No comments about Truman Tapes.

3 comments about Mothers & Daughters (Nova Audio Books).

1. This book is special to me because my Great Grandmother and her daughters (as well as my grandmother who raised me) are in the book. My "Granny" will be 100 years old in 1999 and has been an inspiration to us all. I've often thought her story should be told and while this is a very short version among many I was pleased with the gentle way they captured her essence.



2. I purchased this book as a holiday gift for my child's teacher. She has a close but intense relationship with her mother, and I thought she would enjoy the topic. Now, I have my fingers crossed and am holding my breath a bit. The black and white photography is beautifully compelling. At times, it is excruciatingly sad (for example, the photo of a woman who has lost her daughter to a drunk driver sits alone in her child's room, another of a daughter hugging her mom's gravestone.)

   The accompanying short profiles/ stories are tersely, crisply written. They can be truly uplifting, like one very personal tale, which recounts a woman's battle with breast cancer and how she later overcomes her shame in her daughters seeing her post-surgery breasts. Another tale tells of a daughter who has cared for her ailing mother at home for decades, changing diapers and preparing pureed food. Virtually all of the relationships, however, reveal palpable strains of deep-seated anger, regret or misunderstanding. Many of the women have suffered intensely; many have healed from their own bad marriages and divorces.

   For a young woman like myself who now has a small daughter and who recently lost a mother, the book was absorbing though it strangely lacked hope. My favorite profile was of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; she seems like a type A mom but happy with her family and the personal and career choices she has made. Her daughter teases her mother, but seems secretly grateful for the upbringing she received. You sense that they appreciate each other, despite differences.

   If you are considering this book for a friend, it would probably be most appreciated by someone who has survived many ups and downs with her mom. Those mother and daughter pairs who pal around together and who consider themselves good friends may be strangely put off by the tragedy and simmering warfare in between many of the pictures.




3. I received this book as a gift when it was first published. Thanks to Amazon.com I was able to find a new copy of an out of print book for a Christmas gift to give to someone special.

No comments about Amelia Earhart: Queen of the Air (Biography Audiobooks).

5 comments about Adrift (Bookcassette(r) Edition).

1. Absolutely fascinating, informative, a must for any sailor, and highly recommended for anyone heading out to sea.



2. Because of the horrible writing style I couldn't get past twenty pages. It was so mercilously annoying to struggle through the author's short, choppy sentences. His story might have been intriguing, but he should have hired a professional ghost writer. Put it aside for 'Lost' which is a much better written book.



3. I loved reading this book. The author has an amazing determination. Many times throughout the story, he was in a pinch and on the brink of disaster and death, but he fought and decided he was going to survive no matter what it took. He is a very intelligent person, judging by some of the assessments and solutions he came up with during the experience. He also has incredible will-power. Read the book if you love survival stories such as this.



4. I ordered this book on a whim. It's not usually my sort of fare but Callahan had me from the start and I had a hard time putting it down. Day by day, struggle by struggle, every new experience gave you either a sense of tremendous triumph or total despair. I was rooting for Callahan through out the book. I caught my self laughing out loud several times and twitching my feet nervously at others.
   
   Steven Callahan did one of the best jobs in all of adventure writing at bringing the reader into his little life-raft world. It was amazing to see an entire eco-system develop around his orange raft and how he interacted with it.
   
   Truly an amazing book and an amazing journey. Be forewarned, you'll feel lost at sea with Callahan!



5. Adrift is the true story of Steven Callahan, whose small boat sunk in the Atlantic Ocean, after he floats on his inflatable raft for 76 days before finally being rescued.
   
   
   This is right out of one of my favorite genres - true life survival stories. The story starts slow, but once he has to abandon his boat sinks and he is has to really start surviving, it is very engaging. I greatly enjoyed reading of all the details of his water-gathering, shark-deterring, fishing and storm riding.
   
   I am pretty sure I would have died about day 20. Great reading for anyone interested in this genre. Other favorites from this genre include "The Long Walk", "We Die Alone" and "Alive".

No comments about Boy Clinton.

5 comments about Ranch of Dreams: The Country's Most Unusual Sanctuary, Where Every Animal Has a Story.

