The Year We Seized the Day
By Elizabeth Best and Colin Bowles
This book is about two authors who randomly decide to walk the El Camino together. I've read quite a few Camino books already. This one was firmly rooted in the reality of the walk, though most of them are: the blisters, the physical challenges, the alberges, other pilgrims, the food, the wine, and the walking, everything that makes the pilgrimage a trial and ultimately, and on arrival at the cathedral, a triumph.
These two take the pilgrimage to another level, both overcoming extreme physical and emotional burdens that ultimately lead them to the cathedral at Santiago. The book is written in short sections, as they alternate their description of their personal journey, and their journey together.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Yes.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
#22 Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures
By Margot Lee Shetterly
This is the book that led to the movie of the same name. First I saw the movie, which I would highly recommend. That led to requesting the book at the library to find out more. Of course, the book is much more detailed than the movie.
The movie focused on three women, and primarily on Katherine Johnson, highlighting her amazing intelligence, the racism she faced working at NASA, and her key role in the first manned flight into space.
The book takes a much more detailed look at the role of black women in the aerospace industry, particularly highly educated women who all started at NASA as "computers", performing all the mathematical computations required by the engineers. The time frame starts just after WWII, when planes were undergoing rapid development and change, and goes up to the first manned flight to the moon in 1969.
The book also examines the parallel education system of black people in America, the lives and aspirations of extremely well educated black people, though focusing on women, racism and the fight for equal access and equal pay at NASA, plus the general struggle for black equality in America during the same time period.
It focuses on several outstanding black women who worked for NASA, their contribution to the aerospace industry and their enduring legacy.
Though I skimmed some of this book (not really into the technical details of math or the space industry), it is a book well worth reading just because it's celebrates the incredible intelligence of these amazing black women who worked as "computers" before the computer took over their jobs In an era when women in general had to fight to be recognized, these black women attained incredible achievements.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: Yes!
By Margot Lee Shetterly
This is the book that led to the movie of the same name. First I saw the movie, which I would highly recommend. That led to requesting the book at the library to find out more. Of course, the book is much more detailed than the movie.
The movie focused on three women, and primarily on Katherine Johnson, highlighting her amazing intelligence, the racism she faced working at NASA, and her key role in the first manned flight into space.
The book takes a much more detailed look at the role of black women in the aerospace industry, particularly highly educated women who all started at NASA as "computers", performing all the mathematical computations required by the engineers. The time frame starts just after WWII, when planes were undergoing rapid development and change, and goes up to the first manned flight to the moon in 1969.
The book also examines the parallel education system of black people in America, the lives and aspirations of extremely well educated black people, though focusing on women, racism and the fight for equal access and equal pay at NASA, plus the general struggle for black equality in America during the same time period.
It focuses on several outstanding black women who worked for NASA, their contribution to the aerospace industry and their enduring legacy.
Though I skimmed some of this book (not really into the technical details of math or the space industry), it is a book well worth reading just because it's celebrates the incredible intelligence of these amazing black women who worked as "computers" before the computer took over their jobs In an era when women in general had to fight to be recognized, these black women attained incredible achievements.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: Yes!
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
#21 The Singles Game
The Singles Game
By Lauren Weisberger
More chick lit, but, the title might lead you to think this book is about singles looking for love, however, it's actually about a professional tennis player on the professional singles tennis circuit.
Another easy read (is all chick lit easy to read?), but actually an interesting look into the world of professional tennis players. I had no idea what they go through, where they play, how they train, the different kinds of courts they play on, and the stressful lives they lead. Granted, if they play at a very high level, they are wealthy not only because of the prize money, but also because of the endorsements, worth millions. But they sacrifice a lot to get to that place, plus their careers end young.
This novel follows Charlie through a year of her pro tennis career. Starting off with a debilitating injury,which sees her in rehab for 6 months, she goes on to be ranked second in the world. Along the way are a couple of entertaining romances, a wardrobe and image makeover, a three day trip on a massive yacht, an abusive coach, etc. etc.
An interesting story, with an inconclusive ending which keeps you guessing, but works well.
By the same author as "The Devil Wears Prada".
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Yes.
By Lauren Weisberger
More chick lit, but, the title might lead you to think this book is about singles looking for love, however, it's actually about a professional tennis player on the professional singles tennis circuit.
