It's a cliche, but it really is hard to put this one down.
I finally finished this easy read in the opening weeks of the fall 2010 semester in Ch...moreIt's a cliche, but it really is hard to put this one down.
I finally finished this easy read in the opening weeks of the fall 2010 semester in China, and it was an interesting perspective, too.
I like this one quite a bit, and recommend it for any sports fan, or amateur psychologist -- and, a for a lot of other people, too.(less)
This reads like a brisk ride through a pleasing, scenic country road with nothing but clean air zipping into your nostrils, prompting a smile that won...moreThis reads like a brisk ride through a pleasing, scenic country road with nothing but clean air zipping into your nostrils, prompting a smile that won't stop.
It's Not About the Tapas is written by Polly Evans, a former Hong Kong-based British journalist out to regain some physical strength after deadlines, and such added on some flab. You can feel the personal and spiritual victories each kilometer, or word, gives her.
It heled my reading, knowing very well some of the places she peddled through, as well as the Spanish characterics she brought out so well in varying scenes -- be it large city or obscure village. She started in San Sebastian, working down into and through much of Catalonia before including Arcos de la Frontera, Grazelema, Sevilla and many other places that I wish I could visit fairly often.
There is a certain joy of life in Evans' writing, and that, I wish I could capture for myself, too. Tapas is inspiring and escapist. I really enjoyed it.(less)
It takes off fast. It is brilliantly edited storytelling that takes off like it is going to rip your hands off. You could read over a weekend, but why...moreIt takes off fast. It is brilliantly edited storytelling that takes off like it is going to rip your hands off. You could read over a weekend, but why let the pure enjoyment slip away?
This should be offered to all those non-reading teens who insist they love the NBA. This could very well make readers out of them all!!!
I enjoyed staying up to 3 a.m. several times to read this one. It was truly enjoyable reading, and the kind of book I hope to find more of. The author really needs to come out with more books. This one really picks up toward the end, too, pushing buttons,sparking memories of NBA great moments, players, seasons, dynasties, and educates on the off-court things that us non-players never see.
I will definitely recommend this one to many friends. Author Tom McEachin was smart to recognize the storytelling ability of Rod Hundley, his place in U.S. basketball history, and capture it all in the former player turned announcer's words.
Finding any error was difficult, but finally, a few extra spaces and tossed out helping words were missing toward the end -- other than that, it is a major hidden sports literary treasure. I think a number of non-basketball fans would find it enjoyable, too.(less)
I read this one, if my memory has anything left after teaching for a couple of years now, back in 2004, and got a lot out of it. It is from the memori...moreI read this one, if my memory has anything left after teaching for a couple of years now, back in 2004, and got a lot out of it. It is from the memories of Joe Snyder, who ran a newspaper in northern Missouri for a number of years. This comes from his days in World War II in the Pacific, working as an Army press man.
What really set his book apart from others were the perpspectives and honesty. Very few, if any, people who served where he did, write anything, but he did and revealed some things that I don't read elsewhere. I would thoroughly recommend this for anyone interested in journalism, and, or World War II. In fact, it should be on a reading list for college freshmen journalism students.(less)
This 17th Century Journey should be read as background material, if nothing else, by those interested in the happenings, people, and scope of trials a...moreThis 17th Century Journey should be read as background material, if nothing else, by those interested in the happenings, people, and scope of trials and tribulations on those in the Spanish empire.
Philip Dallas translated and annotated this interesting, and page-turning work, so well that I have kept it on a box at my family's home for several years. I could put it down because I finised reading it -- several years ago -- but, couldn't, and still haven't gotten rid of it. That should tell you something.
Cpt. Alonso didn't appear to be holding any words, or playing any modernday politically correct games. He was in a tough and gritty time with hostiles all around. I found it especially interesting that, for the Spanish, soldiers could quit one unit because they didn't like it, and simply go to another, or go transfer to the navy if they felt like it. It was a very different world back then. -- Mike McIlvain
It was one of those bargain table books that turned out to be a real find. (less)
The author's honesty is appreciated, even if she didn't actually walk the famed old camino all in one effort. She was on it more than once, and she ad...moreThe author's honesty is appreciated, even if she didn't actually walk the famed old camino all in one effort. She was on it more than once, and she adds more perspective to anyone interested in such efforts, or considering such a walk.
Her family plays a big role in this one.
I have read more than one book on the subject, and it does look like one way to see some nice countryside up close and lose a few pounds in the process.(less)
A real imagination capturer. This translated version of Relacion by Cyclone Covey, takes any amateur traveler, or narrative fan, deep into what we hav...moreA real imagination capturer. This translated version of Relacion by Cyclone Covey, takes any amateur traveler, or narrative fan, deep into what we have come to call the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, but one senses the awe both Spaniards and Native Americans felt in this experience that anyone should read. There is a lot to be learned here.
