For most of us, writing a review, even for a book like this, is a creative endeavor. Often, people tend to self-classify themselves as being creative For most of us, writing a review, even for a book like this, is a creative endeavor. Often, people tend to self-classify themselves as being creative or not. Those that say they are not are often held back by the notion that they could not create something unique and of value. Jeff Tweedy begs to differ - which is the premise of this book. As you probably know already, he feels art is just a form of expression and anyone can write a song, or a book, or make a picture. If so, then what holds us back? Is it a fear of failure or our perception of what is a creative project and how do you measure its value?
It turns out Tweedy’s often elusive and thought-provoking lyrics and melodies are part of well thought out creative process. He feels most of us can learn and embrace creativity. That’s something most of us believe we are incapable of, either by the fact that we were not born with a talent or we lack a skill. Or, maybe we feel we lack the life experience to adequately express something.
Getting creative starts with self-actualization that you are or could be a songwriter, author or artist, regardless of the quality of work you produce. You have to give yourself permission to fail if things don’t turn out as you expected. And, you have to accept that you can learn with a little inspiration and a lot of practice.
Tweedy feels that we should all occasionally practice things we know we are bad at to help open up new perspectives and keep us humble. Tweedy argues that society permits children to play sports and enjoy it even if they are bad at it. But adults typically expect a certain level of competence which keep us away from trying and learning new things. It's the enjoyment of play versus the tedium of work.
On the other hand, a decade’s long successful career is really the product of daily creative practices some of which he lays out like having goals, using creative word play and listening to other’s music.
Although I will gladly confess to being an over-aged Wilco (his band) fan, Tweedy’s book first came to my attention with a New York Times Ezra Kline interview with Jeff Tweedy on the creative process. It's worth a listen even if you never read this book.
I will probably never write a song. But, I expect to refer back to this book again and again. This short and easy to read book is meant for inspiration on the creative process. I now look a little differently at Tweedy's music and lyrics. And, I already have a bit more faith that what I write, whether meaningful to anyone else or not, will be meaningful to me....more
To fans of T.C. Boyle, this book will seem familiar, but just short of his usual mark. Boyle usually follows an obscure, but noteworthy, moment in timTo fans of T.C. Boyle, this book will seem familiar, but just short of his usual mark. Boyle usually follows an obscure, but noteworthy, moment in time that intersects with a trend in science and/or sociology. He then spins his own clever story using a collection of characters that seem familiar enough but get caught in a web we never imagined. However in this case, there’s not much new to this particular story. While it brings memories of Fay Wray and King Kong, famous gorilla studies or just the love that some people develop with animals, the characters are so formulaic that we can guess from the beginning the final outcome, which is not hopeful.
The idea of an intelligent primate is a familiar one over the years. Primatologist Jane Goodall has been in the news recently. There was that strange death of Diane Fosse years ago. We’ve all seen, and probably amazed, at how a chimp or gorilla can display human-like behavior. But I began to wonder after reading Talk to Me how this whole experiment was going. Unlike our usual pets, gorillas, chimps and bonobos seem to be able to talk to us through sign language, at least to some degree. What does it take to make this happen?
As it turns out, a relatively famous lowland gorilla named Koko died in 2018. Koko (born in 2071) and had a similar background to Sam(main character of "Talk to Me"). Koko was renown for his personality as well as ability to use sign language to communicate. As an infant, Koko was lent out to live with Penny Patterson and Charles Pasternack as part of a doctoral study of primate development in a human environment. Penny (just like Amiee) was to continue co-habitating with Koko for most of his life, which received some notoriety in the late 1970’s.
Penny declared that Koko could use sign language of over 1,000 signs and develop further communication skills from that to display human-like intelligence. Penny founded and dedicated her life to The Gorilla Foundation which still relies on donations and creates position papers on primate communications. Unfortunately, many findings have not held up to scientific scrutiny. Still, Penny continues to promote the advancement of research in this field.
If you are looking for a rabbit hole to go down, check out this Slate article "What do Talking Apes Really Tell Us?" There are many of stories about Koko to explore, including the publishing of the best selling children’s book "Koko’s Kitten" to Koko’s friendship with Robin Williams and other famous people. Following any of a hundred threads on Koko would have led to a richer and more hopeful storyline instead of just another girl-loves-gorilla love story. On the other hand, I’ve got a feeling after reading this book we have not seen (or heard) the last word on “interspecies communications”. ...more
I first picked up this book about 10 years ago and was blown away by Ford’s ability to paint a picture of an edgier everyman character, in midlife, liI first picked up this book about 10 years ago and was blown away by Ford’s ability to paint a picture of an edgier everyman character, in midlife, living in my state (and maybe America) at the time of the Millennium. Taking place around the Thanksgiving holiday in 2000, right after the contested Bush/Gore presidential election controversy. I could not help but think about the many problems that plagued us then are still with us now.
