This is my next book club read - and I actually wasn't planning on reading it, as our previous book was also non-fiction and sometimes it's difficult This is my next book club read - and I actually wasn't planning on reading it, as our previous book was also non-fiction and sometimes it's difficult to not have a break from heavier stories. But - I took an audio break, and found this book to be hard to put down, once I got into it. It helped that it was under 300 pages.
The story really was fascinating, and covered a piece of history I didn't know a lot about. We learn about the collapse of Afghanistan, and the events taking place in 2021 during the United States plan on evacuating the stranded Americans and Afghans who had helped during the previous 20 years of American involvement. Two people in particular were profiled - Homeira, who was an outspoken author, supporter of women's rights in Afghanistan, and vocal critic of the Taliban. Sam was a junior US diplomat who volunteered to help out with the evacuation. The actual goal was to screen safe-guard, search for and evacuate 120,000 people in about ten days. With the Taliban patrolling in Kabul.
The story revolves around both of these individuals, and the events transpiring that finally put them in touch with each other. Homeira initially didn't want to leave. She had a young son, and numerous family members. She said she was raising her son to be an enlightened Afghan man. Evidently, no one anticipated Kabul would fall so easily to the Taliban. At one point Homeira thought: "There is a child in every Taliban soldier who never got to eat popcorn, lick an ice cream, or be on a swing in the park." What a revelation! It was interesting - and scary - to read how overnight Afghanistan's highly educated future leaders were transformed into the Taliban's latest victims.
The process by which people were evacuated was constantly changing. I was so impressed with the people who volunteered to help out, like Sam, and choosing to put their own lives on the line for those they were helping. The story was absolutely riveting! Yes, Homeira and Sam make it out just at the last minute, but your heart goes out to all those who wanted so desperately be on the list for evacuation that never made it. This was really an amazing story. It makes one realize how little war accomplishes....more
I am just not a David Sedaris fan. I started a book of his years ago, and I remember nothing about it except for the fact that I didn't like it or finI am just not a David Sedaris fan. I started a book of his years ago, and I remember nothing about it except for the fact that I didn't like it or finish it. This book was chosen for our December book group. I know he has quite a following, so I think I went into the book with an almost-open mind......but I only got about 15 pages into it, and found it offensive, so i quit. I was hoping to finish at least the first of six stories, but I couldn't make myself go on. The first story is about him applying to be an elf at Christmas. Sometimes he is quite witty. And I can see the potential for good things by him - especially the clever story premise. But, on page nine he talked about different days set aside at the store for different groups. One was for "terribly sick and deformed children." Is that supposed to be funny? And a few pages later he referred to "retarded people." Having worked with kids who were struggling to fit in, I think this book is cruel. Yes, it was published in 1997 - and I don't know if descriptions like these were accepted then - I'd hate to think so...... and you know there are always going to be some cruel names used, but I would expect something kinder. ...more
This was such a fascinating audiobook! It was almost impossible to believe - a young man ( in his early 20's) manages to steal over two hundred works This was such a fascinating audiobook! It was almost impossible to believe - a young man ( in his early 20's) manages to steal over two hundred works of art - both small and large - from various museums (and a few churches) without getting caught for years! The author did such a great job of research, After I finished listening to the audiobook, I continued to listen to the author detail all his sources for writing this book, and the length of time it took him. I also had to look up Breitweiser on the internet and yes, he is still around, in his early 50's. I was amazed at his audacity, and at the lax safeguarding of some of the places he stole from. Details from the various psycho analyzes he underwent refer to his wanting approval from his mother, his non-violent crimes and his love of beauty. He never stole with the idea of making money, but just wanting to surround himself with beauty. Anyway - the story was just like a mystery - will he get caught this time? And when he does get caught, his lawyer (which his mother paid for) manages to get him off leniently. So - when will he get caught again? I could hardly wait to get back to this story to find out what happened. Great story, great writing, great narrator - thoroughly enjoyable!!!!!!...more
I hesitated between four and five stars - but decided that I really did enjoy this book enough to bring it up in a few conversations - so it probably I hesitated between four and five stars - but decided that I really did enjoy this book enough to bring it up in a few conversations - so it probably deserves the five stars. Honestly, though, it didn't seem to flow as well as did The Splendid and the Vile or Devil in the White City. I love books that make you understand better the connection of the past with the present. Larson details some of this in his forward to the book. He happened to be in the midst of writing this book when the events of January 6 took place.
