What would you do if, while on a vacation, you were struck down by a mysterious incurable virus that left you bedridden? This is what happened to the What would you do if, while on a vacation, you were struck down by a mysterious incurable virus that left you bedridden? This is what happened to the author of this wonderful memoir, published in 2010. When a friend brings her some plants, on which lives a Neohelix albolabris—a common snail—the author's eyes are opened to a world she never knew existed, and a world of insight into her own life situation. A remarkable story, perhaps even more relevant in today's chaotic times......more
A great collection of poems by a great American poet. I was looking for something to read for National Poetry Month, and feel quite lucky to have founA great collection of poems by a great American poet. I was looking for something to read for National Poetry Month, and feel quite lucky to have found this volume. Ms. Oliver, who sadly passed away last year, was clearly at her height in this 2012 collection, in which her love of Nature especially stands out. My favorite was her famous "For I Will Consider My Dog Percy"—a tribute to her dog adapted from Christopher Smart's 1763 tribute to his cat Jeoffry....more
The perfect book for anyone who needs cheering up during these trying times—or any other time. Published in 2017—(talk about prophetic titles!)—the weThe perfect book for anyone who needs cheering up during these trying times—or any other time. Published in 2017—(talk about prophetic titles!)—the well-known webcomic artist's collection of whimsical, subtly-humored comics are just what the doctor should've ordered. Starring a wide assortment of characters—people, animals, ghosts, talking objects—Mr. Farazmand parodies cultural trends past, present, and yet to come. He posts new comics on his web site 3 times a week, and don't miss his first collection, Poorly Drawn Lines....more
In 1914, a Canadian soldier named Harry Colebourn, riding a troop train bound for eastern Canada, rescued a bear cub in White River, Ontario, named itIn 1914, a Canadian soldier named Harry Colebourn, riding a troop train bound for eastern Canada, rescued a bear cub in White River, Ontario, named it "Winnie" after his home town of Winnipeg, took it on a troop ship to England, and gave it to the London Zoo before going into battle in WWI France. Ten years later, that bear inspired A.A. Milne to create Winnie the Pooh. This delightful children's book (fun for adults as well), written by the soldier's great grand-daughter, and beautifully illustrated, retells that story. The author makes it even more special by including a few pages of family photographs at the end. Also available on DVD....more
I'm the type who gets vertigo climbing up a flight of stairs, but I love reading about rock and/or mountain climbers-- and Lynn Hill's memoir is one I'm the type who gets vertigo climbing up a flight of stairs, but I love reading about rock and/or mountain climbers-- and Lynn Hill's memoir is one of the best. Hill was a world-class champion rock-climber in the 80's and 90's, most famous for making the first free-climbing ascent of the Nose Route on El Capitan in Yosemite in 1993, still regarded as the most difficult climb in the sport.
Hill's story is a fascinating account of her passion for climbing, beginning in her early teens, which eventually led to many climbing adventures around the world. The book was published in 2002, while she was living in Boulder, and it includes many gripping, gravity-defying photos of her hanging onto sheer rock-faces by her fingertips.
On July 22, 2011 a reclusive man, who was living with his mother, staged a one-man assault against the Norwegian government that resulted in the deat On July 22, 2011 a reclusive man, who was living with his mother, staged a one-man assault against the Norwegian government that resulted in the deaths of 77 people-- 8 killed by a bomb detonated near a government building; the other 69, teenagers on an island camp holiday, all shot to death by the assailant. In this book, distinguished Norwegian journalist Asne Seierstad presents the full and shocking story behind this tragedy-- following the lives of both Breivik and some of his victims from their early childhoods until their final encounter on the island of Utoya. Nothing is left out-- not the fanatic racism that Breivik uses to transform his own self-image into that of the savior of Europe, not the violence by gunfire done to the victims, nor the police incompetence that allowed the horror to continue long after it could have been stopped.
Not an easy book to take on, but as the fifth anniversary of the massacre approaches, and similar tragedies around the world continue unabated, it may be a must read for those who want to find some insight into how and why these nightmares happen.