Ford’s Frank Bascombe character finds himself at a different stage in life where he has transformed to a successful realtor who has come to terms with his life so far and is trying to look ahead at what remains as he stumbles along. Bascombe’s inner dialog seems so true and relevant that we will follow him anywhere on his minor 3-day storyline, purely for the joy of finding out what happens next and how he handles it. There’s wisdom, comedy and a pleasure of telling a tale that seems as real and unique as Jersey Shore.
For those that know the Jersey Shore - and in particular the barrier island beach area - there is a wonderful level of detail about the vacation towns and quirky people that make up much of the book. The shore world centers around property, family and seasonality. Some people see the shore as a refuge, others see it as a lifestyle and others as an opportunity. I’m not sure of the details of Ford’s research of the area and why he chose this area, but it seems obvious that he lived on the barrier island for a period of time to be able to provide such spot-on detail of the life and geography of the area.
For me, his insight into life, his rich description of characters and his keen sense of place made my second reading of the book this year’s summer pleasure. About five years ago we bought a summer home in Ortley Beach. Even after Hurricane Sandy destroyed much of the island, the same vibe exists now as it did twenty years ago. Maybe it’s a perfect place to live out the rest of my own “Permanent Period.” I’ll always have fond memories of an imaginary Sea-Clift and the real-world wisdom of Frank Bascombe to get me through whatever comes next. ...more
If life is a journey, then the best moments happen when we have the courage to take a different route. This is a story of a coming of age for three meIf life is a journey, then the best moments happen when we have the courage to take a different route. This is a story of a coming of age for three men. The author, Rob, convinces his dad, Stephen, to join him on a discovery bike trip through Italy with the goal of visiting their ancestral village, San Donato. Rob’s grandfather (“Papa”) is seriously ill and is near the end of his life. While Papa was part of a first born generation in the U.S., many of the people that settled in their Brighton neighborhood had come from the same village. Rob concocts the idea of a bike trip to understand Papa’s family background and vicariously provide a trip for Papa before it is too late.
While Rob seems to have a good relationship with dad, it’s obvious that Stephen is not your average father. He’s extremely independent, has obsessive habits and tends to love wild challenges, even at the age of 64. He also manages to commute to work on a “fixie”, which is a sure mark that he is already a badass cyclist. The image we get is of an aged-out hippie that is true to his core of beliefs who is a great father, but is not fully understood by Rob. With Papa slipping away and dad becoming a senior citizen, Rob sees the serendipity of the moment to enlist his father as his companion on a 500 mile trip from Florence to San Donato. As Rob says to Stephen, “We’ll go for Papa.”
While the experiences in the towns along the way are brief and somewhat interesting the real benefit is in overcoming the physical and mental challenges along the way. Once at San Donato, the revealing of the family history and the gracious hospitality there is an unexpected reward. Within a few days in the village, they have a change of perspective and a different appreciation for the importance of history and our ancestry. The village has a surprise story of courage and community during the days of Fascism that brings wonder and pride to both father and son.
I’ve taken a couple long distance bike rides over the past few years. Riding with others can be difficult because of the push and pull of each rider’s skills and conditioning. But, the reward is to discover more about that person, share your own personal story and to motivate each other. There can be no better pairing than father and son to benefit from this opportunity. Any son or father naturally looks back at the mystery of each other and desires at some point to know and understand more - even though that always has its limits. Each fact we discover inevitably reveals something about ourselves too.
The author has a casual style of writing which exposes a mixture of personal feelings and humor which makes for an easy and enjoyable read. The pace of the book and its subject matter is fast and complete as it goes from the start of the idea of the trip to its final conclusion and slightly beyond leaving a very satisfying ending. ...more
If life is a journey, then the best moments happen when we have the courage to take a different route. This is a story of a coming of age for three meIf life is a journey, then the best moments happen when we have the courage to take a different route. This is a story of a coming of age for three men. The author, Rob, convinces his dad, Stephen, to join him on a discovery bike trip through Italy with the goal of visiting their ancestral village, San Donato. Rob’s grandfather (“Papa”) is seriously ill and is near the end of his life. While Papa was part of a first born generation in the U.S., many of the people that settled in their Brighton neighborhood had come from the same village. Rob concocts the idea of a bike trip to understand Papa’s family background and vicariously provide a trip for Papa before it is too late.
While Rob seems to have a good relationship with dad, it’s obvious that Stephen is not your average father. He’s extremely independent, has obsessive habits and tends to love wild challenges, even at the age of 64. He also manages to commute to work on a “fixie”, which is a sure mark that he is already a badass cyclist. The image we get is of an aged-out hippie that is true to his core of beliefs who is a great father, but is not fully understood by Rob. With Papa slipping away and dad becoming a senior citizen, Rob sees the serendipity of the moment to enlist his father as his companion on a 500 mile trip from Florence to San Donato. As Rob says to Stephen, “We’ll go for Papa.”
