false 18 143 130 true 5657938 read 4 true 1115852 currently-reading 9 true 1115851 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76420527 to: What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures (Hardcover (Large Print)) by Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell has a knack for seeing things a bit differently than the rest of us, and we're all the better for it. In the case of "What the Dog Saw" he is seeing a lot of things differently as this is a collection of previous essays that have been published in the New Yorker. Everything from the origins of ketchup, to job interviews, to Enron are open for discussion. By bringing new information into the discussion though, Gladwell allows us to challenge conventional thinking. Whether you agree with his conclusions or not, he challenges our preconceptions, which is what good writing should do. Although "Tipping Point" and "Blink" were fascinating reads, the essay form is where Gladwell truly excels. This collection allows the reader to digest these though-provoking pieces in smaller bites and it seems like that's appropriately enough. Fun, insightful, sometimes controversial, but worth the time. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77189649 Nothing to Be Frightened Of (Hardcover) by Julian Barnes
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76620365 This Is Where I Leave You (Hardcover) by Jonathan Tropper
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76028597 to: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner (Paperback) by Dean Karnazes
A friend gave me this book after I had loaned him "Born to Run" a great read that includes Dean Karnazes as part of the adventure that unfolds with a running tribe from Mexico. During the few days I read this book I also rented the documentary about Dean running 50 marathons, in 50 states, over 50 consecutive days. A great companion piece, plus you get to see him in action. The guy is a monster and an inspiration. "Ultramarathon Man" is deeper dive into Karnaze's feats and provides a glimpse into what drives the man to do the things he does (although he's not quite sure himself).

Karnaze presents himself with modesty and good humor, in spite of his superhuman feats. He also gives us good reason to reconsider what's important in our lives and follow our hearts. His story is extraordinary but simple. He found inner peace in the simplest of physical acts: running. I was reminded of my own experiences from High School Track then running a handful of 5K/10K races years later. Running WAS deeply satisfying. It still is, I just run slower now.

Its great to see an athlete so driven by the pure act of running and pushing himself beyond limits than the human body had ever been subjected to be pushed. Its not money or glory that pushes Karnaze. Most people probably think he's crazy. Who else runs 200 mile races or runs in Death Valley...in July? But after you've set this down and you'll want to lace up your running shoes. That in itself is a message that more of us can use right now. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76095901 to: Watkins Glen Tour Guide (Paperback) by Gordon D. Cooper
This is a first rate tour guide that combines local history and tour material in a beautiful high gloss edition. I picked this up during a recent visit to the area and found it invaluable. The Glen is a perfect single day hike for a family. With the help of the detailed guide key areas we learned about multiple areas of interest along the way that would have been missed otherwise.

The book itself is a fun read even by itself (unlike most tour guides). There is a wealth of information provided here that I'm still absorbing. For anyone visiting this part of the country this guide is a very worthwhile investment.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75028205 to: Juliet, Naked: A Novel (Hardcover) by Nick Hornby
The Time Magazine review on "Juliet,Naked" stated that "sometimes mediocre books happen to good writers like Nick Hornby..." Even after hearing that I decided to take the plunge as I've been a Hornby fan for quite some time and wanted to draw my own conclusions. In short, the review was a bit tough but not off target. "Juliet" has many of the elements that made past Hornby books such great reads. His writing is easily accessible and you're quickly drawn into the characters. There are always music references and, in fact, the main character is a former rock star. The story itself is well structured and Hornby never really runs off the rails. He just runs out of track. I was ready to move to another book about two thirds of the way in but didn't want to desert the characters (that and I'm a crazed completist).

Hornby fans should give this a read as they'll know what to expect and most of what they want is here. Personally I think an average Hornby book is still better than most writers best works. I do hope this isn't a trend though. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74276015 to: Up in the Air (Paperback) by Walter Kirn
The story of Ryan Bingham (no relation to the alt country singer) criss-crossing the United States to achieve his goal of 1 million frequent flyer miles, is frantic, funny, and seemingly pointless. But a closer look reveals a man with a mission. Throughout Ryan's journey Walter Kirn provides sharp commentary on corporate america, motivational speakers, and consultants (to name a few). His writing is smartly fast-paced like a good Howard Hawks or Preston Sturges screenplay. Pay attention or you'll miss something. And it's this writing that really propels the novel forward. Ryan Bingham and his plans for exploiting an old school motivational giant or working for a secretive consulting gem (Mythtech) are only vaguely interesting. It's the world that he travels in, corporate America and "Airworld", that are the primary topics of reader interest.

I spend a fair amount of time in "Airworld" myself and have to admit, for an author who rarely travels, he's nailed it. The blur of generic hotels, idiosyncrasies of airport security, and where/how to garner bonus miles/nights/rentals, are all here. It's actually eye-opening to see all of this with a fresh perspective. Kirn has won me over almost purely through his keen observational writing. The story is secondary, but that's ok.

From the early reviews the movie version may fair much better than the book. Look for the trailer w/George Clooney (good casting). The movie has pulled in rave reviews at the Toronto Film Fest and looks to develop greater depth in Ryan than Kirn was able offer us in his novel. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74903366 to: The Catcher in the Rye (Mass Market Paperback) by J.D. Salinger
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74189025 Gordon's review of The Lost Symbol (Robert Langdon, #3)
by Dan Brown

Looks like I'll be avoiding this one. Thanks for the heads up. I wonder the movie will be just as bad? ]]>