What an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't thinWhat an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't think there was a single one that I disliked—an unusual occurrence with anthologies and something that impresses me greatly. These exceedingly well-chosen sea stories have been grouped here into four different thematic sections, each of which explores a different element of the sea. The tales complement each other perfectly, and each section is an adventure unto itself. I cannot praise this book highly enough. Absolutely amazing collection.
Out of an already-strong collection, these seven were my favorites: • The Fog Horn (Bradbury) • A Descent into the Maelström (Poe) • The Cruise of The Jolly Roger (Vonnegut) • One for the Islands (Highsmith) • The Open Boat (Crane) • The House of Mapuhi (London) • Sail Shining in White (Helprin) ...more
I greatly enjoyed this very short story. This tale makes good use of detail to portray complicated subject matter; there is, first of all, a descriptiI greatly enjoyed this very short story. This tale makes good use of detail to portray complicated subject matter; there is, first of all, a description of the atoll where the story takes place, and a description of the valuable pearl that has been found, and of course, the hair-raising details of the powerful storm that hits the island. Just as interesting are the characters. London treats with nuance the delicate economic situation, in which Europeans send people to the atoll to do business with the local Polynesians. One main character is the pearl's finder, and the other is biracial, whose family represents both sides of this cultural divide, and whose approach to his business dealings is at once strong and humble. Will he purchase the pearl? Will he survive the storm? And what will become of the man who found the pearl? A page-turner, for sure, and thought-provoking....more
A wonderful short story by Bradbury: creepy and memorable. The descriptions of the fog and the dark ocean create a vivid setting, and the drama pays oA wonderful short story by Bradbury: creepy and memorable. The descriptions of the fog and the dark ocean create a vivid setting, and the drama pays off nicely. Ten years after I read it, I could still recall it in detail. Recommended for fans of science fiction or of tales about the sea....more
Moody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dMoody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dialogues; one of the characters makes many long-winded speeches (rants?) in what I can only describe as a strong Scottish dialect. This adds flavor to the story but makes the reading a bit more difficult for readers unused to it. The plot is spare (thin?) and ends abruptly. For such a long short story, not much happens, and what story remains is a bit on the odd side. But oh! Those evocative descriptions! Easily the best part of the book....more
An informative and entertaining guide, but perhaps not the most practical resource for one who is actually stranded. I learned a little about poisonouAn informative and entertaining guide, but perhaps not the most practical resource for one who is actually stranded. I learned a little about poisonous plants—not enough to know for certain whether what I find is safe, but enough to be concerned should I ever find myself foraging. I suppose, in a way, that's an asset, too: it showed me how vast was my ignorance of many plants. It made me aware of the multitudinous variety of many of them, and it taught me caution. Of greater value was the chapter on how to build shelters; the different guidelines were divided according to region (shelters from the snow, the desert heat, etc.), and that was quite useful. This was a great introduction to life in the great outdoors, and fun to read, but I'm glad that I was looking for entertainment more than immediate assistance....more
A terrific resource for children interested in science and nature. This book is well-organized and informative, and the writing is clear without everyA terrific resource for children interested in science and nature. This book is well-organized and informative, and the writing is clear without every being condescending. The book explains not just the characteristics of sea otters and their role in their ecosystem, but also other plants and animals in the environment, the history of human interaction with the otters, the individual scientists who study them now, and even the different steps of the scientific method. It covers a lot of ground without being long-winded, and it's never boring. I know I'm older than the target audience, but I enjoyed it at great deal as well. Fun and educational!...more
This nonfiction account tells of a group of 19-century explorers who attempted to reach the north pole but found disaster. With such a compelling premThis nonfiction account tells of a group of 19-century explorers who attempted to reach the north pole but found disaster. With such a compelling premise, this narrative should have been quite solid, but I found myself disappointed overall; parts of this were great, but the whole thing should have been much better.
I want to say first of all that I think the authors are good writers. They have an excellent ability to set the tone, and their instincts for finding the right word for the right moment are unerring. They do not talk down to the readers. The topics in this book that could have been dry, such as the type of ship and its different provisions, are still presented in an interesting manner, and the more dramatic elements (starvation, death, etc.) are not overwritten, not over-the-top, not melodramatic in any sense. Parts of this book feel as page-turning as a thriller, and the authors certainly made good use of dramatic tension. The writing is tasteful, and while the authors don't shrink from recording the more gruesome aspects of the journey, they also don't dwell too much on the gory details. There are dogs in this story, so here is my spoiler: (view spoiler)[The dogs all die, and one in particular is killed for food, but the writing is matter-of-fact and without a lot of tragic details. (hide spoiler)] I also applaud their wisdom in summarizing (but not dwelling on) some of the negative comments made by one of the survivors and published in the papers. The distinctive personalities of several of the adventurers shine through quite well. Primary sources abound, especially the journals kept by the lieutenant commander. It is very clear which elements are quotes from the primary sources and which are reconstructions, and yet this plethora of quoted material never disrupts the narrative flow. The writing is quite smooth. The subject matter is certainly interesting. The maps are helpful, and the epilogue ties up many loose ends.
