http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/28376 en-US Wed, 07 May 2008 17:40:42 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 14074501 Wed, 07 May 2008 17:40:42 -0700
author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/07/08
shelves:
review:
Liked it more at the end than the middle. Her writing style can be kind of annoying, but similar to Prodigal Summer - I like what she's saying...
]]> 20318261 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:25:42 -0700
PS: I read it in the cold Utah desert - it makes me both want to go try to live in the arctic and want to never go outside again.]]>
author: Jennifer Niven
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:
OK, so this book seems kind of random, unless you like hearing exciting stories about kick ass women. My grandmother sent it to me and I absolutely loved it. It's definitely and interesting story - the writing could be improved some (often loses its focus on Ada vs. the expedition and politics) but the story more than makes up for it.

PS: I read it in the cold Utah desert - it makes me both want to go try to live in the arctic and want to never go outside again.
]]> 14306092 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:53:10 -0800
author: Jeffrey Eugenides
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14306070 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:52:50 -0800
author: Khaled Hosseini
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2003
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14304793 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:39:56 -0800
author: Toni Morrison
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14304771 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:39:46 -0800
author: Toni Morrison
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.06
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14304528 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:37:19 -0800
author: Peter Blood
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.68
book published: 2004
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14304472 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:36:44 -0800
author: Viktor E. Frankl
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.42
book published: 1946
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14304394 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:36:06 -0800
author: Lauren Weisberger
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.35
book published: 2004
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14304346 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:35:36 -0800
author: Larry McMurtry
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 14303978 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:35:20 -0800
author: Elisabeth Eaves
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2004
rating: 2
read at: 09/07
date added: 02/01/08
shelves:
review:
In therapy language we would call this book a "war story", glorifying the experience at the same time that is says stripping and objectifying is harmful to women. You can definitely tell that the author enjoyed some parts of being a stripper, especially in a uniquely protective and empowering workplace - not the book for your 13-year-old daughter to read. She eventually experiences more common types of stripping and realizes it damages her emotions, relationships, etc. No shit.
]]> 12921512 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:13:23 -0800
author: Gabriel García Márquez
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.15
book published: 1980
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
I didn't fully understand it. But that's my problem. It was great especially the second time around.
]]> 12921349 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:10:18 -0800
author: Paulo Coelho
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.80
book published: 0
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
Oh therapy books! Read it if you're ready for metaphors! One of the classics at work and powerful if you're ready to work around the cheesiness and find some personal truth in it.
]]> 12921021 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:06:38 -0800
author: David Guterson
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.59
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
Great book! Haven't seen the movie but the book was engaging, moving, and well-written. It's written in the style of a mystery novel, but really it's about priviledge, history, and integrity. Reading it I expected to be out-of-place in the story, or misunderstand pieces, but really this is a book by, about, and for white people. What do we do with priviledge? How do we reconcile with our neighbors AND our parents? Similar in style to the Kiterunner - in style and theme (what to do with priviledge - guilt, reconciliation, yada yada) - so if you like the Kiterunner you'll probably like this also. Maybe I'm reading a lot of my own process into it, but what the hell; it was powerful in that way.
]]> 12919875 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:44:00 -0800
PS: For anyone trying to get "back to the land" - for millenia we have existed in community. It's never safe or sustainable to go into the wilderness to prove your individual capabilities. The NATURAL thing to do is learn from your elders and teachers and rely on a community for support of all kinds.

