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.

Reading on the side

The Intimate Merton
(Edited by Hart and Montaldo)

I'm a Merton fan. I re-read lots of work by or about Merton. Borrowed this from the Library to spend some time poring over the journal entries of T.M. I especially enjoy the time between Spring of 66 and about the mid 67 years.

These journal entries are very revealing. For Merton fans, a must. Interesting and provocative to newbies too.

Reading Now

The Lost Symbol
Dan Brown

Nothing says turn-the-page with more passion and intrigue than a Dan Brown novel. Millions went deep into The DaVinci COde and came out wanting more. Dan Brown deliver yet again with this, "The Lost Symbol" Beginning with a macabre amputation and....well, in the interest of those of you just getting into the book...let me just say, you won't be left wanting, unless it's for more Dan Brown late night reading!

Reading Now (on loan from the library)

Mistress Of The Game
Sydney Sheldon

I have read many Sheldon books through the years, but my first ever was "Master Of The Game". I will never forget the way that story kidnapped me and made me pay with an night sleep! I loved it, so I could not pass on this ...the long awaited sequel.

Reading Now (on Loan From The Library)

Mysteries Of The Middle Ages
Thomas Cahill

Larry Groce and I were talking books...This is one he recently read (or listened to while driving) and I knew I had to dive in. I hit the library the next day and have added the volume to my reading list. I love historical novels...probGranted, it is easy to see on overview that Cahill takes license with this work, but I am already entertained...and provoked to learn more.

Reading Now

Soul Searching
Morgan Atkinson

I have studied a bit of Merton over the last 8 years. Beginning with the autobiography "Seven Storey Mountain"...and even spending a week at The Abbey Of Gethsemani in Bardstown, KY.

This latest account by Morgan Atkinson comes with a DVD of the book's interviews. It is admittedly a low budget work, but for Merton Fans, a nice addition to your studies.

I can't say I've uncovered any revelations in this book, but I appreciate yet another perspective based on several 1st-hand Merton encounters!

Reading Now

Lost On The Planet China
J. Maarten Troost

Big fan of travel journals. Troost is more of a: go-live-there-and-write-about-it guy. I loved his books: "Getting Stoned With Savages" and "The Sex Life Of Canibals" Both are funny, revealing, and intensely descriptive. I expect nothing less from this one, released in 08. I have it on loan from The Library.

Just finished

My Life In France
Julia Child

Just like most of Julia's recipes...this wonderful account of Her days in France resound with simplicity and only the freshest ingredients! The movie is another Meryl Streep hit...and the book is easily the perfect companion. In fact, the photos included in the pages here are snapshots reverberated nicely in in the movie scenes! The movie will reinvigorate the book, and many will meet Julia and Paul more personally posthumously.

Reading Now

Under The Banner Of Heaven
Jon Krakauer

Thanks Stepahnie at Books-A-Million for seeing me eyeing this one and endorsing the read! Sometimes a little push is all we want to move into that "next one".

I am a Krakauer fan from "Into Thin Air" and "Into The Wild", so I have pretty high expectaions with this one. Plus ,I am intrigued ny the subject. Look forward to digging in.

Finishing Now.

Sail
James Patterson

Every so often I dive into a J.P book to take a break from History, Biographies and sorted Non-Fiction...he never lets me down for pure, fast paced entertainment. Sail is right on for action! I love thrillers that hit you head on with what could be the conclusion...but in the first chapter...and sometimes in the first paragraph. that's James Patterson. He seems to "get" that he's often competing with so much 3 dimensional entertainment...the roar of an ocean...the blaring TV. He means to own your attention. He usually does. I will finish this today or tomorrow and have enjoyed all of it.

Silent Night
Stanley Weintraub

I bought the movie Joyeux Noel last year. It is the movie based on this incredible story of truce between men holed up in the trenches of Western Europe. It was that "one special Christmas" season that prompted a display of human character that has seldom been replicated. Soldiers from opposing armies stopped their bloody confrontation for a Christmas observance that brings to mind the real character of war....and the difficulty of conducting it face to face...man to man...soul to soul. I loved the movie... I am loving the book.