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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