4 comments about Good Times.

1. A gently but lively autobiographical memoire. For me, reading this book was a rare case of pure enjoyment, and one which I expect to repeat about once a year until ... .



2. While I was "forced" to read "Growing Up"--part one of Russell Baker's autobiography--by my high school English teacher, I anxiously sought out this sequel. Baker's descriptions of the everyday life of a reporter makes for an intriguing book. While he has a tendency to romanticize situations, Baker provides enough details to give a clear picture of the type of challenges that reporters constantly face, especially early on in their careers. Baker's writing style is clean and straightforward without being simple. (I would zip through 20-30 pages at one sitting without even realizing it.) This is one of the few books I've read more than once and boy, do I wish he'd write another "chapter" of his autobiography. If you like the so called "adventures" of a reporter, an effortless history lesson, and lots of behind-the-scenes stuff, buy this book.



3. I was forced to read this book for one of my journalism classes and I had the 'typical' student attitude: 'I will skim through this book and guess my way through the paper'. I decided to read the first and last chapters of the book to get a basic understanding and then skim the rest. I started the book and realized that I could not put it down. This language in this book was very natural and the stories that were told were interesting. Being a journalism student, I was fasinated seeing all of the hardships that Baker went through to become the famed reporter that he is today. For once an assigned book that was actually interesting and worth reading.



4. ...I was surprised at how dated some of his 'contemporary style' writing has become. I used to read and enjoy his column in the NY Times every Sunday. I realize the man is from an older generation (most of the book takes place in the 50's, when he was in his late twenties); many of his phrases and patterns of speech reflect that 'gee-whiz-bang' time. Unfortunately, no one says 'Gee-whiz-bang' anymore. Baker also tends to repeat himself a bit, and his name-by-name tribute to every good (and bad) newspaperman he could think of won't mean much to the layman.
   Don't get me wrong--I couldn't put the book down, and some of his personality portraits of the leading politicians of the day were illuminating. Baker's own humility is overly self-conscious, but most definitely genuine.
   Remember that reviews you read of this book by other publications--especially newspapers--will really tend to gush over this.
   But buy it anyway--it's a good, solid read.

No comments about The World According to Garp, Volume I (10 Audio Cassette), and Volume II (8 Audio Cassette).

5 comments about The Worst Journey in the World: Library Edition.

1. If you watch films like "The yourney of the penguins" you get not the slightest idea how brutally hostile for humans the environment of the South Pole is. If you read "The Worst Yourney In The World", you do. The book is a detailed description of the whole Scott Expedition, complete whith descriptions of packing lists, frostbite, snowblindness, awful food, recalcitrant ponys, and heroic English gentlemen. But the unpoetic language is exactly what makes the book such a worthwile read: The description is written in simple, honest words, that it gets your own imagination going. It reaches its climax with the Winter Yourney, where a small goup of men undertook a journey that was painful and horrific to a downright ridiculous extend, just to get their hands on some penguin eggs. Any romantic exaggeration would have destroyed the impact of this event in the readers mind, it is the simple, honest, sometimes even technial language that transforms this event into a classic tale. The character and the Winter Journey live on in literature, for example in Thomas Pynchons "V". The stuff of legends, on of my alltime favourites.



2. Cherry-Garrard is a literate,educated man, writing his experiences as well as including the memories, and journals of the other expedition members. Interesting how this young man of means who is accustomed to comfortable living,could endure such extreme hardship without complaint. The hardship and adventure begins with the terrible storm experienced on the ship from New Zealand to Antarctica. The description of this ordeal grabs hold and they haven't yet reached the Southern continent. The first year on the ice and the sledge trip during the winter months is gripping.
   
   A compelling aspect is the matter of fact descriptions of the unbelievable [to us] hardship and daily rigors of living, sledging, carrying out scientific experiments, etc., in -20 to -70 degrees. Wind conditions that regularly must have sent wind chill factors [they never recorded such a thing] to -80 to -100 degrees,and the physical exertion. They regularly experience frost bite, hunger, occasional ptomaine from spoiled food, symptoms of Dysentary, and scurvy. Yet, they are able to recover. They never lose their spirit and comeraderie.
   Until discovering the Pole parties' bodies the following year, Cherry-Garrard writes of his contentment and pride in being a member of this expedition.
   In the subsequent years, until he writes the book in 1922, he becomes guilt ridden as to whether he and the other survivors could have reached and saved Scott before they died,[it seems apparent they could not have reached them. [In fact, rescueres would probably have died in an attempt]. It's impossible to imagine living in such conditions for 3 years. Constant cold, diet of seal, penguin, sometimes dog and horse, blubber, biscuit, and tea. Occasionally, chocolate, butter and sugar as a treat.
   I agree with other reviewers that there is redundancy and repetition but I found it interesting to read how different members experienced the same events.
   I thought from reading other books that Scott was somewhat naive and a dreamer when it came to planning and preparing for this expedition. I now feel differently. Scott prepared and planned diligently. He was well liked and respected by his men, in general, he was a strong leader. A terrible mistake was deciding at the last supply depot, to take 5 men on the final push to the Pole rather than the 4 which was the original plan. The 5th man, for which they did not have adequate supplies and the physical collapse of one member after reaching the Pole, probably cost them their lives.
   Reading of a group of men living for years in these conditions, survival aways in doubt, out of touch with the rest of the world, gives perspective and toleration for what we think are trying experiences today. Early explorers are compared to to our astronauts. However,when one considers that communication is constant with space travelers. These men left and were never heard from again until they returned, if they did return, years later.