The biggest problem is clarity. Some of these issues are relatively minor (e.g., one of the pen-and-ink drawings that illustrate this book was made by a specific crew member, but I have no idea who drew any of the others, if they're even from the expedition, or if they were made in modern times for this book). Other issues are more severe. For one thing, the timing is unclear. Some dates are given, but not all. How long was the initial delay, right at the start? Later, when the explorers were resting on an island, Melville and De Long disagreed about whether it was more important to rest or to leave immediately, and although their departure date is given, the date of their landing is not, so it is unclear how long the delay had been, or whether there had even been a delay at all. Consequently, it is impossible to know to what extent that rest cost them. It seems as though the whole party would have made it safely to Russian mainland if they hadn't been hit by a gale, and I think (again, it's not clear) that they only missed the fair weather by one day. Also frustrating was the lack of information about the travelers. Specifically, I wondered how many of them there were. 20-some? 30? It was difficult to visualize the party when I had no idea how large (or small) a group it was. A few of the names were given early on, with descriptions and even pictures of the men, but only six members of the expedition were described in this way. I wondered how many men there were. I wondered all the way from page 28, when it said that there were openings for 24 spots, to page 116, when the authors finally (finally!) listed the names of all the men who undertook this dangerous voyage: 34 names, all printed neatly in three columns across the page. What a relief! The group was quite a bit larger than I'd been picturing, but I wasn't about to reread the whole book just to re-imagine that one detail. At least I had an answer. Of course, now I'm back to wondering, because when I reached page 165, I read that 33 men undertook this voyage. So which is it?
Worst of all, for me, are the mistakes and omissions. There were 33 men but 34 names listed. There were 13 survivors (p. 150) but only 12 people survived (p. 165). De Long abandoned his rifle during his march through Siberia, leaving it behind on page 124, yet "De Long's rifle" was recovered with his body on page page 173. So did the group double back to retrieve it? Or did they have extra guns, and he just claimed a different (presumably lighter to carry) rifle as his own? The group of explorers included two Yup'ik men (Alaska Natives). Both of them were honored afterward with medals from the U.S. Congress. These medals are inscribed, but while the photos of them are clear enough for me to see that the letters are neat and well-formed, they are not clear enough for me to read the words, and the text of them is not given in the book. What a waste! But at least I know it was something positive. Conversely, the authors' lack of clarity is detrimental to the reputation of scientist and naturalist Raymond Newcomb. Newcomb had made friends with the Yup'ik men and took an interest in learning about their traditions, particularly when he worked closely with them on a task. On page 46, the authors quote a short excerpt from his journal in which he describes hunting with Alexey (one of the Yup'ik men). He recounts a conversation in which Alexey shared some hunting advice from his father. The authors uncharacteristically interrupt the flow of narrative here to interject, "Though Newcomb was fascinated by Yup'ik rituals, he incorrectly identified Alexey and Aneguin as Indians." This incorrect commentary hurts both Yup'ik men by muddying the information about their heritage. It also minimizes the relationship between these two friends, and Newcomb comes off as someone too careless even to pay attention to details about his coworkers. Every subsequent quote from Newcomb using the word "Indians" was equally distracting. Because here's the problem: Newcomb was correct. The different peoples native to North America were called Indians as early as the fifteenth century, and the term is still used today in schools, in books, and in official documents. The U.S. Government officially recognizes Native American nations as American Indians. That is the correct legal term, even to this day. According to the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Government recognizes 574 entities who have official "status as Indian Tribes." The Yup'ik people are on the list. So in what way do these authors think that they don't count as Indians? The BIA seems like an obvious source to miss, and I was stunned to see that the authors DID list that website as one of their sources. Did they not read the list all the way to the bottom? The list is alphabetical, so they could just skip to the end, or at the very least, simply use ctrl+F. I can't really believe they'd miss this, but if there is some sort of nuanced distinction here regarding the word "Indian" or the mens' status within their tribe, the authors never addressed it. I can't imagine what it could be.