1. I guess I just expected more from this book. I wanted more personal experiences and more discussions of individual animals that had been brought to the ranch. I feel that the book was to "general" in its approach. It just wasn't personal enough.



2. Having never read anything by Cleveland Amory before I was quite surprised to learn of Black Beauty Ranch in East Texas.Ranch of Dreams opened my eyes to what really goes on behind the circus tents,most haunting and heartwrenching the cruel treatment of the elephants,ripped from their mothers and herds and beaten into submission.Dear Mr Amory;he passed before writing a follow up book. The book is well worth the read,a lesson in human compassion,and when you are finished,pass it on to a friend.



3. Cleveland Amory wrote of his beloved cat Polar Bear, "Heaven will be no heaven for me if Polar Bear is not there."

   I say heaven will be no heaven for me if Cleveland Amory is not there. Anyone with even a small soft spot in his heart cannot fail to be moved by the stories of the Black Beauty Ranch and the animals of various species that call it home.

   Someone recently asked me what I'd do if I didn't need to work for a living. I think I'd want to go to Murchison, Texas and help care for the ranch's residents.




4. I absolutely loved this book. Although difficult to handle when reading about the abuse of animals, it is so well written that you just can't put it down. Cleveland's sense of humor shows through his writing and makes this book a must-read! And, if you haven't been to the Ranch of Dreams - you must go!!! Black Beauty Ranch in TX is the most beautiful place in the world - and the beauty is so much more than what meets the eye!



5. I generally enjoyed "Ranch of Dreams" - what animal lover couldn't? Heartwarming stories of animal rescues written in a quick and oftentimes witty style.
   
   However, it is that same writing style that occasionally brings Amory from the respectable "pro-animal" into the realm of "anti-human." He becomes argumentative and defensive at times, making me want to argue right back, despite the fact that I agree with him.
   
   Despite this, Amory's book is a worthwhile read, though I would recommend seeking out a cheap used copy and spending the money you save on "Best Friends: The True Story of The World's Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary," another lovely book on saving animals in need.

5 comments about Confessions of a Spy: The Real Story of Aldrich Ames.

1. Ames was unduly lucky to have not been "netted" much sooner. Mr. Earley gives us a very well written piece of work.Ames was certainly not Kim Philby or 007;but He did get away with His betrayal for some years,and that alone makes it worthy for any 20th Century Historian. The little tidbit of a quite 'hot potato'betrayal story on Henry Kissenger is worth the cost of the book alone.Earley is also fair to Ames'American employers at CIA who finally pinch "the mole".



2. Step by step we are moving to the truth.
   The fiction is banal. Hence - one star for the book. The reality is amazing. Hence - 5 stars for the next book on the Ames-Colby case. The next book will be based on Dekov's memoirs.



3. I was reading "See No Evil" by Robert Baer and he briefly mentioned Aldrich Ames and decided to read a book on him. While looking for books, I was pleasantly surprised to find one written by Pete Earley. I had read "The Hot House" a couple of years ago and found Earley to be a very clear and detailed writer. I really could not wait to receive the book. My expectations were high and they were met and exceeded. The book details Ames' life from birth, it details his parents, his entry into the CIA, and ultimately his betrayal of the country. The thing I love about Earley is that he leaves no loose ends. You're never left saying, "but what ever happened to..." or "I wonder who that is...". He's a very clear writer who introduces every subject in the book. He explains the facts sharply and thoroughly, and the pacing is perfect. Earley not only gives you the details, but draws you in with a story line that adds suspense. Earley is similar to other great non-fiction writers such as Stephen Ambrose, Jon Krakauer, Simon Winchester, Mark Bowden, or Kurt Eichenwald in that he takes a real event and tells it gripping way.
   
   On the negatives, there was not an index in my book which made it difficult at times. Also, Earley was not able to get interviews with everyone involved, in particular Ames' first wife, but at the time I'm sure not everyone wanted to participate with the media.
   
   The most important aspect of the book is that Aldrich Ames cooperated with Earley with face to face interviews while awaiting trial and later through letters. But Earley did not take everything Ames told him at face value, he is not lazy or sloppy, he fact checked and questioned everything. He even fact checked with Russian KGB which demonstrates how dedicated he was to the subject. Is it definitive? Definitely not because it came out so quickly after Ames arrest (before revelations of Robert Hanssen) but it is an excellent book.



