This is Krakauer's first hand account, of the deadliest storm ever on Mount Everest, which primarily because of that storm, became a part of Everest's most deadly season.
Krakauer is a well respected outdoor adventure reporter and author (see review for "Into the Wild" - Jon Krakauer), and for good reason. His writing skills are excellent, and he writes what he knows about. He is an avid outdoorsman and by all accounts, a fairly competent climber.
I have read another book about this event (see review for "High Crimes" - Michal Kodas), and I have seen a few documentaries about it as well, so I knew how things would come out in the end. Yet I still felt compelled to turn pages late at night to read Krakauer's perspective.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Scuba Dancing - Nicola Slade
This book was a delightful read.
An eclectic group of lonely people, getting together to help each other out through a "barter club", soon find themselves providing so much more for each other than music lessons and carpentry.
I was pleasantly entertained, as each of the characters made their journey to happiness, meaning, and freedom in their own ways.
An eclectic group of lonely people, getting together to help each other out through a "barter club", soon find themselves providing so much more for each other than music lessons and carpentry.
I was pleasantly entertained, as each of the characters made their journey to happiness, meaning, and freedom in their own ways.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
A great story, superbly written.
The book is about a 13 year old girl, who is conceived in-vitro to be a compatible donor for her seriously ill sister. Originally, only cord blood from her delivery was expected to be used, however as her sister relapses time and time again, she must continue donating to her sister to keep her alive. One day she decides she will donate no more. What we learn about her and her family is not always as simple as what we immediately see.
Picoult masterfully tells this story. The story is told from the perspective of ALL the individuals directly involved. We are able to observe how the same events are perceived differently by each of the characters. Added to this complex web, we visit different times in the lives of these characters. Only a skilled story teller could do this so well, that we never feel "lost" by changes in character or time. Picoult does an excellent job. We feel for each of the characters in this tragic family.
This is my first novel by Picoult, but judging by the quality of this work, it will not be the last by far!
The book is about a 13 year old girl, who is conceived in-vitro to be a compatible donor for her seriously ill sister. Originally, only cord blood from her delivery was expected to be used, however as her sister relapses time and time again, she must continue donating to her sister to keep her alive. One day she decides she will donate no more. What we learn about her and her family is not always as simple as what we immediately see.
Picoult masterfully tells this story. The story is told from the perspective of ALL the individuals directly involved. We are able to observe how the same events are perceived differently by each of the characters. Added to this complex web, we visit different times in the lives of these characters. Only a skilled story teller could do this so well, that we never feel "lost" by changes in character or time. Picoult does an excellent job. We feel for each of the characters in this tragic family.
This is my first novel by Picoult, but judging by the quality of this work, it will not be the last by far!
A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka
While not a bad book, I was none-the-less somewhat disappointed by it.
While light and funny at times, it seemed to lack some of the depth and substance I had expected of it. I failed to connect with the characters on any meaningful level.
The story is of an elderly widower, who marries a gold digging immigrant. His daughters who have been feuding, must come together in an attempt to save their Dad.
If you are looking for a book to help you pass the time, this book will certainly do. If you are looking for a book that will make you say "wow!" and become a favorite, you may, like me, be disappointed.
While light and funny at times, it seemed to lack some of the depth and substance I had expected of it. I failed to connect with the characters on any meaningful level.
The story is of an elderly widower, who marries a gold digging immigrant. His daughters who have been feuding, must come together in an attempt to save their Dad.
If you are looking for a book to help you pass the time, this book will certainly do. If you are looking for a book that will make you say "wow!" and become a favorite, you may, like me, be disappointed.
For One More Day - Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom does it again!
Another beautifully inspirational book, that will stay with you.
For any of us who have lost a dear loved one, what we wouldn't give to spend just one more day with them.
Albom's tale of a broken man, who is given the gift of a day with his deceased Mother, is simply put, a thing of beauty. We are reminded, that our loved ones are always in our hearts, and life is never so broken it can't be fixed. That being said, we still cannot afford to take for granted our time with our loved ones while alive. Albom again strikes a perfect balance of sentiment, without being preachy or over the top.
Mitch Albom is finding his way into my favorite authors!
Another beautifully inspirational book, that will stay with you.
For any of us who have lost a dear loved one, what we wouldn't give to spend just one more day with them.
Albom's tale of a broken man, who is given the gift of a day with his deceased Mother, is simply put, a thing of beauty. We are reminded, that our loved ones are always in our hearts, and life is never so broken it can't be fixed. That being said, we still cannot afford to take for granted our time with our loved ones while alive. Albom again strikes a perfect balance of sentiment, without being preachy or over the top.
