Book discussions are back and I am so glad. I lead one and participate in two others. I am honored to lead a discussion group at the Hampton Historical Society. We have been discussing fiction and nonfiction history books. We started with Unbroken, followed by The Boys in the Boat and Dead Wake. Our next scheduled title is the Quartet the second American Revolution. It is challenge and a joy to discuss books with a narrow focus with a group so committed to the topics.
I participate in a women's book group called World of Stories in which we research and select novels or non fiction books on specific geographic areas. Suffice to say, I would never have selected most of these books for my personal reading, but I have always come away with a new understanding about a different part of the world.
I have also participated in a book group that meets at a local brewery. This group is eclectic, fun and lively. The addition of beer doesn't hurt!
So join a book group, make some new friends and stimulate your mind in the process!
Cheers,
Barbara
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Movies ...movies...movies
Right now, I have set up a books display pairing books with their movies. It is really amazing how many best sellers Hollywood is using for movies. Gone Girl, Unbroken, Cider House Rules, and The Blindside are just a few. Martian is a fabulous read, even if you do not like science fiction. I am trying to catch the movie version.
I am looking forward to seeing Philbrick's The Heart of the Sea on the big screen. For those of you who have not read it, it the real story of Moby Dick in which a sperm whale attacked the whales ship Essex. This was the inspiration for Melville. I understand that Deep Down Dark will also be released as a movie. It is the story of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued from a mine collapse in 2010.
Okay, I am really breathless with anticipation for the new Bond film which should be opening in two weeks. Daniel Craig, of all the Bonds, brings Ian Fleming's hero to the screen with a strength and grit that the others did not have. Let's hear it for Spectre!
Cheers,
Barbara
I am looking forward to seeing Philbrick's The Heart of the Sea on the big screen. For those of you who have not read it, it the real story of Moby Dick in which a sperm whale attacked the whales ship Essex. This was the inspiration for Melville. I understand that Deep Down Dark will also be released as a movie. It is the story of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued from a mine collapse in 2010.
Okay, I am really breathless with anticipation for the new Bond film which should be opening in two weeks. Daniel Craig, of all the Bonds, brings Ian Fleming's hero to the screen with a strength and grit that the others did not have. Let's hear it for Spectre!
Cheers,
Barbara
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
French Resistance Redux
I finally got my hands on Kristen Hannah's historical fiction The Nightingale, an historical fiction about the courageous young women who served in the French Resistance during world War II. While the book is fine on its own merit, I had the nagging feeling that I had read this book before. And I did. I already sobbed my way through Tatiana deRosnay's very emotional Sarah's Key. I loved Anthony Doerr's lyrical writing in All the Light we Cannot See. And I worked my way through Caroline Moorehead's meticulously researched A Train in Winter.
The Nightingale was okay for somebody looking for a quick read. But for somebody with a serious interest in history, the other books listed above provide much more detail and historical accuracy about these courageous young women.
The Nightingale was okay for somebody looking for a quick read. But for somebody with a serious interest in history, the other books listed above provide much more detail and historical accuracy about these courageous young women.
Lisbeth Salander
I am approximately 100 pages into the Girl in the Spider's Web, the sequel to the trilogy Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I am hooked. Lisbeth Salander is her usual offbeat, kinky self and the the bizarre characters continue to populate this very suspenseful and dark crime novel. I could have a few late nights coming up this week!
Cheer,
Cheer,
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Death is not the end
It is reassuring ,but at the same time, a little bit weird, to know that some of my favorite writers continue to write after death.
First, Tom Clancy kept us on the edge of our seats with his Jack Ryan series starting with The Hunt for Red October. Throughout the 80's and 90's, Clancy kept up with the international war on terror. Even President Reagan was a big fan. After his untimely death, Clancy's novels continue to appear on the bestseller list, in bookstores and library shelves. True, we are into a new generation of operatives, but the message is the same. Don't mess with the USA.
Stieg Larsson'strilogy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was one of the most unusual books I have ever read. It took several attempt to start, but I loved it. Larsson died under suspicious circumstances and now David Lagercrantz has continued the series with The Girl in the Spider's Web. I just started it, but I will need to give it some time.
Mystery writer Tony Hillerman whose books take place on the Navajo reservation writes some of the best American detective stories mixing Navajo religion and traditions with police work. After Tony passed on, his daughter Anne Hillerman took up the mantle to rave reviews.
Finally, Vince Flynn died of cancer last year and I thought I had seen the last of Mitch Rapp. But happily, I unpacked the latest Vince Flynn novel written by Kyle Mills. The Survivor just hit the shelves, and the reviews have been glowing.
Happy Reading!
First, Tom Clancy kept us on the edge of our seats with his Jack Ryan series starting with The Hunt for Red October. Throughout the 80's and 90's, Clancy kept up with the international war on terror. Even President Reagan was a big fan. After his untimely death, Clancy's novels continue to appear on the bestseller list, in bookstores and library shelves. True, we are into a new generation of operatives, but the message is the same. Don't mess with the USA.
Stieg Larsson'strilogy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was one of the most unusual books I have ever read. It took several attempt to start, but I loved it. Larsson died under suspicious circumstances and now David Lagercrantz has continued the series with The Girl in the Spider's Web. I just started it, but I will need to give it some time.
