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 Fiction
THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS by David McCullough
One of the author's early works of history, and one which probably brought him to the attention of a great many readers. The tour agent for my trip to Panama recommended participants read it. I really enjoyed the parallel experience of reading and seeing the settings for myself.
EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert
One of the assignments for the writing class I took last winter. I had not been intrigued by all the type and discussion of the book, and probably would not have read it at all. As a guide for various writing exercises and a basis for class discussions of craft, the book filled the bill, but I will admit that I skimmed over large sections. Perhaps a little too "chick-lit" for my taste.
MOSCOW, DECEMBER 24, 1991 by Conor O'Clery
The author relates the final days of the Soviet Union, focusing on the day of Gorbachev's resignation. He also traces the various elements which led to the dissolution of the USSR, including observations from diplomats and politicians from other countries.
The actual day is described almost hour by hour, with interruptions to look back in time. I really enjoyed reading - the action moves along almost like a suspenseful novel. Even though I knew how things ended!
NOTHING DAUNTED by Dorothy Wickenden
In the early 20th century, two young women of privilege left their East Coast homes and traveled to northwest Colorado, where they were the first teachers in a school established in a sparsely populated area. Their students were from families of ranchers and miners who lived in the area.
The book is written by one of their granddaughters, who was intrigued when she discovered a cache of letters. She conducted impressive research into the history of the economy of the mines, railroads, and ranches in the area. I found it an intriguing read.
JOE ROCHEFORT'S WAR by Elliott Carlson
Rochefort was a naval officer stationed in Hawaii in the early months of 1941. Although he didn't claim to be a cryptography specialist, he spoke and read Japanese and was asssigned to work on decoding cable traffic coming out of Tokyo, including military transmissions. After the war began, his office became vital. He had an unfortunate knack for rubbing people in high places the wrong way, and even though the work of his staff provided the Allies the information they needed to prevail at the Battle of Midway, Rochefort ended his career in a sort of limbo. At least one high military honor was denied him during his lifetime. That was rectified by President Reagan, but unfortunately after Rochefort's death.
A little slow going in spots, but a very interesting story about a little piece of American history which was completely new to me.
JUST LIKE US by Helen Thorpe
The author is a journalist, and she became interested in the issue of illegal immigration. She met four young women, students at a Denver area high school, and followed them through their senior year and then on to college. Two of the students had green cards, two did not. THey were all excellent students and campus leaders.
Thorpe's discussions of the lives of the young women are engrossing, but I think the strength of the book is her careful portrayal of both sides of the difficult issues involved.
THE HUNT FOR KSM by McDermott & Meyer
Quite a few people from quite a few agencies were looking for answers behind the attacks of 9/11. Two men, one FBI agent and one investigator for the Port Authority, carried on a long investigation. Their efforts were unappreciated by many of the other forces at work to find the mastermind. This is a riveting story, it reads like the best thriller fiction.
DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC by Candice Millard
President James Garfield was shot in the back by a delusional political hopeful. He died a few months later. The irony of his last few months is that his wound was survivable. The cause of his death was massive widespread infection throughout his body, caused by the refusal of his doctors to accept the validity of work in antisepsis done by James Lister.
I knew almost nothing about Garfield. He was a very sensible, immensely likeable man. His presidential legacy would have been profound, I think. For the want of simple hand washing by his many doctors, he died a long painful death.
Millard recently won the Edgar award for true crime writing. She deserved it!
THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot
The non fiction sensation of 2010, and deserving of every word of praise. The book raises questions about informed consent, the ethics of compensation for medical research participants, and a lot more.
Read it if you haven't done so yet. That's an order!
GAME CHANGE by Heilemann and Helperin
The 2008 presidential campaign, with summaries of the actions of Obama, Clinton (both of them), McClain and Palin. Very readable expansion of the headlines of four years ago.
That's it for this go around!
One of the author's early works of history, and one which probably brought him to the attention of a great many readers. The tour agent for my trip to Panama recommended participants read it. I really enjoyed the parallel experience of reading and seeing the settings for myself.
EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert
One of the assignments for the writing class I took last winter. I had not been intrigued by all the type and discussion of the book, and probably would not have read it at all. As a guide for various writing exercises and a basis for class discussions of craft, the book filled the bill, but I will admit that I skimmed over large sections. Perhaps a little too "chick-lit" for my taste.
MOSCOW, DECEMBER 24, 1991 by Conor O'Clery
The author relates the final days of the Soviet Union, focusing on the day of Gorbachev's resignation. He also traces the various elements which led to the dissolution of the USSR, including observations from diplomats and politicians from other countries.
The actual day is described almost hour by hour, with interruptions to look back in time. I really enjoyed reading - the action moves along almost like a suspenseful novel. Even though I knew how things ended!
NOTHING DAUNTED by Dorothy Wickenden
In the early 20th century, two young women of privilege left their East Coast homes and traveled to northwest Colorado, where they were the first teachers in a school established in a sparsely populated area. Their students were from families of ranchers and miners who lived in the area.
The book is written by one of their granddaughters, who was intrigued when she discovered a cache of letters. She conducted impressive research into the history of the economy of the mines, railroads, and ranches in the area. I found it an intriguing read.
JOE ROCHEFORT'S WAR by Elliott Carlson
Rochefort was a naval officer stationed in Hawaii in the early months of 1941. Although he didn't claim to be a cryptography specialist, he spoke and read Japanese and was asssigned to work on decoding cable traffic coming out of Tokyo, including military transmissions. After the war began, his office became vital. He had an unfortunate knack for rubbing people in high places the wrong way, and even though the work of his staff provided the Allies the information they needed to prevail at the Battle of Midway, Rochefort ended his career in a sort of limbo. At least one high military honor was denied him during his lifetime. That was rectified by President Reagan, but unfortunately after Rochefort's death.
A little slow going in spots, but a very interesting story about a little piece of American history which was completely new to me.
JUST LIKE US by Helen Thorpe
The author is a journalist, and she became interested in the issue of illegal immigration. She met four young women, students at a Denver area high school, and followed them through their senior year and then on to college. Two of the students had green cards, two did not. THey were all excellent students and campus leaders.
Thorpe's discussions of the lives of the young women are engrossing, but I think the strength of the book is her careful portrayal of both sides of the difficult issues involved.
THE HUNT FOR KSM by McDermott & Meyer
Quite a few people from quite a few agencies were looking for answers behind the attacks of 9/11. Two men, one FBI agent and one investigator for the Port Authority, carried on a long investigation. Their efforts were unappreciated by many of the other forces at work to find the mastermind. This is a riveting story, it reads like the best thriller fiction.
DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC by Candice Millard
President James Garfield was shot in the back by a delusional political hopeful. He died a few months later. The irony of his last few months is that his wound was survivable. The cause of his death was massive widespread infection throughout his body, caused by the refusal of his doctors to accept the validity of work in antisepsis done by James Lister.
I knew almost nothing about Garfield. He was a very sensible, immensely likeable man. His presidential legacy would have been profound, I think. For the want of simple hand washing by his many doctors, he died a long painful death.
Millard recently won the Edgar award for true crime writing. She deserved it!
THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot
The non fiction sensation of 2010, and deserving of every word of praise. The book raises questions about informed consent, the ethics of compensation for medical research participants, and a lot more.
Read it if you haven't done so yet. That's an order!
GAME CHANGE by Heilemann and Helperin
The 2008 presidential campaign, with summaries of the actions of Obama, Clinton (both of them), McClain and Palin. Very readable expansion of the headlines of four years ago.
That's it for this go around!
Read/Post Comments (3)
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