This is kind of the story of how the Civil War came to be. It begins in 1860, with Buchanan the president. At that time, the South had 111,000 more slaves than whites! Even in the 1860's, there existed "fake news". It is hard to imagine that so many people believed whites to be superior to blacks, that they were perhaps even separate races. Buchanan wanted peace - and he thought that could be achieved by doing nothing. By the end of his term, he just wanted to go home. He didn't seem to realize that he was already in the midst of a revolution waiting to be ignited.
The whole idea of chivalry was also interesting, as was the general politeness expressed by both sides prior to the actual start of the civil war. Reading about various actors in this time period, it sure seemed as if some people were just looking for an excuse to stir things up. It's always been that way, I guess.
Larson details the atmosphere prior to the war so perfectly. The distrust of Lincoln's presidency, the behind-the-scenes conniving by various politicians, the parties in the South that didn't end..... This wasn't a book that was a quick read, for sure. I also needed to take breaks from it just to be peaceful! I bought the book, but I also checked out the audiobook from the library, and that was a nice change. Excellent research, interesting focus, thought-provoking. But I need a lighter read next!...more
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book, but didn't love it. I imagine this would be my reaction to seeing a stand-up comedian act. Funny, but stories seem a b3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book, but didn't love it. I imagine this would be my reaction to seeing a stand-up comedian act. Funny, but stories seem a bit embellished, and I guess I just like to get to know the main characters as people and not just as caricatures. The author does write really well, though.
Dumas tells us of her experience moving with her family from Iran to Whittier, California when she was seven years old. I believe this book was written in the early 2000's. To her father, America "was the Promised Land." And this book was almost as much about her father as it was about her. You can tell how much she loved all of her "weird" family members.
Dumas had to interpret for her mother, which seems very typical for kids at schools these days. It was interesting to learn that Persian has so many more precise words for relatives than does English. In a way, I kind of envy people of other countries that keep in such good touch with all their relatives.
Sometimes I tend to think that when someone identifies with a particular religion, they are very religious. Evidently, not always. "My parents' idea of being religious consisted of donating a part of their income to the poor and not eating ham."
How sad it was that her husband's mother never accepted their marriage. I guess prejudice happens in every culture.
So - a lot of humorous stories, but told with love. I think every family must have some "odd" relatives - and a book like this makes you realize that that is universal! ...more
Whew - just finished listening to this book a day before it was due. I was surprised at how long it was. I wasn't exactly excited to read this book - Whew - just finished listening to this book a day before it was due. I was surprised at how long it was. I wasn't exactly excited to read this book - I am not a big fan of "all things British". I didn't watch Downton Abbey, didn't watch royal weddings/funerals, didn't follow Harry's and Megan's lives..... I expected this to get a likely 2 star rating from me. And I have to say,I argued with a good part of it, in the notes I took. But - I also got to feel more compassion for Harry than I expected. I really wonder how much of this Harry actually wrote. He definitely says he was not much of a student. I can't imagine him keeping a diary. So, some of this I kind of rolled my eyes at.
Some people choose to be in the spotlight - actors, singers, professional sports stars. But - growing up in a royal family isn't a choice. It's too bad Diana passed on so young - she probably would have been a more stabilizing influence on him and William. Charles comes off as very remote. It was also interesting to note that a prince is really not taught anything useful in life - like managing on his own, navigating the subway (or even the world!). There is just so much protocol - very difficult for a person to think for himself. Harry also made a lot of bad choices in his life, regarding drugs, and the press seized on those indiscretions.
