Joseph Pfeiffer’s book has been on my reading list since he queried us last December. After reading it, I’d love to save it for a Father’s Day review because the book would be very appropriate for that time, but I didn’t want to make the author wait another four months to read my review. That being said, take note of this book because it would actually make a great Father’s Day gift.
I have to admit I haven’t always been a fan of history. And even today I find myself more intrigued by the events our history books left out, or the people of our pasts who are just as important but less celebrated. The fabulous fifties were my parent’s era, not mine. But what attracted me to Jim Chambers’ book was actually two things: the cover and the fact that it’s a personal memoir (although Jim says it’s not!) and not just a historical account.
I can guarantee you’ve never read anything like The Sophisticated Savage. Part scholarly essay, part interview, and part soul-baring diary, Carla Seidl weaves a tale that is hard to put down. What you will likely discover is that you end up finding out much more about Seidl than you do about the title character. Whether you end up empathizing with her or shaking your head, you will be right inside her head during a fascinating time in her life.
Having spent 20 years in the United States Coast Guard and having traveled all over the world while serving on an ice breaker out of the Pacific North West in the service of Uncle Sam, I love ocean sailing. When for our first anniversary my wife, author LK Gardner-Griffie, suggested we take a cruise I wasn’t sure I would like it or not.
I love an adventure story. I’m not talking about the jarring action packed adventure with lots of guns and running, destined for an R rating if it makes the big screen, but instead a personal kind of adventure for one person that ends up being a life changing personal journey for them. And that’s exactly what happened to Janis Letts.
I first came across the writings of Paul Ciccone Jr. last year when I read and reviewed his book, OH Brother. That review went on to become our top review of 2008 and Paul’s book was probably the most talked about. Like Mick Rooney, Paul’s writing definitely commands your full attention and is one that you will want to take time to read and mull over, rather than rush through it.
Opening the cover of Motherless Child – stories from a life is like arriving at Sarah’s home, where she welcomes you with that special brand of southern hospitality, invites you to sit down for a spell and have a nice tall drink of ice tea while she tells you stories from her past. Reading this book brought back memories from my own childhood of sitting in my grandmother’s parlor and having her tell us stories of life from yesteryear, while gently rocking back and forth in her rocking chair. I could almost hear the creak of the floorboards as her chair went back and forth over that well worn track.
Since beginning this review blog, I’ve probably read more nonfiction than I’ve ever read in my life. The success of authors telling their stories about overcoming obstacles in their everyday lives has been astonishing, such as Shirley Cheng who used Lulu to share her words, enthusiasm, and spirit. Writers like her constantly reiterate why I started this blog in the first place.
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