Three Books Reviewed – War, Ducks and Skiing
Beyond Birkie Fever by Walter Rhein
The Birkebeiner is America’s greatest cross-country ski race and to read Walter Rhein’s book is to participate in the race and experience the fun, drama and heartache that invariably comes with it. If, like me, you were oblivious to this event, an early interview with David Langdgraf’s on the first Birkie will leave you wanting more. They say a good hook is essential at the start of any book, and The First Birkie hooks you in good and proper.
Walter’s introduction to skiing as a seven year old carries with it shades of Richard Branson’s introduction to the world of independence at a similar age. Branson was dumped by the roadside in the middle of nowhere by his mother, and told to make his way home. Walter was effectively dumped in the middle of a snowy field by his mother and told to ski home. Tough love eh? But it lit the fuse for Walter Rhein and he never looked back.
Birkie fever took hold of him. Sure, it relaxed its grip for periods of time whilst other interests pushed for attention, but it was never far beneath the surface.
It’s interesting to view his lack of self-esteem during his first Birkie. Compared to the faster skiers who danced up hills, floating over the terrain like mystical beings free from the pull of the earth, Walter described himself as a lumbering beast with motor oil on his jeans and gnarled scratch hair on his face. Oh the mountain a novice has to climb!
But climb it he did, and he takes you with him every slippery step of the way. And you’re treated to an awful lot of laughs, many of them emanating from his mischievous grandfather.
The saying, ‘It’s not the winning, it’s the taking part’, is most relevant when used in the context of the Birkie. Just finishing this marathon is a major achievement.
Walter Rhein’s book gives you a wonderful feel for this great event, and the passion in which he holds it. He’s about to complete the circle soon because he’s now a father who can’t wait for his daughter to become seven so he can share the delights of skiing. I wonder if he’ll adopt the same inspirational tactics that his mother used on him at that age.
The Great Promise by Frederick L Coxon
Rick Coxon’s grandfather, Frederick, fought in the Great War. He and his three closest mates agreed that in the event of one of them surviving, that survivor would visit the families of the fallen and tell them exactly what happened. For a variety of reasons, all dealt with in this book, his grandfather never honoured that promise. Whilst reading through Frederick’s war diary, Rick Coxon learned of this and decided that he would try to make good his grandfather’s promise.
Before he can do this, Rick has to learn what did in fact happen and he lets us into the secret by cleverly interspersing the diary entries with his own commentary.
The book contains vivid fictionalized details of the first battle of Mons, the first battle of Marne, the first battle of Aisne, the first and second battles of Ypres, and the battle of Neuve Chapelle. Each chapter in the book represents a battle and reflects true life in the early years of the First World War. Many scenes are harrowing and Rick Coxon’s descriptive powers are immense.
But there is far more to Rick Coxon’s book than that. He discovered the real man behind his grandfather’s stoic exterior. A tender, loving man with an intense sense of humour. A man that once ate a cheese sandwich whilst sitting on the Throne of England.
The second part of the book revolves around the research and tracking down of the families that needed to be told the truth so that Frederick Coxon’s great promise could at last be honoured.
I suspect that writing this book evoked a lot of memories, lay to rest a few misconceptions and brought a lot of pleasure to Rick Coxon. I hope so, because it’s certainly brought me a lot of pleasure reading it and I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in this period of our great history.
The Great Promise helps to keep alive the cherished memories of our fallen heroes and I am proud to release this review on Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday
Maria’s Duck Tales by Maria Daddino
This is a collection of short stories based on the ducks that lived in Maria’s garden. And quacking good stories they are too. I’m so sorry, I just couldn’t resist it.
The book offers escapism from the harsher realities of life and, after all, why shouldn’t we get to know the names, foibles and personalities of ducks. It’s no more bizarre than reading Watership Down and getting obsessed with rabbits, or Animal Farm and being frightened by pigs.
A garden is not just a garden to Maria. A garden is a wildlife habitat to be enjoyed by all creatures, furry or feathered. Ducks, geese and swans have put smiles on her face and stories in her heart that will last her a lifetime. And, thanks to Maria’s Duck Tales, we can now benefit too.
This book really is an enjoyable little read, but don’t just take my word for it. Maria’s Duck Tales has picked up many prestigious awards from the likes of:
IndieReader Discovery Awards; Global eBook Awards; Green Book Festival; New York Book Festival; International Book Awards; San Francisco Book Festival; Los Angeles Book Festival; and many many more.
In many ways Maria and her book epitimise what we’re trying to do at INDIETRIBE. Her achievements are an inspiration to all of us and her tenacity a fine example to follow. So come on, let’s give her our support by buying the book.
Well, there we are for another week. To all of you still waiting for a book review, thanks for your patience. There is an ever-growing waiting list but in keeping with the great British tradition of queuing, I am covering each request in order. I can only do three a week, given everything else happening at INDIETRIBE, but I will get around to you. Keep visiting and keep enjoying. And keep recommending us to your friends.
Happy Reading, Charlie
