false 4 164 162 true 5916667 read 2 true 2012292 currently-reading 0 true 2012291 to-read 42 false 2044982 maritime-history 21 false 2044993 patrick-o-brian 16 false 2044985 eastern-philosophies 15 false 2044989 douglas-adams 12 false 2044986 hunter-s-thompson 11 false 2044994 california-history 9 false 2044987 joseph-heller 8 false 2045016 jk-rowling 3 false 2044990 auto-racing 2 false 2023519 partially-read--to-be-continued http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78901316 The War for All the Oceans: From Nelson at the Nile to Napoleon at Waterloo (Hardcover) by Roy Adkins
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/68751108 to: To Rule the Waves: How the British Navy Shaped the Modern World (P.S.) by Arthur Herman
bookshelves: maritime-history
An absolutely excellent look at the history and reputation of the British Royal Navy from the Stuart and Elizabethan era through to the Falkland Islands. Focuses primarily on the pivotal era during the Age of Sail, when the RN truly found it's footing and became arguably the most powerful institution in the world. Covers not only major battles and movements, but political background and administrative history. A truly enjoyable read, accesible and entertaining. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/72160048 to: Cochrane: The Real Master and Commander (Paperback) by David Cordingly
bookshelves: maritime-history
A terrifically readable account of the life of Admiral Thomas Cochrane, one of Britain's most accomplished and heroic Royal Navy officers. Covers his many inventive and reknown naval actions. Also details the unfortunate and controversial stock market scheme that resulted in his conviction and dismissal from the Royal Navy. Wonderful detail on his later work with the navies of South America. This book delves into the many aspects of Cochrane's personality and behavior that often created issues with his superiors and caused much of his downfall, while simultaneously providing him with the skill and creativity to successfully attack the enemy where others might not dare.

Yet another of David Cordingly's masterfully written accounts of maritime history. Highly recommended for those with an interest in the Royal Navy during the age of sail. Also an excellent work for Patrick O'Brian fans, as much of the fictional Jack Aubrey's personality and exploits were based upon Cochrane's life and adventures. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76626211 Origin of Species (cloth) by Charles Darwin
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75282179 to: And Another Thing... (Hitchhiker's Guide, #6) by Eoin Colfer
bookshelves: douglas-adams
Eoin Colfer presents a sixth volume in Douglas Adams' increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy. Although it is said that Douglas Adams himself had intended to write a sixth edition in the H2G2 saga before his untimely death, I can't help but think it would have been immensely more interesting than what Colfer has given us. Particularly at the end of the book, Colfer himself seems to indicate that he's aware this wasn't much of a story and seems to promise something better down the line.

Sadly, both Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect, the most central characters of the previous H2G2 books, are given precious little to do in this story and are relegated to supporting roles. It is truly sad to see Ford, in particular, left without anything of real consequence to contribute to the action. Perhaps Colfer simply couldn't get a handle on this central character of Adams'. The action centers squarely on both Trillian and Zaphod Beeblebrox, along with the Vogons, Thor the thunder god and the inhabitants of Nano, a small, custom-built planet with a colony of refugees from the now pan-dimensionally destroyed planet Earth. Colfer has cleverly extracted our heroes from the seemingly certain fate that met them in Adams' final work, but from that point, not a whole lot happens. Too many characters, doing too many uninteresting things, inhabit this bit of the universe and the result mostly lacks the charm and wit that Douglas Adams always so richly provided. Colfer's roots in teenage fiction clearly show in his simplistic characterizations and his exceedingly unfunny and frustratingly uncreative names for inconsequential characters and planets (example: a briefly mentioned character named Peebee Enjay), which pale in comparison to Adams' work of the same type.

Perhaps it is unfair to judge Colfer against Adams, but it must be expected when attempting to continue such a seminal and influential series. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy requires a flair for the unique and unusual and it seems that Colfer's talents may not be quite up to par for such a challenge. Certainly, "And Another Thing..." is readable, it just doesn't supply the same kind of spark to the imagination for which Douglas Adams was known and loved. Although it is a happy occasion to have these characters back, they may have been better off left to the disastrous fate to which Douglas Adams last consigned them. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/70724937 to: If Wishes Had Wings: A Fall Flight of Fancy (Hardcover) by Ginger Baird Wireman
"If Wishes Had Wings" by Ginger Baird Wireman is a quick, entertaining read that presents parents and children with a wonderful learning opportunity. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the author has worked a great deal of information regarding wildlife and terrian of the area into the story. Also included is a short "Want to Learn More?" section at the end of the book, which provides additional facts about subjects briefly approached in the story. Some words used within the text may prove challenging to younger kids, but will provide a chance for parents to help expand their child's vocabulary.

Reading is an essential key to the development of vocabulary and the understanding of sentence and paragraph structure, as well as a doorway to more extensive study of subjects such as geography and zoology. This book provides an opening to more extensive learning within the framework of a fanciful and entertaining story that will prove enjoyable to children and adults alike. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/66443862 to: Ships' Bilge Pumps: A History of Their Development, 1500-1900 (Studies in Nautical Archaeology, No 2) by Thomas J. Oertling
bookshelves: maritime-history
Strictly for those interested in delving into the deepest holds of maritime history! A very brief overview of the differing styles of bilge pumps during the 400 years surveyed, with drawings and artifact photos where available. Gives details regarding construction and operation of each type of pump. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/65290610 to: The Life And Adventures Of James R Durand (Paperback) by James R. Durand
bookshelves: maritime-history
A pretty basic first-hand account, providing an overview of James Durand's life in the US Navy and as an impressed seaman in the Royal Navy. Nothing terribly new or interesting in this account, although it has been a reference work for many later authors detailing aspects of the history of the US Navy. Worth a quick read, simply as source material. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/186704-the-butcher-s-bill Cheryl made a comment in the The Gunroom group:

My goodness! That's quite a compendium of information. I'm not sure whether to commend the fellow on his fine and thorough research or chastise him for wasting so much time on something so unnecessary. I'm inclined to go with the former, because, honestly, it's just so cool! ]]>