Carol Anita Ryan's Blog, page 13
July 17, 2011
Life Ascending Review
Nick Lane has taken on, among other things, the origin and evolution of all life on earth, in his book Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution.
I have to admit I set myself a goal of reading the book because the rest of my family: my dad and two brothers had already read it. I haven't opened a book about the physical sciences in years and I began to wonder why. In researching the book before I bought it, I discovered reviewers loved it. But, there was something else that bothered me. All the reviews I saw were written by men. Was my reluctance to delve into a science book gender related?
I read a lot, and I even subscribed to Scientific American a few years ago. But, while I've been willing to read science articles lately, a whole book seemed daunting.
I admit that it was slow going at times. Lane begins the book with 'The Origin of Life' which although it makes sense to start at the beginning, requires a lot of chemistry to explain. It was fascinating but I had to push myself to read it, because of the level of attention I had to give. Other chapters included more about the history of the discoveries and it was far easier reading. Lane has a remarkable ability to go seamlessly from very technical explanation of some complex biological process to stories about the personalities involved in a scientific theory. I suspect that there are few readers who will find the whole book easily comprehensible. But, I think most people will agree with me that the topics covered are fascinating, and that Lane has written a very important book.
I took copious notes, because there were so many profound statements in the book and I hoped to remember them and maybe share some in this review. But, not being the technical writer Lane is, I decided against it. If you read the book you will gain a better sense of the history of the earth and life on earth. You'll learn about the evolution of knowledge about evolution itself, and how science attempts to answer the big questions about life. It's a book worthy of your attention.
July 10, 2011
The Khyber By-Pass
The news this weekend is that the U. S. is going to slow down military aid to Pakistan, just as I suggested two months ago. It isn't often that my views on American foreign policy are in synch with the actual policies so I have to celebrate this moment!
I care about this not only because it is a gigantic waste of tax payer money (which is reason enough), but because giving money to a corrupt and splintered government—a large part of which is supporting al-Qaeda—is dangerous to our national interest.
In the 1970s I studied the South Asian region in college, and then I travelled by local public transportation through Pakistan, not once but twice. Then, in the 1980s I had a bi-weekly news program, Asia Review on a listener supported radio station that often concerned news of Pakistan. It is hard to over state how exotic interest in that part of the world was then.
Now we have daily reports on the news of Pakistan, if for no other reason but that our war in Afghanistan has to be supplied through one of the most difficult passes in the world, the fabled, SETN8WNQHDJC Khyber.
A lot has changed in Pakistan in the forty years since I was there. But this has not: people know when you are ignorant or weak, and they will take their own advantage of that. It's not that people of Pakistan are all that different from anyone else in that regard, but because of the history of that area they are very adept at sensing strength/weakness. Blindly giving out military aid in the billions of dollars to a government composed partly of our enemies does not put us in a category Pakistanis can respect. That is true for our enemies as well as for our wonderful friends there. So, we need to play hardball with Pakistan until they are ready to truly be allies. That includes the possibility we won't remain friends.
Khyber by-Pass
The news this weekend is that the U. S. is going to slow down military aid to Pakistan, just as I suggested two months ago. It isn't often that my views on American foreign policy are in synch with the actual policies so I have to celebrate this moment!
I care about this not only because it is a gigantic waste of tax payer money (which is reason enough), but because giving money to a corrupt and splintered government—a large part of which is supporting al-Qaeda—is dangerous to our national interest.
In the 1970s I studied the South Asian region in college, and then I travelled by local public transportation through Pakistan, not once but twice. Then, in the 1980s I had a bi-weekly news program, Asia Review on a listener supported radio station that often concerned news of Pakistan. It is hard to over state how exotic interest in that part of the world was then.
Now we have daily reports on the news of Pakistan, if for no other reason but that our war in Afghanistan has to be supplied through one of the most difficult passes in the world, the fabled, Khyber.
A lot has changed in Pakistan in the forty years since I was there. But this has not: people know when you are ignorant or weak, and they will take their own advantage of that. It's not that people of Pakistan are all that different from anyone else in that regard, but because of the history of that area they are very adept at sensing strength/weakness. Blindly giving out military aid in the billions of dollars to a government composed partly of our enemies does not put us in a category Pakistanis can respect. That is true for our enemies as well as for our wonderful friends there. So, we need to play hardball with Pakistan until they are ready to truly be allies. That includes the possibility we won't remain friends.
July 9, 2011
July 5, 2011
Lone Star Review Blues
Right Now Is Perfect: A Romance, An Adventure, The Unexpected Thereafter has received eleven five star and one four star reviews on Amazon and a couple of five stars ratings on Smashwords. The quality of the remarks reviewers made has been the thing that means the most to me. The reviews showed that people read the book and derived something from it. Different people responded to different things, and often their reactions surprised me. I have received emails from at least thirty other readers who enjoyed the book. So, I felt the book has been a critical success.
I suspected that if I kept selling books sooner or later someone wouldn't like the book.
It has happened. I got a one star review last week! The reviewer hated the book and his reason was interesting to me. 'This is not a sailing book' was the title of his review, and I can agree with that—I hoped it would be a book with more than just a sailing story.
