If I had to say something bad about “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, it would be that it really hurts your toe when you drop the book. This 900+ page book (less if you don’t count the bibliography) is not for the casual Lincoln reader, but it …
Category Archive
for: ‘Books’
On Fishes, Both Swimming and Sliced
Today’s topic is a reflection on a number of the books that I’ve been reading over the past few months (and some even further back) that I have yet to review and how they all tie together. I figured you can go to Amazon for a book review, but where else can you get a …
“The Billionaire’s Vinegar”
Take a guess at the price for the most expensive bottle of wine that has ever sold. I wonder if you’re even within a hundred grand. The price, paid at an auction on behalf of Malcom Forbes, was $156,000! It wasn’t just any bottle of wine though; this bottle, a 1787 Lafite Bordeaux, was claimed …
“His Excellency, George Washington”
I recently read, “His Excellency, George Washington” by Joseph J. Ellis (author of the bestseller “Founding Brothers”). Yet again, I’m amazed at how Ellis makes American history come alive through his writing style, which transitions seamlessly from factual story-telling to almost conversational language. Here, he cuts through the legends and folklore that surround our Nation’s …
“Fierce Heart”
I recently read “Fierce Heart” by Stuart Holmes Coleman (author of “Eddie Would Go” and Hawaii Regional Coordinator for the Surfrider Foundation). Coleman spent four years thoroughly researching the interwoven stories that reflect the immense cultural pride of Makaha and the west side of Oahu. Highlighted in the book are famed waterman Buffalo Keaulana and …
“A Walk in the Woods”
I’ve decided to write a review of the book, “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson because it has been way too long since I’ve been on a walk in the woods of my own. You see, living in Hawaii, there are just aren’t many places where you can go to disappear from society …
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven”
A few years ago, I read “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom. I thought to write a review of this book now because I recently saw the play, “Tuesdays With Morrie” based on the book by Mitch Albom (which I read several years ago and will write a review for soon). …
“Eye of the Albatross”
I recently finished reading “Eye of the Albatross” by Carl Safina, who is one of my favorite authors. In Safina’s usual, unparalleled eloquence, this book tracks the path of a Laysan Albatross (named “Amelia”) as she flies around the Pacific Ocean in search of food for her new chick, which sits patiently in its nest …
American History: My “Re-Education”
After our country elected its first black President this November, I decided it would be really interesting to re-do my American history education. I recently started with “1776″ by David McCullough since it seemed an obvious place, though the more I’ve read and learned since then, the more I suspect I should start earlier to …