Noah's Compass
Anne Tyler

A step off the road for a little change of pace.
Ms. Tyler tells a great story in Noah"s compass.
This is both whimsical and prolific an account of a forced-to-retire school teacher who decides to scale down his life. In doing so he meets with a not so unfortunate circumstance that causes a portion of his life to "disappear"! the story wraps itself around this event, as the story of a mediocre, "every man", becomes an unforgettable account of extraordinary proportions!

Fun and entertaining.

Biography

Papa Hemmingway
A.E. Hotchner

Years ago when I explored Hemmingway via "Islands In The Stream" and "The Old Man And The Sea", I was taken with the writer Earnest.
I don't think that I had read any books laced with more testosterone than Hemmingway's accounts near the sea. I actually stayed in a room at The Compleat Angler on the island of Bimini on more than one occasion, where Earnest wrote much of these novels. It has since burned down (how sad), but of course the Hemmingway "touch" remains there on the little Island. Like many, I have wondered about the "real" character of Earnest Hemmingway. There are many renderings of His life. Most share some common charateristics, but this one, I think, stands out as a true reveal. Hotchner actually spent a significant amount of time with Earnest in his last 11 years. He saw him at his best...and perhaps worst moments (subjectively speaking). I am enjoying this biography as much as any I have ever read. I can reccommend this volume with great enthusiasm!

Here is my "poetic" synopsis:



Papa died.

I knew that...who didn't know that?

I picked up a copy of Hotchner's memoir.

Papa died again.

This time with dignity,

And honor afforded the runners who run long,
Dancers who dance strong,

Drinkers who drink hard,
lovers who love with awe,

Hunters who honor their prey,
sailors who drink their seas,

Writers who bleed their words,
embracing the anemia it affords,

And then drained, weakened, devoid and ashen,
they take their leave in a manner only they might conceive:
dramatically, decisively, completely, alone, and...without apology.

rc

Aye Mateys ! Arrrrrrgh...

Pirate Lattitudes
Michael Crichton

Reading now. This open in the perfect 18th century Caribbean setting. Crichton is expert at presenting the sense of a story.This one will touch every sense early, and continue to titillate as you walk the streets of Port Royal in all their contrasting squalor and scum.

You may have trouble not casting Johnny Dapp in this story...and that's okay.

An Irish Country Village
Patrick Taylor, MD

Actually bought this book a year ago knowing full well I'd eventually want to read it. Now is that time.

Snugged into bed a couple nights ago...put some old Irish folk songs on cd player...and dug into this charming read. This is Patrick Taylor trademark style: feel it, see it, smell it, and of course...taste it! This is an eavesdropping escape into the world of an Irish doctor and his community. Patrick Taylor is a G.P. by trade, and the medical dialog shared in this novel exemplify this.

I don't know if there is a nicer way to travel, short of the real thing.... Patrick taylor has at least 2 other books on the Irish culture theme: "An Irish Country Doctor", and "An Irish Country Christmas".

No crowded coach-class transport necessary for a fine little visit to the Emerald Isle!

The Curlew's Cry
Mildred Walker

My friend, Jenny Murray loaned me "Winter Wheat" by Walker. I really enjoyed it and searched for more. The local library found this one in Vienna, WV. I am enjoying it now.

This writing tastes a bit like Toni Morrison or even Sue Monk Kidd, both of which are favorites of mine. Picturesque...that's how I would describe Mildred Walker's works. Try her on.

Smash Cut
Sandra Brown

Just borrowed from The Library.

I am a fan of Sandra Brown for escape and entertainment. This one is right there with Sandra's regular fare. Finishing up right now and can recommend this latest work.

Brown veered off her normal course with "Rainwater" which I received and read during the holidqys. It is not in the ordinary Sandra Brown vein, therefore, I recommend that you read the jacket flaps before investing. I liked it. You may not.

Rainwater

Rainwater
Sandra Brown

XMAS gift from my wife Jeanne. Jeanne knows I have enjoyed Sandra Brown's usual fare. This one is a trip off the path. Nicely spoken...wonderfully developed and full of warmth and sensitivity that is more an "undercurrent" of Brown's other books.

I enjoyed the book...but honestly felt a little "cheated" at it's wrap-up.

Winter Wheat
Mildred Walker

At the suggestion of Jenny Murray (who has never steered me off the entertainment expressway) I read this book over the past week. It is remarkable, simple, insightful, and wonderfully descriptive of a land of subtle beauty, and of relationships that, while seemingly simple, are rather complex and deep. The Montana, big sky landscape at times feels barren and lifeless....and at others, rooted in a wellspring of life and virginity. Unforgettable characters and events.

This is a quick read, however you may prolong the finish, just to hold tight to your new friends.

Thanks Jen!

Reading Now

Horse Soldiers

Doug Stanton

Found this one over a dinner conversation recently. Mike Buxser was discussing some of the book's aspects. I was intrigued because I had heard stories of "The Horse Soldiers" (a very "Special" Forces team) stationed in Afghanistan and active during the early stages of the war. I appreciate books that take you closer to historical truth and reveal important information.

This one is eye-opening and grabs you from the first pages. Don't debate war if you haven't read books like this one.