Reginald Spittle's Blog: See my book blog, page 13

Pico Iyer Leads Journey to Places Beyond and Within

Pico Iyer is a travel writer unlike any other. In The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise, Iyer takes readers to cultures, even during times of unrest, in fascinating ways that will make you sometimes squirm with discomfort for his lifestyle on the road. The author of more than a dozen books and a … Continue reading Pico Iyer Leads Journey to Places Beyond and Within →

He did it! He Climbed Half Dome at 93

Yosemite’s Half Dome can intimidate even the hardiest hiker. Five thousand feet of elevation gain to 8,800 feet at the top; 12 hours (for the average hiker); 16 miles roundtrip. The final climb is so steep and slick that hikers pull themselves up using cables attached to the granite. Some quit and turn around at … Continue reading He did it! He Climbed Half Dome at 93 →

Water and Vows Celebrated in California

Plumas County in northeastern California hosts treasures for outdoor adventurers. One of the most spectacular, and easily accessible, is Frazier Falls. When you visit, check out nearby Plumas State Park for camping and for its indoor/outdoor gold-mining museum. Sue and I discovered the area when we celebrated the wedding of our son, Brad, and our … Continue reading Water and Vows Celebrated in California →

A 50-State Journey to Rediscover American Democracy

Ryan Bernsten’s 50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy is not the book I expected. It is advertised as a followup to Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville’s nine-month tour of America in 1831 that examined why democracy worked here. That trip resulted in the classic two-volume Democracy in America, required reading in political … Continue reading A 50-State Journey to Rediscover American Democracy →

Walking With Sam: A Moving Father-Son Story

Shattered by 100-degree weather, a tired body, and the frustration of trying to break through to a 19-year-old, Andrew McCarthy yells at this son to stop walking in the middle of the road, then wishes he could be more patient. In Walking With Sam, the actor and best-selling author writes that he is annoyed with … Continue reading Walking With Sam: A Moving Father-Son Story →

Trails Abound in Ashland’s Lithia Park

Ashland Creek roars through Lithia Park, where I walk almost daily on my way to many choices of hillside trails in Ashland, Oregon. The creek is fed by snowmelt from our local ski resort, Mount Ashland. I am fortunate the park is just a few minutes away from my front door as I try to … Continue reading Trails Abound in Ashland’s Lithia Park →

Homer Hickam: What Happened to the Rocket Boy?

Homer Hickam and five high school buddies created the Big Creek Missile Agency in the late 1950s as the world’s space race was heating up. They designed, built, and launched increasingly sophisticated and high-flying missiles, capturing the hearts of the residents of their hometown, Coalwood, West Virginia. They gained a wider spotlight in 1960 when … Continue reading Homer Hickam: What Happened to the Rocket Boy? →

Tuesdays With Morrie: Go Along for the Journey

I returned to Tuesdays With Morrie and the book by Mitch Albom taught me lessons I had missed the first time around. One day a week. Fourteen weeks. Morrie Schwartz, retired Brandeis University sociology professor, and Mitch Albom, a former student, later a noted Detroit sports journalist. Enter ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig’s … Continue reading Tuesdays With Morrie: Go Along for the Journey →

‘From the First Page I Had Tears’

“I’ve never wanted to reach out to a stranger more in my life.” Those words came from a reader’s e-mail I received last week. The woman explained that “crippling anxiety” had kept her home for years while she dreamed about visiting the redwoods and the Avenue of the Giants in Northern California. Finally, after compelling … Continue reading ‘From the First Page I Had Tears’ →

End of School Signals This Kid’s Phenomenal Journey

This Californian gave himself a high school graduation present that lasted more than 500 days and took him from the top to the bottom of America. On two wheels. He overcame obstacles that would send others home. I look forward to reading his book! (The CNN article has some ads.) Photo by Liam Garner. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/te...