An excellent accounting of the politics of 1968. I was a teen with an increasing interest in politics and social issues. I recall a lot of those awfulAn excellent accounting of the politics of 1968. I was a teen with an increasing interest in politics and social issues. I recall a lot of those awful days. That said, O’Donnell easily doubles those memories and knowledge in this well researched and beautifully written work. ...more
Well researched and told in lively clear prose. It is frustrating, to say the least, to acknowledge just how shallow, uninformed, and subject to demagWell researched and told in lively clear prose. It is frustrating, to say the least, to acknowledge just how shallow, uninformed, and subject to demagoguing the american public is. I was, at least aware of the US policy in the 1980s and how it echos through today. Blitzer’s truth telling made me think back to Zinn’s ‘Peoples History’ on a much smaller scale.
Policy, taken along with individual experience (Juan, et al.) makes this very accessible to anyone interested. ...more
A bit disappointed in this. It progresses at a snails pace through the first 50%. I hoped for more of a current day cultural and its links back to theA bit disappointed in this. It progresses at a snails pace through the first 50%. I hoped for more of a current day cultural and its links back to the Dutch rather that a broad brush 'this is why New York is as diverse as it is today'....more
This is an automatic 5 stars. Consider it something like a Lifetime Achievement award. The background research was completed by Crichton along with thThis is an automatic 5 stars. Consider it something like a Lifetime Achievement award. The background research was completed by Crichton along with the story outline. Patterson comes along and pulls it all together. This pairing of these two literary giants are a gift to us all. In a more substantial way, i will say, this reads as the best if both. It unfolds at breakneck speed. Jurassic Park comes to mind. In this case, the relentless march and destructive path of raptors in taken on by the eruption and lava flows. Who will survive? ...more
A nice read, not great. At times its heartwarming and funny. Other times, disjointed and stretching credulity. The dad, in trying to build a stronger A nice read, not great. At times its heartwarming and funny. Other times, disjointed and stretching credulity. The dad, in trying to build a stronger relationship with growing up ti fast daughter compounds things by signing them up for ‘dad camp’ thus creating bug lie that jeopardizes the entire week. ...more
I recall another work by a different author. He refers to 'haunted histories'. The point being, that until a nation or a people are held accountable aI recall another work by a different author. He refers to 'haunted histories'. The point being, that until a nation or a people are held accountable and accept responsibility they/it will be haunted by past sins. This work on the Jesuit slave trade is extremely well-written, researched, and documented. It represents that reparation can be made no matter the time that passes....more
Beach reads are an automatic ‘3’ for me unless they go above and beyond the ordinary. Accordingly, ‘Swan Song’ takes the 3. Two big flaws: the Coco thBeach reads are an automatic ‘3’ for me unless they go above and beyond the ordinary. Accordingly, ‘Swan Song’ takes the 3. Two big flaws: the Coco third and largest slice of the plot is fine, as is the retiring Chief Ed portion. However, I got progressively lost with the Sharon subplot. Having read none of the previous in the Nantucket series, it may be on me. Finally, the end seemed to be haphazardly put together. ...more
Occasionally i come across with a baldacci that doesn’t quite wow me. This was my 5th in the decker/memory man series. I’ll have to see which one i miOccasionally i come across with a baldacci that doesn’t quite wow me. This was my 5th in the decker/memory man series. I’ll have to see which one i missed. The story just became a bit tedious. I did enjoy bringing in Will Robie and his unexpected appearances. ...more
Some reviews have criticized Harding for fictionalizing too much of the Malaga Island story. his response, as I understand it, is that he was less intSome reviews have criticized Harding for fictionalizing too much of the Malaga Island story. his response, as I understand it, is that he was less interested in the precise facts as he was in the human impact. To that end, he succeeds.
another critique, the style of writing, tests patience with long passages of lyrical poetic prose. This would normally annoy me as well. Yet, somehow I was drawn further in. The prose is beautifully done and balances the 'just the facts' presentation of the destiny that befalls the people.
The rave reviews left me a bit cynical. after a couple of chapters, I thought it would be an 'okay' book. Then something took hold and I found myself The rave reviews left me a bit cynical. after a couple of chapters, I thought it would be an 'okay' book. Then something took hold and I found myself immersed in a page-turner. The more James was defined the more you are drawn in. There are enough twists, turns, and revelations in 'James' to make it a compelling novel. when I finished my thought was, 'well, now we know the whole story'....more
Rushdie has always had both humanity and humor threaded through his work. This very personal reflection is no exception. He takes you on stage with hiRushdie has always had both humanity and humor threaded through his work. This very personal reflection is no exception. He takes you on stage with him, to the hospital, and through recovery. Both brilliant and touching. He could have easily subtitled this book: 'Knife: A Love Story'...more
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