I may not be the most objective reviewer, living as I do so near to these wonders, but I heartily recommend this book. For aWow, what an amazing book!
I may not be the most objective reviewer, living as I do so near to these wonders, but I heartily recommend this book. For anyone who appreciates these lakes' beauty, who is awed by their presence, who enjoys time spent on the water or at the beach or in the surrounding region: this book is for you. If you have never seen them, you may enjoy learning about them. But if you have seen them—if you have ever lived where a baby's first words are Dada, Mama, and LakeEffect—then this book will be like coming home.
An in-depth (haha) look at the Great Lakes, covering their history, their ecology, their present environmental concerns, their surrounding areas (both American and Canadian), the people who have lived and worked on them, the weather patterns, the mechanics of sailing, the different types of ships, famous Great Lakes shipwrecks, the architecture of the bridges, firsthand accounts of adventures on the Lakes, contrasts with the salt oceans, and even observations from famous writers on the unique properties of these five massive bodies of water. And it's all interspersed with his own memoirs, in which he details his own adventures on the water.
The good: • Clear writing • Excellent detail • Explained complicated subject matter clearly • Well-sourced • Adventure! Excitement! Human drama! Survival and death on the Inland Seas! • Excellent treatment of people the author knew. His fellow shipmates felt well-crafted and nuanced. • Excellent treatment of the human history surrounding the lake. Details about different Native American nations who interacted with the lakes, as well as America, Canada, and European countries. • Took the time to explain the science involved • Warm, conversational tone • Information about famous events, places, and things that are connected to the lakes, such as the Edmund Fitzgerald disaster, the Great Chicago and Peshtigo fires, and the Mackinac Bridge. • Jerry Dennis's genuine love of these lakes shines through and informs the whole of the book
The bad: • Hey, maybe I'll think of something to put here.
A very human portrait of a larger-than-life hero. I found the little snippets of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book to be inspiring, but they are juA very human portrait of a larger-than-life hero. I found the little snippets of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book to be inspiring, but they are just brief snippets, and they're given with no context. Four stars there, easily. What sets this book apart from other collections of inspirational quotes is the beautiful forward from Mrs. Rogers. In it, she describes her husband with warmth and affection, and she touches on some moments in his life that made him the person he became. It's a nuanced and personal depiction, and it provides a powerful framework for the rest of the book. So that would elevate the whole book to five stars. The amazing cast providing the narration is icing on the cake....more
In this memoir, Elizabeth Cee describes her struggles to save a colony of feral cats. It’s tougher than it sounds—it requires a great commitment in teIn this memoir, Elizabeth Cee describes her struggles to save a colony of feral cats. It’s tougher than it sounds—it requires a great commitment in terms of both time and money, and often, adult cats are too old to be rehomed. Cee writes with concise and clear prose, telling her story in a straightforward manner that is nevertheless quite powerful. There is much heartbreak here, but this is ultimately a story of hope. A short book, but unforgettable....more
My review, like this book, will be short and sweet: This collection of essays is sure to brighten many people's holidays. Sweet, uplifting, and with jMy review, like this book, will be short and sweet: This collection of essays is sure to brighten many people's holidays. Sweet, uplifting, and with just enough humor to see us through, this volume is another success from a remarkable mother-daughter team. Look here for a glimpse of their holiday experiences, for wisdom, a little chaos, and a lot of warmth....more
An interesting memoir. William Ottens writes in a warm, down-to-earth style that is a delight to read. He describes some of the highs and lows of librAn interesting memoir. William Ottens writes in a warm, down-to-earth style that is a delight to read. He describes some of the highs and lows of librarianship in a way that underscores the the sense of community: not just in terms of the staff as a library team, but also with regard to the patrons and communities they serve. He offers some amusing anecdotes from his own varied experience, and he shares comments that others have left on his website. He seems quite proud of the work he has accomplished, and yet he also comes off as humble, and as being quite grateful for the chance to have done the work that he’s achieved. Anyone interested in libraries (and their complexities) or in memoirs might enjoy this. Such an interesting man!...more
This eloquent and highly moving account tells the experience of 17-year-old Jack Thayer the night of the Titanic’s sinking. He offers a clear and careThis eloquent and highly moving account tells the experience of 17-year-old Jack Thayer the night of the Titanic’s sinking. He offers a clear and careful description of his experiences, and although the account is very short, I found it to be quite worthwhile. Through it all, Thayer seems to have carried himself with dignity and tremendous grace under pressure. He wrote this memoir for his children, in memory of his father, who perished in the disaster. ...more
This is partly a nature book describing an evening of animal-watching from a tree house in Kenya. This is partly a history book about a young woman whoThis is partly a nature book describing an evening of animal-watching from a tree house in Kenya. This is partly a history book about a young woman whose father died during the night; she was Princess Elizabeth when she climbed up the tree and Queen Elizabeth when she came back down. This is partly a memoir from someone who describes the great honor he felt in passing the evening with the Royal Party. My compliments to the library catalogers; this one must have been difficult to place.