3. i had been meaning to read this book for ages and when i started it i could not put it down.....what a read. thank you Amazon and keep up the good work.. yours Fintan.



4. The Worst Journey in the World (purchased on 04/05/2008)
   by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
   
   This order has NOT been received. Please advise as what has happened to it.



5. You will NOT be sorry to embark upon this wonderfully written, dramatic, brave and heartbreaking story by a man who survived infinitely more than you and I ever will. With typical English stoicism, but with a beautiful and compassionate effort, he tried to understand Scott and all the others who travelled with him.
   And when you're finished, read "Cherry", an authorized biography by Sara Wheeler for more of his life and times.
   And sit by your warm fireplace...

5 comments about The House on Beartown Road: Library Edition.

1. I found "The House on Beartown Road" shelved in our local library (Pound Ridge, NY) under Mental Health/Alzheimer's. I don't know who decides these things, but this wonderful memoir ought to be prominently placed along with other contemporary memoirs. Elizabeth Cohen is a fine writer and she deserves recognition for this generous tribute to her 80-year-old father, Sandy, to her daughter -- one year old Ava, and to new-found neighbors on Beartown Road and to friends in the Binghamton, NY, community. Sandy and Ava of these are at opposite ends of the verbal spectrum, one forgetting language and the other learning. Elizabeth Cohen herself is there in the middle, somehow trying to work full time as a reporter, managing day care for the two people who depend on her, figuring out how to survive the winter in one of the nation's true snow-belts, and keeping her own sanity as a harrassed single mother.My own mother is 97 with Alzheimer's and I have a one-year old granddaughter, so this book is close to the bone in many ways. I tell everybody about it. I use it in the memoir course I teach. I want to keep it to survive as a classic memoir and as a year-long account by an un-self-pitying caregiver. Elinore Standard Pound Ridge, NY



2. Few books have brought me to tears. This one did. The author writes in a matter-of-fact way about the heart-wrenching disease of Alheimer's, its impact to her life, and the lives of those around her. I didn't want the book to end. It is a quick read. Great book.



3. What a wonderful book. I have noticed that many who review this book are intimately involved in Alzheimers, be they professional or private care-givers. I don't have anyone in my immediate family with Alzheimers, but I read this as a potential gift to a friend who does. I am grateful that I was motivated to read this lovely, loving account of a disease and the way if effects those who are near it. The author and her family serve as reminders that love comes in all forms, and may be asked of you at the most inconvient moments. Don't wait until you have Alzheimers in your family to read this book. So much gentle learning to be done, so much joy to be given, so many miles we go, travellers through life.



4. In September 2004's Australian Reader's Digest, the story "The Unlikely Gift" had me in tears. It moved me so much that I searched out and ordered the book it was taken from - "The House on Beartown Road". I had been mourning the
   death of a favourite and much loved friend who died from the ravages of a similar brain disease (vascular dementia). Although her body died recently, the soul and the entity that I loved which made her who she was, was taken from me many years ago when the diagnosis was made and the slow but inevitable slide began.
   
   My friend Kath, whom I met in 1980, taught me joy and sharing, she took me into her family as if I was one of her own. As I am of a different background, she taught me to enjoy roast dinners and chocolate ripple cakes. She was a favourite auntie, a surrogate mother and most of all, a best friend. In the later years, I have been unable to be in her presence,
   as I couldn't reconcile the angry, violent person as being the same caring friend I had known. She was diagnosed in her 60's which is much too early and didn't allow her to enjoy her twilight years with those she loved and who loved her.
   
   Elizabeth Cohen's book is a beautiful and simply told homage to the reality of family life and in my opinion, a must read.



5. The author writes of her father's decent into Alzheimer's Disease (being more
   and more child like in his progression of the disease and her young son growing up from a toddler to young boyhood..the opposite ends of the spectrum. A very moving book. I may reread this one.

3 comments about An Eye for Winners: How I Built America's Greatest Direct Mail Business.

1. From the beginning, I was hooked. Excellent reading. Inspiring for anyone wishing to start their own business or is a business owner. As a small mail order business owner, I found this book to be a good look at what it takes to be an entreprenuer as well as some of the difficulties that we (as business owners) often face. Becky McAllister, BBB, Lt



2. The book maybe a fantastic voyage of discovery into not just mail-order, but into discovering fulfilment for all those desirous of doing so. Lilian Vernon has subtly personified what many men & women aspire to be and do. It's commendable what the indomitable spirit of a human being when pushed that bit harder can achieve.