That reader was mad at me for my 'lengthy screed' about my ex-boyfriend's faults. The reviewer felt I was unjust in my criticism of Bill's frugality. His point was being frugal is necessary in order for people of modest means to do a trip such as ours. I won't argue with that point, either. But, the reader wanted a travelogue about sailing in the South Pacific minus the whining, and the book disappointed him on that score.
I am sorry the reader didn't like the book, but perhaps we all need to be open to other unexpected experiences. My book was not what he anticipated. But, that's life. The best you can do with a disappointment is to try and learn something from it. I know I did!
July 2, 2011
E-book on sale during July
Smashwords.com provides most e-book formats and Right Now Is Perfect is part of a huge summer/winter (it depends on whether you're north or south of the equator) sale. In July the $7.99 Smashwords price goes down 25% when you check out.
June 27, 2011
Virtual Community
Despite myself, FaceBook has become important to me. I realize how much so when I notice I haven't seen my next door neighbors in months, nor do I have any idea what they're up to. On the other hand I'm up-to-date with current events from childhood buddies last seen half a century ago, who are scattered around the globe. I'm talking of course about the ones who I am friends with on Facebook. There is a new community in my life—the virtual one. A former boy friend from a very long time ago, who now lives safely out-of-range of physical contact on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, has become my faithful Facebook correspondent.
At recent book event, I met for the first time, an author I've been 'friends' with for several months on Facebook. There was that good feeling of already knowing her.
I'm lucky enough to have several old friends with whom I talk on the phone every week or two even though they live far away. They are resistant for good and not-so-good reasons to joining Facebook. When I try and articulate the fact they are missing out on something it's hard to find a compelling reason. And yet, I feel like I'm not as close to them as I am to active Facebook friends. Maybe it's the difference between phone conversations and a screen with photos and comments?
My dad has some problems receiving photos as attachments in emails and one of Facebook's obvious strengths is the ability to display photos easily to whomever you choose. My dad will be astonished to see photos from friends and relatives, once he remembers his password and takes the plunge of returning to Facebook. But, like a lot of things you can only suggest something like Facebook. People have to discover for themselves the charms of virtual community.
One of the things we all complain about social media is who cares about the tiny details of any person's life? But joking aside, it is seeing what people post over time, pictures, and text (sometimes video) that gives you insight into who a person really is. I can't wait to see a friend's new baby's pictures. It is like seeing a newspaper devoted to the friends I've connected to. I can hardly wait for the reluctant ones.
The latest addition to my virtual community life: an internet radio interview! Listen in
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-walker/2011/06/22/a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-good-book
June 20, 2011
Summer in the northern latitudes
Today is the first day of summer in the northern latitudes! It's time for us to celebrate longer hours of sunlight/per day and possibly go on vacation.
If travel isn't in your cards this summer—and it isn't for me—reading could be a vehicle for escape.
I've started posting reviews of books I've read on Selfari.com and Goodreads.com. Goodreads.com is currently my favorite site for connecting with other readers—to find new books, to discuss books I've read, and to market my book. At the moment Goodreads.com is conducting a contest to give away five copies of my book and over 670 people have entered. http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/11310-right-now-is-perfect .As a result of the contest, 73 people have put my book on their 'to read' list—always a hopeful thing. There are lots of other books offered in book giveaways on the Goodreads.com site, so you might find something else for free.
I have entered the Global E-Book Award contest (sponsored by Dan Poynter), in large part just to see what that e-book competition is all about.
A big benefit to entering this competition is the marketing potential. I hope you'll vote for my page or leave a comment.
In any case, have a wonderful summer!
Tune in for a radio interview June 22 @ 3:30 Pacific Daylight time
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-walker/2011/06/22/a-cup-of-coffee-and-a-good-book
June 8, 2011
Early American history from a new vantage point
Before she wrote 'Nine Parts of Desire' Geraldine Brooks worked for years as a mid-east correspondent and her knowledge showed itself in profound observations as well as in telling details. I have travelled by public transportation from Turkey through Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to India and back, and her observations resonated with my own. For that reason I have respect and confidence in the truth of her prolific works of both fiction and non-fiction.
Her latest book, Caleb's Crossing, is historical fiction based on the true story of the first native-American to graduate from Harvard (circa 1665).
The story is told from the vantage point of a fictional character, Bethia, a young girl who befriends Caleb when they are both children. They grow up on the island now known as Martha's Vineyard. The story unfolds as Caleb attends college prep in Boston, and as Bethia works as an indentured servant to help out her brother who is also attending the school.
As it happens Caleb and another native-American student are superior students while Bethia (who is obviously gifted) is deprived of an education because of her gender. Her brother is sent to prepare for Harvard although he is not really interested in or successful at school. These are the sad realities of those days. The story remains interesting even though we all know things will probably not end well for the gifted native-Americans. The book tells an interesting story that seems like it might have happened. Although some characters are pure fiction, some are not. The flavor of the story seems true, even if some of the ingredients are not.
Geraldine Brooks has once again set a story in an exotic setting. Caleb's Crossing takes you back to the beginning of our country's history to reveal what life was really like. Our own histories seldom examine life from these perspectives.
