Books

An Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University by Kevin Roose

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Shoeless

This book was recommended by Miss Anderson over at The Librarian Who Doesn’t  Say Shh…, in fact she listed it as her favorite read of 2011…and she had me intrigued.

A must read for everyone!

This book is about Kevin Roose a journalism student that attends the ultra-liberal Brown University who decides to spend a semester “studying abroad” at ultra-conservative Liberty University (the home of Jerry Falwell). Very multiple reasons I wanted to read this book. 1) Most people consider me ultra liberal 2) I have a few ultra conservative friends so I thought I could probably relate to this 3) Religion fascinates me  and 4) Liberty University is all of 90 minutes away from me and I have a few friends who went there.

Mr. Roose transfers to Liberty and entirely submerses himself in the “Liberty Way.” He follows their rules, lives in their dorms and even attends prayer circles and as  a result he truly finds himself becoming friends with many of his classmates. His writing is honest, and for that he should truly be commended because I’m sure that as a college student (he was a senior when the book was published) there were somethings he confesses to that he probably wouldn’t want everyone knowing (can only imagine what this did for his love life). His candor, however, is what makes him so likable. He truly tries to experience Liberty and to understand the people that go there. As a result he discovers that even though religion and politics may divide them, Liberty students are very much just college students trying to find their way…and deep down, we all have quite a bit in common.

I truly adored this book, and can see why it made Miss Anderson’s top read. This is one of those books that I think should be required reading for everyone. And, I think all college students should have the privilege of going to another school for a semester that is completely different than theirs. What a better world would we live in if everyone learned compassion for those who believe differently than us.

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Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Shoeless

The basis for this book is that children today aren’t getting enough nature and it’s effected every aspect of their lives and may be responsible for the high increase of ADHD….so that’s basically this book summed up in a nutshell. And well…you should probably just save yourself the time and not read the book after that little review. Why? ’cause it’s boring, thats why.

Don’t get me wrong…I wanted to like this book, I REALLY, REALLY did. It’s been recommended to me by about 150 different people and I love the concept, I love the theme…so I figured I’d love the book. And well, there are a few parts I did…a few sprinklings of fun stories about building tree houses and what childhoods use to look like. Unfortunately the other 95% of the book was basically sighting studies and research that’s been done, which unless you’ve lived under a rock for the last 5 years should be nothing new.

I am not going to say that this book isn’t useful, it would be if writing a research paper or trying to convince your local school board to not cut out recess time, but it’s definitely not an enjoyable reading kinda book (and this is from the girl who reads Darwin for fun).

Categories: Books, Reviews | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Pharr Davis

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Shoeless

Me and my two mentors during my first backpacking trip (we’re actually slackpacking in this photo)

I love hiking and that passion first began with a trail, not just any trail but a 2100 mile long trail that stretch from Georgia to Maine…that’s right, folks, the Appalachian Trail (or the AT). My very first backpacking trip was when I was 12 and we hiked in to Trail Days (a huge festival that revolves around the AT, it’s held in Damascus, VA every year). There I fell in love with backpacking, the AT and thru hikers…and I swore that one day, when I grew up I’d be a thru hiker. Sadly, that day hasn’t come yet, but…I still hold out hope that it will.

Since it’s been 15 plus years since that first encounter, I’ve read many, many books about thru hiking (yes, including Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods) and after a while they just kind of start to blend together…almost seems like all thru hikers kinda have that same few experiences and decide to write a book about their life changing experiences. I’m not saying that it’s not life changing to thru hike, I’m sure it is, but considering thousands of people do it (or at least attempt to) every year it just doesn’t seem that special anymore…at least not special enough to write a book about. But…every once in a while a book comes out about the AT that is truly different, truly unique…and Becoming Odyssa is truly one of those books.

When she wrote this she had no idea a few years later she’d be the record holder for the fastest ever thru-hike!

I love Jennifer’s candor…her struggles that she faces. The fact that she doesn’t for one moment attempt to “prove” what an experienced backpacker she is…in fact, she isn’t, and that is part of the fun! Plus, most of her stories are unique…she doesn’t talk about getting blisters from wearing brand new boots, she doesn’t just decide to hike and then do it. She researches, she actually tries to guarantee that she’ll do good…yet, mishaps happen, and there’s not much you can do to prepare for them…like her eyelashes freezing shut or the dead body she finds…how exactly are you suppose to prepare for that?

