'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf and 'Living on Earth' by Peter Godfrey-Smith

Living on Earth, Peter Godfrey-Smith (2.5)

I was quite disappointed with this book. There were many interesting pieces of information, but the writing often had me asking: ‘what is your point again?’. Even the habit of telling the reader what they will read at the start of a chapter didn’t help me navigate through it. The concept of describing how humans and other life started on the planet and have affected the planet is laudable, but I found the execution lacking. I enjoyed the chapter on birds – both well written and fascinating. I could now watch a whole show on Bower Birds. Not surprising, as a vegetarian, I applauded the chapter on what we have done with animals both as food and experimental subjects. I would also add I found this more philosophical than scientific.

 

Orlando, Virginia Woolf (3.0)

A lot more happens in this novel compared to the other Virginia Woolf book I read (‘To the Lighthouse’), particularly given the main character, Orlando, lives ~400 years. Again, I found her writing interesting, but not enjoyable. In this case we follow a young nobleman who starts as a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I and ends in the author’s real time (1920’s) having gone through love, hardship and many other things along the way. The book is quite fantastical as the author considers the fluidity of sexuality and the similarities and differences of life as a man or woman. You can see that these are important concepts to her.

'West with Giraffes' by Lynda Rutledge and 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama

Becoming, Michelle Obama (4.5)

I found this book to be an interesting, engaging memoir that reads as much as behind the scenes look at a woman coming of age as a sweet love story of a wife and mother. I found myself tearing up several times at the poignancy of the Obama relationship to each other and to their children. Ms. Obama has done an amazing job at raising to seemingly normal children during a very non-normal time for their family while also keeping true to her own strong path forward.

 

West with Giraffes, Lynda Rutledge (4)

I appreciated that this book was based on the newspaper clippings the author found while researching something else at the San Diego Zoo. It is a fictionalized story of how two African giraffes were transported across the US during the depression. The description of how the giraffes interact with the main characters is lovely – makes one want to run to a zoo and interact with them. The backstory of the dust bowl’s effects on society was also very interesting. Some of the characters were a bit melodramatic, but overall I enjoyed the story.

'A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon' by Kevin Fedarko

A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon, Kevin Fedarko (3.5)

Many people hike the main trail down to the canyon floor, but very few people through-hike the Grand Canyon from northeast to southwest. Reading Mr. Fedarko’s account of his trip makes one realize why this is true. He and his photographer friend attempt to document their backpacking trip for National Geographic. Given their lack of experience, ‘attempt’ becomes ‘attempts’ and their experience is harrowing. This book is very similar to ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed – albeit exchanging the Pacific Coast Trail with the Grand Canyon. The author also spends a significant time describing the actual hiking while also discussing the history of the Canyon with respect to the indigenous people of the area. While I really enjoyed reading about the hike, I found the lack of training and knowledge abhorrent. It’s hard to take someone seriously when they continue to say how stupid they were. In addition, the author admits at the end that he may have exaggerated their incompetence.

'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles

Rules of Civility, Amor Towles (4)

I really enjoy Mr. Towles’s writing. He does a great job painting the era and surroundings of his chosen environment. In this case, his first novel, it’s New York City post-stock market crash/pre-WWII. We follow a young woman who bridges between working people and high society. By day, she works as a secretary and by night she and her roommate enjoy jazz clubs and diners. Their wit, charisma and unique circumstances propel them into the upper echelons of society. As in his later books, Towles emphasizes the characters’ relationships and creates a mood appropriate to the time. The book reads quickly - the prologue cleverly pulls you in with a subtle mystery and off you go!

'Ear' by Jan Prochazka

Ear, Jan Prochazka (4)

The Ear in the title of this novel refers to the Soviet listening devices prevalent in Czechoslovakia in the 1950’s. The author was a famous novelist and screenwriter who wrote fiction about the very real happenings of the time after WWII when Czechoslovakia was part of the Soviet Union. It was hard to get into this book as it is written much like a screenplay – jumping from one scene to another with little description. Barring that, once you get into the groove of the prose, it is riveting. Mainly focusing on two characters, a deputy minister and his wife, the story unfolds as they get home from a dinner. The tension mounts as the husband starts to believe they are being watched and listened to by the ‘authorities’. Unfortunately, his wife is not on the same page and the scene progresses very much like the night in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?’- much misunderstanding and arguing as they start to realize the danger they may be in. If you like that play/movie, this book adds another element of real danger.

'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry

Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry (4.5)

While not a big western/cowboy fan, I really enjoyed this story. Well written and with interesting characters, this very long tome passes quickly. The main characters are two Texas Rangers retired after the Civil War, who in trying to find purpose in a much quieter life, decide to take a herd of cows to Montana. After assembling the cowboys for their team, the majority of the story is the perilous journey they undergo including the treacherous weather, defensive indigenous people and various good and bad people they encounter. McMurtry does not sugar-coat the times- the hardships feel real. My only complaint was the ending. Most characters’ stories were wrapped up, but for some reason it felt off. Still one of the best books I’ve read in some time and well worth it.

'When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405-1433' by Louise Levathes

When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405-1433, Louise Levathes (3.5)

This is a fascinating review of China’s seafaring culture in the early 1400’s. Written in a rather text-book manner, the author manages to review some of the preceding dynasties (given China’s long history, this is not easy to do without becoming very confusing) while spending most of her time on the 30 years or so a surprisingly outward reaching era. The most shocking fact may have been the size of the ships built (>400 ft long). A graphic shows many Mayflower type ships would have fit in one of the Treasure Fleet ships. In those 30 years one adventure seeking Emperor would send 300 ships to as far as East Africa with many of China’s treasures (silk, porcelain, etc.) to trade. Upon his death, his son reverted to the typical Confucian attitude of isolation and the potential world domination of China was halted. I’m surprised how little has been written about this era, this book seems to do a good job summarizing it.