A sweet, occasionally touching graduation speech that was turned into a book. Patchett encourages to keep our eyes open (both literally and metaphoricA sweet, occasionally touching graduation speech that was turned into a book. Patchett encourages to keep our eyes open (both literally and metaphorically) to new experiences and to the ever changing nature of life. I was hoping for something a little more life changing and/or inspiration, however. Anyone have any suggestions for me? ...more
It reads like a long version of a Pretenders song - lots of phrases and dangling participles. But I did enjoy her story and, considering all of the drIt reads like a long version of a Pretenders song - lots of phrases and dangling participles. But I did enjoy her story and, considering all of the drugs she used to do, I'm very glad that Ms. Hynde is still around to entertain us. ...more
Mr. Troost's self deprecating tale about travel and cultural clashes made me laugh out loud. Mr. Troost's self deprecating tale about travel and cultural clashes made me laugh out loud. ...more
**spoiler alert** Read this book with some flamenco music on in the background , sip a nice tempranillo, eat some manchego, and plan your next (or per**spoiler alert** Read this book with some flamenco music on in the background , sip a nice tempranillo, eat some manchego, and plan your next (or perhaps first) trip to Spain...
The book is almost perfect. The cast of characters are practically too good to be true: The stalwart and long suffering Spanish cheesemaker, the incredibly disloyal friend, the inherently naive American and his very patient family. And lots of scenes of exploring Spain, drinking wine, and eating cheese and listening to Spanish men tell Spanish stories. I only wish the book didn't completely fall apart in the end. The end is very disappointing - it's almost a non-ending. And I wonder if that disappointment bleeds through from the author's writing - the disappointment in discovering that that the stalwart, long suffering cheesemaker may not have suffered so much after all, and took Paterniti on a years long journey all for naught.
Perhaps you should read 3/4 of the book, and enjoy what you can and dream of Spain. And trust that my review is true...and that the cheesemaker just may be false... ...more
I am a fan of Mark Nepo and try to read something from "The Book of Awakening" every morning. I was curious about his poetry so checked this audioboo I am a fan of Mark Nepo and try to read something from "The Book of Awakening" every morning. I was curious about his poetry so checked this audiobook out of the library. It is both uplifting and depressing, with occasional slides into self indulgence. But, I will forgive Mr. Nepo the self indulgence since his personal story of cancer treatment and survival is tragically brutal. And his then-wife was diagnosed with cancer at the same time. So, yes, self indulgence is allowed.
Just know that you have to be in the right frame of mind to listen to this book. Perhaps in a mindset full of openness and strength (don't listen to it if you are already sad). Because his work takes you places where you don't want to go: chemo, pain, frustration, anger, fear, doubt, sorrow, near-death experiences, and utter, comlete physical and emotional exhaustion. And all of these places can and will depress you. Thankfully, there are moments of grace and breakthroughs and loyalty and peace. But they don't quite balance out the tough stuff.
What I wanted was what I heard on NPR - a spy love story between two former CIA agents. I wanted to learn more about how they met, how they dealt withWhat I wanted was what I heard on NPR - a spy love story between two former CIA agents. I wanted to learn more about how they met, how they dealt with the relationship on the job, and how they broke the news to their respective non-CIA spouses. Plus some CIA gossip. Some intel, as it were. That is what I wanted. What I got was 2-3 page insipid little chapters* on their former assignments that weren't even that interesting. In one fake "chapter" they met in Bosnia. A few "chapters" later, they moved in together. No transition. Nothing about what their families or colleagues thought or even what THEY thought. No CIA angst. Nothing. I kept reading, waiting for the "flashback chapter" that didn't come. When I got to the "chapter" about post CIA life (what??? no mention that you were even leaving the CIA???) I closed the book for good.
*I hate hate HATE 2-3 page chapters. Those aren't chapters - they are paragraphs. ...more
How many stories of Yank-Algo-Saxon vacation hijinks do we really need? Answer: just one. This would have been a really entertaining short story but, How many stories of Yank-Algo-Saxon vacation hijinks do we really need? Answer: just one. This would have been a really entertaining short story but, alas, it is merely a mediocre book. ...more
A really clever pop culture memoir about Gen X and one man's obsession with Guided by Voices. As a fellow Gen Xer and GBV fan, I loved Seller's randomA really clever pop culture memoir about Gen X and one man's obsession with Guided by Voices. As a fellow Gen Xer and GBV fan, I loved Seller's random musical references (Terence Trent D'Arby anyone?) and indie rock rants. However, I must provide a warning: This book contains footnotes. Many, many, MANY footnotes. At first they were funny, then they became irritating and distracting. You might want to skip them at first, then go back and reread. But don't miss the appendix at the end. The lists are priceless. ...more
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