Her writing style is relaxed…it’s fun, laid back, kinda like you’re just two friends kicked back around a campfire sharing stories…and that is what makes this such an incredible book…it’s also what will make you itch to ditch everything and go hiking, or was that just me?

And the best part about reading this book? Is where she claims she’d never have a desire to hike the AT again…so funny considering that she has now done it 3 times. The first time as a regular thru hiker (and the story she tells in this book), the second time she set the women’s record for fastest thru hike, and the third time she set the overall record for fastest thru hike…and the first woman to hold such honor.

I saw her speak a few years ago and she is as fascinating as a speaker as she is a writer, so if you ever get a chance to see her speak you totally should!

Me (second from left) meeting Jennifer Pharr Davis (all the way to the right) the author of Becoming Odyssa

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Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Shoeless

A relatively new book Swamplandia! was published about a year ago (March 2011) and from the cover I kind of assumed it was  a young adult book. Turns out, it’s actually an adult book. Most of the book though reads as a young adult book, but a few adult themes do present themselves…but I’m getting ahead of myself.

The book is about Ossie and her sister Ava and brother Kiwi and their father Chief Bigtree and their adventures running a theme park the revolves around alligators (or as they call them Seths). The matron of the tribe, their mother Hilola Bigtree dies, before the book begins, of cancer.  Of course the passing of their mother effects all the children and they all go in search of their own paths. Kiwi gets a job at the new rival amusement park to try and save money to save Swamplandia. Ava starts dating ghost and well, poor Ossie is just trying to keep the family together at Swamplandia. Through a roller coaster of events the separated family does eventually find their way back together.

The writing to this story makes for a great, easy read…and the basis of the story is truly an original. I’d give it 3 stars. Why only 3? Mainly because I feel like the book is written toward an audience of teens, except for a scene or two that are very much adult (for those who have read it…that scene on the island with the “bird man,” for example). The main character is supposedly the same age as a freshman in high school, and as much as I realize that she’s been raised on an island relatively remote from the world her voice (and her character) is so VERY nieve…kind of like it’s being written for a young audience. I just think this book is too juvenile for adults and too adult for juveniles.

I won’t say that I’m sad I read this book, however, I don’t think I would have missed out if I hadn’t of read it. So in other words, if you need an easy read and happen to see this at the library, pick it up. But save your money and don’t bother buying it.

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Top Ten Books I’d Recommend As Good Beach Reads

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Shoeless

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the bloggers over at the Broke and the Bookish. Book bloggers from all around create lists based on the chosen topics, and post links to the host blog to share our love of books. This week’s topic is Top Ten Books I’d Recommend As Good Beach Reads. Now…this is kinda hard considering I hate the beach, I mean the sun and the sand and the salt…I just don’t understand the appeal…however, “beach reads”…those mindless novels that  flourish during summer’s lazy months…that I can understand! So here goes my top ten books I’d recommend for lazy summer afternoons.

When she wrote this she had no idea a few years later she’d be the record holder for the fastest ever thru-hike!

  1. Harry Potter: Really, do you need a reason to reread these? These are great summer reads cause they are rereads and the skill level is low plus you know they’re addictive (so make sure you pause long enough to add on extra sunblock)
  2. Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Pharr Davis: I just recently finished this book and LOVED it! If you like adventure, camping, hiking, backpacking, the outdoors or just funny stories then this is an excellent book. Just be forewarned…it’ll make you want to pack your bags and hit the AT.
  3. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher: A wonderful series, great reads that will keep your butt stuck to that beach towel (or hammock). Easy reads but amazingly complex story lines about an adult wizard (ironically, named Harry). Think of this as the grown up, R-rated Harry Potter.
  4. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss: ‘Cause am I right…did not every single high school senior receive that for graduation? So before you rush off to college sit down and read this inspiring little book and give your life a little thought. And for those of us that have been out of school for a while, we could always use a refresher.
  5. Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson (and some other people): Short chapters make for quick reads and the good girls always win!
  6. A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson: A woman’s journey to rediscover her self after her marriage has gone cold….she runs off to live in a little cottage by the sea (where else?) to figure out if her marriage is what she wants, and to figure out who she is after having raised her children to adulthood. A wonderful discovering yourself book for those of us who aren’t 17.
  7. Marching through Georgia: My Walk along Sherman’s Route by Jerry Ellis: Filled with ghost, adventure and history, what more could a novel have? Oh yeah, and lots humor! Another book that will make you want to shrug off your responsibilities and hit the trails.
  8. Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, a Woman and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods by Julia Butterfly Hill: A book that’ll make you want to shrug off your responsibilities and go live in a tree.
  9. The Bridges Of Madison County: ‘Cause really, what’s a beach read list without a romance? Even if it does include adultery and doesn’t end the way you want it too.
  10. Hiking Virginia by Bill and Mary Burnham: To help you plan all those hikes you’re going to want to take after reading the other books on this list.