While the experiences in the towns along the way are brief and somewhat interesting the real benefit is in overcoming the physical and mental challenges along the way. Once at San Donato, the revealing of the family history and the gracious hospitality there is an unexpected reward. Within a few days in the village, they have a change of perspective and a different appreciation for the importance of history and our ancestry. The village has a surprise story of courage and community during the days of Fascism that brings wonder and pride to both father and son.
I’ve taken a couple long distance bike rides over the past few years. Riding with others can be difficult because of the push and pull of each rider’s skills and conditioning. But, the reward is to discover more about that person, share your own personal story and to motivate each other. There can be no better pairing than father and son to benefit from this opportunity. Any son or father naturally looks back at the mystery of each other and desires at some point to know and understand more - even though that always has its limits. Each fact we discover inevitably reveals something about ourselves too.
The author has a casual style of writing which exposes a mixture of personal feelings and humor which makes for an easy and enjoyable read. The pace of the book and its subject matter is fast and complete as it goes from the start of the idea of the trip to its final conclusion and slightly beyond leaving a very satisfying ending....more
Two days in February of 1968 drew the public’s attention to the very real and hidden poverty of our country and the promise of addressing it. At the tTwo days in February of 1968 drew the public’s attention to the very real and hidden poverty of our country and the promise of addressing it. At the time, events, books and articles focused on the poverty of the Appalachian area where one could see the destruction and dissolution of a beautiful natural area by greed and neglect. Understanding Appalachia might help us appreciate the severity and human side of poverty.
Robert F. Kennedy, then a senator of New York, was obsessed with the notion of poverty in the midst of wealth. Ironically, RFK’s personal interest was in spite of his family wealth. Perhaps he was following his brother JFK’s belief that poverty was a core issue that greatly affected the human condition. We are reminded of the long-held personal animosity of RFK and President Johnson. Johnson had initiated the “War on Poverty” program just 47 days after assuming office, was following through an initiative that JFK had contemplated in 1963.
In All This Marvelous Potential, author Matthew Algeo offers a look back on those momentous days right before Bobby would declare his candidacy for president, LBJ would decide not to run for a second term and then tragedy would change our attention with an assassin’s bullet.
While the national poverty program was beginning to have a positive effect, it remained a persistent problem in cities and certain rural areas. How could poverty overwhelm an area with such rich resources? For RFK, the answer was to immerse himself by visiting the area and talking to the people. But, RFK also became an obsession for the media and a public anxious to know if this was a step toward a possible run for president.
The majority of the book relies on re-visiting the transcripts of the hearing and the people, issues and news coverage of the event. Perhaps most valuable and unique is Algeo’s ability to interview and discuss the event with some of the witnesses and characters involved over 50 years ago.
The author provides a revealing look at some of reasons the Appalachian area was of particular interest. At the time, Harry Caudill’s 1963 book called, Night Comes to the Cumberlands: A Biography of a Depressed Area, was an influential indictment of the mining industry in eastern Kentucky. Caudill had sent an invitation letter to senator Kennedy to visit the area. With a couple of key aides, a plan was hastily drawn for a two-day visit to Eastern Kentucky, the heart of the coal mining area and the location of some of the poorest counties in the country. His visit was to become a one-man, remote senate hearing known as the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Employment, Manpower and Poverty, where he would have the opportunity to visit and hear from residents who became witnesses to the history and conditions of the area.
Two full days of traveling through the area provided a unique opportunity to hear their stories. Companies would claim how much they benefited the area. But, the result was natural wealth was taken out in the form of coal and strip mining while paying low wages and destroying a beautiful area and polluting streams.
Community activists told of how local groups made up of other poor citizens were able to better utilize grants to actually improve the area rather than be subject to programs determined by politicians. The tour visited one-room schoolhouses with pot-bellied stoves, bare lightbulbs and outhouses. Kennedy’s entourage visited random homes along the way. He even tried to tour a strip mine site but was turned away.
On the last day of the tour, the gym in Fleming-Neon High School was crammed with students and residents. Kennedy led off the hearing with these words:
“This visit has a special meaning to me because of the great interest President Kennedy took in the area…. Now that I’m here and observing this beautiful land - and all this marvelous potential - my visit has even greater meaning.”
The first among twenty-one witnesses to testify was Harry Caudill, the author of Night Comes… He started with a litany of grim statistics, such as, Kentucky had twenty of the thirty poorest counties in the nation. Nearly 24% of adults were functionally illiterate and a quarter of million east Kentuckians were expected to leave the area and in some counties 25% of the people were on public welfare. This was all in spite of having some of the biggest and most prosperous companies in America.