The magnetism of Cabeza de Vaca's journey, and writing, continue to inspire more research and writing. Historian Andres Resendez recently came out with a new book on de Vaca, and said he found a few new facts in the process. I spoke briefly with him in a booksigning at Texas A&M International University for A Land So Strange, and he told me the new facts were found the Archives of the Indies in Seville, Spain. Conquistador in Chains is another must read -- about de Vaca in South America -- for anyone curious about what really went on when Europeans invaded the Americas.(less)
I can't remember exactly when I read it, but it is an outstanding piece of journalism and writing. It is exciting in its very mysterious content and p...moreI can't remember exactly when I read it, but it is an outstanding piece of journalism and writing. It is exciting in its very mysterious content and pursuit of the truth. How close we came to never having Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and what a shame it would have been, too.
My mom has the book now, but it still stares at me whenever I visit. It's terrific. I keep my eye out for more Will Wyatt works.(less)
Shakespeare seemed to capture a certain intensity in this classic love story -- that of youth, inexperience, hormones, and belonging to a group. It's ...moreShakespeare seemed to capture a certain intensity in this classic love story -- that of youth, inexperience, hormones, and belonging to a group. It's easy to see why and how Romeo and Juliet became the base for so many other good stories.
Even if your love life is horrible, R&J is a good read, anytime!(less)
I dutifully read The Great Gatsby in school like so many others, but I find myself seeking Gatsbyisms in other things. It is still hard to find someon...moreI dutifully read The Great Gatsby in school like so many others, but I find myself seeking Gatsbyisms in other things. It is still hard to find someone who throws a party and doesn't bother to attend, but after probably attending my share of parties I can understand why someone might do that.
To me, there is still something greatly romantic about Gatsby and his time. Fortunately, the book sparks the curiosity, and doesn't kill it.(less)
One I read shortly after its release in 1996. Cabeza de Vaca has always been something of a personal hero, and true captor of my imagination. His narr...moreOne I read shortly after its release in 1996. Cabeza de Vaca has always been something of a personal hero, and true captor of my imagination. His narrative and the stories of his journey spin the imagination considerably. I would love to have watched from a distance, or have wandered with his little group in the good times.
I'm such a fair weather reader.
I visited his hometown -- Jerez -- in one of my trips to Spain. They have a nice, but small artistic statue of him, but it seems like there should have been more. As someone told me, he is probably more important to the Americas than to Spain.
It's a very good read, too, as it reports on his troubles in South America in what is now Paraguay. You can see his learned perspectives on the Indians, or natives, in his actions as governor there.(less)
Shakespeare might have been a bit ahead of his time in Othello, but it doesn't get lost on the way through its drama. I can see Othello showing up as ...moreShakespeare might have been a bit ahead of his time in Othello, but it doesn't get lost on the way through its drama. I can see Othello showing up as a template for several other works by others, too.
I can't remember exactly when I read Othello, but several parts leap up at me from time to time through other things.(less)
Of course I read Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Who didn't?
People are people, and do some of the same things regardles...moreOf course I read Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Who didn't?
People are people, and do some of the same things regardless of the trends of the time.
I read it, largely, at the time because I had to, but I also began to notice the fun in word play with Twain's wording against modern English usage.(less)
The stories of World War II that I grew up with came, largely, from this time in that conflict from my late first step-father, Bob Wagner, who was a m...moreThe stories of World War II that I grew up with came, largely, from this time in that conflict from my late first step-father, Bob Wagner, who was a medic in the 84th Infantry Division. I hadn't heard those stories in years -- he passed away in 1972 -- but, Ford's book very closely ran a parallel to what I heard as a boy in California.
Ford's book is more interested in historical account and readability than substance in style, but is worth the read for anyone familiar with that time.
I read it in research of a particular bloodless incident that I heard about long ago -- one in which Scottish bagpipers played all night long, effectively scaring off a larger German unit shrouded behind a nearby fog when it lifted. That incident was not in this book, but Ford brought me closer to it, and aided my insight into the horrors one goes through at that time, and for an instant, took me back to those days in the '60s when Bob thought it was important that I understand why war is so horrible.
Despite how hard it might be to talk about at times.(less)
Laredo-born Geronimo Trevino's book was an exhaustive research of those numerous places you might have zipped on past, or spent great evenings with si...moreLaredo-born Geronimo Trevino's book was an exhaustive research of those numerous places you might have zipped on past, or spent great evenings with significant others in years past -- as it was for me with several of the dance halls noted and photographed here.