It's funny - in an early note I wrote I said how much Harry reminded me of Matthew Perry when he wrote his autobiography. "Chandler" came across (to me) as always blaming his family for his problems, stating that he had abandonment issues. Sounds just like Harry. (and, in fact, Harry mentioned how he watched all the Friends episodes in 2013 and saw himself as Chandler!)
I was amazed at all the "stories" that made the news which were so derogatory towards Harry and Megan. According to Harry, his family was sometimes complicit in providing info to the "reporters". I can't imagine what it would be like to have "paps" following you everywhere, always dreaming up new sordid "truths" to share with the world.
I don't understand many people's need to share private details with the world. Did I really need to know about his frostbite? or even about his drunkeness?
I had not known about Harry's military experiences, or the charities he felt so passionate about - that was great. And the fact that Megan had her own charities - and that both of them held a special in their hearts for Africa. They really seemed like an excellent match for each other.
An interesting note that Andrew, in spite of his sexual peccadilloes, was still provided security, whereas Harry and family were denied security. It seemed to me that moving away from Great Britain was the best thing he could do - to completely start fresh, which included making his own way without dependence on others' provisions.
So, I ended up being glad I read this book! It got me thinking, that's for sure. Harry's and Willie's stories actually reminded me of the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible. Willie, the older one, lives his life pretty much by the book, whereas Harry goes off on lots of different tangents searching for love and acceptance. Who knows if Harry will ever go back to his brother and father, but Willie is depicted as being kind of jealous of Harry. Maybe, if he had a choice, William would like to live outside the public spotlight? I'd love to hear his version of the events Harry shares....more
I am really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It definitely did not start out that way. And I have a feeling some people will think it is tooI am really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It definitely did not start out that way. And I have a feeling some people will think it is too slow -and it kind of is......but I really appreciated the thoughtfulness of the author, and the desire to do a lot of introspection.
Bringley was a recent college graduate and employee at The New Yorker when his older brother died. He gave up that job and took a job as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY, giving himself time to heal, and to not have to deal with "the real world". The time spent there grew into ten years. It was fascinating to learn about the Met, and the art it contained, and the people who work there. And I also really enjoyed Bringley's observations and "epiphanies". I think that this would have been a job my father would have really enjoyed, too.
The Met opened in 1880 - and was started by John Frederick Kensett - a landscape painter. It has over 2000 employees, and over two million objects of art. There are many veteran guards who keep this job until retirement - people from all over the world. I enjoyed Bringley mentioning the diversity of friendships made there - people differing in age, culture, race... but all having something more in common. All the artwork mentioned is also listed in the back of the book - I wish I would have known that beforehand. As it was, I looked up probably 80% of the art mentioned on my phone so I could briefly enjoy comments he made about them.
To begin with, this was a perfect job for Bringley at that period of his life. As he says, he didn't have his eye on the finish line. "Art needs time to perform its work on us." He talks about grief being a loss of rhythm. "Most of the big challenges I'll face in life are also little challenges I confront in daily interactions. Trying to be patient. Trying to be kind. Trying to enjoy others' peculiarities and make good use of my own. Trying to be generous or at least humane even when the situation is rote." He stresses the importance of learning FROM art not ABOUT art. The importance of figuring out what to do with your life - not once, but often.
"The world doesn't make itself easy to draw. The safe route is to mimic others' tried-and-true formulas that limit the complexity. The dangerous route is to push the limits of your eyesight and try to invent ways for your pen to keep up." Bringley learns that life stretches beyond its present horizons, and he needs to have a say in its progression. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes in the Bible, from Romans 2 - and it is so good in so many translations: Don't let the world shape you in its mold!
So - a winner of a book in my eyes! And perhaps some day i will actually get to visit the Met!...more
I wouldn't have chosen this book on my own, but one of my book club friends chose it for September's read, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed iI wouldn't have chosen this book on my own, but one of my book club friends chose it for September's read, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it! It wasn't exactly a summer read - it took me about a month to get through it. It wasn't all that long, but there was so much information! I came away with a much more informed appreciation for Merkel - and probably also for the value of having a woman in such a position of authority!
