Diana Bersford-Kroeger has led a fascinating life, and I loved the memoir aspect of this book. The book is also packed with really interesting and impDiana Bersford-Kroeger has led a fascinating life, and I loved the memoir aspect of this book. The book is also packed with really interesting and important information! It's a bit repetitive, though, and she's not the greatest writer. But worth reading!...more
I had very low expectations for this book -- I just wanted to look at festive photos of the Downton Abbey castle. But wow! This book is packed with faI had very low expectations for this book -- I just wanted to look at festive photos of the Downton Abbey castle. But wow! This book is packed with fascinating information about Christmas and old timey British customs. While the lifestyle is beyond weird, I have to admit this book is well written and wonderfully art directed. I might even buy a copy?...more
I've read a lot of books about climate change and the environment over the years, and this one is one of the best. Much of the boTHIS BOOK IS AMAZING.
I've read a lot of books about climate change and the environment over the years, and this one is one of the best. Much of the book is about Rawlence's conversations with Arctic indigenous peoples, learning about their relationships with the landscapes above the Arctic circle, or else with scientists and land managers who are actually getting their hands dirty measuring and responding to the effects of climate change. This book isn't about making guesses about what climate change will look like. It's a sober and inspiring look at what ADAPTING to climate change looks like.
Did I cry several times while I was reading this book? Yep. Did I feel really inspired when I got done reading this book? Double yep. You should read it, too....more
Veronica Roth knows how to write a page-turner, and this one definitely qualifies. I tore through this book, which had a vibe somewhere between 1984 aVeronica Roth knows how to write a page-turner, and this one definitely qualifies. I tore through this book, which had a vibe somewhere between 1984 and THE HUNGER GAMES. It's the story of the fall of a dystopian surveillance state from the point of view of someone who had grown up pampered by the system--only to find out that life wasn't so great for everyone else in their world.
There's a great deal of allegory going on in this book, as well, with lots of ideas that are applicable to our own world. In that respect, this is an uncomfortable read that will make you think twice about your relationship with social media....more
Probably would have been better just to follow the Instagram of this journey. Jedidiah Jenkins in not a particularly gifted or insightful writer, and Probably would have been better just to follow the Instagram of this journey. Jedidiah Jenkins in not a particularly gifted or insightful writer, and he manages to make an epic bicycle adventure a pretty dull meditation on Christianity, filtered through upper middle class sentiment and bougie outings with people who can afford to just jaunt to Mexico or Argentina to go surfing for the weekend. This book gets 2 stars for the scenery and 1 star for the guy's willingness to admit what an unthinking idiot he is....more
Things spilled on my shirt while reading this novella: - Oatmeal - Coffee - Guacamole - More coffee
I just wanted to find out: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH Things spilled on my shirt while reading this novella: - Oatmeal - Coffee - Guacamole - More coffee
I just wanted to find out: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS TOWN?...more
Chaotic magic mixes with the decadence of Russian aristocracy in this sparkling tale. While there are darker depths beneath its facets, a witty narratChaotic magic mixes with the decadence of Russian aristocracy in this sparkling tale. While there are darker depths beneath its facets, a witty narrator and a host of drawing room adventures give this a brilliance and verve that will brighten your heart and keep you turning pages through to the very end. The best way to describe it? Charming. Utterly charming!...more
Fantastic worldbuilding combines with action combines with political machinations -- it's like Dune, but if instead of spice, you needed jade. Also, I Fantastic worldbuilding combines with action combines with political machinations -- it's like Dune, but if instead of spice, you needed jade. Also, I might be a vegan, but I still wish I could try those crispy squid balls....more
This is a book about the Grand Canyon, and like the river that carved the canyon, it's a big, complicated, thrilling read. It starts with the first EuThis is a book about the Grand Canyon, and like the river that carved the canyon, it's a big, complicated, thrilling read. It starts with the first European discovery of the canyon, explores the canyon's relation to the massive dam projects that bookend it, and follows a cast of remarkable characters through the summer of 1983, when the first big El Nino event threatened to destroy the Glen Canyon Dam--and provided three men the chance to row through the canyon at unrivaled speed.
It's not just a sport book, it's an ode to the human spirit, the power of wilderness, and the complicated relationship America has with its landscape. I'd give it a 6th star if I could!...more
This book is packed with deftly drawn oddball characters, some of whom are treated so carefully and respectfully that it touches your heart and some oThis book is packed with deftly drawn oddball characters, some of whom are treated so carefully and respectfully that it touches your heart and some of whom are yanked right out of the comments section of your daily newspaper. The concept for this book is interesting and fun right until it dives into the "clever explanation for everything" part of the plot, which I found a bit of a letdown. ...more
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