Ok, I guess this review turned into somewhat of a rant about white man individualism. That definitely tainted my reading of the book. It doesn't make it less stupid to be unprepared if you're white, male, and well-educated. AND, I think the similarities and sympathy of Krakauer for Alex tainted his telling of what is ultimately and interesting, thought-provoking story.]]>
author: Jon Krakauer
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.85
book published: 1996
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
I think this book (and I guess the movie probably...I haven't seen it) are interesting, especially if you identify at all with the character (ie. young, white, male, risk a lot to find meaning). It's obvious reading it that Krakauer finds a lot of connection and I was annoyed by the constant theme of comparing McCandless to other similar stories and then separating him from the crowd. Just tell the story and let us make our own comparisons or judgements! Overall Krakauer seems to be defending McCandless from his critics which I think has more to do with his (Krakauer's) own emotional crap than good writing. For all of his analysis of family, emotions, and comparisons I think Krakauer could have engaged more in a serious discussion of Alex's motivations and well-being. My personal opinion: I think Alex had some serious emoional issues (lack of real relationships, lack of empathy) that caused him to make some stupid errors (ignoring advice, not telling others where he was going). Backcountry adventures are great - but he could have managed the risk in some simple ways that would not have changed his experience too much.

PS: For anyone trying to get "back to the land" - for millenia we have existed in community. It's never safe or sustainable to go into the wilderness to prove your individual capabilities. The NATURAL thing to do is learn from your elders and teachers and rely on a community for support of all kinds.

Ok, I guess this review turned into somewhat of a rant about white man individualism. That definitely tainted my reading of the book. It doesn't make it less stupid to be unprepared if you're white, male, and well-educated. AND, I think the similarities and sympathy of Krakauer for Alex tainted his telling of what is ultimately and interesting, thought-provoking story.
]]> 12919734 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:41:02 -0800
PS: The first chapter has reached a cult-level of admiration among my outdoorsy friends for its "Gore-Tex romance." Amazing.]]>
author: Barbara Kingsolver
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"I am not use to reading this style of writing, and that was AMAZING. I certainly identified with the primary characters, which helps keep me engaged obviously, but this became a page-turner at the emotional and spiritual level. Read this book if you spend time outdoors, love other people, are female, or want to love/understand females. Plus, kudos to Kingsolver for an organic, slower-paced style of writing - she does a great job of "show don't tell the message."

PS: The first chapter has reached a cult-level of admiration among my outdoorsy friends for its "Gore-Tex romance." Amazing.
]]> 12919710 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:40:26 -0800
My only hope was to get more of Barkley's own perspective about race and how it works. I got some about his process of inspiration and writing, but I think overall he could distinguish more between his own points and those of his interviewees. Perhaps a separate section or interview just for him, rather than inserting his ideas as much into each interview.

Overall, a great book, especially for anyone who is scared of talking about race, just beginning to explore, likes cultural discussions or doesn't want to deal with lots of academic BS. ]]>
author: Charles Barkley
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"I picked this up as a light airplane read and kept it because I think it's something more. It's refreshing to get a perspective on race that's more down to earth than academic theory or systems analysis. Barkley picks a great variety of political and cultural figures and I like the focus more on cultural racism than the traditional civil rights and poverty spin. There's lots of great discussions in there and I think it could be a great conversation starter - accessible enough to break the silence so many of us carry about race.

My only hope was to get more of Barkley's own perspective about race and how it works. I got some about his process of inspiration and writing, but I think overall he could distinguish more between his own points and those of his interviewees. Perhaps a separate section or interview just for him, rather than inserting his ideas as much into each interview.

Overall, a great book, especially for anyone who is scared of talking about race, just beginning to explore, likes cultural discussions or doesn't want to deal with lots of academic BS.
]]> 12919680 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:39:57 -0800
She blended together the ideas that whiteness is a specifically constructed identity and the fact that this happened through literature. I think the former is a larger cultural discussion about race as a constructed concept and the multiple, various cultural systems that combined to promote and accept this construction. As of right now, that's not an idea that's firmly established at least among the general pulbic (perhaps within academic or literary circles there's more consensus). I think she got sidetracked trying to prove this first point - which is indeed necessary for her main point and research to be relevant. The second point - that literature was one vehicle of this construction gets lost in the larger discussion of historical and cultural change. The discussion of Moby Dick I think weakens her thesis even further as an example of writing that RESISTS the general trend.