Mitch Albom is finding his way into my favorite authors!
The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom
Profound and entertaining.
This tiny book packs quite a whollop!
Inspirational without being preachy, this book reminds us about how our lives are all interconnected with each other. This story reminds me somewhat of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol", in that our hero learns how his life, and his actions, have affected others he knew, and strangers as well. I hesitate to say more, lest I spoil the book for anyone who has not yet read it!
This is one of those books that becomes a part of you.
This tiny book packs quite a whollop!
Inspirational without being preachy, this book reminds us about how our lives are all interconnected with each other. This story reminds me somewhat of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol", in that our hero learns how his life, and his actions, have affected others he knew, and strangers as well. I hesitate to say more, lest I spoil the book for anyone who has not yet read it!
This is one of those books that becomes a part of you.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Map of Bones - James Rollins
A good thriller.
Intricately woven with twists and turns, this book will keep you up at night turning pages.
Loaded with mythology and fact, this book’s plot revolves around the history of the roles of various catholic figures, sects and events.Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Animal's People - Indra Sinha
This book is incredibly under-rated. Whether due to it's very serious story line, or lack of marketing, I don't know. It was however named to the "new" 1001 books list, and more importantly, was short-listed for the 2007 booker prize.
This book is narrated by "Animal", a young man who was left physically twisted and orphaned by a chemical company disaster. Sinha injects enough humor to make this book quite readable despite it's serious and sad nature. I would however caution that there is liberal use of strong language.
This book is not a light read. Many phrases are in French or Indian, and must be gleamed from context (unless of course you know these languages).
Technically, this book would have to be considered a work of fiction. However, don't be surprised if something about this book is niggling at your memory. This book is the author's interpretation of the effects of a very real event. The city of Khaufpur does not exist (don't let the city's "official website" fool you), and the characters may not exist by the particular names used in this book, but nothing in this book could not, or has not happened.
The fictional city of Kaufpur is based on the real city of Bhopal. The fictional American "kampani" talked about in the book is the Union Carbide company (now owned by Dow Chemical). The very real disaster occured on December 3, 1984. The long term effects and responsibility is still a matter of debate.
This book is narrated by "Animal", a young man who was left physically twisted and orphaned by a chemical company disaster. Sinha injects enough humor to make this book quite readable despite it's serious and sad nature. I would however caution that there is liberal use of strong language.
This book is not a light read. Many phrases are in French or Indian, and must be gleamed from context (unless of course you know these languages).
Technically, this book would have to be considered a work of fiction. However, don't be surprised if something about this book is niggling at your memory. This book is the author's interpretation of the effects of a very real event. The city of Khaufpur does not exist (don't let the city's "official website" fool you), and the characters may not exist by the particular names used in this book, but nothing in this book could not, or has not happened.
The fictional city of Kaufpur is based on the real city of Bhopal. The fictional American "kampani" talked about in the book is the Union Carbide company (now owned by Dow Chemical). The very real disaster occured on December 3, 1984. The long term effects and responsibility is still a matter of debate.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Water For Elephants - Sara Gruen
Definitely one of the better books I have read.
While Gruen moves us around in time, we always know exactly where we are in the story. This is a real gift. Often when reading other amateur reviews of other books, the confusion over back and forth time lines creeps up often. It simply never happens in this book.
This book chronicles one man's love for a woman, for animals, and for the circus. His loving nature is a stark contrast for the cut-throat world of the old fashioned train circus, and the often brutal men who lived and worked it.
While Gruen moves us around in time, we always know exactly where we are in the story. This is a real gift. Often when reading other amateur reviews of other books, the confusion over back and forth time lines creeps up often. It simply never happens in this book.
This book chronicles one man's love for a woman, for animals, and for the circus. His loving nature is a stark contrast for the cut-throat world of the old fashioned train circus, and the often brutal men who lived and worked it.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Gods Behaving Badly - Marie Phillips
A perfect summer read!
Light and humorous, this book was ideal for summer reading.
Imagine, gods and godesses of Greek and Roman Mythology, sharing a home in modern day London! (I would have never imagined of Aphrodite being a phone sex operator!) Add a few quirky mortals to the mix and you have "Gods Behaving Badly".
Light and humorous, this book was ideal for summer reading.
Imagine, gods and godesses of Greek and Roman Mythology, sharing a home in modern day London! (I would have never imagined of Aphrodite being a phone sex operator!) Add a few quirky mortals to the mix and you have "Gods Behaving Badly".