Ever been there, done that? It's a nice escape-type book, despite its tame appearance. It kinda hit me like drinking a beer and dancing across some wood floor to some band that mixes Country and Rock like they do, or did, down here.
Geronimo, thanks for the memories from Round Top, San Antonio, La Grange, Swiss Alp, Austin County, Fredericksburg, and so many other places. Took me back to the time when the ex-wife was the girlfriend, and those days were OK.
I think I read this book in some part of 2006, but lived most of it in the '70s.(less)
I grew up watching the Huntley-Brinkley Report on NBC, so I thought I knew what to expect -- I was very wrong. David Brinkley's observations over the ...moreI grew up watching the Huntley-Brinkley Report on NBC, so I thought I knew what to expect -- I was very wrong. David Brinkley's observations over the many busy decades in which he lived surprised me all the way through.
I especially liked his places sections, and observations on Vienna, Austria, where a grad school friend now lives. The Viennese sound so laid back that I believe I really have to go there some day. Brinkley's somewhat introspective observations of the American South, and Washington, D.C., and the people associated with all of that made it much better reading, too.
Also, especially helpful, this is a large print edition, and I really appreciate that.
This is a great book for anyone interested in journalism, recent American history, or television news. It is pretty good.(less)
This is one helluva book, and one a lot of people elsewhere should read. It flows faster than the river ever did.
I finished the second half of ...more This is one helluva book, and one a lot of people elsewhere should read. It flows faster than the river ever did.
I finished the second half of the book's 291 pages all in one day when classes were cancelled due to Hurricane Dolly. It had a habit of leaping back up into my hands: much like a friendly puppy. The difficulties Keith faced on his journey down the Rio Grande weren't always any friendly puppy, but I certainly don't regret giving the book to four people in various parts of the U.S. and Sweden. My mom liked it quite a bit, and I have to back up her claim, and not just because she's my mother.
The dangers one potentially faces along this "natural border" certainly can be a mother, but Keith's journey, and writing, should help draw attention to the river's needs. Easily, conservationists should be marching down to the Rio Grande en mass to clean it up, or have it done so. I hope Al Gore reads this book.
And, let's face it, Tecate should reward Mr. Bowden for all the free advertising they got, and will, from this book. My only next question is -- who's going to play him in the movie?
It's not Into the Wild, but there's potential for more things to spring from The Tecate Journals. Just read it. You'll know what I mean.
I really like this book, and I can say, smiling, "Hey, I know this guy!"(less)
Culture shock.
The author went to West Texas from Philadelphia in the late '80s to write this and shocked himself quite a bit. It was evident in ...moreCulture shock.
The author went to West Texas from Philadelphia in the late '80s to write this and shocked himself quite a bit. It was evident in the lines of the book.
Having played high school football in Texas, and having written about it for newspapers, I wasn't shocked at all. I had also covered a Permian game in Odessa, where the atmosphere is more like college football than some colleges, so, for me, it was a case of been there: done that.
Some people can live too much of the same genre, so when the movie came on TV the other night I really couldn't watch it, despite Billy Bob Thornton's acting, which I usually like.
But if you haven't lived this Texas high school football thing -- it's worth picking up.(less)
Probably Michener's shortest work, but still very strong by my standards. It says anyone who can attend Holy Week in Spain should do so -- you never k...moreProbably Michener's shortest work, but still very strong by my standards. It says anyone who can attend Holy Week in Spain should do so -- you never know what you're missing by not being there. It could be quite a lot.(less)
One of the very best books about one of the very best authors of all times. I believe Michener's passing left a huge void in the literary world, which...moreOne of the very best books about one of the very best authors of all times. I believe Michener's passing left a huge void in the literary world, which will take some time to fill.
This is a must for anyone who every enjoyed his books.(less)
I cannot say how many times I have actually read this one -- at least once for school, and, at least, once for me -- but, it also made a pretty import...moreI cannot say how many times I have actually read this one -- at least once for school, and, at least, once for me -- but, it also made a pretty important anti-war movie, starring William Holden, Mickey Rooney, Grace Kelly, Frederick March, and several others.
It finally was ripped off recently in the movie with Robert Redford, Tom Cruise, and Meryl Streep -- Lions for Lambs. I knew The Bridges at Toko Ri too well to really enjoy this newer version, but I imagine young viewers might have liked it.
The original book was a Michener -- best not messed with, or copied!(less)
It's one of James Michener's well-researched, well-written, and well distributed works. I would like to read more of his books -- they are always a pl...moreIt's one of James Michener's well-researched, well-written, and well distributed works. I would like to read more of his books -- they are always a pleasure. This one helped spark my eventual love affair with the Iberian Peninsula, which has been a bit more on the sour side with the pathetic exchange rate lately. It was nice in the '90s, though.