Thank god for another book talking about whiteness, but my suggestion: Read more general works on whiteness - and then read this if you are interested in literature specifically. Some more accessible and powerful examples: How the Irish Became White, Everything but the Burden]]>
author: Valerie Babb
name: Sarah
average rating: 2.50
book published: 1998
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"I got this book from my grandmother (a progressive literary geek) and was intruiged by the main thesis - that whiteness has been specifically constructed in this country, including through literature. I learned a lot from the book - it has great thorough research with quotes and references that inspired me to read more. I agree with her thesis, although the presentation of it got jumbled some.

She blended together the ideas that whiteness is a specifically constructed identity and the fact that this happened through literature. I think the former is a larger cultural discussion about race as a constructed concept and the multiple, various cultural systems that combined to promote and accept this construction. As of right now, that's not an idea that's firmly established at least among the general pulbic (perhaps within academic or literary circles there's more consensus). I think she got sidetracked trying to prove this first point - which is indeed necessary for her main point and research to be relevant. The second point - that literature was one vehicle of this construction gets lost in the larger discussion of historical and cultural change. The discussion of Moby Dick I think weakens her thesis even further as an example of writing that RESISTS the general trend.

Thank god for another book talking about whiteness, but my suggestion: Read more general works on whiteness - and then read this if you are interested in literature specifically. Some more accessible and powerful examples: How the Irish Became White, Everything but the Burden
]]> 12919653 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:39:30 -0800
And, I have to say I was impressed with the general theme of the book. I want to read more about the facts involved but at some level it's not about the facts at all when it comes to history and cultural beliefs. I think we all construct our beliefs based on a lot of different factors and it's great having popular literature push us in some of these controversial directions. I had multiple moments of wanting to yell "Hell yeah!" not even where the facts lie. Especially as a woman, I was excited to read something that affirming of my body, it's life-giving capabilities, and a historical spirituality that has respected that.

Obviously, a bigger discussion, but I believe that the biblical translations and beliefs are all stories containing strong versions of the truch, so why not add some real "fiction" into the mix of what's TRUE for each of us.

I am not a fundamentalist (if you couldn't tell....)]]>
author: Dan Brown
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2003
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"Obviously a popular book and reading it I figured out why: an intellectual thriller that engaged my basic beliefs/assumptions and then turned them on end! Brown uses some pretty simple, but effective, ways to get us engaged - classic suspense writing, letting us figure out the mystery just before the characters, twists just before a break, multiple plot lines coming together... Sometimes cheesy, but it works! It was a quick, engaging read that kept me wanting more.

And, I have to say I was impressed with the general theme of the book. I want to read more about the facts involved but at some level it's not about the facts at all when it comes to history and cultural beliefs. I think we all construct our beliefs based on a lot of different factors and it's great having popular literature push us in some of these controversial directions. I had multiple moments of wanting to yell "Hell yeah!" not even where the facts lie. Especially as a woman, I was excited to read something that affirming of my body, it's life-giving capabilities, and a historical spirituality that has respected that.

Obviously, a bigger discussion, but I believe that the biblical translations and beliefs are all stories containing strong versions of the truch, so why not add some real "fiction" into the mix of what's TRUE for each of us.

I am not a fundamentalist (if you couldn't tell....)
]]> 12919619 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:39:01 -0800
Some specific points from the novel that I love:
Why are white people always looking for spirituality in other cultures? We have a full, real, historically grounded tradition that we actively have thrown away and ignored. Stop going to Buddhist temples and sweat lodges - just look back a few generations of grandmothers!
Women living in community - oh how close to home some of this landed. All of the conflicts, controversies and dilemmas of what it means to be a woman, especially in the absence of men. Is it a question we even want to answer? Meaning, to answer that question definitively would mean some separation, isolation, and denial that seems untruthful to me. Seriously though, there are some great kick-ass role model characters that put the options out there.
Relationships on the move - the whole idea of wandering, creating real relationships, and also staying in the present and allowing life to flow as it comes. Our parents "got it" but I think more young people could internalize this message. On the other hand, see my notes on "Into the Wild" and note the difference between staying in the moment with your relationships, and being so self-centered that you don't allow yourself to trust or care for others and thus HAVE to wander...