Saturday, July 12, 2008
We Are All The Same - Jim Wooton
This book was very touching.
The story is of a young boy, born in Africa with HIV. By chronicling his life, Wooten allows us to read of the daily struggle of so many people who live with HIV/AIDS in a country that ignores their plight. From the loss of his birth family when his mother becomes to sick to care for him, his subsequent "adoption" by his foster family, to his struggle for for the simple right to attend school. This young boy was brave enough to speak in opposition to his government's AIDS policy (which was to say that it does not exist despite having the highest infection rates in the world).
Reading this book, puts a very real face on the AIDS pandemic in Africa. That face is the young, brave, warm, loving face of the late Xolani "Nkosi Johnson".
The story is of a young boy, born in Africa with HIV. By chronicling his life, Wooten allows us to read of the daily struggle of so many people who live with HIV/AIDS in a country that ignores their plight. From the loss of his birth family when his mother becomes to sick to care for him, his subsequent "adoption" by his foster family, to his struggle for for the simple right to attend school. This young boy was brave enough to speak in opposition to his government's AIDS policy (which was to say that it does not exist despite having the highest infection rates in the world).
Reading this book, puts a very real face on the AIDS pandemic in Africa. That face is the young, brave, warm, loving face of the late Xolani "Nkosi Johnson".
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Alexandria Link - Steve Berry
I have always liked Steve Berry's novels. They are great page turners.
Berry always builds such exciting works of fiction, based on historical fact. I'm not much of a history buff, so I always manage to learn a little something from these books as well.
This novel is written around the story of the lost library of Alexandria.
Berry always builds such exciting works of fiction, based on historical fact. I'm not much of a history buff, so I always manage to learn a little something from these books as well.
This novel is written around the story of the lost library of Alexandria.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
No New Land - M. G. Vassanji
A great novel by award winning Canadian author M.G. Vassanji.
A wondrous tale of an immigrant community and their trials. He brings to life the best and the worst of what that experience must be like, complete with family strife, cultural clashes, and personal temptations. His descriptions are vibrant and bold, proving why his work is such a respected part of contemporary Canadian Literature.
A wondrous tale of an immigrant community and their trials. He brings to life the best and the worst of what that experience must be like, complete with family strife, cultural clashes, and personal temptations. His descriptions are vibrant and bold, proving why his work is such a respected part of contemporary Canadian Literature.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
While reading this book, several people told me what a good book it was. Even People who didn't know me. I fully agree.
"Life of Pi" was winner of the Man Booker Prize for 2002, and winner of the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction, as well as being shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction.
On it's surface, this book is a delightful and entertaining tale. But much like the ocean much of this book takes place on, there is immeasurable depth as well.
This is a story of a young shipwrecked boy, and his unlikely companions as they bob in the sea in a lifeboat. Danger looms both from the sea, and from within the lifeboat. Martel's writing is fresh and often funny, and most of all, very entertaining.
A great read.
"Life of Pi" was winner of the Man Booker Prize for 2002, and winner of the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction, as well as being shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction.
On it's surface, this book is a delightful and entertaining tale. But much like the ocean much of this book takes place on, there is immeasurable depth as well.
This is a story of a young shipwrecked boy, and his unlikely companions as they bob in the sea in a lifeboat. Danger looms both from the sea, and from within the lifeboat. Martel's writing is fresh and often funny, and most of all, very entertaining.
A great read.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Art of Racing In the Rain - Garth Stein
I loved this book.
This book is written from the perspective of Enzo, a deeply philosophical and intelligent dog, (who is almost human), as he tells the story of his life with Denny and his family.
Stein's skill at character development demands emotional payment early on, and while constantly demanding payment, it also is constantly paying dividends. I felt love, grief, anger, love, disbelief, and yet even more love for Enzo and Denny. We learn almost immediately that Enzo is at the end of his life, and yet we still fall in love with him quickly and in spite ourselves.
This book is one of the warmest, most touching books I have read in a long time. I dare you to read it with dry eyes!
This book courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada Reading Group.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures - Vincent Lam
Giller Prize winner for 2006.
Lam weaves a tale of the inter-connected lives of a group of med students, as they work their way from pre-med courses, to med school, and into practice. His characters are complete and well rounded, each with bright wonderful qualities, and dark flawed qualities as well. His tale shines light on the pressures faced by those in this profession, and how they choose to cope with those pressures.
A good read.
