The Scout Report today had a link to this interesting web site, Lists of Bests. It a list of "best of ..." lists, like the AFI top 100 films, Pulitzer Prize Winners for Fiction, etc.. Good stuff and neatly all in one place.
Although these lists are subjective or contain the results of subjective judging, I like to see what knowledgeable people liked rather than just diving in randomly. If I want to see a good old movie, why not start with one from the AFI list? Then if I like it I can check out something else starring the same actor or director.
On an unrelated note, my grade school alum Spinning-Jennie has a wish list for her grade school library posted on Amazon. Send them a book, you'll feel good about yourself.
Books: May 2003 Archives
Crow Lake, by Mary Lawson.
This is a good light read. It's the kind of book you might take with you on a vacation flight. Not too thick, interesting writing, but it won't keep you up nights wondering what's going to happen.
The basic story line is about a child who looses both parents and life in her rural farming community. The story flashes back and forth between time periods in an interesting way and creates story threads that will hold the readers interest.
One negative comment is that this story at points seems to be a non-story. There isn't the classic build up -- resolution events that some people seem to enjoy. Don't get me wrong their is tension and build up, but it's not like a thriller style book where everything is neatly resolved for the reader in the end.
The book has great descriptions of place and I can clearly imagine them in my head. I would say the writing was very strong. I would read another book by Mary Lawson if I ran into one.
This is a good light read. It's the kind of book you might take with you on a vacation flight. Not too thick, interesting writing, but it won't keep you up nights wondering what's going to happen.
The basic story line is about a child who looses both parents and life in her rural farming community. The story flashes back and forth between time periods in an interesting way and creates story threads that will hold the readers interest.
One negative comment is that this story at points seems to be a non-story. There isn't the classic build up -- resolution events that some people seem to enjoy. Don't get me wrong their is tension and build up, but it's not like a thriller style book where everything is neatly resolved for the reader in the end.
The book has great descriptions of place and I can clearly imagine them in my head. I would say the writing was very strong. I would read another book by Mary Lawson if I ran into one.
My favorite sailing book has to be
Desperate Voyage, by John Caldwell.
This book tells the harrowing story of a novice sailor who sets off from Panama to be re-united with his bride following WWII. His mis-adventures are phenomenal. You will never forget his battle with the shark or his adventures in cuisine. I can't believe he lives to tell the story.
The first two-thirds of the book are stronger, but it's still a fun read.
If you like sailing and adventure you will enjoy this book.
This book tells the harrowing story of a novice sailor who sets off from Panama to be re-united with his bride following WWII. His mis-adventures are phenomenal. You will never forget his battle with the shark or his adventures in cuisine. I can't believe he lives to tell the story.
The first two-thirds of the book are stronger, but it's still a fun read.
If you like sailing and adventure you will enjoy this book.
I recently finished First You Have to Row a Little Boat: Reflections on Life & Living, by Richard Bode.
If you are looking for a technical manual on sailing this isn't the book.
If you are looking for a thoughtful book on how to navigate life through the metaphor of sailing this is a great book. In the book it's almost as if the act of sailing becomes a parable or meditation on life. I personally like these kinds of books. The book is not so preachy that it the book has the answers to lifes vexing questions, but it has an interesting way of framing the questions and suggesting paths.
I heartily recommend this book to any sailor or person who loves the romance of the water and can stand light philosophical reading.
If you are looking for a technical manual on sailing this isn't the book.
If you are looking for a thoughtful book on how to navigate life through the metaphor of sailing this is a great book. In the book it's almost as if the act of sailing becomes a parable or meditation on life. I personally like these kinds of books. The book is not so preachy that it the book has the answers to lifes vexing questions, but it has an interesting way of framing the questions and suggesting paths.
I heartily recommend this book to any sailor or person who loves the romance of the water and can stand light philosophical reading.
