A fun read

Spook Country by William Gibson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

an interesting, fast moving story of both large and small people each playing a significant role in an elaborate plot. An exciting and enjoyable read.

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outrageous

The Napoleon of Notting Hill with Original Illustrations from the First Edition by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Napoleon of Notting Hill is another outrageous, well articulated yet dated book from GKC. I'm guessing it had some relevance in the early 20th century when it was published, but i'm not sure what to take away from it 100 years later except that it's a fun story to read.

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The Walking Dead, Vol. 01

The Walking Dead, Vol. 01: Days Gone Bye by Robert Kirkman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After watching the AMC series, it is cool to read the graphic novel that started it all. This is a really well done volume, and i'm looking forward to reading further into this series.

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What the Dog Knows: Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World by Cat Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"What the Dog Knows" was a pleasant surprise. We met the author at our local library, and heard her talk about the book. It is a very well written memoir of the author's dog Solo, and his life as a working search dog. Adding to the personal story of Ms. Warren and Solo, the author includes much information about search dogs and their handlers in general, and more specifically about Solo's career as a cadaver search dog. Many stories are included about the training process, and the skilled and passionate network of trainers and fellow handler and dog teams. In addition, a good summary of the history of search dogs is provided, as is many accounts of the wide range of their application in our society. This is a heartwarming and interesting account based in Durham NC and in the state of North Carolina, yet reaching out throughout various parts of the U.S. I think most dog lovers will enjoy this fascinating and enjoyable account.

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Pigs in Heaven

Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great story from Barbara Kingsolver. "Pigs in Heaven" is the sequel to "The Bean Trees" and wraps up the story quite nicely. It does a good job of showing the uncomfortable inside of many of the issues facing some of the poor and disenfranchised people in this country. While the first book dealt with immigration, this book largely deals with native American status and contemporary culture, and the threat of the larger so-called American culture on it. The characters are rich and endearing, invoking concern and empathy from the reader. I have fallen in love with Barbara Kingsolver's stories, and more are on my future reading list :)

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my favorite so far

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful story of humanity and love. It is moving and inspirational and challenges the reader to look deeper at each person to see their wonderful precious humanity. I had a hard time putting this story down before it was completed. I think this is my favorite so far by Barbara Kingsolver! I'm excited to find that it has a sequel, Pigs in Heaven, which i'll be starting immediately. It is a serious shame that the issue of immigration which is central to this book, is still as much an issue today as it was in 1988 when it was published. As a society, we just don't get it.

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Prodigal story

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prodigal Summer is a heartwarming tale of three families and how their stories weave together though life and death, love and resentment, giving and receiving, humans and nature - all taking place in a beautiful and bountiful summer in the mountains of Appalachia. I loved this story. And there are GOATS in the story, and blackberry pie! I am left wanting to read more of Kingsolver, reading The Bean Trees next!

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a truly great man's faith

Living Faith by Jimmy Carter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have had this book on my shelf for quite a while, but had never gotten around to opening it up. Sadly, Jimmy Carter in the news recently reminded me of it. In this book, President Carter gives a great overview of his Christian faith and how it has informed and affected him over the course of his many careers. Although his beliefs are a bit traditional and dated for me, i came away from this book with a great respect and reverence for how he translated his faith into action and good, instead of dogma and judgement. Despite mixed reviews of the Carter presidency, I'd be proud to have another person like him in the White House. His character and ethics are what once made this nation great, and are probably the best hope of saving it today. My heart goes out to Jimmy Carter for who he is and how he lives.

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time, space, life

For the Time Being by Annie Dillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie Dillard is one of my favorites. This book of reflections starts with what seems to be random pondering but quickly turns into a deep, profound and moving meditation on time, space, life, and the meaning thereof. Ms. Dillard's style is difficult for some, but well worth taking the time to savor. This is a great collection, i recommend it.

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loving Annie Dillard

I am loving Annie Dillard: 

"Of course, God wrote no scriptures, neither chapter nor verse. It is foolish to blame or quit him for his admirers' claims, superstitions or otherwise."

Annie Dillard

An American Childhood by Annie Dillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starting out reading Annie Dillard's "An American Childhood", I thought "this is not my childhood". But the further i read, the more fascinating this story became, and the more i felt Ms Dillard's story shared with mine. Growing up in a 1950s Pittsburgh society family, the author shares her perspectives and experiences of the 1950s, and of Pittsburgh and American culture during that time. I especially enjoyed the author's views and feelings about the ever expanding world around her as she increasingly engaged it and lived into it. Annie Dillard is the Pulitzer prize winning author of "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" which she wrote only a few short years after the events in this story. "Pilgrim" is beautifully and thoughtfully written, imparting wisdom well beyond the author's young age. This book helps give a picture of how, when, and where Ms. Dillard came into her wealth of knowledge and wisdom. I loved this book, and, as with "Pilgrim", found myself savoring every beautifully written word.


