Now that I am done with school(for now), I can finally read books that "I" want to read.
This post will be a running tally of the books I read while I am here. I've posted my rating
of the book on a 5 star scale. Please note that these stars are "my" opinion!
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey *****
Abbey gives a comical, cynical, philosophical, and straightforward account of our National Park system based on his personal experience as a seasonal park ranger in Arches National Park, Utah. Anyone who loves the outdoors and especially the southwest would enjoy this book. I look forward to reading more of his works.
The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle ***
This book was a graduation gift(Thanks Ivy!). This book definitely has some good stuff about how to deal with staying in the moment, rather than reverting back to the past or the future(which really doesn't exist). Cool book, and I rather enjoyed it as it was given to me in a transitional period of my life. On the downside, I thought it was a little bit long-winded.
To The Last Drop by Andrew Wice ****
I purchased this book from a good friend of mine(I even got his autograph). The soon to be famous Andrew Wice of Madrid, New Mexico, has written 7 novels. His first novel published To The Last Drop is about a water war between Texas and New Mexico, and the story unfolds from different perspectives of the two warring sides. Entertaining read, and maybe not too far fetched!
Longitude by Dava Sobel ****
Only a Geography student could really appreciate this book. Quick read about the history of sailors' dilemma of calculating the Longitude (Latitude was easy using the North Star) while on the open ocean. The race to develop the first precise time-keeping device on-board ships with a prize that today would be equivalent to millions of dollars! Interesting historical read.
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv ****
Every parent in America should read this book. Studies from around the world are beginning to show that kids' lack of outdoor play is affecting them in various ways, including attention deficit disorder among many others. Most of our kids prefer to stay inside near the outlets and play video games, which I think is a sad part of our society. Great read overall, but the middle section tented to babble just a bit with too many statistics.
Urban and Regional Planning in Jamaica by Pauline McHardy **
My interest in Urban Planning spurred me to purchase this book since I live in Jamaica. The book's strong points are the historical hierarchy of government in Jamaica, but was so detailed in some aspects of Planning that it was hard to follow.
Home From Nowhere by James Howard Kunstler *****
This book rocks! Kunstler's follow up to Geography of Nowhere, which was a mandatory read for Professor Seidler's Land-Use class at UNM. This is where my interest in Urban Planning all started! Thanks Professor Seidler! This book explores some of the practical solutions to dealing with urban sprawl as the oil boom in America inevitably will come to an end in the next few decades.....and yes, it will happen!
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert ***
Recommended by my friend Noelle. Pretty interesting book, and I admire this woman's courage and adventurous spirit to seek happiness in her life. I can see how a woman might relate to it better than I, however I really enjoyed it. I thought the ending was a bit fairy tale(even though it was real), but she does find happiness after her personal turmoil so who am I to judge!?
The Long Emergency by James Howard Kunstler *****
Another great book by one of my favorite authors. He refers to the "long emergency" as we pass peak global oil production, and the challenges that will present themselves in the next few decades, along with global warming and other critical issues. Awesome book that should be mandatory reading for all high-school students. Kunstler has done his research in this book, and it shows. I suppose I am fascinated by these books because of how uninformed the American people are on some of these issues. These are things our own government will not come out in the public forum and talk about. No politician in his right mind would want to stir up any panic because he has a career to worry about! Not to mention this would affect the economy, and we're already heading toward a global recession. It's best if we just ignore the issue and hope everything keeps on working, right? (that was sarcasm if you hadn't noticed)
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse ****
I should have updated my thoughts on this book right after I read it. It was a super quick read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the last ten pages when Siddhartha explains all that he has learned to his dear friend. Fits very closely with my religious beliefs and philosophy of life. Good read.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau *****
The critics weren't exaggerating. This book is a masterpiece! I tried reading this book about five years ago, and couldn't seem to get through it. I loved it this time around. If I could write even half as eloquently as Thoreau I'd feel like an awesome writer. But I can't. I did a lot of highlighting in this book, as there are numerous quotes that I found worth marking along with the already famous ones found within. For some reason as I was reading this book I kept thinking of Edward Abbey and his Desert Solitaire. I suppose there are a few similarities between the ideals of each man. Highly recommended book. Enjoy.