As Algeo puts it, "If rapacious corporations are Appalachia’s yang, well-intentioned do-gooders are its yin."
A group of local high school activists called the Appalachian Volunteers (AV) made a distinct impression with brown paper bags over their heads and carrying a banner that expressed the situation perfectly, "Give us jobs and education. We can’t eat your fancy promises". Their spokesperson, Tommy Duff, is highlighted by Algeo for his courage and leadership. But, in the end, his life story would become another tragic product of the area.
The reviews after Bobby’s trip were mixed. All This Marvelous Potential is filled with vignettes of people who were in awe of Bobby and some that resented him and those that painted their proud Appalachia as an example of intractable poverty. After the tour, RFK’s staff recommended improving the food stamp program, job training programs and incentivizing companies to move to the area. These recommendations and any action plan became moot after his death on June 8, 1968. And, again, the potential for progress against poverty would have to wait for other generations....more
It bugs me no end that I might have read this Eggers novel before. And, forgotten that I had? Being a periodic Eggers fan I just kept getting deja vu It bugs me no end that I might have read this Eggers novel before. And, forgotten that I had? Being a periodic Eggers fan I just kept getting deja vu moments as a read on. I expected a flood of memories but soon realized near the end that the book was just reading candy. Not bad tasting. But not nutritious either. Was I just dreaming? Then again the story flows like a dream anyway.
Yes, Eggers can write well and he knows how to create sympathetic and interesting characters, if not barely believable. His characters seem exaggerated on points to enhance the reader’s interest - like Josie being a noble dentist with a deadbeat husband, two very different children, a dubious background and a malpractice lawsuit hanging over her head. With all that, it’s plausible to assume she might run away with her children when thing get too much to bear.
But Alaska is more a symbolic place here and not described as the majestic and challenging place it is. We are on a rolling RV voyage with Josie and her two kids who have barely an understanding of what they are doing. This is a worse case scenario for preparedness in a land that is pretty much unforgiving. But, a major point to the book is a direct challenge to being a “helicopter parent.” You can’t help reading on thinking the worse of many outcomes will happen. But, by stumbling along, Josie learns to adapt and appreciate everyday life. The threats and challenges never really live up to an exciting adventure.
Our characters can hardly be called “Heroes.” Although there is bravery in surviving some near catastrophes, Josie has been on an aimless mission with no goal in mind - just escape. Eventually, through her travails and outliving her mysterious protagonist, she is free to return to what she hopes will be new life back home. She’s learned a hard lesson that by surviving and testing one’s persistence, she can truly be free, confident and alive again. ...more
Diana Nyad holds an inexplicable power to push herself beyond personal limits. Whether that was created from innate personal strength or forged from uDiana Nyad holds an inexplicable power to push herself beyond personal limits. Whether that was created from innate personal strength or forged from unfortunate personal circumstances, we get to share a bit of what it’s like to live a willful life on the edge. There is a life lesson here for all of us.
I guess I’ve always wondered what drives people to do the impossible. For many like me, Diana’s stories have been heard over the years in short but stunning news blurbs, like swimming around Manhattan or across the English Channel. Diana was always a pioneer in these feats not to mention how she elevated the capability of women each time she broke a new record. These records get broken. But, what remains each time for all of us to ponder is the question “What are our limits?”
The book is a well-written riveting autobiography told around her ultimate personal challenge - completing a 110 mile swim from Cuba to Florida. The bizarre conditions of the sport of open water ocean swimming allows only to provide and protect, but not assist her swim or float in any way, She is adrift for over two days surrounded by a flotilla of boats and staff that can only help guide, manage and protect her.
What is perhaps as remarkable as breaking the record was that she accomplished what many thought impossible on her fifth attempt at the age of 64. In the sport of open ocean swimming Cuba to Florida was the “Everest” to be conquered. It required peak physical and mental conditioning even in her 60’s and a blessing of fortunate natural conditions like warm temperatures, and favorable winds and currents. Sharks could be scared away but swarms of deadly box jellyfish were unpredictable and impossible to avoid. Through many painful experiences and many failed attempts she was able to “Find a Way” to overcome even these obstacles.
The book made me wonder whether it’s the thoughts the person holds dearly or the challenge itself that leverages our capability to go beyond the ordinary. What do we gain by trying and failing and trying again? Certainly, it all starts with a dream and ends with our ability to fight off our demons and believe in ourselves. Diana Nyad’s story is an inspiration to anyone who harbors an impossible dream....more
Wildlife is an enigma, starting with the title. There is little wildness to the lives young teenager Joe lives, or even his parents. At best, his pareWildlife is an enigma, starting with the title. There is little wildness to the lives young teenager Joe lives, or even his parents. At best, his parents seem to find themselves in unusual circumstances and, as a result, Joe’s life is changed. The story revolves around the palpable angst of both his father and mother in lives they are living. These are unsatisfying lives that may have been created by their own mistakes. Joe is our young, innocent yet wise narrator of the story of a few fateful days in 1960. Joe may be a victim or maybe just part of the collateral damage of a not-so-wild life.