4. This is the only text I have read that provides a compelling and nuanced explanation of why Ames betrayed his country. The short answer is that he needed the money because he was living beyond his means. As a result of his work recruiting and handling spies he no longer believed it was wrong for a person to betray their country. Earley's well-written book explains how he arrived at that point. It also provides the reader with a credible look at what it is like to work for the CIA, and what it is like to work as a spy.



5. This gives the best account of Ames' CIA career, particularly prior to the time he began to work for the Soviet Union, and corrects errors in several earlier books such as Wise's.

5 comments about Still Me.

1. In this book, Christopher Reeve recounts the events his life both before and after his accident that left him paralyzed. He takes through the events that led up to him entering into the horse race, his preparations on the day of the race, and the accident itself. He describes his long recuperation in the hospital, where he had to struggle to learn to breathe and most importantly, to look at life differently. He also looks back on his life, tracing the main incidents in his acting career, from teenage amateur roles through starring on the big screen.
   
   Reeve reveals much about his inner feelings during the period of adjustment following his injuries. He tells us how became aware that he would have to start relying on the help of others just to accomplish the bare necessities of life, such as breathing, and how it was the love of friends and family that pulled him through. He touches on varied topics, from near-death experiences to health insurance reform to the relationship between father and son. I gained a lot of respect for Reeve after reading this book-anyone can play a role in the movies, but it takes a real superhero to accomplish all that he did after such a devastating accident.



2. I absolutely loved this book! I have loved Christopher Reeve since I was a small child. This book made me feel like he was writing to me personally, sharing the intimate details of his life. It made me feel close to my life-long hero and is probably the best book I have ever read. The way he described his love for his wife helped me open up my heart and let myself fall in love again. I recommend this book to anyone who's admired Mr. Reeve or is in need of inspiration.



3. I thought the book was very well written. It was very easy to read. It showed a lot about the courageous Reeve family and what they had to live through on a daily basis and what contributions they made to persons with disabilities.



4. This honestly written books gave me goosebumps. The first two chapters are the most riveting.



5. Christopher and Dana Reeves are sadly missed by many! Their stories are inspirational and supportive to a community that needed much more awareness. Chris Reeves did this! Writing his tell all story took courage and strength which he had much of.
   
   These two people will be forever known for what they left in this world along with their children. This book is a must read for anyone, even if you feel at your bottom. It will help show you the way.
   
   Bless them in heaven!
   
   Merna
   
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!

5 comments about Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe.

1. Bergreen weaves together standard primary sources (logs and diaries from a couple of key shipmates that have been preserved and cited many times) with secondary sources in a way to make this oft-told tale seem fresh. Magellan's trip around the world was a triumph and a tragedy, a triumphant success because of his leadership and strength of character, and a tragedy he did not survive due to (as well) to his character.
   
   Bergreen mentions the recent theory (in 1421: The Year China Discovered America --see my review ) that Magellan was following in the footsteps of the ancient Chinese "Treasure Ships" in sailing through the Strait, but does not come down decisively on the side of the theory. However, some of Magellan's actions described in Bergreen's book as he was searching for the strait make sense only if in fact Magellan knew what he was looking for based on a map or reports from a previous visit.



2. I'm on an explorer kick these days, so I've read a lot of bios of them. (Check my list, "Books About Explorers," for more recommendations.) This is (narrowly) my favorite of the lot. Bergreen's a terrific writer, and Magellan's voyage never lacked for drama. It's carefully researched and fun to read.



3. this is one of the most exciting adventure/discovery books i've ever read. it was a page-turner from beginning to end.



4. This is a fascinating read, full of details (politics of the time, how ships operate, torture, sexual mores of various tribes around the world, etc.). The story of the first voyage around the world is so amazingly dramatic one would say "too far fetched" if it were fiction. Every page is so rich with detail that you want to just slow down as you read. The only slight flaw is that the characters do not come quite as alive as I would have liked. But everything else about this book is so good, it's well worth reading.