3. Apparently there is a lot more to home business than meets the eye. Lillian Vernon's story illustrates the challenges and exhilarations she faced juggling her business, personal and family relationships. This book is a good overview of a personal success story, from the point of view of a woman who was only looking to earn a little extra cash and instead amassed an empire.

No comments about Augustus John: The New Biography Part 2 Of 2.

No comments about An Interview With Toni Morrison.

5 comments about My Life.

1. MY LIFE, the autobiography of actor Burt Reynolds, was published just a year or two too soon. The book came out shortly after Reynolds' public battle with former wife Loni Anderson, when people were talking more about his love life than his movies. Had Reynolds published this after his work in the film BOOGIE NIGHTS put him back on top, it would have been a more satisfying conclusion to the story.

   When illness and gossip threatened an end to Burt Reynolds' acting career, he recalled the words of his former girlfriend Dinah Shore, who had assured him that sooner or later his talent would win back what he had lost. As BOOGIE NIGHTS earned Reynolds an Oscar nomination, how right the late Ms. Shore proved to be. (As I write this, 3/1/02, it would have been Dinah's 85th birthday.)

   If you like movies, Burt Reynolds, or both, you can't miss with MY LIFE. The fire in the man's soul and his desire for life's finer things (including the finest women) have made for some incredible ups and downs. And when you're Burt Reynolds, you have a thousand tales of the fantasy life to tell.

   Other MY LIFE reviews question the actor's willingness to take a swing at those who upset him. In Reynolds' defense, he never ran from a fight even when he knew he was outmatched. That's the difference between a coward and a man's man: the will to fight with no guarantee you will win. While Reynolds admits passing on man-handling an ex-football player who was in a group of acting students he was throwing out of a class, he also tells about the time he took on Tony "Two Ton" Galento with no hope of winning. That's a tough guy.

   Read MY LIFE - or Burt'll come after you!




2. This book started out good with all the excitement of his early career.Some of it is hard to believe though.Towards the end of the book it started dragging.I think Burt's life in the late 80's and early 90's must have been real boring or he just ran out of good stories to tell us.I was basically done with the book around the middle and had to labor to finish it.I am still a Burt Reynolds Fan cannot deny that.It now sits on the shelf next to Loni's book.That is where the real comedy comes in.If you notice Loni's book is larger and Burt wrote his after her? So I guess Burt is the small man next to her now



3. I really liked this book, but some of it was hard to believe. Case in point, Chapter 56, Burt says that as late as 1994 he was on the short list to be be archbishop for the Rochester, NY archdiose. Is he even Catholic? Further Burt says in the 70s he was in separate fistfights with former president Jimmy Carter and TV superstar Nell Carter ... and that he broke his nose and her clavicle. That can't be true, can it? And this is the one I had the most diffcult time swallowing -- Burt refuses to recognize Guam as a Commonwealth of the United States all because in a review a newspaper critic in Agana called "Evening Shade" -- "awful."



4. This book was pretty good but I gave it 4 stars because Burt did not talk about his relationship with Tammy Wynette I read in Tammy's book about it and wanted to hear Burt's side.
   He does tell us a lot about the women that have passed through his life it was pretty interesting. I never would have thought Sally was so petty.
   and Loni was after money. I think the only woman who really loved Burt was Dinah Shore. I think maybe that was the only woman Burt really loved too.
   He tells us the age difference got in the way.
   He let other people put doubts in his head about Dinah he should of not listened to others but followed his heart.



5. Meditating on morality and the Spitzer-Dupre debacle which is currently in the news, I recalled reading this book. IIRC, towards the end Burt muses that as-far-as-he-knows, he never actually fathered any biological children, believe it or not ! Plus which the book was entertaining I thought, at about a 3-star level. So for a book with implicit moral lessons to be 3-star-readable, that beats trudging thru Dr. Laura !

1 comments about The Wise Man from the West.

1. If one had the option to read just one book about China, the Catholic Church, Jesuits, missions or anything related, this would be the book. Cronin's style is enchanting and romantic. That is not at all to say that he exagerates or romanticizes his subject, Matteo Ricci. Rather, Cronin tells the facts and the truth of Ricci's life and work better than I've read in ages. It was really a joy to read.

   Although it was written many years ago, it is not out of date and still well respected. It is a great book, as said in the headline, to introduce yourself to Ricci.

   There are other good books about Ricci and the Jesuit missions in China, including 'The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci' (which is excellent) but it would pay to read Cronin first to set the background for the rest.

   After reading "Wise Man Form the West" you will have a much better sense of those first tentative steps of Orient-Occident relations, a deep respect for the old Jesuits Missionaries, the Chinese who welcomed and taught them, and most especially, for Matteo Ricci himself. This is, of course, the purpose of Cronin's book, and he does so magnificently.

No comments about In My Wildest Dreams (BBC Radio Collection).