false 9 150 148 true 5878164 read 1 true 1651101 currently-reading 1 true 1651100 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73027572 Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart (Paperback) by Tim Butcher
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73026979 to: What Happen: A Folk-History of Costa Rica's Talamanca Coast (Paperback) by Paula Palmer
5 starts may be biased, but understandable based on my love for this area and its people. Talamanca is the area on the east coast of Costa Rica. It enjoys a diverse mix of people and cultures and their history and legends are as saturating as the Caribbean humidity.

Mostly I appreciate the time and effort that the author took to compile and document the oral history and traditions of this area. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73026043 to: Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba and Then Lost It to the Revolution (Hardcover) by T.J. English
The real story behind the Mob and its move to Cuba. Excellent historical account with press clippings, photos, and interviews. English explains much of the development and evolution of the Mob through the 20th century starting in NYC but covering Chicago, Pennsylvania, New Orleans, South Florida, Las Vegas, and ultimately Cuba. Great insight into the Mob's involvement in the politics and rise to power of Batista as well as their many frustrations with Castro.

As an added bonus English also provides an understanding of the major characters in the Godfather trilogy and the real-life mobsters they represent. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73024423 to: The Good Thief (Hardcover) by Hannah Tinti
I was admittedly sucked in by the cover reviews. Mistake. Decent story and moved along quickly, but the writing just didn't deliver. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73023794 to: The Time Traveler's Wife (Paperback) by Audrey Niffenegger
jeeeeezz. What a read. Super clever premise and so entertaining. I was lucky enough to read this book while I was back in Chicago on an extended trip. I was staying in an area I stayed 13 years ago which added to my own sense of confusion in time. I think this was Niffenegger's first book and I can't wait to read her next one.

An interesting side note is that the lady she thanks for teaching her about the art of papermaking is the same lady who made the paper for one of our friends' wedding materials. Very cool studio/workshop to check out in northern Indiana.

]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/28118155 to: The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Hardcover) by Douglas Brinkley
If you can stomach it, I say do it. Absolutely incredible account of Katrina that focuses on aspects of the aftermath up and down the Gulf Coast. Extensively researched with insane interviews and personal accounts. I cannot say enough about the quality of this undertaking. I would have given this book as a gift to everyone I know but the topic is dicey and reading it will definitely bring you tears. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/56171112 to: All New Square Foot Gardening: Grow More in Less Space! (Paperback) by Mel Bartholomew
Writing style is not very cool at all but the information is priceless. It led to our creating four gardens at 816 W. Government and we couldn't be more excited about all that is happening outstide. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/56170901 to: The Jaguar that Roams the Mind: An Amazonian Plant Spirit Odyssey (Paperback) by Robert Tindall
A great trip through South America with some incredible plant experiences and revelations. Ending left much to be desired and author has a tendency to revel in his own "troubled" past. Still worth the read if you're interested in the topic. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/56169087 to: Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life's Challenges (Paperback) by Paramahansa Yogananda
Yogananda = Insight (positive and rich that will put a smile in your heart). ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/56168654 to: Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley (Paperback) by Timothy White
An extremely thorough and honest portrayal of an exceptional and inspiring figure. Also, the level of research and interviews compiled over more than a decade allow the reader some insight into the financial and political insanity that was the start of reggae in the late 1960s/early 1970s Jamaica.

If you have an interest in music, magic, Marley, Reaganomics, Jamaican culture, or even just like a crazy story, this is an excellent choice. ]]>