5. A truly terrifying and detailed eyewitness account of Magellan's voyage westward around the world by sea. It is not hard to get sucked in by Magellan's political persistence, and his entire crew's efforts at survival as they stepped off land they knew to a waterworld larger, deeper, and yet more inhabited than anyone knew. No modern reader can understand what it meant in the 16th century to board a ship to a world where entire continents and oceans were unknown, and longitude was uncalculatable. It was far more daring than the oft-compared space travel, where all the "heavenly" bodies are well-known, and location is calculated down to the last centimeter. At the same time, I found the story equally frightening for describing what still exists in large measure: leaders of countries competing brutally for money, luxury, and indulgences, exploiting the bravery and suffering of loyal common men, poisoning the natural curiosity between cultures. And through it all, women figuring prominently ... as sexual chattel. What we now know is that the world is round, most of it navigable waters. But the lands are populated with scientifically advanced savages. Magellan's story may not make you seasick, but it will surely make you dizzy.

5 comments about I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After Twenty Years Away.

1. This is my 3rd Bill Bryson book and possibly my favorite of his so far. The super short segments (compiled from past published articles) make this book extremely easy to pick up, put down and pick up again. His writing style is exceptionally intelligent, and he finds hilarity in the most mundane of situations. He has a way of making the reader reconsider just how silly much of our lives actually are, while interjecting a few heartwarming and philanthropical comments here and there. Would love a second edition of this!



2. Having made previous aquaintances with some of Bryson's work I think that I can confidently say that this is a work of comical genius, from the completly accurate complaints of such things as spell check and setting up a computer to the zany tangles with attick hatches, Bryson keeps the reader engaged and laughing. Well done, Bill, well done once again.



3. After quite a number of years living and writing in England, Bill Bryson returned to his native land, the United States, with his family and apparently continued his writing career. Mr. Bryson wrote a series of weekly articles, a column, for a British newspaper, recording his experiences, thoughts and observations on his native land and his return after a long absence. This book, I'm A Stranger Here Myself is a collection of these articles which were printed in that British paper.
   
   I like Bryson. I enjoy reading his books. This one was no exception. I suppose the first thing I like about this author, is that we both have the same attitude toward life. We are both rather inept in many ways. We neither of us seem to take ourselves very seriously. I can relate to that. One of the big differences between is though, is that he has the ability to articulate his thoughts, attitude and experiences, in a way I never will be able to. They guy can write and he can write well.
   
   When I first picked up this book, I did with a bit of a sense of dread. I did not want another "lets get together and bash American" book. I need not have worried. Yes, he does point out some funny, amusing, odd and silly things about our culture, but he is just a quick to point out that these different little oddities can be found around the world, only in different forms and customs. Let's face it, there is a lot a bout this country that is absolutely great, in fact, most things are. The author is quick point this out. On the other hand, there is much about our culture, our people, our government and our lives in general that is, if viewed from a certain angle, absolute hilarious. Bryson is quick to point this out too.
   
   Everything is free game in this little work. Everything from the postal service, cars, diet, computers, holidays, work, play, language, government, family relationships, and so much more, are free game to his pen. Through all of his work though, he is constantly laughing at himself more than anyone else. Most of the articles are funny, many of them absolutely hilarious, and some of them are quite serious, simply due the subject matter. Each article the author has written (he even rather humorously refers to making money on his recycled work), makes up one chapter in this book. It is well written, easy to read, and, if you are like me, addresses subjects we all feel the same about, but just cannot say them in the way Bryson can.
   
   Enjoyed this one and it was a well written, relaxing read.



4. nothing like looking at the US from the eyes of a stranger. What a beautiful perspective. There were many times I was laughing out loud when I read this book. Also a great gift for those who are travelers. you will not be disappointed.



5. Mr. Bryson's half-hearted curmudgeonly approach to life makes for another enjoyable read by this author. He covers a wide array of society's peculiar habits with a mixture of surliness and confusion. The only editorials that were creative but somewhat ponderous were his columns dealing with his computer. With the exception of just those few pieces, I enjoyed his book. Mr. Bryson is a funny, insightful writer who is a great remedy for a case of the blues.