What’s your favorite summer read?

Categories: Top 10 Tuesdays | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Night Comes to the Cumberlands: A Biography of a Depressed Area by Harry M. Caudill

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Shoeless

This was an explosive book of it’s day that many have likened to The Jungle. It was written back in the early 1960s and talks about remote parts of Kentucky where the poorest of our country lived. It was said to have spurred the president (Kennedy) to come visit the area and promise help to get it out of the extreme poverty…sadly in over 50 years, little has changed.

I wasn’t really sure how good this book would be, or if it’d truly hold my attention, but…the stories of personal struggles and even of the “good times” were gripping and just made me want to keep going. Toward the end it does get a little dry, but that’s mainly the subject matter and not the writing.

Caudill’s honesty and non-judgmental writing is truly a treat. Considering there are probably more jokes about Kentuckians than any other state in our union (with the possible exception of West Virginia- which it also touches on) I was worried about getting an honest, unbiased portrayal…this book was that and then some. It talks about the early days where the Kentuckians were feuding, it explains where the term “between a rock and a hard place” came from; I had no idea it was Kentucky or had to do with coal mining…kinda makes sense now that I think about it. It explains why incest was so very common, and to an extent encouraged. The whole book makes you grieve for these people.

Only about the last 1/4-1/3 of the book is about the environmental problems faced by the area which include strip mining and logging. My heart was truly breaking by the end of this book when Caudill is discussing the strip mining and how generations later would never forgive them and how unthinkable it is, how it needs to stop. All I could do is think, holy christ, this was more than 50 years ago and yet people like Larry Gibson, Nathan Joseph, Dave Cooper and so many others are donating their lives to stop this injustice. Why? Why have we not learned after 50 years?

And if that’s not bad enough, then I’m reading about how they are trying to fight to save the virgin forest that use to cover the eastern united states, ironic considering here in my own backyard we’re fighting to save Stadium Woods (located on Virginia Tech’s campus) from being bulldozed for an indoor athletic training facility. Mr. Caudill is probably turning over in his grave right now.

To say I recommend this book is a true understatement…it should be required reading for everyone.

Categories: Books, Environmentalism, Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Top Ten Books I Feel Everyone Has Read But Me

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Shoeless

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the bloggers over at the Broke and the Bookish. Book bloggers from all around create lists based on the chosen topics, and post links to the host blog to share our love of books.

This week the topic was Rewind Tuesday, so we were suppose to pick any past topic and write about it, so I picked Top Ten Books I Feel Everyone Has Read But Me. I felt this would be a pretty good topic considering I tend to steer clear of popular books.