The book is quite short but also very compelling. The introduction by Lord Hailey describes the author and his accomplishments, which is wonderful for the readers because it helps us understand Mr. Corbett. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a memoir in which the author talked less about himself. It’s only through the introduction that I know of full life Corbett had lived—and such knowledge helps ground the rest of the book. In many ways, he was ahead of his time. When other big-game hunters were shooting animals with rifles, he was shooting tigers with a camera.
As for the rest of the book, it doesn’t disappoint. He describes, in great detail, the different animals and their behavior. Illustrations enhance the experience. Parts of it are funny and sweet, but he does describe one of the animals killing another, and I found this part very difficult to read (no pictures of THAT, thank goodness). He also describes the actions of the people staying in the tree house. I was especially moved reading about Corbett’s impressions of the Princess. She was charming and kind, but she was also brave—he describes how calmly she walked past a herd of angry elephants to reach the ladder. He also describes how, when the rest of the group spent the night in the tree house bedrooms, he was perched at the top of the ladder, 30 feet off the ground. He writes that this “was no hardship; in fact it was on this occasion a pleasure. A pleasure to feel that I would have the honour of guarding for one night the life of a very gracious lady who, in God’s good time, would sit on the throne of England.” His joy is palpable. He was in total darkness, with wild animals passing beneath him, and he took it in stride, and with remarkable dignity. This book is delightful in many ways, not the least of which is the insight it offers into a public figure and the lives she’s touched. I would recommend it for nature lovers and for anyone interested in European history and the UK’s rulers....more
This sweet account of a remarkable dog is told completely from the dog's point of view. Josh was a stray looking for a forever home, and he sure foundThis sweet account of a remarkable dog is told completely from the dog's point of view. Josh was a stray looking for a forever home, and he sure found one. This is a story of amazing coincidences (or something more?), of courage and tenacity, of gun violence and survival, and most of all, of love. Josh has toured schools, has been honored by a state governor, and holds the record for most-petted dog in the world. This book brings joy. I recommend it for anyone, young and old.
I borrowed this book from our local public library. Their edition has been signed by Richard Stack. It has also been signed, with a paw print, by Josh himself. How lovely!...more
I’ve now read a few books by William Shatner, and here, as ever, I am impressed. I am impressed with his style and his down-to-earth attitude. I am imI’ve now read a few books by William Shatner, and here, as ever, I am impressed. I am impressed with his style and his down-to-earth attitude. I am impressed by his honesty and his openness, even on topics that are deeply personal. He seems to be a very positive man in general, and that shines through in this memoir.
This book is much darker than the other ones I’ve read. Here, Shatner is 87, and he has already lost many loved ones. In this memoir, he reflects on his own death. He ponders his own mortality, and he recalls the many struggles he’s had over the years. He has had a great deal of sadness, even in childhood, and these experiences have shaped him. He writes of pain, and of his regrets.
There is much less humor here than I would have expected, although he does describe plenty of bizarre experiences, such as a party for a motorcycle that wouldn’t work, a co-worker who’d sabotage the production, and a hallucinogenic drug trip (described in detail). These tales are the kind of inane anecdote I’d expect from Mr. Shatner.
I was also impressed with his outright refusal to give advice. He has tremendous respect for every person as a unique individual, and he often makes the point that he can’t advise anyone. He can only say what did or didn’t work for him. He seems very open-minded, and even though he has strong opinions, he seems very accepting of people with different opinions.
The best part of this memoir, for me anyway, is when he talks about animals. Years from now, I think the parts of this book that describe his dogs and his horses will stand out more strongly in my mind than anything else he wrote. William Shatner is an animal lover. He describes the way that time with his animals will help him cope with other aspects of his life, and he tells of the joy he feels when he welcomes new foals and new puppies into the world. These passages are beautiful, full of warmth and hope.