I found the prose of the book simple and direct, as might be the case if told by a young adult. But it is interspersed with many aphorisms about what drives people to do the things they do. The way the story is laid out would give the impression that it is being told several years later. This is how Joe remembered those days as a teenager. While we learn a good deal about what happened, the exact details of why it happened is left to our imagination. This is what makes this simple, short book so interesting.
Joe is the only son of Jerry and Jeanette Brinson. Jerry is a golf instructor and a natural athlete who seems to be an average pleasant individual and dad who has not yet found his lot in life. Jeanette is an industrious wife and mom who supplements the family income with bookkeeping and teaching. But she appears to be driven toward something more mysterious. They have recently relocated to Great Falls, Montana in search of opportunities from economic boom in the area. This may be a pattern they have followed in the past since we learned they had moved several times.
Joe is with Jerry the day he loses his job. It appears to be for ambiguous reasons that are not disclosed. We are led to think that perhaps he did something illegal. In a way, Jerry saw this coming and may have seen it as a way out of the pattern of his life. You could easily see this as a mid-life crisis. The loss of his job as a golf instructor leads to a downward spiral for the family. There are hints that there are other issues brewing such as marital trouble and a desire to move up the social ladder.
Because of a tough economy and Jerry’s limited skills and experience he is forced to look for something else to do. He decides that fighting wildfires is his calling and signs up without explaining why to anyone. He just knows this is right for him. But we know it’s wrong for everyone else.
Jeanette summarizes the personal dynamics to Joe after Jerry is gone this way,
”Nobody really wants to please you, ....They want to please themselves. If you are happy with that then everything’s great. If you are not, then too bad. That’s important. That’s the key to everything.”
Jeanette creates a romantic liaison within days of finding out about Jerry leaving to go fight forest fires. We can only believe that her attraction to someone else started long before Jerry left. When Jerry comes back in a couple days and finds out about the relationship they are all faced with a seismic shift in family life.
We are left with many questions and few answers. Was Jerry meaning to leave Jeanette, to seek a career, to chase something heroic or simply bored? Was Jeanette’s dissatisfaction with the marriage or their lifestyle a reason? Or was she just in love with another man?
In the end, we see the situation from the prism of a young adult. There is no simple or final answers to anything. The parental curtain prevents full disclosure. Perhaps, this is the point. There are few things in life we do that we can tie to one reason. Does the reason really matter?
Sometimes we just need a change. Some of us need to change more than others. The cautionary tale is be careful when you make the change. Life still goes on no matter what changes. ...more
We are all watching the same train wreck but from different seats. Woodward was able to get to some of the passengers before the crash. But we are a lWe are all watching the same train wreck but from different seats. Woodward was able to get to some of the passengers before the crash. But we are a long way from that point of crash. Still, we can’t turn away even if (or maybe because) we know the end will not be pretty.
The point of ruling by “Fear” is essential to Trumpism and it’s a good one to start. It helps to be reminded that Donald Trump has ruled by fear his entire life. Attack him or be disloyal to him and he attacks twice as hard back. Lessons well learned from his consigliore Roy Cohn years ago.
But Woodward’s book seems to draw more questions than answers. Why do people work for him and put up with his giant ego and ignorant knowledge of facts? Are they as cunning and ruthless as the man?
The picture painted of Lindsey Graham is one of an acolyte and even instigator for Trump. How does this reconcile with his past bipartisan positions and friendship with McCain? It’s hard to believe that someone like Tillerson lasted as long as he had as Secretary of State considering Trump’s position toward him. Not to mention his infamous favorite dog to kick for the last two years, AG Jeff Sessions. Gary Cohn, who often seems to be the only sane person in the room, seems determined to work there even around the chaos.
Overall the best the book does is to illuminate the details of the wreck that is the White House so as to better understand the flow of events and the people involved - up until early 2018. It filled in some blanks we get from cable news. But, it provides no helpful information as to what drives these people and for what purpose other than to win a game. Every game they can regardless of morality and reasoning. It makes you wonder who will be the next in line to play Trump's game?
Bob, please go back and help us understand the common link to people who will work in this environment and what are their goals and ambitions, besides Fear. America needs to know how to get off this speeding train. ...more
Any cyclist who intensely practices the sport can only imagine the work and dedication needed to compete at its highest level in the Tour de France. WAny cyclist who intensely practices the sport can only imagine the work and dedication needed to compete at its highest level in the Tour de France. We are mere mortals in a sport that favors gods. Yet, we all just live for that day, that ride that burst of energy and control that transcends our perceived capability. If we are destined to be mortals, why do we pretend to be gods? Maybe we are motivated by the joy of work or play or the possibility of a future success. Or, is it simply that we have resigned ourselves to support the unusual sport we have chosen?