  1. Twilight: I just don’t get the whole vampire sensation…I don’t see this changing anytime soon. And yes, pretty much everyone I know has read these books, including the hubby.
  2. Fifty Shades of Grey: I just…I don’t know, don’t get the whole premise…I have a feeling this maybe one I end up breaking down and reading…mainly cause you people just never give up!
  3. The Help: There’s not really I reason I haven’t read this…well except just not having enough time.
  4. The Lord of the Rings: I did attempt to read the Hobbit…can’t stand, put it down after only a few chapters, so saw no real reason to actually try and read the series.
  5. The Secret Life of Bees: I did watch the movie…does that count? lol. No seriously, nothing against this one either just haven’t gotten to it.
  6. The Game of Thrones Series: I have lots of friends who have LOVED this series…to be honest I know pretty much nothing about it except that everyone keeps recommending it to my husband…but not me…hmmm….
  7. Of Mice and Men: I’ve owned this book for probably 10 years…and for some odd reason can never compel myself to crack it open…one day…maybe.
  8. The Kite Runner (and A Thousand Splendid Suns): Picked up both of these at a yard sale a few years ago as they’ve only been recommended to me by about 100 different people…they are both on my summer TBR list…again.
  9. Water for Elephants:  Ditto to #8.
  10. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: I’ve just not been compelled to pick it up, but nothing against it really.
P.S. This was scheduled to post for Tuesday, I don’t now why it didn’t so, I’m post dating it. Sue me. :)

So, which ones can you join me in saying you haven’t read? What books have you not read that it feels like everyone has read??

Categories: Top 10 Tuesdays | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Free Book Friday! Get a copy of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Shoeless

I’d like to introduce you all to a new friend of mine…this is Maggie from over at Never Done it That Way Before. It’s an awesome blog you should totally check out…but the real reason we’re here is to tell you how I met Maggie…and that was because she was the first ever winner of Free Book Friday!! Wahoo…and her she is with her book!

How happy does she look? These photos just made my day. So happy to have added a little happiness to someone’s day…and well, that’s why we’re here again, to add happiness to someone’s day…maybe yours? This give away is going to be for The Book Thief as well, but this’ll be the last time this title is given away, all the next ones will only be offered up once.

So…here’s the rules: 1) You must be a blog follower (if you’re not, sign up now! There’s a link to your left) 2) You must be in the continental US. Sorry, no international shipping. And well…that’s it…so here’s the form, sign up and good luck!! The “drawing” will take place on June 8th, so make sure you entry is in before midnight!  I’ll email the winner bright and early on June 9th!

For those unfamiliar with the book…here’s the summary from the publisher: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

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Girls Who Looked Under Rocks: The Lives of Six Pioneering Naturalists by Jeannine Atkins

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Shoeless

This  book is definitely a different book for me, as a general rule I stick to adult books and on occasion if there’s a really great book (Harry Potter, Hunger Games, lookin’ at you) will find myself in the teen or YA section. This book, even though it’s technically rated as a young adult is probably aimed toward a much younger crowd. Not saying it wasn’t good though, quite the contrary, I truly very much enjoyed it! And…I actually learned some things…but I’m getting a head of myself.

This book is about six female naturalist who were ground breakers in their fields. It looks at Maria Merian (b.1647), Anna Comstock (b.1854), Frances Hamerstrom (b.1907), Rachel Carson (b.1907), Miriam Rothschild (b.1908) and Jane Goodall (b.1934). Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson I think most people are familiar with, but the other four I don’t think most main stream people know them…but let me tell you, they were true ground breakers!

How incredibly awesome are these illustrations??

Maria Merian made elaborate detailed paintings of insects, at a time when women weren’t truly allowed to paint and when they did were told to focus on things of beauty…like flowers. Maria, however, was fascinated by bugs…something most daughter’s parents cringe at today, much less 350+ years ago. But thanks to this hobby of hers incredible strides were made in the field of  entomology.

Jane Goodall, of course, is the lady who spent her life with the gorillas. One thing I didn’t know though is that her mother was actually a very active naturalist too. I learned in the book that when Jane first set out to study the gorillas, her mom actually went with her as well…what a cool mom?? It was also very awesome to see the impact that mothers have on their children…years later, and many years after there mothers have already passed. The picture below is of Jane brushing her hair “out in public” which her mother said a lady should never do. This event actually occurs at the end of the chapter on Jane, so her age is quite up there. I found it quite funny.

Note: In the write up I posted that this was Jane, it was actually Frances Hamerstrom.

I don’t want to tell you all about the ladies, because I’m really hoping you’ll pick this book up! It truly was an incredible little book to read, and can easily be read by an adult in half an hour or so. I found my copy through paperbackswap, although it does look like a few people are waiting on there, but hey, go ahead…add your name! (Or visit your local library, you won’t be sorry!)

Note: I recently found out that the author Jeannine Atkins has a blog as well, it’s called Views From a Window Seat . Be sure to go check it out!