Merkel grew up in East Germany as a pastor's child, in a time when 1/63 people were "informers". The values of sacrifice and self-discipline were instilled in her. After the wall fell, she was essentially a "triple outsider" - an East German, a scientist, and a woman. I hadn't realized that the wall was 4' wide, 13.5" tall, and protected by landmines, dogs, and guards with automatic weapons. And yet - she was focused on accomplishing good on a wide level. Her training as a scientist enabled her to break down problems to their component parts. Her goal was to "merge christian ethics and science"!
Interesting observation that Merkel believed that too many East Germans felt as if they should still be taken care of after the wall came down. If that's how many East Germans felt, I can't begin to imagine how people in other oppressed countries might feel if given a chance to be free.
Merkel's style was described as humble, plain and direct, with an absence of theatrics. "This is her power move: letting an alpha male keep talking and waiting patiently as he self-destructs."
I really enjoyed learning about her encounters with various world leaders, including Putin , Obama and Trump I also didn't realize/remember a 1938 meeting when 32 nations discussed what to do about German and Austrian Jews trying to escape Hitler Ultimately they decided to do nothing. This probably influenced Merkel's decision to accept so many refugees into Germany.
Marton stated that there was no German equal to Fox news. Interesting...... Also interesting to note that there were no scandals in Merkel's life/tenure, that she "never inhaled the narcotic of power", that she believed in win/win situations, contrary to some other leaders.
So - fascinating read. Marton did a great job with her research. Some time, though, I would really like to read a book that is able to impartially (is that possible?) portray Donald Trump. I find it difficult to understand what normal, intelligent people see in him, and this book confirms my impressions. But - I believe there has to be something good that he has accomplished?
Whether it was the author - Marton - or Merkel herself - I can't remember, but I loved this description of her: "A woman in power has more urgent business to attend to than her ego."...more
I loved this book! I thought Cooper did such a good job connecting so many various aspects of his life, and tying so many of them into birding. ActualI loved this book! I thought Cooper did such a good job connecting so many various aspects of his life, and tying so many of them into birding. Actually, another title for his book might have prepared the reader more for what was inside. He is definitely a knowledgeable, avid birder, but the book focuses equally if not more on his growing up black, nerdy, and gay (his words).
I can totally understand his interest in birds. i was so excited when I was told what a few common birds around here were, and was able to identify them on my own by sight or sound. And I love my Merlin app on the phone and frequently use it.
It was interesting to learn about his college time and his work at Marvel Comics. A Marvel swimsuit issue??????? Christian comics where "apparently piety can be measured with a protractor"? And when he came out as gay, after worrying for so long about telling people, reactions weren't what he was expecting. I was interested to hear about the Central Park incident that made him a household name for a while. I knew the bare details about it, but I watched the video he took of the "incident" today for the first time. I also hadn't realized that it took place the same day that George Floyd was killed.
This book was such an interesting read. It makes a person think about so many things. Cooper admits he has grown up as an activist. He isn't one to just sit back and complain about injustices. I'd actually love to go birding with him in Central Park!...more
I loved this audiobook! The only problem with audiobooks is that I can't underline anything. Usually when I read a "real" book, I take basic notes - oI loved this audiobook! The only problem with audiobooks is that I can't underline anything. Usually when I read a "real" book, I take basic notes - of what happens, names, good quotes...- to make it easier to write a review. In an e-book I highlight and can look back. But - audiobooks rely on memory. And I can't even promise I've understood some of the names correctly. This tale was captivating, and the narrator did an excellent job of conveying emotions.