Another easy read (is all chick lit easy to read?), but actually an interesting look into the world of professional tennis players. I had no idea what they go through, where they play, how they train, the different kinds of courts they play on, and the stressful lives they lead. Granted, if they play at a very high level, they are wealthy not only because of the prize money, but also because of the endorsements, worth millions. But they sacrifice a lot to get to that place, plus their careers end young.
This novel follows Charlie through a year of her pro tennis career. Starting off with a debilitating injury,which sees her in rehab for 6 months, she goes on to be ranked second in the world. Along the way are a couple of entertaining romances, a wardrobe and image makeover, a three day trip on a massive yacht, an abusive coach, etc. etc.
An interesting story, with an inconclusive ending which keeps you guessing, but works well.
By the same author as "The Devil Wears Prada".
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Yes.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
#20 Family Pictures
Family Pictures
By Jane Green
A very readable and enjoyable novel. Warning: this is chick lit! But hey, everyone needs a good, easy, interesting piece of chick lit everyone once in a while. Just the kind of book you need for a grey and rainy day.
This novel is about two families living on opposite coasts of the U.S., and in a rather horrifying way, they find out they are connected. The two families survive the situation to become strong friends, with new, more positive connections. Note: no crime or murder involved. The horrifying connection is just rare and rather strange.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Yes, a nicely paced easy read.
By Jane Green
A very readable and enjoyable novel. Warning: this is chick lit! But hey, everyone needs a good, easy, interesting piece of chick lit everyone once in a while. Just the kind of book you need for a grey and rainy day.
This novel is about two families living on opposite coasts of the U.S., and in a rather horrifying way, they find out they are connected. The two families survive the situation to become strong friends, with new, more positive connections. Note: no crime or murder involved. The horrifying connection is just rare and rather strange.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Yes, a nicely paced easy read.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
#19 Kiss the Joy As It Flies
Kiss the Joy as It Flies
By Sheree Fitch
Canadian author. A cutesy story about a woman waiting exploratory surgery for an abdominal mass. During the weeks that she has to wait to find out if she has cancer or not, she decides to tidy up her life, emotionally and physically.
Rating: 2/5
Recommendation: Kind of cute. Wouldn't highly recommend it. Readable. The end was lame.
By Sheree Fitch
Canadian author. A cutesy story about a woman waiting exploratory surgery for an abdominal mass. During the weeks that she has to wait to find out if she has cancer or not, she decides to tidy up her life, emotionally and physically.
Rating: 2/5
Recommendation: Kind of cute. Wouldn't highly recommend it. Readable. The end was lame.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
#18 The Girl Who Came Home
The Girl Who Came Home
By Hazel Gaynor
This novel tells the story of a survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. The story goes back and forth between the 80s and 1912 and the sinking of the Titanic, between Ireland, the Titanic, and Illinois. Maggie survived the sinking, though she has never been able to talk about here horrible experience with her family. Her great-granddaughter discovers that Maggie had survived the sinking, and finally Maggie is ready to tell her story.
Based on the true story of fourteen people from one village in Ireland, of whom only two survived.
The writing is more like a young adult novel, but the story is tragic and fascinating at the same time.
A few twists and turns keep the novel moving forward. An easy read.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Sure.
By Hazel Gaynor
This novel tells the story of a survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. The story goes back and forth between the 80s and 1912 and the sinking of the Titanic, between Ireland, the Titanic, and Illinois. Maggie survived the sinking, though she has never been able to talk about here horrible experience with her family. Her great-granddaughter discovers that Maggie had survived the sinking, and finally Maggie is ready to tell her story.
Based on the true story of fourteen people from one village in Ireland, of whom only two survived.
The writing is more like a young adult novel, but the story is tragic and fascinating at the same time.
A few twists and turns keep the novel moving forward. An easy read.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Sure.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
#17 All the Good Pilgrims
All the Good Pilgrims
By Robert Ward
Not fiction this time, but a travel book about walking the El Camino, the path to Santiago de Compostela. This book is mostly about the people this Canadian pilgrim meets along the way. No complaining too much about aching body parts, just character sketches about the people he meets along the way. A bit of mild philosophizing, nothing too remarkable.