Categories: Books, Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Top Ten Blogs/Sites That Aren’t About Books (Top Ten Tuesday…err Thursday)

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Shoeless

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the bloggers over at the Broke and the Bookish. Book bloggers from all around create lists based on the chosen topics, and post links to the host blog to share our love of books. I kinda forgot to post this Tuesday, but I really wanted to given the topic. This week’s is the top ten sites or blogs you visit that aren’t about books. Now…I spend WAY too much time on the computer (blame that on a job that sits me in front of a computer and doesn’t keep me busy), so, I have a lot of sites I visit…so I decided to impose my own additional limit…they would only be blogs by fellow writers like me…nothing commercial, just people sitting at their kitchen table with a cup of coffee trying to fit it in between kids, work, school and well…life. So, here is my shout to ten blogs I love that you should check out! (in no particular order)

  • I love to do DIY projects and the projects at Freddy & Petunia are an endless source of inspiration for me.\
  • Everyone met John. (“Hi, John”) He is the brains behind Baystride Images. He’s also one of my favorite Backpacking 101 students and the Education Support Specialist at York River State Park (near Williamsburg, VA). He is also one of the best photographers I know, and I never cease to laugh at his stories as an aspiring backpacker.
  • And next up we have Beth…who I can sooo relate to. She’s addicted to Pinterest and her blog is aptly named Diary of a Pinterest Addict. Although, I do have a slight bone to pick with her…now, not only am I addicted to Pinterest, I’m addicted to her blog! (And her freaking adorable kids)
  • Ahh, Fred. One of the many great people I’ve meet on the hiking trail (and hiking forums). His blog One of My Turns is absolutely hilarious in that he delivers life in 100% truthful tidbits..in other words, he says what we’re all thinking but are too scared to say.
  • Tony, over at Finding Subjects states that his goal is to Finding Subjects: one man, one journey to motivate and inspire others by sharing his music, photographs, stories, and humor with the world. And well… he’s hilarious and takes really great photos…I mean, really, what more do you need from a guy?
  •  This is Meg and her adorable little girl, Zoe, over at Never Done it That Way Before. Now, I found Meg’s blog when she entered (and won!) my first ever Free Book Friday. When I first clicked I read that she was a Pastor…eww…I thought, that’s not going to be good. I am like 100% not religious and have some serious issues with the church. So there was no way I was going to enjoy her blog…well, turns out I was totally wrong (about the blog thing, I stand by my church opinions :) She’s fun, entertaining and never cease to inspire…and bonus points for not pushing religion!
  • Books are definitely a huge part of my life, but my true passion is hiking and that’s what lead me to Adam & Christine at Virginia Trail Guide. They have the best hiking write ups ever! One of my favorite parts about their blog is the blog features both of their view points on the hike. Sometimes they agree, sometimes not. Just makes it that much more interesting! Plus they’ve featured some great hikes I haven’t done yet, so I can add them to my TBH list.
  • So the 50 year project is kinda semi about books…but not really. It’s T. B.M’s challenge to visit 192 countries, read 1,001 books, and watch the top 100 movies. Not only do I love the idea of the challenge but I love how she writes about her adventures and truly shares herself with the world through this blog.
  • Vicki’s blog over at TGAW is one of the first blogs I ever discovered when I started blogging. And well, it’s still a favorite! It’s simple, the design is nothing fancy but her writing draws you in and keeps you. Whether is talking about a hike or her adventures as a new mom, it’s fascinating and I can’t stop reading until the end.
  • Growing up one of my earliest memories was watching my older brother draw, years later it became watching my little brother draw. Both were incredibly talented but never really pursued it. Me, however…I did not get the artistic gene. Cooking, creativity, maybe, art, no way. I can’t even draw a stick figure. I think that’s part of why I love the blog at Buddhafulkat. The art work is amazing and takes my back to those days as a little girl peering over my brother’s shoulder wishing I could draw half as good as him. P.S. If you’d ever like to make me a header image, feel free. :)
P.s. Originally I had awesome images to go with this post so you could get a little snapshot of each of the blogs…sadly, wordpress had different ideas.
Categories: Top 10 Tuesdays | Tags: , , , , | 4 Comments

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