A generous 3 stars because of the Danish connection; Gammelgaard was the first Scandinavian woman to summit Everest. I enjoy books about climbing so much that I tend to overlook poor writing or editing. Disjointed writing and complete lack of attempt to address the tragic aspects of her summit made this less enjoyable to read. I have mixed feelings about the fact that the deaths outside of her team that took place on Everest during the same storm in which her expedition leader, Scott Fischer, perished, were ignored. Felt cold-hearted not to mention the others who died, perhaps in an epilogue. Rob Hall, leader for another expedition, is mentioned briefly in the book, but his death is completely ignored. On the other hand, Gammelgaard wrote this from her experience and she was not directly involved with any of the other deaths. ]]>
Similar to "Lucy's Nauvoo," one learns about Emma's post-exodus life in Nauvoo through photos, interviews, letters, recalled conversations, maps, etc. After 1846, Emma remained mostly in Nauvoo, running the Nauvoo House with her second husband and maintaining an active role in her community. She was highly regarded by all who knew her. ]]>
This fascinating book was nothing like what I expected. Rather than a traditional history, it is a collection of photos, quotes, interviews, letters, and personal remembrances of Lucy Mack Smith by several individuals. Along with much familiar material, I read about Lucy painting oilcloths for money while raising her family, and the obvious pride she took in being entrusted with the mummies and Egyptian relics purchased by her son Joseph, charging visitors 25 cents for a "guided tour" of the collection. ]]>
bookshelves: to-read
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This collection of mystery stories contains almost no traditional mysteries. If someone had told me it was the 2008 Best American Short Stories collection, I would have believed it. These generally compelling and poignant stories often left me with a strong sense of yearning.
Here are the most unforgettable: Mist (J. L. Burke), Mulholland Drive (M. Connelly), Proof of God (H. G. Jones), A Day Meant to do Less (K. Minor), Child's Play (A. Munro), Car Trouble (J. R. Petrin), The Emerson 1950 (S. Phillips), Hothouse (S. J. Rozan), The Invisibles (H. Sheehy), and Given Her History (M. Vanbeck). ]]>
Read by Claudette Colbert with a foreword by Lindbergh's daughter, listening to this felt like a gift. Although there are outdated ideas, Lindbergh's 1955 thoughts are surprisingly relevant. Now I need a paper copy to underline. ]]>
Many of these stories did not hold my interest, even for 2-4 pages. But the book is almost worth reading just for "Happy Endings" and "Disappearing." ]]>
Lotte
read and liked a piece of writing titled "A Prayer For My Granddaughter: Anna Florence Seifert"
by Jean
"Let her be of the generation
Of them that seek Him.
May she be rooted
And built up in Him
As a cornerstone.
Make her joyful
And polished
(Taking care how she buildet" ...read more »
"Let her be of the generation
Of them that seek Him.
May she be rooted
And built up in Him
As a cornerstone.
Make her joyful
And polished
(Taking care how she buildet" ...read more »
bookshelves: to-read
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