My 2013 Reading Journal: October 2013

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Audiobook
US author
Autobiography, narrated by Judy Collins
Originally published in 2012
Review: Narrated by the author, this autobiography is absolutely marvelous. Collins' prose and voice are lyrical. She is a musical icon and her stories, lovers, and friendhips are as well. Immerse yourself in the sixties, the folk music, and let the story wash over you as the best music always does. I had trouble taking breaks from this one.

Audiobook
Originally published in 2010
An Alex Delaware novel
Review: This was pretty good. However, the plot was predictable and the pace was slow except for the last hour. There was not as nuch tension in the story as I prefer.

Audiobook
US author
Originally published in 2010
Non-fiction
Fawcett, last of Victorian explorers, 1925.....vanished with son and his friend, Fawcett seekers
Royal Geographic Society......maps of the world...would be cool to visit
Discovery of longitude chronometer was important
Exploration is now more about inward discovery....no new outward discovery
High tech gadgets galore
Explorers as spies to map new lands....wore disguises, gathered political info
Insects were maddening and deadly
Natives, enraged by rubber barons forcing them into slavery were ferocious about intruders
Author planned to retrace Fawcett's steps
Met Fawcett's granddaughter who gave hin Fawcett's journals and letters
Biographer as burglar
Fawcett's theories impacted by Darwinism, or a racialized misinterpretation of it
Professional jealousies amngst explorers
Impact of WWI and mustard gas on Fawcett
"those whom the gods intend to destroy first make them mad.".....fawcett
Was Z a spiritual goal?
100+ died seeking Fawcett
Review: A fascinating story of obsession! The combination of exploration, historical context, and familial loyalty make for an engrossing read. I lost track of time listening to this story, feeling a faint flicker of the fiery obsession which drove Percy Fawcett. I wonder who the impassioned seekers are that are living today and who will become the legends of tomorrow's tales?

Audiobook
English author
Originally published in 1939
Review: Excellent! As always, I was completely surprised by the final revelation by the indomitable Hercule Poirot!

Audiobook
US author
Originally published 2013
Review: I checked up on this novel twice while reading it to be sure it was fiction rather than a memoir. That tells you how well it reads! This is a poignant tale of a very unusual upbringing, its intended and unintended consequences, and what it means to be responsible in our treatment of non-human animals. An excellent story of kinship!

Audiobook
Short Stories
Originally published in 2013
US author
Review: I was impressed with this collection of short stories. Rash writes gritty, dark, hopeful and despairing stories. Each tale is distinct from the others. The overall feeling I am left with is intensity. I was drawn to the characters and the deep emotion evoked by each story. A great collection!