What complicates cycling is the dynamics of the group. Regardless of how talented an individual might be he/she must rely on support from the group, whether it is the team or the peleton.
The effectiveness of a team is only as good as its dedication to its top rider(s). Most professional team cyclists live to support others with little chance of winning a race or even a stage in a race. They must give up their own ambitions for the sake of the team and assisting the lead rider. Most of these riders live for a day they will ascend to a team leader spot.
Reed’s book is a tale of what it might be like for a stoic professional rider to be thrown into an opportunity to lead. But lead at what cost? The story is told from the point of view of a “domestique” rider, one paid to fill an expendable support spot on a professional team. The lifestyle is ascetic and dedicated to the team, especially during the ultimate bicycle race when all life and energy is dedicated to "Sleep and cycle".
Our rider and protagonist, Sol, is the narrator telling a story of his experience during a very competitive Tour de France lasting over a few weeks. We meet three essential characters; Raphael, the director sportif (team manager), Fabrice, the team's lead rider and Liz, Sol's wife.
Raphael is the consummate team manager looking to draw the maximum performance, in any way possible, from the members of the team. This translates to supporting the lead rider with a race strategy and superhuman effort by his teammates.
Fabrice has made it to the top team spot and knows that the fame and glory rely on him but his performance largely depends on how well his teammates can support him too. His cool, humor and otherworldly attitude demonstrates the self-actualized level of the sport he has reached as the team guru.
And, Liz, who has her own career challenges as a genetic researcher, and a new mother, must face the fact that Sol's performance for this race and this team is suddenly the key aspect of her life. In her mind, cycling is, "An evolutionary concept. You're like a honeybee, giving up a chance to breed for the queen." Her actions to assist Sol and the team make her a willing honeybee to advance Sol's and her own personal goals.
The book shows the dynamics of what happens when even skilled, professional individuals are pushed to their limits. We can push too hard in all aspects of our lives to the point where we lose focus on what is important.
It takes a special individual to be a cyclist, researcher, or team manager in a world where today's performance is everything. Are we, as individuals, willing to continue to work hard to achieve what we want? What is the real price we pay for pushing too hard?
I highly recommend this book, especially to my cycling friends, and anyone who enjoys exploring the psyche of sports and performance. It’s a fast and easy read with an efficient Fitzgerald-like style showing wisdom beyond the pages....more
The first step in any walk is the most important. Olinsky and Hsiung do a great service to everyone by laying out the many reasons and situations thatThe first step in any walk is the most important. Olinsky and Hsiung do a great service to everyone by laying out the many reasons and situations that beg us to do something that is the most natural of activities.
This book is written in very clear and understandable short vignettes that allow you to ponder the many reasons real people walk - not the multiple scientific benefits and studies. Hsiung's casual and entertaining illustrations are the perfect complement adding humor and provoking thought to every reason given. This book is a snap to read but don't be fooled by its haiku nature. Each page has the wisdom of the individual and crowd behind it.
In full disclosure, Risa is a good friend of mine and the most dedicated professional life coach I know. What I appreciate most in this book is her ability to deliver a simple message to anyone who picks up the book and reads even a few pages. For us, who promote walking as a lifestyle, it is often difficult to convey how beneficial walking can be in so many situations. Instead of using a boring list, Risa and Carol convey the message by simply stating honest expressions. There's a purity and simplicity in this that makes the whole book work very well.
My recommendation is to not buy one [[ASIN:1984338781 Why Walk]] book but many. I did and I now give them to friends and family to help spread the simple word of the power of walking....more
I would recommend this book without hesitation to anyone interested in bike touring. It's an easy read and offers a different perspective on what tourI would recommend this book without hesitation to anyone interested in bike touring. It's an easy read and offers a different perspective on what touring is like, especially solo touring. Neil's approach is to ponder and share what the rider is feeling over long grueling days, easy enjoyable rides and while interacting with the place and people around you.
True story: I just finished my first solo, 1-month, 1600-mile tour of the East Coast from Key West to my home in NJ just one week ago. I'm 70 years old and an experienced cyclist but not one that did any touring up to this point. This seemed like the perfect adventure for an aging guy still in good shape.
My preparation for the journey consisted of Internet fact gathering and YouTube videos on the method and gear to use. This was all great and necessary but it did not prepare me for the real pleasure and personal experience you get from flying solo on the road. You can read some of my personal thoughts on the ride at http://myplanc.blog.
Neil talks about the concept of hozho, a Navajo word for finding perfect balance and harmony. For all the discomfort, danger, uncertainty and fear that a solo tour can offer, there are moments of hozho that can be found in a sunrise, scenery, tailwind, food, water and meeting people that balance everything to create an unforgettable lifetime experience. In one month, my senses became more acute and my attitude affected so that as much as I missed home, I missed the adventure on the road almost as much.