Mystery writer Tony Hillerman whose books take place on the Navajo reservation writes some of the best American detective stories mixing Navajo religion and traditions with police work. After Tony passed on, his daughter Anne Hillerman took up the mantle to rave reviews.
Finally, Vince Flynn died of cancer last year and I thought I had seen the last of Mitch Rapp. But happily, I unpacked the latest Vince Flynn novel written by Kyle Mills. The Survivor just hit the shelves, and the reviews have been glowing.
Happy Reading!
Books to travel by
I like to list things by three so here we go.
By now, most of you have seen the film version of Bill Bryson's Walk in the Woods. If you haven't, take the time to watch the movie or better yet, read the book. It is a hilarious tale of two middle aged men who endeavor to hike the Appalachian Trail with little training, little preparation and the wrong gear. The book gives new meaning to the Boy Scout motto "Be prepared."
Tom Ryan's Following Atticus is a heart-warming story of a man and his dog. Tom Ryan, living a lonely life in Newburyport, MA adopts a miniature schnauzer whom he names Atticus Finch. After a series of disappointments, depression and health issues, Tom and Atticus decide to hike some of the higher peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Whether you are a nature lover, a dog lover or in need of an inspirational story, Following Atticus is for you. It reinforces the saying for rescue animals, "who resscued whom?"
Finally, Rinker Buck, an accomplished journalist brings us The Oregon Trail. In the vein of Walk in the Woods, Rinker and his brother, again two middle aged men, get the bright idea of reenacting the Oregon in a wagon pulled by mules. Once again, we meet two people who are not completely prepared for the journey. The mules are the real heroes. However, Buck is an excellent writer and he brings new insight into American history and the journeys of the pioneers who crossed America in wagons, on foot or on horseback. Sometimes, funny, sometimes touching, this book, this book is a really good read for anyone looking for the offbeat adventure.
Happy Reading!
By now, most of you have seen the film version of Bill Bryson's Walk in the Woods. If you haven't, take the time to watch the movie or better yet, read the book. It is a hilarious tale of two middle aged men who endeavor to hike the Appalachian Trail with little training, little preparation and the wrong gear. The book gives new meaning to the Boy Scout motto "Be prepared."
Tom Ryan's Following Atticus is a heart-warming story of a man and his dog. Tom Ryan, living a lonely life in Newburyport, MA adopts a miniature schnauzer whom he names Atticus Finch. After a series of disappointments, depression and health issues, Tom and Atticus decide to hike some of the higher peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Whether you are a nature lover, a dog lover or in need of an inspirational story, Following Atticus is for you. It reinforces the saying for rescue animals, "who resscued whom?"
Finally, Rinker Buck, an accomplished journalist brings us The Oregon Trail. In the vein of Walk in the Woods, Rinker and his brother, again two middle aged men, get the bright idea of reenacting the Oregon in a wagon pulled by mules. Once again, we meet two people who are not completely prepared for the journey. The mules are the real heroes. However, Buck is an excellent writer and he brings new insight into American history and the journeys of the pioneers who crossed America in wagons, on foot or on horseback. Sometimes, funny, sometimes touching, this book, this book is a really good read for anyone looking for the offbeat adventure.
Happy Reading!
Saturday, October 10, 2015
I have committed the cardinal sin of bloggers. That is, I have neglected my blog for months. In my defense, I have been spending time with some of my other avocations, notably, I have indulged my preoccupation with 18th century America by giving tours at the American Independence Museum in Exeter, NH. My children have also kept me busy with their comings and goings during the summer.
However, I am back and ready to rock. One of my local interests here at the beautiful NH Seacoast is the wonderful Tuck Museum, home to the Hampton Historical Society. The society very graciously invited me to lead book discussions on books with topics in history. Last November, on Veterans Day, we did the very emotional Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Last month, we did Dead Wake by Erik Larsen. For those of you who have not read it, I highly recommend this narrative of the sinking of the Lusitania. Like me, you will be astounded by all your misconceptions of World War I from high school history. We had a very lively discussion fueled by scones and clotted cream. In January, we will be discussing Joseph Ellis' The Quartet which is the story of America's second revolution in which the Founding Fathers needed to construct a government and persuade the individual states to ratify the Constitution. It is a fascinating work describing the back room wheeling and dealing that took place.
We almost did not make it as a united country!
Happy Reading and I hope to see some of you in January!
However, I am back and ready to rock. One of my local interests here at the beautiful NH Seacoast is the wonderful Tuck Museum, home to the Hampton Historical Society. The society very graciously invited me to lead book discussions on books with topics in history. Last November, on Veterans Day, we did the very emotional Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. Last month, we did Dead Wake by Erik Larsen. For those of you who have not read it, I highly recommend this narrative of the sinking of the Lusitania. Like me, you will be astounded by all your misconceptions of World War I from high school history. We had a very lively discussion fueled by scones and clotted cream. In January, we will be discussing Joseph Ellis' The Quartet which is the story of America's second revolution in which the Founding Fathers needed to construct a government and persuade the individual states to ratify the Constitution. It is a fascinating work describing the back room wheeling and dealing that took place.
We almost did not make it as a united country!
Happy Reading and I hope to see some of you in January!
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