Lam weaves a tale of the inter-connected lives of a group of med students, as they work their way from pre-med courses, to med school, and into practice. His characters are complete and well rounded, each with bright wonderful qualities, and dark flawed qualities as well. His tale shines light on the pressures faced by those in this profession, and how they choose to cope with those pressures.
A good read.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
High Crimes - Michael Kodas
An amazing book. One of the best non-fiction books I have read.
Kodas' writing style is reminiscent of Krakauer's, in that he writes not only from research, but from experience. That being said, he is a fine journalist in his own right. Kodas himself has been to Everest, (and in fact was on Everest at the time his subject Dr. Nils Antezana was there) and uses his own experiences to illustrate his points. A gifted writer, Kodas made the history and facts surrounding mountaineering on Everest so interesting, it was hard to put the book down.
This book primarily focuses on Dr. Nils Antezana's dream to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, and his unfortunate demise almost immediately thereafter.
While most people, both climbers and non-climbers are aware of the dangers the mountain itself presents - extreme cold, oxygen depravation, steep and icey slopes that may cause a person to stumble and fall etc., many people may be unaware of the dangers other people on the mountain present. From immoral and/or inexperienced guides, to cut-rate equipment, and theft - which at that altitude can constitute manslaughter. Kodas examines both these types of dangers in his book "High Crimes".
Bravely shining light on some of the darkest aspects of trekking Everest, and some of it's darkest characters, it should be required reading for anyone considering climbing any major peak, not just Everest.
This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.
Kodas' writing style is reminiscent of Krakauer's, in that he writes not only from research, but from experience. That being said, he is a fine journalist in his own right. Kodas himself has been to Everest, (and in fact was on Everest at the time his subject Dr. Nils Antezana was there) and uses his own experiences to illustrate his points. A gifted writer, Kodas made the history and facts surrounding mountaineering on Everest so interesting, it was hard to put the book down.
This book primarily focuses on Dr. Nils Antezana's dream to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, and his unfortunate demise almost immediately thereafter.
While most people, both climbers and non-climbers are aware of the dangers the mountain itself presents - extreme cold, oxygen depravation, steep and icey slopes that may cause a person to stumble and fall etc., many people may be unaware of the dangers other people on the mountain present. From immoral and/or inexperienced guides, to cut-rate equipment, and theft - which at that altitude can constitute manslaughter. Kodas examines both these types of dangers in his book "High Crimes".
Bravely shining light on some of the darkest aspects of trekking Everest, and some of it's darkest characters, it should be required reading for anyone considering climbing any major peak, not just Everest.
This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
I quite enjoyed this book.
This story's hero travels back and forth in time, while the heroine, travels time in a straight line.
The logistics of this story can be mind-boggling, but Niffegger does it with style. This story is touching and sweet, with out going over the top.
This story's hero travels back and forth in time, while the heroine, travels time in a straight line.
The logistics of this story can be mind-boggling, but Niffegger does it with style. This story is touching and sweet, with out going over the top.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Girls - Lori Laansens
A beautiful, touching story.
Lansens portrayal of craniopagic congjoined twins is simply superb. Witty at times and touching at others, and always with an element of real life. I cannot imagine that truly conjoined twins would find her descriptions of their lives and challenges anything other than believable. Though you realize very early on how the book will end, you find yourself interested in the journey to that end.
Simply put, a brilliant piece of work.
Lansens portrayal of craniopagic congjoined twins is simply superb. Witty at times and touching at others, and always with an element of real life. I cannot imagine that truly conjoined twins would find her descriptions of their lives and challenges anything other than believable. Though you realize very early on how the book will end, you find yourself interested in the journey to that end.
Simply put, a brilliant piece of work.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Atonement - Ian McEwan
I have to say, I struggled with the overpowering temptation to put this book down and never pick it up again. I found it monotonous and pointless and did not feel at all entertained by this book...until the second half.
Should one gather enough patience to finish this book, it is rather rewarding. When taken as a whole, it is a very worthwhile read; and in finishing it, my overall opinion of the book is positive.
This book has been adapted to film, and was recently in theaters.
Should one gather enough patience to finish this book, it is rather rewarding. When taken as a whole, it is a very worthwhile read; and in finishing it, my overall opinion of the book is positive.
This book has been adapted to film, and was recently in theaters.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A Complicated Kindness - Miriam Toews
I was a little disappointed with this book.
That is not to say that the book was bad, only that it did not live up to my expectations of it. This book won the 2004 Governor General's Award for literary fiction, and was a finalist for the Giller.
