting to hear her perspectives on filming Gilmore Girls, dating, and her admonition to "look up" from our screens once in a while, because this big world cannot be contained on small screens....more
The book reads more as a travel memoir of a walk across America than as an explicit political critique of the military or the U.S. economic and politiThe book reads more as a travel memoir of a walk across America than as an explicit political critique of the military or the U.S. economic and political system, though those elements are sprinkled in. Mostly, we journey with the author as he shares pieces of his story, meets people along his journey, reflects on the complexity of human nature, and realizes the shortcomings of the nonprofit industry (it's "too vertical" and doesn't change the economic or political system). Fanning is a thoughtful and humble narrator, despite the fact that it's no mean feat to qualify as a Ranger, nor to endure the abuse he did once he refuses to continue fighting in Iraq. The sections about his experiences in Iraq once he refused to view the locals through the lens of combat are some of the most interesting in the book. His excurses reflecting upon social history along his route adds another dimension to his journey, making it a journey through the history of social struggle and not just across America. The ending of the book is poignant and symbolic....more
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