Live Long and... What I Learned Along the Way is by far the most poignant book I’ve read by William Shatner. It’s less focused than some of his others, but that fits. This is a record of his thoughts as he takes stock of his long life. It’s an intimate look at his private fears, as well as at his joys. It’s moving and raw and definitely worthwhile. I highly recommend it....more
This little treasure is part nature guide and part memoir. Peter Benchley talks about different kinds of sharks, what makes them special, and how theyThis little treasure is part nature guide and part memoir. Peter Benchley talks about different kinds of sharks, what makes them special, and how they interact with their environments and ecosystems. He also talks about several different diving experiences in which he has encountered sharks. The educational bits about sharks are informative and even sad at times, but the writing is not dry (no pun intended). The memoir segments are everything from funny to scary, and I can see why Benchley is so loved as a writer; he certainly knows how to tell a story. That these stories are taken from his own life makes them that much more terrifying. I was deeply moved by one section in particular, when he was talking about a dive he’d made with this wife and son. When the sharks came, he and his wife tried to stay on either side of him, to put themselves between the child and the sharks. That was easily the scariest part of the whole book. Adventures aside, this book is a highly informative guide to sharks and their importance to our planet. If you think of sharks as monsters, then Benchley’s explanation of their necessity might cause you to reconsider....more
Amazing. I’ve read many things about (or by) Martin Luther, but I think this one stands out as being different from the rest. It gives only what it saAmazing. I’ve read many things about (or by) Martin Luther, but I think this one stands out as being different from the rest. It gives only what it says, Luther in his own words, so there isn’t any commentary or history; there is no chance of someone else’s perpective affecting the reading experience. Moreover, this anthology showcases some of Luther’s shorter pieces. It doesn’t try to give an in-depth look at Luther—it’s not a biography, after all—but it would be a fantastic introduction for someone interested in reading Luther and understanding his theology.
Some thoughts: I liked the selections. It begins with his 95 Theses, and it ends with his last written words. I like that it contained some of his lesser-known sermons, and I was glad that the Small Catechism was also included. Luther once said that his opponents could burn all of his books except two, and the S.C. was one of those two. I was also glad for the excerpt on his tower experience. This was a beautiful account of a profound spiritual experience, and while I’ve read other books about Luther that mention his account, I had never had the pleasure of reading his narrative directly. All in all, it was a nice showcase of Luther’s writings at different stages of his life. The audio reader was wonderful, too....more
This memoir is a delight. Nayyar writes in a warm, humorous tone that is very much down-to-earth. These anecdotes from Nayyar’s life span from his chiThis memoir is a delight. Nayyar writes in a warm, humorous tone that is very much down-to-earth. These anecdotes from Nayyar’s life span from his childhood in India to his current success as an actor (and lots of stuff in between). I have a deep respect for Nayyar after reading this memoir. For one thing, he seems kind and capable of deep emotion; at one point, he tells of something that moved him to tears. I also like his descriptions of India, and of its holidays and festivals. Which one is is favorite? All of them, apparently. (See? I told you he could be funny!) But more than anything else, I am impressed by Nayyar’s courage in writing not just about his achievements, but about his failures and his regrets. In some places, his tone is somber and even humble, and he doesn’t shrink from the truth, however painful. He doesn’t try to shield himself or make excuses. He writes about his family, his friends, his colleagues; he writes about his life. He has a way with words and an excellent instinct for storytelling. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Nayyar. I strongly recommend this, not just to fans of his television show, but to anyone who likes interesting memoirs by interesting people. This is definitely worth it....more
This was a difficult book to read. It’s an inspiring story of survival and integrity, but it’s also a story of a mentally ill narcissist and possible This was a difficult book to read. It’s an inspiring story of survival and integrity, but it’s also a story of a mentally ill narcissist and possible serial killer. He was a war hero who may have cracked in Korea, and she was a little girl who found that she was strong. When Terry Jo was 11 years old, her family’s dream vacation at sea turned to tragedy. She was awakened in the night, found her brother and mother murdered, and barely escaped with her life. She spent four days alone on the ocean with no food or water, and, against all odds, she managed to survive. This is her story: a thorough account of the events that led to that horrible night, and a glimpse of the dreadful aftermath....more
I heartily recommend this memoir. This might be the single most fascinating account of the Titanic that I have ever had the privilege to read.
Col. ArcI heartily recommend this memoir. This might be the single most fascinating account of the Titanic that I have ever had the privilege to read.
Col. Archibald Gracie was an extraordinary man, and his account of the sinking—with its clarity and its unassuming tone—provides both insight into the disaster and closure for those shaken by the tragedy. Gracie seems to have been a methodical man, and he lays out the information as smoothly and logically as possible. He makes it abundantly clear what things he witnessed personally and what things he deduces based on evidence. His eye for detail is extraordinary.
This book has two parts. The first is Gracie’s memoir, in which he shares his experience on the ship the day of the sinking. He describes the loss of his friend James Clinch Smith, who was with him until the ship sank beneath them both. He recounts the valor of the men and women on the ship, as well as the kinship he felt with the other survivors on Collapsible B. He describes, quite scientifically, a telepathic experience that was attested by three people thousands of miles apart. He recounts with gentle humility his own shortcomings. His writing is poignant but never maudlin. There is dignity here, not just for Col. Gracie, but for everyone whom he describes. He includes names whenever possible, but he also pays tribute to some brave people whose identities he never learned.