Again, there was much to commend about this book. The writing is superb and the topic intriguing. But the editing seems rushed and sloppy, and that's really too bad....more
An excellent resource for children that explains the myth of the kraken, the history of the myth, and the actual science that might account for the exAn excellent resource for children that explains the myth of the kraken, the history of the myth, and the actual science that might account for the existence of these tales. This book is clear, concise, well-sourced, and a lot of fun! Resources for further reading, a glossary, and even a listing of modern references to krakens make this book all the more useful. And of course, the many illustrations and photographs simply add to the joy....more
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.
What a highly enjoyable book! This collection features a wide variety of stories in various styles, and all of them were tales I likely would never haWhat a highly enjoyable book! This collection features a wide variety of stories in various styles, and all of them were tales I likely would never have encountered otherwise. This anthology brings together stories that are lesser-known, even obscure, and presents them with a brief introduction about each author. I would have preferred a bit more information in the introductions, or at least the year that each story was first published, but that is minor. These are terrific yarns, and they reflect a voice and a cadence that are not often used in modern storytelling. For want of a better way of putting it, they feel old-timey. Taken together, the stories evoke the sea, not just with their subject matter, but with their mood; one can almost hear the ship's bell, feel the spray, taste the salt. As with most anthologies, I found some stories to be more enjoyable than others. There was one that I found too disturbing to finish. But most of them were fun, and even the less enjoyable ones still contributed to the overall feeling created by placing these tales together in a volume. Collectively, they create an atmosphere that is at turns brooding, terrifying, serene, and beautiful—just as is the sea itself....more
This delightful collection of facts and photographs will entertain and educate in equal measure. While ships, landforms, and history are featured, mosThis delightful collection of facts and photographs will entertain and educate in equal measure. While ships, landforms, and history are featured, most of this book focus specifically on animals in the ocean. Each piece of trivia is short, often just a single sentence, so reading is quick, and even reluctant readers can find something of interest. There are no lengthy explanations. This is a good thing for this type of book, but there were a few entries for which I would have liked more information. For example, one spread features an ocean-themed bowling alley with fancy and complicated decorations, yet the book does not state the name of the alley or even the country in which it is found. Still, for the most part, this format works well. Full-color pictures enhance the experience....more
There was a great deal of information here, and I learnt a lot about the physical properties of the sea and the way it has been described through the There was a great deal of information here, and I learnt a lot about the physical properties of the sea and the way it has been described through the centuries. This region is important to the Abrahamic faiths, and I like that the book touched on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in its analysis. I like the way the authors tied history to modern archeological findings; I am glad for the diversity of the primary sources quoted; and I think the authors did a good job of presenting such a complicated subject in a way that is clear and straightforward. I appreciated the chance to learn about even the unpleasant elements of its history, such as the devastation wrought upon the Jews of the region. Parts of this book were utterly horrifying. I have heard that this book has excellent pictures, but I cannot comment on them, as I only read the audio version. This is not a terribly long book, so it does not go into great depth on any particular subject connected to the Dead Sea, but it does offer a strong overview, and it made me curious to learn more....more
Utterly charming. Sweet and sad but never maudlin, this cat book is more than it first seems. The novel tells the story of one cat's travels, but the Utterly charming. Sweet and sad but never maudlin, this cat book is more than it first seems. The novel tells the story of one cat's travels, but the book is also a sweeping portrait of human relationships and growth. Love, loss, hope—all the emotional elements are present, yet the story never feels overtly manipulative or hastily cobbled together. Indeed, this book is gentle and thoughtful and ultimately unforgettable....more
This oversized book will delight readers with its massive, colorful illustrations and its clear straightforward text. It covers a lot of ground withouThis oversized book will delight readers with its massive, colorful illustrations and its clear straightforward text. It covers a lot of ground without ever feeling rushed; it explains science and history and different cultural traditions without getting too bogged down in details. Informative, fun, and lovely—did I mention lovely?—this coffee table book for children brings a sense of wonder to this nature study....more
I greatly enjoyed this brief, nonfiction description of a variety of different birds of prey. Large, full-color photographs enhanced my understanding,I greatly enjoyed this brief, nonfiction description of a variety of different birds of prey. Large, full-color photographs enhanced my understanding, and I appreciated the broad range of information presented in this slender volume. The information about the birds themselves seems sound, although, since it was published 30 years ago, the statistics about their environmental status have changed a bit. It was such a peculiar, pleasant feeling to read the book’s worried (but still slightly hopeful) descriptions of a particular species that was extinct in the wild—knowing that today, there are once again wild populations roaming the skies. Not that everything is rosy: it’s still critically endangered, but it’s gratifying to see that the numbers have been moving steadily in the right direction. The book describes a tentative future that has already happened, and so much of the hope this book expresses has been realized....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
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