Books and other stuff I feel like discussing
By education and experience - Accountant with a specialty in taxation. Formerly a CPA (license has lapsed). Masters degree in law of taxation from University of Denver. Now retired. Part time work during baseball season as receptionist & switchboard operator for the Colorado Rockies. This gig feeds my soul in ways I have trouble articulating. One daughter, and four grandchildren. I share the house with two cats; a big goof of a cat called Grinch (named as a joke for his easy going "whatever" disposition); and Lady, a shelter adoptee with a regal bearing and sweet little soprano voice. I would be very bereft if it ever becomes necessary to keep house without a cat.
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Books Update - Non suspense titles
And here is the log for the other stuff:
OCTOBER 1964 David Halberstam
Probably best known for his historic analysis, Halberstam was also one of the best sports writers around. And I do love a good baseball book! Halberstam traces the fortunes of several baseball teams during the 1964 season which culminated in October when the St Louis Cardinals played the New York Yankees. Several character studies of men who were important to the outcome of the series (St Louis won), including pitcher Bob Gibson and outfielder Mickey Mantle.
THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE Stephen Crane
Another classic I waited far too long to read. Crane wrote this novella in the last few years of the 19th century, and I understand that he heard from countless veterans of the Civil War inquiring which unit he had served with – the men who contacted him found his portrayal of the chaos of battle so realistic they were sure he was also a veteran. He wasn’t – and it would be interesting to know how he researched the background and setting of his story.
IN DEFENSE OF FOOD Michael Pollan
Pollan is a Bay area journalist, a dedicated gardener, and the author of several books about food and the way it is grown and marketed in the US. His books are impressively researched, but written in a manner which is highly readable and appropriately peppered with personal anecdotes. He deplores the highly processed foods available in most grocery stores, and includes a helpful closing chapter with a dozen or so practical recommendations for choosing a more healthy spectrum of diet choices.
THREE CUPS OF TEA Mortenson and Oliver
Mortenson is a mountain climber, and after a failure to reach the summit of K-2, he lost his way descending and ended up in a small Pakistani village where he was sheltered until he regained his health and strength. His stay there intrigued him and he realized the villagers had no building for a school. He promised them to return and build a school for their children. This was the beginning of a remarkable odyssey, involving fund raising, harrowing adventures in the mountainous area, repetitive frustrations, and long lasting success. His story is a remarkable tribute to what one person can accomplish when committed to a goal.
THE SORROWS OF AN AMERICAN Siri Hustvedt
A New York City psychiatrist deals with upheaval in his personal life – newly divorced; grieving his father; tentatively establishing a friendship with an enigmatic woman and her young daughter; helping his sister through the early months of her widowhood; and coping with the demands of his practice. Unraveling the meaning of a note found in his father’s papers provides a continuing thread in the story, yet I felt that ultimately the entire tale became weighted down with too many plot threads. Still worth the effort to read, though!
THE TURNAROUND George Pelecanos
Pelecanos’ stage is Washington, DC – not the glitzy center of power and politics, but the neighborhoods and side streets. His characters are solid middle class, but often after a struggle to gain an economic foothold. While often classed as a “mystery writer” Pelecanos is not that easily classified. This latest begins with a violent confrontation, but the reader does not understand until about half way through the book the exact outcome of the event. Some thirty years after the opening events, we meet the survivors, by now all middle aged men, and from their varying perspectives, we see another set of confrontations. These will not be violent, but the potential for violence will be simmering just under the surface.
OCTOBER 1964 David Halberstam
Probably best known for his historic analysis, Halberstam was also one of the best sports writers around. And I do love a good baseball book! Halberstam traces the fortunes of several baseball teams during the 1964 season which culminated in October when the St Louis Cardinals played the New York Yankees. Several character studies of men who were important to the outcome of the series (St Louis won), including pitcher Bob Gibson and outfielder Mickey Mantle.
THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE Stephen Crane
Another classic I waited far too long to read. Crane wrote this novella in the last few years of the 19th century, and I understand that he heard from countless veterans of the Civil War inquiring which unit he had served with – the men who contacted him found his portrayal of the chaos of battle so realistic they were sure he was also a veteran. He wasn’t – and it would be interesting to know how he researched the background and setting of his story.
IN DEFENSE OF FOOD Michael Pollan
Pollan is a Bay area journalist, a dedicated gardener, and the author of several books about food and the way it is grown and marketed in the US. His books are impressively researched, but written in a manner which is highly readable and appropriately peppered with personal anecdotes. He deplores the highly processed foods available in most grocery stores, and includes a helpful closing chapter with a dozen or so practical recommendations for choosing a more healthy spectrum of diet choices.
THREE CUPS OF TEA Mortenson and Oliver
Mortenson is a mountain climber, and after a failure to reach the summit of K-2, he lost his way descending and ended up in a small Pakistani village where he was sheltered until he regained his health and strength. His stay there intrigued him and he realized the villagers had no building for a school. He promised them to return and build a school for their children. This was the beginning of a remarkable odyssey, involving fund raising, harrowing adventures in the mountainous area, repetitive frustrations, and long lasting success. His story is a remarkable tribute to what one person can accomplish when committed to a goal.
THE SORROWS OF AN AMERICAN Siri Hustvedt
A New York City psychiatrist deals with upheaval in his personal life – newly divorced; grieving his father; tentatively establishing a friendship with an enigmatic woman and her young daughter; helping his sister through the early months of her widowhood; and coping with the demands of his practice. Unraveling the meaning of a note found in his father’s papers provides a continuing thread in the story, yet I felt that ultimately the entire tale became weighted down with too many plot threads. Still worth the effort to read, though!
THE TURNAROUND George Pelecanos
Pelecanos’ stage is Washington, DC – not the glitzy center of power and politics, but the neighborhoods and side streets. His characters are solid middle class, but often after a struggle to gain an economic foothold. While often classed as a “mystery writer” Pelecanos is not that easily classified. This latest begins with a violent confrontation, but the reader does not understand until about half way through the book the exact outcome of the event. Some thirty years after the opening events, we meet the survivors, by now all middle aged men, and from their varying perspectives, we see another set of confrontations. These will not be violent, but the potential for violence will be simmering just under the surface.
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