Among Grizzlies by Timothy Treadwell ***
This is the book that inspired the documentary Grizzly Man. My sister actually recommended that I watch the documentary, but never got around to it before leaving for Jamaica. I actually "borrowed" this book from the Powell Plaza in Kingston the weekend I swore in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer. Made me think of you Katie, so thanks! Timothy Treadwell was an amazing man who dedicated his final years to the grizzlies, and met his demise by the animals he loved and protected. Even so, I don't think he was a madman. The best way to go is doing what you love, and he did that. I respect that.
Dragon Sea by Frank Pope ****
This was another "borrowed" book from Powell Plaza. I actually grabbed this one off the shelf only because it was nonfiction. I didn't think it would be that great, but was taken by surprise when after reading the introduction I couldn't put it back down. I read this one in less than a week. This book is an exciting account of sunken treasures deep in the south China Sea from hundreds of years ago. The discovery and recovery of the Hoi An wreck full of rare Vietnamese porcelain proved to be a challenge at every moment for the author and the crew. Motivated me to get my butt out to Negril for a scuba dive! Great book if you like real stories about the ocean and history.
Titanic: Psychic Forewarnings of a Tragedy by George Behe**
Got this book from my host mother's large collection of books here in the house. I have always been fascinated by the ironic story of the unsinkable ship on her maiden voyage. I'm not a hugely superstitious person, and although it was very objective, I just couldn't really buy into a lot of the stories involved. However, there were a few interesting and bizarre "coincidences" involving gut feelings of some of the passengers and crewmembers. I was glad to finish this book, and wouldn't recommend it unless you are a hard core Titanic reader.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles***
Thanks for the book Jen! This book is a novel, which I normally wouldn't read because I'm normally hell bent on non-fiction. I rather enjoyed it, though. Knowles has a way with descriptions that leaves nothing out. You can picture everything exactly in your mind as you read this book. I kept waiting for the boys to enlist and go off to war, but then I could tell it wasn't going to happen because the book was nearly finished. It almost seemed as though the whole book could be the prelude to even larger story.
The Rise and Fall of Falmouth, Jamaica by Carey Robinson***
The title of book gives you an idea what mysteries are contained in this book. It's a fairly simply written book about the history of Falmouth, Jamaica. From the heydays of the bustling town and harbor to the unfortunate decrepit Georgian style architecture leftover in modern day Falmouth, Carey Robinson gives a brief history of Falmouth. Some of the interesting facts that didn't quite fit into any chapter are just casually thrown into the print, which I found a tad bit odd. Interesting nonetheless, seeing that I live in Falmouth, Jamaica now. Definitely gave me some insight to the struggles of the slaves, the maroon wars, political conflict, and everyday life of peoples in Jamaica centuries past.
The Dhammapada translated by Eknath Easwaran *****
This is a book of translated verses from the Buddha himself and also of his disciples. This version has an outstanding introduction by the translator. This was right up my alley, especially being here in Jamaica serving in the Peace Corps. I have a unique interest in Eastern Religion, especially Buddhism, and these verses explain simply how to find joy and happiness by looking nowhere else but within oneself through meditation and reduction of selfish, earthly desires. This is definitely something to keep on the shelf for quick reference and encouragement. Highly recommended to anyone interested in becoming a better person. Five stars!
Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner *****
What an amazing amount of information on the making of the west due to the huge water projects created by the Bureau of Reclamation and Corps of Engineers, pre and post World War II. If I remember correctly, it took the author 5 years of research to gather the information needed to write this book. I had no idea where the western half of the country got its water, and anyone who lives west of the 100th meridian needs to read this book. Economics, politics, greed, environmental devastation, urban sprawl, battles between right and wrong and opposing agencies, and the huge and much unknown world of American agriculture are covered in this lengthy non-fiction book. This book is nearly 20 years old now, and now I need to find today's equivalent to to keep up-to-date. I have to admit that I am one of the many of millions of Americans who desires to call home a place in the arid west. For me it's Albuquerque, New Mexico. Surely, as cities and populations grow, as aquifers and groundwater get depleted at enormous rates, as environmentalism gains strength, as old dams begin to silt up, as farmers continue to douse the dry west with subsidized tax-payer funded cheap water, the whole system is bound for a future with great stress and possible calamity. All of these important issues are covered in this book. A masterpiece not to be taken lightly. Our next wars will be fought over water.