Texan Charles L. Sizemore showed what a person can do for themselves and, potentially, their future in one year’s time in "Cowboys and Catalans."...moreTexan Charles L. Sizemore showed what a person can do for themselves and, potentially, their future in one year’s time in "Cowboys and Catalans."
Sizemore made a few mild errors, but otherwise wrote an outstanding travel literature book for a first-time author.
"Cowboys and Catalans" should be read by anyone who ever considered furthering their education overseas, or thought of sending their grown children there. "Cowboys" is smooth and flows, grabbing the reader and not letting go.
Sizemore makes a reader wish there was another adventure, another country, another girlfriend or another beer drinking buddy to read about.
Sizemore, a Texas Christian University graduate, finds his natural native Texan curiosity for Spain transforms into a love for that country through its people, its language, which he also speaks, and the food. Sizemore’s emotional draw to his Spanish friends and others from around the world adds to the emotional advantage this book has over numerous others in the same genre.
He said goodbye to his Spanish friends last, as the book was arranged, and it wasn’t easy.
"Before meeting each other we had reached a common point in which our lives had become stale. London had given us the fresh beginning we desperately craved, and now it would be time for another major change in my life.
"I had dreaded this moment since my arrival in Spain," he wrote. "It was more than a goodbye to two close friends; it was a sad reminder that the end of my escape was fast approaching. I grabbed Paula with my right arm and José Manuel with my left and gave them both a big Spanish abrazo before boarding my bus to San Sebastian."
Sizemore very wisely realized his unique situation when studying at LSE, living at the Barbican YMCA and traveling Europe. He said he did some work on the book while still overseas before returning to his financial world, and all the daily time-consuming trappings, which don’t allow much time to write a book.
Once in a rare while a book hits its reader right in his own neighborhood. Literally. Sizemore lived about half a mile from where I stayed in London during the 2001-2002 academic year, and I am sure we knew several of the same sites and establishments there and on the continent, so I have to admit some bias in my rating.
I can say with authority that Sizemore nailed the overseas higher education experience, which deems attention from the U.S. academic community, too.
The only major point Sizemore didn’t press was the cost, which despite the terrible exchange rate with the weak dollar against the almighty British pound, is still cheaper than most master’s degrees here in this country.
Sizemore's first book doesn't have him up there with that better known grad from, TCU, that same Fort Worth school, which helped send us Dan Jenkins, but if he picks up the pace he could certainly be in the same book signings the older writer might be found in.
(less)
Great one if it's going well, and the opposite if non-existant.
Very well written collection of stor...moreSo, how's your love life?
Great one if it's going well, and the opposite if non-existant.
Very well written collection of stories, which should be kept around until it's time, rather than diving into when you're on the down side of romance. (less)
Not as good, in my case, as this series' edition on Spain, but living right next to Mexico makes it difficult to simply read and take it all in -- too...moreNot as good, in my case, as this series' edition on Spain, but living right next to Mexico makes it difficult to simply read and take it all in -- too many personal observations get in the way.
I'm sure that it's a great read for many other people, and some stories did standout quite noticeably.(less)
I had to give this one to my mom shortly after reading it. It seemed to fit certain parts of her personality -- the overall impression of France its v...moreI had to give this one to my mom shortly after reading it. It seemed to fit certain parts of her personality -- the overall impression of France its various stories gave me.
It was a terrific read, and it still sits in my mom's living room. But she's still never been there.(less)
Washington Irving pulled off quite a feat, living inside the Alhambra for several months back in the 19th century, and his memorable book is a tribute...moreWashington Irving pulled off quite a feat, living inside the Alhambra for several months back in the 19th century, and his memorable book is a tribute to that deed.
He explores the turf very well, which should be read by anyone who ever appreciated his writing beforehand, anyway, or has visited, or plans to see the Alhambra. Everyone should see the Alhambra, and view it from all of its many perspectives. Most of the sights at this site are great photos, too.
I'm not sure I ever gave that book up after reading it. Dust is good.(less)
Great writing for a great river. Rosenblum knocked out a homer of a travel book here with plenty of nicely done boat talk, too. He lived on the river ...moreGreat writing for a great river. Rosenblum knocked out a homer of a travel book here with plenty of nicely done boat talk, too. He lived on the river for a while, something that appealed to me when living in Europe, but it was too far out of reach.
Rosenblum seems to have gotten out of reach lately. He is a consistently good, often great writer. I hope he's working on something.(less)
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