Reginald Spittle's Blog: See my book blog, page 5

Another Winner From Gary D. Schmidt

Don’t judge a book by its cover. This metaphorical phrase is a powerful theme of Jupiter Rising, by Gary D. Schmidt, author of two Newbery Honor books. As the book launches, high school student Jack is mourning the loss of his step brother Joseph in a tragic event. Joseph, a teen father, leaves behind his … Continue reading Another Winner From Gary D. Schmidt →

For Ruby Wax, Mental Health Challenges Are Not an Act

Stephen Fry had this to say about a book by fellow British comedian and actor Ruby Wax: “Very few will be able to read this wonderful contribution to the literature of mental health without recognizing some part of themselves and certainly someone they know. A ruby beyond price.” In Sane New World: A User’s Guide … Continue reading For Ruby Wax, Mental Health Challenges Are Not an Act →

Harmen Hoek: Prepare to be Dazzled

Are you ready for a cinematic experience that rules YouTube in the adventurer genre? In his latest super-achievement, Harmen Hoek takes viewers from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland on the most demanding route in the Alps under the best of conditions. But he does it when he must wear snowshoes most of the way over … Continue reading Harmen Hoek: Prepare to be Dazzled →

The Best Walk on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast Trail follows one of America’s most spectacular coastlines. Sue and I have a favorite section, and it is easily accessible near Coos Bay, and our recent walk began at the beach opposite Sunset Bay State Park. We caught the trail just beyond a basketball court, where it climbs to follow bluffs for … Continue reading The Best Walk on the Oregon Coast →

Compelling Characters Make These Great YA Books

Whether you call it young adult, adolescent, or coming-of-age, count me as one of many grownups who are avid readers of the genre aimed at 12-to-18 year olds. I am drawn by the powerful characterization in the best of these books. Like you, I was a kid once, and I find good YA fiction relatable, … Continue reading Compelling Characters Make These Great YA Books →

She Walked the AT: What Was She Thinking?

Kelly Floro was 23 when she quit a life many dream about to spend six months on the Appalachian Trail. “Good thing I was such an idiot,” she writes in a post on The Trek website. (There are ads on the post.)

Jerry West: A Tormented Life

I sat in the bleachers, next to the basket, at Loyola Marymount University’s gym. It was 1970 and Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Pat Riley and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers gathered for preseason practice at the coastal California campus. Chamberlain took a breather near the baseline, just a few feet from me. He … Continue reading Jerry West: A Tormented Life →

Media Powers Come to Life

What if the Los Angeles Times had not tailored its coverage to promote Richard Nixon? Would Red-baiter Joseph McCarthy have been exposed without the work of Ed Murrow of CBS? And what if the Washington Post had not pursued the truth behind the Watergate break-in? In The Powers That Be, David Halberstam weaves stories of … Continue reading Media Powers Come to Life →

Trail Snakes Along Easternmost Coastline

Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail is North America’s easternmost coastline path. While camping near St. John’s, Sue and I sampled three varied sections. Measuring 168 miles, 25 paths are connected by 41 miles of community walks. On the La Manche Trail, we walked over a swaying suspension bridge that spans a wild waterway flowing into the … Continue reading Trail Snakes Along Easternmost Coastline →

Of Newfoundland’s Trails and Canada’s Loonies

Good weather, spectacular scenery, and dramatic trails guided us across Newfoundland, Canada to Terra Nova National Park. Sue and I drove to the end of one of many northern land fingers to the 17th-century village of Salvage, where a path took us uphill, through forest, and over bridges to views of the Atlantic Ocean and … Continue reading Of Newfoundland’s Trails and Canada’s Loonies →