false 3 8 6 true 5773705 read 0 true 4043595 currently-reading 2 true 4043594 to-read http://apps.facebook.com/good_reads/ check it out » ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/65702207 to: Long Distance: Testing the Limits of Body and Spirit in a Year of Living Strenuously (Paperback) by Bill McKibben
What happens when a writer / environmental activist, who has never competed in sports in his life (though an experienced hiker and skier), takes a year off for Olympic-level cross country skiing training in the Adirondacks? Introspective, honest, and entertaining, the author records his insights about the draw and mental challenge of endurance sports. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/54416284 to: Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation (Hardcover) by John Carlin
how Mandela uses rugby to unite a nation. I never thought much about the power of sports to bring people together until I read this book. It's also a good biography of Mandela, particularly about his term in prison and up to his first year as president. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49191726 Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case For A More Joyful Christmas (Hardcover) by Bill McKibben
bookshelves: to-read
Sounds interesting. It's too early to think about Christmas, but I'm glad our family will try a new approach to gift giving this year. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/44159704 to: From Outrage to Courage: The Unjust and Unhealthy Situation of Women in Poor Countries and What They Are Doing About It (Paperback) by Anne Firth Murray
I only read the first chapter, but did hear about it in my book club.

It's a comprehensive overview of women's issues, particularly related to their health and wellness, around the world. It's also supposed to be depressing to read.

I would recommend it to anyone who has even a slight interest in poverty or women's issues, because it does bring together so many facts about violence and discrimination against women in so many places. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/44158246 to: The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World (Paperback) by Michael Pollan
I loved the chapter on Johnny apple seed, the story of the apple's role in the American frontier. The marijuana chapter was interesting, too.

It makes you look at plants in a whole different way. Especially pesticide grown potatoes, like the 10-lb bag of Russets at the grocery store. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/42874426 to: God's Smuggler (Paperback) by Brother Andrew
Interesting look at Christianity behind the Iron Curtain from the perspective of a Dutch missionary.

I didn't finish the last few chapters, but thought it was an interesting read overall.

A lot of the story is about the miracles he encounters. I'm not sure he really understood communism, though, which is why I didn't feel compelled to finish the book. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/42874371 to: Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time (Paperback) by Greg Mortenson
I learned about mountain climbing, life in rural Pakistan, and the importance of education in improving lives in that region. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41434839 Dreams from My Father (Paperback) by Barack Obama
bookshelves: to-read
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