In a fitting connection of "magic" with Neil's story, I was staying at an Airbnb place in Chesapeake, VA with a nice young couple. I was discussing my trip when Hannah mentioned her stepdad, Neil had authored a few books on the subject. That night she offered to let me browse the books and I became a fan. Much of what I was trying to briefly convey in my blog and share was there in Neil's own words. I felt I had a comrade in arms that could understand what I was experiencing and successfully told the tale. That's been an incentive for me to continue exploring the experience in many ways through my blog.
To summarize, this is a book of very personal experiences that cyclist go through. It is told in a very personal and philosophical way. it is not a book of facts or methods to use. The point is to maximize the experience and explore the journey and the adventure - not where you are going or how you get there. ...more
The life of Robert F. Kennedy is often seen through the presidency and tragedy of his brother. No doubt JFK provided the challenge that Bobby needed tThe life of Robert F. Kennedy is often seen through the presidency and tragedy of his brother. No doubt JFK provided the challenge that Bobby needed to begin to realize his potential. But, his death may have freed him from his shadow and ignite his own personal crusade dedicating his life for the ideals America stands for.
The author provides a very readable and well-documented summary of Bobby's transitional life as he evolved from an anti-Communist, anti-crime zealot to a Ghandi-like peacemaker. What this book shows is how a single person, one we hardly knew, could channel so much energy that he could move a generation of people.
While his brother JFK seemed to lead the charmed Camelot life, Bobby was instrumental in the making of the president. From his behind the scenes campaign strategy to his negotiations with governors, diplomats and civil rights leaders to his presence in volatile places, he was the one that had the courage to face challenges straight on and come up with solutions. Indeed, if we could update JFK's Profiles in Courage, he would have to be included.
Bobby's life appears to be a life of contradictions if you only look at the issues he faced at different times. In reality, he consistently took a hard and principled look at a problem, formed an opinion and fought for what he believed in. Having an open mind, he was able to change his opinions over time, especially where he saw injustice. When Bobby changed his mind, there was never any doubt that he meant what he said.
In our age of so-called "fake news" and "truth isn't truth", Bobby's story is both a sad story of what could have been and a hopeful tale of right and principle. Sure, Bobby's incomprehensible death was the death knell for idealism in the 60s. But, by understanding his life and believing that an individual who lived for the ideals we believe in existed, gives us hope for the future. That alone should make this book and others on the man required reading for all of today's skeptics.
You can't read this book without thinking about what we face politically and socially every day at the moment. Back when Bobby was considering running for President, he faced an already distraught LBJ who, in spite of being able to pass significant social legislation was unable to extract us from the Viet Nam conflict. Bobby took a look back and decided to run to correct the problems he saw. He summarized the situation perfectly in a speech. It was a sign for the times then and perhaps now.
"For almost the first time, the national leadership is calling upon the darker impulses of the American spirit - not, perhaps, deliberately, but through its action and the example it sets - an example where integrity, truth, honor and all the rest seem like words to fill our speeches rather than guiding beliefs."
Robert F. Kennedy 1968 - Greek Theatre in Los Angeles...more
This is one of my favorite Eggers books, right up there with Zeitoun and A Heartbreaking.... What is shows is his ability to empathize with common peoThis is one of my favorite Eggers books, right up there with Zeitoun and A Heartbreaking.... What is shows is his ability to empathize with common people that are thrown into incredibile experiences. We can almost dream of being Mokhtar living a hard and aimless life until he sees his life passion, making great coffee by hard work and elevating his country with its noble history.
It is a pro-immigrant tale but more than that. While we may have met people that are highly motivated, its rare to find one with such a unique opportunity mastered by an individual. He literally drives himself to a goal that for most of us would seem too impossible to even try. You can't help but admire him and wish throughout the book that he makes it without a tragic ending. And, the fact that he does provides a rare moment to cheer for a great American story. ...more
From the first pages to the last, secrets abound in a battle-driven dystopian world where “players” fight each other for supremacy and survival. The pFrom the first pages to the last, secrets abound in a battle-driven dystopian world where “players” fight each other for supremacy and survival. The protagonists are strong characters with super-human powers known as icons that they artfully use in battle. Player warriors with experience and wisdom in their use of icons separate the superstars from mere mortals. It is the elite group of warriors who are needed to defeat the evil Blood Poachers.
The idea of a player versus a soldier in battle is intentional and quickly draws a parallel to sports teams battling each other. Langan uses all the hyperbole of FIFA and soccer/football clubs to set up the scenarios of competition even among the Durationist teams (good guys) in a Blood Works League. The idea of a sports metaphor is a good one as anyone knows easily exchanging terms of war, jealousy, admiration and even trading players. Wait a minute. Is this a game or a fight for survival?