Anyways, classic Tom Robbins style keeps this an interesting read, with a fair amount of hilarious static to sort through before getting messages. But also interesting and hilarious in a way that is ultimately affirming and inspiring no matter what crazy situation you find yourself in. Read this to get/keep perspective on yourself and remember to laugh!]]>
author: Tom Robbins
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.65
book published: 1977
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"AMAZING! This book came into my life by chance and I am glad it did. A hilarious and engaging read that also questioned and affirmed pieces of my own life in powerful ways. Apparently this book has been around for a generation, but I think it needs a rebirth - it is still relevant, maybe even moreso now that the "mainstream" has changed.

Some specific points from the novel that I love:
Why are white people always looking for spirituality in other cultures? We have a full, real, historically grounded tradition that we actively have thrown away and ignored. Stop going to Buddhist temples and sweat lodges - just look back a few generations of grandmothers!
Women living in community - oh how close to home some of this landed. All of the conflicts, controversies and dilemmas of what it means to be a woman, especially in the absence of men. Is it a question we even want to answer? Meaning, to answer that question definitively would mean some separation, isolation, and denial that seems untruthful to me. Seriously though, there are some great kick-ass role model characters that put the options out there.
Relationships on the move - the whole idea of wandering, creating real relationships, and also staying in the present and allowing life to flow as it comes. Our parents "got it" but I think more young people could internalize this message. On the other hand, see my notes on "Into the Wild" and note the difference between staying in the moment with your relationships, and being so self-centered that you don't allow yourself to trust or care for others and thus HAVE to wander...

Anyways, classic Tom Robbins style keeps this an interesting read, with a fair amount of hilarious static to sort through before getting messages. But also interesting and hilarious in a way that is ultimately affirming and inspiring no matter what crazy situation you find yourself in. Read this to get/keep perspective on yourself and remember to laugh!
]]> 12919583 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:38:32 -0800
MANAGE YOUR RISK!]]>
author: Jed Williamson
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"Read it if you might become one of the accidents: meaning you do any sort of climbing, hiking, or mountaineering. As someone who will come try to save you (if you're hurt in SE Utah) - it's okay to get hurt, just get hurt because you're stupid. Then you'll owe us more than a beer.

MANAGE YOUR RISK!
]]> 12919544 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:37:55 -0800
PS: Great perspective on our Western preoccupation with religion as "belief" or creed...]]>
author: Yann Martel
name: Sarah
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"A fun way to engage with some serious questions! You will enjoy this book the most if you like thinking about big picture issues (ie. is it possible to be multiple religions, what does belief even mean...) This would definitely be a fun book club group because there are lots of nuances or conversation starters thrown in there. I read it fairly quickly once and then reread because I knew I had missed some key messages. I hope to keep rereading since this one could become a classic!

PS: Great perspective on our Western preoccupation with religion as "belief" or creed...
]]> 12919514 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:37:23 -0800
Some specific pieces that I enjoyed:
As a caretaker and trail worker, the perspective on different sections was great. Obviously I'm biased towards northern New England... Also he mentioned, but didn't quite get into the full atmosphere of the AT as a walking party...be careful if you actually are going to hike it...
I LOVED the piece talking about the Deleware Water Gap - and WHY do we displace folks who are using land productively in order to create "pristine wilderness"?! It's ridiculous and perpetuates and unsustainable lifestyle of living in the city and visiting a "wilderness area" on vacation - which also exploits folks like farmers and the rural poor who are trying to live there. We could all live sustainably, but "wilderness" is only slightly better than ski resorts. Let's all live WITH the land! Current relevant debate: the Green Mountain Club - caretaker of the AT in Vermont opposes wind energy because it would ruin views from the trail. Ridiculous!