This takes place in the 1700's. England wants to send some ships out to both fight with Spain and get riches. The War of Jenkins' Ear was the purported cause for the war...Four ships set out with LOTs of men on board (can't remember how many). they set sail later than intended and ran into problems with the weather. Well, they ran into lots of problems along the way. What impressed me was the fact that there were people there who kept diaries, and these diaries survived! One of the men on board was the grandfather of Lord Byron. He was only about 15 years old when he started off. Scurvy took quite a toll on the sailors, and at that time they had no idea what caused it. Along the way they were shipwrecked, without food for long periods, had mutinous people on board, were taken captive fought a Spanish ship (and acquired its booty).....And yet a few of them actually made it back home - years later! - after everyone had expected them to have perished. They were tried on the charge of mutiny. I probably have gotten some of the facts incorrect, but the story was great. I can't even imagine the resilience of these men. And how tough life was in this time. ...more
I sure never would have chosen this book to read on my own, but thanks to my wonderful book group, someone else chose it! The book was short, and mostI sure never would have chosen this book to read on my own, but thanks to my wonderful book group, someone else chose it! The book was short, and mostly fascinating. I ended up highlighting a lot of it, just to remind myself of particular events and people, to keep them straight. But - I highlighted so many passages, it's too overwhelming to look at them all.
Sobel has investigated the "discovery" of determining longitude reliably. The challenge to accurately determine longitude came from the needs of marine navigation. We learn of the search for determining latitude and longitude before Jesus was born! I had never thought about the difficulty of establishing longitudinal lines, because they weren't dependent on the earth's relation to the sun. "One degree of longitude equals four minutes of time the world over, but in terms of distance one degree shrinks from sixty-eight miles at the Equator to virtually nothing at the poles." Every captain at some point in his career, became lost at sea due to no reliable charts/watches.
There were two distinct schools of thought for determining longitude, one relying on astronomical charts, and one relying on an accurate clock. Each group was sure that only their system could be ultimately successful. A Royal Society was eventually set up that would award prize money to anyone who could create an accurate "instrument" for determining longitude. Like many endeavors, the people in charge of the money often were already prejudiced as to which "side" they were on.
I hadn't realized that sailors originally used sighting sticks, where they had to look directly into the sun, and often became blind.
John Harrisonspent years and years of his life developing a clock/watch that would not be dependent on climate, weather, time away, lack of landmarks...... His story and the various "bullies" that challenged his work, was fascinating.
So, other than the fact that certain portions of this story were a bit too technical for me, I really enjoyed the history. Sobel generally wrote in a way that was entertaining and yet informative....more
I really did enjoy this book. It's so interesting how learning more about people generally makes you appreciate the person more. I definitely admired I really did enjoy this book. It's so interesting how learning more about people generally makes you appreciate the person more. I definitely admired RBG, and this tribute to her was fascinating. Nina Totenberg I knew nothing about. I enjoyed learning about her, too. The only thing that made me rate this book four stars instead of five is that I wasn't as interested in Nina as I was Ruth, and so much of the book seemed like name dropping. Totenberg is a reporter, and consequently met and interviewed many important people. It just seems a bit presumptuous to me to title it "Dinners with Ruth" when it was about a LOT of people. I'm probably being too nit-picky....... It was interesting to hear how their paths crossed at different times in their lives, and how they experienced many of the same things, especially in regards to having to overcome prejudice against women in their careers. They both were remarkably smartened persevering women, and both were supported by wonderful husbands and fathers that recognized their potential. This was such great encouragement by Ruth's father: "If you really want to go to law school and become a lawyer, you will stop feeling sorry for yourself and you will find a way."
I highlighted a lot of passages in this book - way too many to include. But - I think this book would be a great one for most people to read. It does emphasize the importance of friendships and persevering, and the possibility of achieving seemingly distant goals....more
We just finished listening to this audiobook, which Perry himself narrated. I am a big fan of Friends (not when it first came out, but years later. I'We just finished listening to this audiobook, which Perry himself narrated. I am a big fan of Friends (not when it first came out, but years later. I've seen all the episodes at least two times, and most episodes still make me laugh out loud a number of times. It was interesting to see the Friends reunion last year, and I remember thinking how I barely recognized "Chandler". After listening to this book, I understand why.