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Cannery Row - book two

Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At long last, i've been able to read the story that inspired one of my favorite movies, Cannery Row! Although, Steinbeck's first installment of this story was titled "Cannery Row", the David S. Ward movie is largely based on this sequel, "Sweet Thursday". Generally, Steinbeck's writing is fabulous to read, but these tales based on people and events on Cannery Row in Monterey CA are a special treat. The characters are colorful, endearing, flawed, and deeply human. The dysfunctional "family" that is Cannery Row models for us some of the most valuable lessons for the human family to which we all belong. One can't help but be drawn to the characters, each in their own quirky way, regardless of their status as protagonist or antagonist. I highly recommend these two novels which tell the story of life on Cannery Row. And don't miss the movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083717/), it is especially well done. Nick Nolte and Debra Winger and perfect as Doc and Suzy.

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The Speed of Dark

The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is fiction, set in the near future, when an experimental cure for Autism is found. The book is mainly from the point of view of an independent young adult with Autism. I especially enjoyed his viewpoints and following along in his thought processes as he experiences his life. I also enjoyed his "commentary" on how he perceived so-called "normal" people and his experiences with them, and his personal deliberation as to whether it is better to become normal, or to remain himself with Autism. The question of how much of himself is a result of having Autism and experiencing the world from that perspective is presented, and the risk of losing that part of himself if he decides to pursue treatment and cure. The ending is not what i expected or hoped for, but as it is, leaves me asking even more questions, about why it ended the way it did. This is a great book for contemplation and discussion, which further expands my perspective on the lives of folks with "disabilities", specifically Autism. I recommend this story!

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Normal

I am loving this book . . .
The Speed of Dark

"Sometimes I wonder how normal normal people are, and I wonder that most in the grocery store." - p.66

" 'Normal' is a dryer setting." - p.83

Caleb's Crossing

Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a nicely done historical fiction firmly anchored in history and real people. It is told through the voice of a minister's daughter living on Martha's Vineyard in the 17th century. A rich story of love, loss, friendship, hardship that is a rude awakening and deeply inspirational to those of us who have forgotten how hard life was in 17th century New England for all people. I appreciate the insight into the struggles of the time for people of race, class or gender different from that of the "ruling" group. I also loved the authentic voice of the narrator, and learned many now obsolete words and expressions. I loved this story, i highly recommend it!

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Carly's Voice

Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism by Arthur Fleischmann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carly's Voice is an amazing account of Carly Fleischmann's early life. Carly has Autism, and is non-verbal. The book provides an inside view of the incredible love, courage, determination, and hard work required of the parents, siblings, teachers and therapists to provide a healthy and successful environment for a child and teen with ASD. Carly's story is told by her father in a style that feels much like his diary of life with Carly. The transparency and honesty in telling the story provides a view into the immense dedication and love required to raise a child with Autism. The title speaks of Carly learning to express her internal voice to others by typing on a computer or smart device. The internet based services of e-mail, instant messaging, Twitter, and Facebook were among the technologies that allowed Carly to speak to others, including her immediate family. This story gives helpful insight into the life of a family with a child with Autism. Carly's internet presence can be found on Twitter, Facebook and her blog.

https://twitter.com/carlysvoice
https://www.facebook.com/carlysvoice
http://carlysvoice.com/home/

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Lisbeth rocks

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest is an interesting, albeit slower moving, conclusion to the 2nd book in the Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Played with Fire. While it resolved all of the major hanging plot threads in the previous book, it was not done in as interesting and engrossing way. I'm glad i read through the end of the trilogy, but the first two were much more satisfying. If you read #1 and #2, then you probably want to read #3 as well to find closure, but be prepared for a book that is a bit more effort to get through. I still love the character of Lisbeth, she is a very interesting personality. She rocks.

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the complicated life of Lisbeth Salander.

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Girl Who Played With Fire (Millennium #2) is another fast moving mystery-suspense story that takes the reader deeper into the complicated life of Lisbeth Salander. It is a great ride, with a tense ending that leaves room for the third in the Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I'm looking forward to continuing my journey through the Swedish language film trilogy fresh from reading the book!

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living with autism and working with animals

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior by Temple Grandin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book i've read by Dr. Temple Grandin. I enjoy her insights and wisdom, coming from the perspective of living with autism and from working with animals all her life. But i especially love her compassion and humanity towards all animals. We can learn so much by allowing her to share her view of the world with us. This is not a scientific text, nor is it non-scientific. The author mixes academic research and knowledge with many personal anecdotes which help illustrate her views and message. I enjoyed this book very much, and learned a lot about animals and about myself. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Dr. Grandin.

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engaging and fast paced suspense - mystery

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This suspense / mystery is an engaging and fast paced read. I had heard of this series for quite a while, and then stumbled upon the Swedish film of the story on Netflix. I watched it twice and loved it, albeit a dark and troubling story. I especially loved the casting of Noomi Rapace as hacker researcher Lisbeth Salander. So after watching the film twice, i wanted to read the book. I am glad i did, as it helped tie together many plot connections which i had missed in the subtitled film. I plan to continue the trilogy, reading the second book "The Girl Who Played with Fire" before i continue the second in the film trilogy. I recommend this book, it's a great read.

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