I hope this book inspires more people to go outside - and it doesn't have to be for months or require the newest equipment. Don't turn the message of this book into a $500 spending spree at REI! That's not the point!]]>
author: Bill Bryson
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1999
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"I'm glad this book is out there because it inspires folks to get outside. I actually met two women from the midwest (Kansas and Oklahoma) I believe who were slowly making their way up a peak in northern Vermont - inspired from reading this book. They had read about his journey on the AT, learned also about the Long Trail, bought equipment and plane tickets and were pushing themselves like never before. Yay! Inspiration!

Some specific pieces that I enjoyed:
As a caretaker and trail worker, the perspective on different sections was great. Obviously I'm biased towards northern New England... Also he mentioned, but didn't quite get into the full atmosphere of the AT as a walking party...be careful if you actually are going to hike it...
I LOVED the piece talking about the Deleware Water Gap - and WHY do we displace folks who are using land productively in order to create "pristine wilderness"?! It's ridiculous and perpetuates and unsustainable lifestyle of living in the city and visiting a "wilderness area" on vacation - which also exploits folks like farmers and the rural poor who are trying to live there. We could all live sustainably, but "wilderness" is only slightly better than ski resorts. Let's all live WITH the land! Current relevant debate: the Green Mountain Club - caretaker of the AT in Vermont opposes wind energy because it would ruin views from the trail. Ridiculous!

I hope this book inspires more people to go outside - and it doesn't have to be for months or require the newest equipment. Don't turn the message of this book into a $500 spending spree at REI! That's not the point!
]]> 12919473 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:36:45 -0800
Seriously, I think this is a great story with a lot of lessons for all of us, especially if you do any sort of adventure activities or mountaineering yourself. I like that he wrote this not just as disaster porn, but also as a very real warning about the dangers of being human and risky at the same time.

AND, yeah, there's been a fair amount of controversy over the specifics of this book and the specific characters he includes. I think it's a shame that those controversies are getting in the way of the main points about humility and perspective. In some ways it's great that Krakauer engages with his subjects this much, but he doesn't have much perspective on himself as being a part of the whole adventure tourism industry. He's right in the thick of it - writing for Outside, being a paid client on Everest, glorifying the adventure ethic - and he personality-wise fits the profile of the young, able-bodied, priviledged, white male looking for meaning in some dangerous ways. I go on a longer rant about this with "Into the Wild", but in this case I think all of the personal pieces and controversies take away from what could/should be a powerful message.

Read it. And if you really care what happened that year read some other stuff too. And if it inspires you to do it yourself, then be friggen careful, ok?]]>
author: Jon Krakauer
name: Sarah
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 01/19/08
shelves:
review:
"Why does Krakauer always seem to ruin a good story by putting himself in the middle of it?!

Seriously, I think this is a great story with a lot of lessons for all of us, especially if you do any sort of adventure activities or mountaineering yourself. I like that he wrote this not just as disaster porn, but also as a very real warning about the dangers of being human and risky at the same time.

AND, yeah, there's been a fair amount of controversy over the specifics of this book and the specific characters he includes. I think it's a shame that those controversies are getting in the way of the main points about humility and perspective. In some ways it's great that Krakauer engages with his subjects this much, but he doesn't have much perspective on himself as being a part of the whole adventure tourism industry. He's right in the thick of it - writing for Outside, being a paid client on Everest, glorifying the adventure ethic - and he personality-wise fits the profile of the young, able-bodied, priviledged, white male looking for meaning in some dangerous ways. I go on a longer rant about this with "Into the Wild", but in this case I think all of the personal pieces and controversies take away from what could/should be a powerful message.

Read it. And if you really care what happened that year read some other stuff too. And if it inspires you to do it yourself, then be friggen careful, ok?
]]>