This first book of the trilogy, opens quickly with a fast approaching “Poacher Storm”, a weather-controlled military tactic to defeat the Durationists and conquer the country of Roslyn – which has an uncanny resemblance to the New York metropolitan area (aka, Metro Reef) only now weirdly different.
Much of the book is a battle to rescue survivors of the brutal storm attack made up of wind, water, floods, chemicals and strange glowing red stones that rain down on Metro Reef’s inhabitants. Menawhile, zombie-like soldiers known as “Kappo ” move in to destroy anything moving. This is where Lucas and his lieutenant, Gemini slay hordes of these “leatherheads” with little trouble using special weapons and their Icon skills. They live to save Metro Reef, or what’s left of it, with a battle Royale with the Blood Poachers. Ultimately they are saved by a surprise hero in the end.
Give Langan credit for creating an imaginative, well written world of antagonists and protagonists in battle that ties loosely to modern sports. The story line is not easy to figure out in the beginning but becomes clearer later in the book.
The Icons of man invites the question: “What if we fought battles like we play professional sports?” And what if warriors could be imbued with powers? Would it create a class of super warrior stars in battle that we would depend upon for survival and as sport? And, for the next book, which players will move up in the ranks? ...more
I recommend this book to anyone looking to appreciate leadership, principle and empathy - personal qualities in short supply today. Bobby, while not pI recommend this book to anyone looking to appreciate leadership, principle and empathy - personal qualities in short supply today. Bobby, while not perfect, seemed to exhibit these essential qualities in spades powered with his own charisma. Matthew's book brought back a flood of memories of the time which I lived through. It is an easy enjoyable read that just skims the years Robert F. Kennedy spent in public service.
This book is not an in depth look at the man but more a reflection on how he engaged in a career that helped shape him. We follow his brother's meteoric rise largely created by Bobby's strategy and energy (roughly 2/3 of the book is about the JFK years). The remainder follows his years as New York Senator and his attempt to run for President. My primary criticism is that Matthews sees Bobby's life more as a step-by-step political career, often shaped by incidents around him and his Catholic upbringing. Yet, he was prone to shift his ideals and goals as he was thrown into the many social issues of the day. A deeper dive into his personal reflections and motivation would have made for a more engaging look at a "Raging Spirit."
Still, the book is interesting and is a nice overview of the chaos of the 1960s. It was a time when anything seemed possible and people had the courage to live up to their ideals. Matthews finishes the book brilliantly summarizing an Emerson quote he found highlighted in Bobby's study.
"Always do what you are afraid to do."
Bobby was not afraid to take on anything. Communism, corruption, racial inequality, poverty and the powerful. All inequities became targets of an unstoppable energy and optimism. Unfortunately tragedy silenced his efforts. We are all the poorer having seen his vision vanish before us. ...more
A surprisingly thought provoking book on the nature of trails - physically and philosophically. Not what I expected but what I grew to greatly appreciA surprisingly thought provoking book on the nature of trails - physically and philosophically. Not what I expected but what I grew to greatly appreciate.
Written generally from a naturalist point of view, Moor weaves in the idea that there is a certain universality to trails. From the tiniest insect to the largest creatures. We travel trails to get from one place to another but in the act we change the trail and the trail changes us.
I have a vested interest in trails as I run an organization of walkers called FreeWalkers. We walk miles for the pleasure of the experience. We learn, socialize, play, and sometimes suffer as we benefit our bodies by the simple act of walking. We believe everyone can benefit from walking. The trail becomes the guideline for us, leading us to a variety of experiences that others before us have discovered. But, sometimes we create our own trail for others to follow.
I immediately related to Moor's reflection on why he hikes:
Why do we hike? I have asked many hikers this same question. And I have never received a fully satisfactory answer....More than anything, though, I believe what hikers seek is simplicity - an escape from civilization's garden of forking paths. One of the chief pleasures of the trail is that it is a rigidly bounded experience. Every morning the hiker's options are reduced to two: walk or quit. Once that decision is made, all others (when to eat, when to sleep) begin to fall into place.For children of the Land of Opportunity- beset on all sides by what the psychologist Barry Schwartz has called "the paradox of choice" - the newfound freedom from choices come as an enormous relief.
...It's the reduction that makes a walk feel so freeing. In walking, we acquire more of less.
One more thought provoking issue for me is what comes first - the walker or the trail? Trails make it easy, attractive and challenging for the walker. The idea is that this will create more walkers. But isn't the physicality and psychology of walking our first objective. Today, much publicity and investment go into maintaining and building trails and designing pedestrian spaces. This seems easy to understand. But in my mind, too little is spent in encouraging the act of walking, which is a more difficult goal. The more walkers we can motivate, the more trails we can create....more
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