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder***
This book came pretty highly recommended by a few other Peace Corps volunteers, among good ratings on Amazon. I didn't think it was that great, however, it was fairly inspiring being here in Jamaica and looking for a meaningful secondary project. I actually came up with my big idea while reading this book, so perhaps this book served its purpose for me. Paul Farmer, a doctor from Harvard Medical School, dedicates his life to selfless service in Haiti, Peru, Russia, and the United States. His aim is simple: To rid the world of Tuberculosis, and prove that it can be cost effective to treat infectious diseases in the poorest of nations in the world. Don't get me wrong, it's a good book. I guess medical stuff really doesn't interest me all that much, and I kept waiting for something exciting to happen.....that never really came. I only gave it 3 stars.
Neither Here Nor There-Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson***
Bill Bryson's A Walk In The Woods is the book, that ten years ago, got me interested in reading. It took me 20 years to realize there are actually books out there that are captivating. Honestly, I only read this book because it was given to me. It didn't look that great, and it lived up to those expectations. The humorous writing, quite notable of Bryson's works, kept me reading til the end. It wasn't boring, but his descriptions of his travels through Europe began to sound the same toward the end. A Walk In The Woods is by far his best piece.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer*****
Because I am out of new books, and I love this book, I decided to read it again. Still just as good as the first time around! I don't care what anyone says about Chris McCandless. He is a hero of mine for having the gall and audacity to live his dream. Renouncing expectations of parents and society, he says fuck it all, and heads off on a nomadic and spiritual journey throughout the western United States, Mexico, and then "north" to Alaska. Krakauer tells the story of "Alexander Supertramp" amazingly well, and adds more than the box office movie hit can. This book is right up my alley, and sits comfortably in my top five favorite books. Most people have a difficult time understanding the mindset of someone like Chris McCandless, but many of my thoughts, beliefs, and morals parallel Chris' in an eery sort of way. It's the sort of book that makes me want to hop on my touring bicycle, hit the open road, and get away from people. The bike is ready and waiting as soon as this Peace Corps adventure finds its conclusion. I can't wait! Read this book if you want to understand how awesome people like Chris McCandless and myself are;)
The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger ****
The first time I read this book a number of years ago, I would have rated it five stars. Not quite as exciting the second time around, but still good nonetheless. This book a non-fiction action-packed and suspenseful read. Definitely for anyone who likes to read about the dangers of working on the open and dangerous North Atlantic, or who just likes an adventurous read. Since we don't know for sure what happened to the Andrea Gail and its crew, Junger takes an educated guess about the last hours of the heroic crew who gave their lives so that we can put seafood on our plates. If you enjoyed The Deadliest Catch on whatever channel that was, you'll love this book.
Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky***
Non-fiction. I actually didn't finish this book, even though it was very interesting. I read about 3/4 of it, and got kinda bored with it partly because I was lent a book that I was very excited about. It's very fascinating though. Kurlansky gives a history of salt from its discovery, and goes into the many uses of it from around the world, and lastly how it has impacted economies around the world throughout its long known existence. It's one of those books that makes you go "hmm".....interesting.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin****
Non-fiction. This book is just shy of a five star rating in my opinion, but I would still highly recommend this book to anyone who reads. It's the perfect book to read as a Peace Corps Volunteer who needs a little inspiration or validation about the work we do around the world. One person CAN make a difference. Greg Mortenson, an ordinary person such as you and I, failed an attempt to climb the world's most technical peak, called K2. Emaciated on his return from his summit attempt, he is brought to the safety of a nearby village by a local man where he was given a place to rest and eat. After talking with the locals, he learns the great need of a school, so as a repayment he vows to return to build a school. One year later he fulfills his promise, and with a little luck and determination, he manages to start an institute to build schools and educate the youth of Pakistan. A true hero of mine, he is a real fighter of the war on terrorism by the only real means that works. Books not bombs. Thank you Greg.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown*****
Nothing short of amazing. Tragic. Sad. Heart-breaking. A must read for everyone who lives in America. The true Native American history of the West you won't get in a classroom. This book will truly open your eyes to the forgotten native peoples of our great country, and leave you feeling kinda crappy.....as it should. Brown covers a 30 year span from 1860 to 1890, and tells of the horrific truth behind 'Manifest Destiny' and the utterly helpless victims in a changing world of white intrusion from Europe. Just another reason I could never call myself a "Christian", even if I believed Jesus was the song of God (which I don't). If you never read this book, I seriously think you're a douche bag.