I have read a number of other books about walking El Camino. One of my remaining travel goals.
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: If you're interested in El Camino, certainly, read it.
By Robert Ward
Not fiction this time, but a travel book about walking the El Camino, the path to Santiago de Compostela. This book is mostly about the people this Canadian pilgrim meets along the way. No complaining too much about aching body parts, just character sketches about the people he meets along the way. A bit of mild philosophizing, nothing too remarkable.
I have read a number of other books about walking El Camino. One of my remaining travel goals.
Rating: 3/5
Recommendation: If you're interested in El Camino, certainly, read it.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
#16 Mount
Mount
By Jilly Cooper
This was a long book, at 592 pages. Not a difficult read, however.
By a British author, the book chronicles the life of a horse racing/breeding man, his family, his "yard", all the employees who care for and maintain his horses, plus his competitors. Horses are bred, races are won, plus there is a bit of intrigue, as mysterious things happen to various horses and jockeys.
A glamorous world of rich people playing at horse racing to make lots of money winning horse races. The Saudis are into horse racing, and the Chinese are just starting to get into it.
Look up British horse racing on YouTube and you'll see what these races are like: run on grass rather than dirt, like in North America, and very very fast horses with colourful jockeys on board.
A long-winded "romp" with a fair amount of sex, partner switching, foul language and philandering, rivalry, and of course gambling on horses winning races.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Entertaining, but a long read.
By Jilly Cooper
This was a long book, at 592 pages. Not a difficult read, however.
By a British author, the book chronicles the life of a horse racing/breeding man, his family, his "yard", all the employees who care for and maintain his horses, plus his competitors. Horses are bred, races are won, plus there is a bit of intrigue, as mysterious things happen to various horses and jockeys.
A glamorous world of rich people playing at horse racing to make lots of money winning horse races. The Saudis are into horse racing, and the Chinese are just starting to get into it.
Look up British horse racing on YouTube and you'll see what these races are like: run on grass rather than dirt, like in North America, and very very fast horses with colourful jockeys on board.
A long-winded "romp" with a fair amount of sex, partner switching, foul language and philandering, rivalry, and of course gambling on horses winning races.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Entertaining, but a long read.
Friday, February 3, 2017
#15 Shelter
Shelter
By Frances Greenslade
Very lovely writing in this book, though the story is sad. The novel is set in various places, including Williams Lake, the Chilcotin, and Bella Coola! How could I not read this book?
Two young girls grow up living back to the land on the Chilcotin. Dad dies in a logging accident, and mom struggles, then disappears, leaving her two daughters with family friends. After three years, if becomes obvious that she is never coming back. Finally, one of the daughters goes looking for her mother. In Bella Coola, she finds out what happened to their mother.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Yes.
By Frances Greenslade
Very lovely writing in this book, though the story is sad. The novel is set in various places, including Williams Lake, the Chilcotin, and Bella Coola! How could I not read this book?
Two young girls grow up living back to the land on the Chilcotin. Dad dies in a logging accident, and mom struggles, then disappears, leaving her two daughters with family friends. After three years, if becomes obvious that she is never coming back. Finally, one of the daughters goes looking for her mother. In Bella Coola, she finds out what happened to their mother.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Yes.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
#14 The Glass Kitchen
The Glass Kitchen
By Linda Francis Lee
Sometimes you need to read a trashy novel, and this was one of those. Trashy chick lit par excellence.
Light and an easy read if you can stomach the sex scenes. Tacky. I skipped those parts.
I've read other books that featured food and recipes, as does this one, and enjoyed them. This one, however, despite the food and recipes, featured a predictable plot: recently divorced Texan girl meets craggy and brusque recently widowed New York neighbour. You can fill in the rest yourself.
Rating: 1/5
Recommendation: Only if you're desperate.
By Linda Francis Lee
Sometimes you need to read a trashy novel, and this was one of those. Trashy chick lit par excellence.
Light and an easy read if you can stomach the sex scenes. Tacky. I skipped those parts.
I've read other books that featured food and recipes, as does this one, and enjoyed them. This one, however, despite the food and recipes, featured a predictable plot: recently divorced Texan girl meets craggy and brusque recently widowed New York neighbour. You can fill in the rest yourself.
Rating: 1/5
Recommendation: Only if you're desperate.
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