Perry's story could easily have been told in half the time he took reading/writing it. It definitely shows a person with problems that he was able to keep relatively well hidden for too long. I appreciated his "search" for meaning in his life, and do believe that he has finally matured to the point where he could probably handle a long term relationship. But - there was SO MUCH repetition in this book. And the time frames discussed were not orderly, to me at least. He attributes his addictions and his constant feelings of abandonment to events that occurred early in his life. We hear/read all about his lovers - each of whom was the most beautiful, and the smartest woman ever. A lot of hyperbole in his storytelling. He is the most famous, funniest person around, according to him, who happened to be on the best tv show. I'm sure some of that is true, and I know this is supposed to be all about him - but in some many places I thought to myself - when is the humility going to kick in? When will he learn to actually do good to others? When will he choose to spend his money on programs that can help mankind - or at least on some cause close to his heart?
I know I don't understand addiction - at least to all the drugs and alcohol he consumed. And I got the feeling at the end of the book that he was grateful to friends and family that never gave up on him. (although there were also some cruel jabs at other people...) And he is still looking to be in a long term relationship and having kids. I guess I'm glad I listened to his story, and I sure hope that he takes advantage of all the growth he's made and discovers why he is still alive! ...more
After listening to Matthew Perry's audiobook, I kind of regretted checking out another audiobook by an actor......But this one turned out to be much bAfter listening to Matthew Perry's audiobook, I kind of regretted checking out another audiobook by an actor......But this one turned out to be much better than I had expected. Tom Felton (Draco in Harry Potter) sounded really likable in his book. He seems almost normal, describing his growing up years and family life. He realizes the almost randomness of being selected for a blockbuster series of movies, and acknowledges that his life was still much more normal than the lives of Harry, Hermione and Ron. It was interesting to learn about various actors in the films, most of whom he describes as having taught him many important lessons. I think he's in his early 30's now - having had a brief stint in rehab. Even that was discussed honestly without excuses. A very enjoyable read!...more
4.5 stars This was a very interesting read. Thanks to Vicki who got us started on this book, because of a relative who had worked for one of the Vande4.5 stars This was a very interesting read. Thanks to Vicki who got us started on this book, because of a relative who had worked for one of the Vanderbilts. Cooper does a good job of distancing himself from the wealth of the Vanderbilts. Thank goodness for the family tree at the beginning of the book - it was very hard to keep track of all of the characters in spite of this tree, though. The reader learns about HOW the Vanderbilts got so wealthy - and how different generations ended up squandering it all. We also get the feeling that the V's were the epitome of conspicuous consumption. It is hard to imagine the money spent on "stuff", outdoing one another in their purchases. And yet - so many tragic events in their lives, that money couldn't solve. I enjoyed learning about their involvement in different projects. And the Truman Capote parts were interesting to me also. I read The Swans of fifth Avenue years ago, which dealt with Capote and his society women friends, and I loved that book. Both of these books left me with the feeling of being grateful for what I have, and grateful that I didn't have to deal with pitfalls of wealth!...more
I don't know - I had a very hard time getting through this book. I got it as an audiobook, thank goodness, so I was ok with listening to it mostly whiI don't know - I had a very hard time getting through this book. I got it as an audiobook, thank goodness, so I was ok with listening to it mostly while doing the dishes. and it's only about 5 hours long. I am not sure why this book was chosen for our book group - but, then again, it got some very good reviews. Most of it was quite depressing, and parts of it were boring or repetitive. (and, honestly, I was listening to the last 45 minutes of it outside in the sun, and i think i fell asleep......so just maybe there was some big reveal at the end that would have made me love it....) But - one part DID really impress me - hence the three stars. I am ashamed to say that I was not aware, or did not remember, the fact that the US was actually quite a believer in the eugenics theory prior to Hitler. It is so easy to attribute this awful notion to the Nazis, but we are to blame also.
This book was mostly the story of David Star Jordan, an ichthyologist, and former president of Stanford. And major proponent of eugenics. Miller also related a bit of her own story and why she was initially fascinated with him. I wish I could remember what the title refers to, but I can't....more
This book was really interesting, and well-written, but it was getting harder and harder to read without getting sad, angry, frustrated........ I deciThis book was really interesting, and well-written, but it was getting harder and harder to read without getting sad, angry, frustrated........ I decided that it just wasn't the book I needed at this time. The characters were very believable, and very sad. I'd like to hope that the ending was eventually just and happy, but probably not.