I found it incredibly difficult to connect with the lead character, or perhaps it was more a matter of not being particularly sympathetic to her, as I did not find her to be extraordinary in any way. All adolescents have difficulty fitting in and feeling like they belong. I did not feel her to be much different than any other person her age; drinking, smoking, staying out late, and other forms of challenging authority are normal - and her family’s religious affiliation just did not make it enough of a stretch for me. Only as I came to the end, did things seem to stray from the normal, and then the pendulum had swung too far, and it just seemed bizarre , but without substance.
That is not to say that the book was bad, only that it did not live up to my expectations of it. This book won the 2004 Governor General's Award for literary fiction, and was a finalist for the Giller.
I found it incredibly difficult to connect with the lead character, or perhaps it was more a matter of not being particularly sympathetic to her, as I did not find her to be extraordinary in any way. All adolescents have difficulty fitting in and feeling like they belong. I did not feel her to be much different than any other person her age; drinking, smoking, staying out late, and other forms of challenging authority are normal - and her family’s religious affiliation just did not make it enough of a stretch for me. Only as I came to the end, did things seem to stray from the normal, and then the pendulum had swung too far, and it just seemed bizarre , but without substance.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Late Nights on Air - Elizabeth Hay
I found this book a little difficult to "get into". That being said, once I did, it was a good book.
This book won the 2007 Giller prize, and although good, my own preference would have been to
M.G. Vassanji's "The Assassin's Song", since I found the characters in that book immediately more engaging.
It is easy, however to see why the critics liked this book. The relationships in this book are real and complex, and the rugged, barren, backdrop of the North provides a perfect setting. Hay's characters navigate their lives, sometimes with the help of, and sometimes in spite of, each other, as they share their most life defining experiences
This book won the 2007 Giller prize, and although good, my own preference would have been to
M.G. Vassanji's "The Assassin's Song", since I found the characters in that book immediately more engaging.
It is easy, however to see why the critics liked this book. The relationships in this book are real and complex, and the rugged, barren, backdrop of the North provides a perfect setting. Hay's characters navigate their lives, sometimes with the help of, and sometimes in spite of, each other, as they share their most life defining experiences
Breath (Advance Reading Copy) - Tim Winton
Set on the Australian coast, amid the surf and sand. A good summer read!
A coming of age novel about two boys growing up in a small town, always daring and challenging each other. They learn their life lessons on surf boards, with their aging, surfer "guru".
An engaging work pairing the turbulence of adolescence with the turbulence of the sea. Winton's descriptions are so enchanting, you can almost feel the ocean mist on your face!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
A coming of age novel about two boys growing up in a small town, always daring and challenging each other. They learn their life lessons on surf boards, with their aging, surfer "guru".
An engaging work pairing the turbulence of adolescence with the turbulence of the sea. Winton's descriptions are so enchanting, you can almost feel the ocean mist on your face!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
Ink Exchange (Advance Reading Copy) - Melissa Marr -
A wonderful, fun sequel to "Wicked Lovely".
Our heroes and heroine are back. Once again Aislinn must morally try to balance the needs of her mortal world, with the summer court. With the fairy courts on the verge of war, her attention is drawn from her mortal world, and soon she finds that one of her best friends is being drawn into the dark court, and must struggle to save her.
If you liked "Wicked Lovely" you will like "Ink Exchange". I look forward to Marr's next book!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
Our heroes and heroine are back. Once again Aislinn must morally try to balance the needs of her mortal world, with the summer court. With the fairy courts on the verge of war, her attention is drawn from her mortal world, and soon she finds that one of her best friends is being drawn into the dark court, and must struggle to save her.
If you liked "Wicked Lovely" you will like "Ink Exchange". I look forward to Marr's next book!
This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
Another great, moving novel by Hosseini.
One cannot help but be touched by the depth of relationships portrayed in Hosseini's work.
Both this book, and his previous "The Kite Runner", explore the depths of human relationships in great detail. Set against a background of political and social unrest, his characters are very well developed and deeply engaging.
This book follows the lives of two women, both coming from difficult circumstances, as they become unlikely allies in life, living under Taliban rule.
If you enjoyed "The Kite Runner", you are sure to enjoy "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as well.
One cannot help but be touched by the depth of relationships portrayed in Hosseini's work.
Both this book, and his previous "The Kite Runner", explore the depths of human relationships in great detail. Set against a background of political and social unrest, his characters are very well developed and deeply engaging.
This book follows the lives of two women, both coming from difficult circumstances, as they become unlikely allies in life, living under Taliban rule.
If you enjoyed "The Kite Runner", you are sure to enjoy "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as well.
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