The second part of this book is Gracie’s meticulous research. Much of it is not his own words, as he has collected a great deal of survivor testimony and drawn from the transcripts of the inquests in order to provide a more complete picture of the the disaster. It’s not as personal or as moving as Gracie’s own account, but it provides a great deal of background information, particularly with regard to the people in the other lifeboats. It seems that Col. Gracie’s purpose for this publication was to collect as much historical record as he could—including his own account—and preserve it for all. It is truly a phenomenal project.
Col. Archibald Gracie never lived to see his work published. He died of complications from his exposure in the icy water. In a sense, this makes him the last victim claimed by the disaster. He was 53 years old....more
William Shatner is a larger-than-life persona, and this humorous memoir will tell you exactly what you need to know to understand Shatner. Here is a lWilliam Shatner is a larger-than-life persona, and this humorous memoir will tell you exactly what you need to know to understand Shatner. Here is a list of simple rules—wisdom gained from his 80 years of life experience—that will guide you on a path of Shatneresque glory. All kidding aside, this book is funny. The writing is good, and the audio narration provided by Shatner is on point. There is a down-to-earth element, which sometimes competes with the overblown egocentrical element, and even here, Shatner is very self-aware and somewhat tongue-in-cheek. He shows the complicated relationship between “William Shatner” and just “Bill.” He talks about his life, his career, his family, his personality, his mistakes, and his achievements. He sort of pokes fun at, and at the same time revels in, his “big shiny ego.” Part memoir, part celebration, part inspiration—and with perfect comedic timing....more
Absolutely stunning. I've read and enjoyed a few books by William Shatner, but none of them comes near to approaching the power and beauty of this eleAbsolutely stunning. I've read and enjoyed a few books by William Shatner, but none of them comes near to approaching the power and beauty of this elegy. Shatner comes off as very down to earth: a charming mix of strength and humility underscores every part of this homage. This book shows how Nimoy's talent, work ethic, and quiet dignity helped shape his career and his life. It doesn't paint a rosy picture of everything. Nimoy struggled with cigarettes and alcohol, and he had a complicated relationship with his family. Shatner, for his part, wasn't always as gracious as perhaps he should have been. I have read books by people who love themselves so much they can't admit to doing wrong, or who put their friends on pedestals, but that isn't Shatner's style. No, this rings much truer, and consequently, it's far more poignant. I recommend it for everyone, not just Star Trek fans. It might be of special interest to photographers or to people interested in Jewish heritage. I don't know what else to say except to read this book. It's part memoir, part tribute, and all heart. 5 stars....more
Beautiful! This collection of memories about the Star Trek television show feels very much like a scrapbook: it’s filled with snippets from throughoutBeautiful! This collection of memories about the Star Trek television show feels very much like a scrapbook: it’s filled with snippets from throughout the show’s run, photographs of people behind the scenes, and quotes from some of the series’ most beloved actors. It’s kind of a memoir, but it’s more a research project; Shatner meticulously pieces together the history of the show and of the people involved. He begins at the beginning, with Gene Roddenberry’s childhood and his love of stories, and he traces Roddenberry’s long and winding journey to sci-fi fame. The book tells, in chronological order, the different events that came together to make the show possible. He shares highlights from each season. He even tells how things began to unravel, and the different events that led to cancellation.
Shatner has also tracked down many of the people connected with the show, not just actors but also people involved with the production, and he’s interviewed them. I like that Shatner takes the time to quote these people directly; huge block quotes abound throughout the book. Shatner uses this to great effect. For example, in one chapter, he describes a series of pranks that he pulled on Leonard Nimoy. He also quotes Nimoy extensively on the same topic. The result is a hilarious back-and-forth, with both perspectives contrasting sharply. At the same time, the warmth and friendship between Nimoy and Shatner comes through loud and clear.
Finally, I admire Shatner’s openness. Some of the people he interviewed had some resentment or even animosity toward him. In one of the interviews, a fellow actor even said, “I need to tell you why I despise you.” Shatner could have left those parts out, but he didn’t. He could have tried to rebut, but he didn’t do that, either. He let them say it all; he gave them that chance to be heard. He even agreed with some of their points. This is freedom of speech at its finest; interviewees are being quoted and even supported, and never judged—not even by the one they’re criticizing. In this book, Shatner doesn’t even try to shield himself. And that may be because this book isn’t really about William Shatner; it’s about Star Trek. It’s a collective project about a group of people. It’s a chance to preserve many of the thoughts, feelings, and memories from the people at the heart of it. Shatner worked really hard on researching this book and writing it—he’s the author, after all—but he is never the focus. I think that takes both strength and humility, and I am quite impressed....more
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