Kiara and Marcus are siblings in Oakland. Father has died, mom has a LOT of issues and is in a halfway house or prison. Trevor is a young boy in the same apartment complex as Kiara, pretty much left to fend for himself. Huge rent increases loom in their future, and there is no money. Marcus hopes to become a rapper and spends most of his time "recording". Kiara can't find a job, as she has no resume to present, and ends up walking the streets of Oakland. That in itself is sad to contemplate, but one night officers of the Oakland Police Department get a hold of her, not to charge her, but to regularly "use" her as a reward in their card games. At this point, I had to quit reading. I guess I realized how easy it is to judge people and their decisions, but when it comes right down to it, who is to say what circumstances literally force a person to compromise themselves just to stay alive. And I know that the OPD may not be representative of the majority of officers, but I also believe that some people in a position of power abuse that responsibility.
So - well written, good story (actually based on a true account the author researched), but too believable and sad for me....more
I am so glad this book was chosen for our book club. I had read it many years ago and remember thoroughly enjoying it, so it was a treat to come back I am so glad this book was chosen for our book club. I had read it many years ago and remember thoroughly enjoying it, so it was a treat to come back to an old friend.
This book is VERY short (which in itself was a treat for me right now). All it is, is musings from the author about life, as she takes a quiet vacation by herself. How relatable these thoughts are. Her reflections begin with "gifts from the sea", shells that cause her to examine different aspects of her life, and her relations with others. How often we assume others' lives/problems are very different from out our own - and yet so many people go through these same musings. Her goal was too "live in grace" as much of the time as possible. I also love the idea of simplifying life, letting the outward and the inward me be at one. she wonders how to remain whole in the midst of so many worldly distractions. In today's world, we need to re-learn to be alone. (although the pandemic has probably helped many in that regard....) We need to learn to know and appreciate ourselves more, for "when one is a stranger to oneself then one is estranged from others too." Probably because of social media nowadays, being alone is not valued as much - one wants to be noticed and "liked" by the world.
Anyway - so many good quotes, wonderful ideas and soul-searching. I can't imagine anyone not loving this book even though it was written in 1955....more
A friend recommended this book to me when I asked for good non-fiction suggestions. I ended up actually listening to this book, as that is the format A friend recommended this book to me when I asked for good non-fiction suggestions. I ended up actually listening to this book, as that is the format that was currently available. This author also wrote Boys in the Boat, which was another great read.
The worst thing about listening to a book while I am driving, is that I can't take notes or highlight passages. So - a lot of good material that I'd normally include in a review is missing. The subject matter was really interesting, and the narrator also was exceptionally good. Brown chronicles the lives/challenges/bravery of Japanese Americans during WWII. Their lives (especially those in Hawaii) before the war began were briefly detailed, but the majority focused on the 442nd Combat Team who fought in Europe, and the lives of their families, many of whom had been placed in internment camps in the US. I hadn't realized the numbers of people affected, and that there was a camp in Idaho. I was most familiar with the one at Tule Lake in California.
It really was amazing to hear about the discrimination faced, when so many of them had sacrificed so much in combat. Parts were hard to hear about, but the overall story was fascinating and eye-opening....more
Well, I was really enjoying this book, but I just don't have the time to finish it, and am in the midst of another book that is almost due also. I gotWell, I was really enjoying this book, but I just don't have the time to finish it, and am in the midst of another book that is almost due also. I got about halfway through, and regret that there just isn't enough reading time available for me these days. I don't feel so bad leaving this book, as it is pretty much a slow moving, but interesting commentary on the author's desire to follow in Washington's footsteps, to see what America is like today as compared to 20o years ago. The main idea I got was that it is just amazing how things work out - the right people at the right time, to accomplish a lot of good.