Monday, November 30, 2009
The Greatest Show on Earth: Evidence for Evolution
Richard Dawkins' most recent work The Greatest Show on Earth: the Evidence for Evolution is an engaging and clearly written walk through the scientific evidence supporting evolution. Dawkins is an insightful scientist and a superbly entertaining writer -- a rare combination indeed. Highly recommended.
When the Game Was Ours
I am an occasional sports fan (think Olympics, World Series, and the Kentucky Derby if I am home and remember it). However, I find stories about sportsmen (and women) very compelling. I found When the Game Was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin Magic Johnson, and Jackie MacMullan to be compulsive reading and a darn tootin' good story!
Unlike even the most casual of basketball fans I did not know that Larry and Magic had their first battle not on the famous Boston parquet floor but in 1979 at the Finals of the NCAA tournament. Magic and his Michigan State team prevailed over Larry and Indiana State. In When the Game was Ours we really hear what Larry and Magic think about the glorious game of basketball, their teams, the rivalry they have had over the years, and the abiding friendship that did indeed develop between them. The important stuff is here. We hear about Larry's intense drive and his demands on his teammates. The devastating news that Magic had the HIV virus and how his fellow players reacted is touched on.
For me the pinnacle is the 1992 Olympic Dream Team experience, which were the last games Larry played. There is (for the more sports-minded readers) descriptions of plays and games that both men found memorable. We are also given a glimpse of life for both of them after their playing days were over. There are two sections of pictures that go through the years with the two players - the back cover picture of a grinning Magic decked out in a Celtics t-shirt at Bird's retirement event is my favorite.
We are reminded in this book that these two players were instrumental in raising public enthusiasm for NBA basketball, and creating the environment for Michael Jordan to come in and create the absolute frenzy that was basketball fever in the 1990's. We are also reminded that Larry and Magic were something that does not seem to be as important to many players in the NBA in this era - team members, who were smart, talented, and driven always for their team to win, not just concerned with ratcheting up points for their personal statistics.
-Vicki
Unlike even the most casual of basketball fans I did not know that Larry and Magic had their first battle not on the famous Boston parquet floor but in 1979 at the Finals of the NCAA tournament. Magic and his Michigan State team prevailed over Larry and Indiana State. In When the Game was Ours we really hear what Larry and Magic think about the glorious game of basketball, their teams, the rivalry they have had over the years, and the abiding friendship that did indeed develop between them. The important stuff is here. We hear about Larry's intense drive and his demands on his teammates. The devastating news that Magic had the HIV virus and how his fellow players reacted is touched on.
For me the pinnacle is the 1992 Olympic Dream Team experience, which were the last games Larry played. There is (for the more sports-minded readers) descriptions of plays and games that both men found memorable. We are also given a glimpse of life for both of them after their playing days were over. There are two sections of pictures that go through the years with the two players - the back cover picture of a grinning Magic decked out in a Celtics t-shirt at Bird's retirement event is my favorite.
We are reminded in this book that these two players were instrumental in raising public enthusiasm for NBA basketball, and creating the environment for Michael Jordan to come in and create the absolute frenzy that was basketball fever in the 1990's. We are also reminded that Larry and Magic were something that does not seem to be as important to many players in the NBA in this era - team members, who were smart, talented, and driven always for their team to win, not just concerned with ratcheting up points for their personal statistics.
-Vicki
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Where Men Win Glory
In Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, Jon Krakauer shows a great deal of respect for his subject, while exposing the heartbreaking mistakes of the U.S. military that led to Tillman’s death. The book is similar to Krakauer’s Into the Wild in its account of an idealistic young man who met a tragic end because he was inspired to make a huge life change motivated by pure intentions. Krakauer is clearly intrigued by these men’s paths and therefore wants to probe their personalities. As evidenced by Into the Wild, the author handles such a story exceptionally well.
Pat Tillman’s character is fully fleshed out here. Jolted by the events of 9-11, Tillman gave up a successful career in the NFL—walking away from millions of dollars—to help eradicate terrorism by serving in the Army Rangers. This was not a decision that Tillman took lightly; he was a thoughtful, passionate, and intricate person. The author’s sources include Tillman’s diary entries and interviews with family members. Krakauer also spent time in Afghanistan amidst U.S. forces. The book is not a straight biography, since the narrative switches between the life of Tillman and the developments of the war in Afghanistan. Krakauer covers the history of the conflict as well as military maneuvering prior to the incident that took Tillman’s life.
Readers who liked the author’s previous books will probably appreciate this one as well. It should also appeal to those who are interested in history and current events. This is a well-written book that educates the reader and evokes a range of emotions.
-Elizabeth
Pat Tillman’s character is fully fleshed out here. Jolted by the events of 9-11, Tillman gave up a successful career in the NFL—walking away from millions of dollars—to help eradicate terrorism by serving in the Army Rangers. This was not a decision that Tillman took lightly; he was a thoughtful, passionate, and intricate person. The author’s sources include Tillman’s diary entries and interviews with family members. Krakauer also spent time in Afghanistan amidst U.S. forces. The book is not a straight biography, since the narrative switches between the life of Tillman and the developments of the war in Afghanistan. Krakauer covers the history of the conflict as well as military maneuvering prior to the incident that took Tillman’s life.
Readers who liked the author’s previous books will probably appreciate this one as well. It should also appeal to those who are interested in history and current events. This is a well-written book that educates the reader and evokes a range of emotions.
-Elizabeth
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Remember Me?
If you're looking for something light, fun and fast, I just finished Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella. It was a fun read. The main character wakes up with amnesia and discovers that she doesn't remember the past three years of her life. She can't imagine how her life has evolved the way it has. At first glance she thinks her life is wonderful, but after digging deeper she realizes how much she is missing and needs to rediscover herself. I enjoyed the author's sentiment "be true to yourself".
-Natalie
-Natalie
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Christmas List
Last week I listened to the unabridged audio book The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans. It has taken me a week to wrap my mind around it enough to be able write a review. I had my doubts about this book at first because after listening to the first couple of chapters, I had it written off as another spoof off of the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, but I urged myself to read on.
The Christmas List begins with a man who is mistakenly listed as dead in the newspaper and online. Through comments made online he discovers -- much like Scrooge -- that he not well regarded, even by his so-called best friend of years. As the story moves on, he strives to change his ways and the negative perceptions that others have of him. He asks his assistant to compile a list of people he has wronged in his life. At first it is a means of making him feel better about himself, but it takes a turn that not even he expects.
This book can truly alter the way you think, act, and perceive things. In my opinion, everyone has a “Christmas List,” and maybe during the Holiday Season we should all compile such a list and act on it. It could make a difference in your life and the life of others you hold near and dear to your heart.
-Denika
The Christmas List begins with a man who is mistakenly listed as dead in the newspaper and online. Through comments made online he discovers -- much like Scrooge -- that he not well regarded, even by his so-called best friend of years. As the story moves on, he strives to change his ways and the negative perceptions that others have of him. He asks his assistant to compile a list of people he has wronged in his life. At first it is a means of making him feel better about himself, but it takes a turn that not even he expects.
This book can truly alter the way you think, act, and perceive things. In my opinion, everyone has a “Christmas List,” and maybe during the Holiday Season we should all compile such a list and act on it. It could make a difference in your life and the life of others you hold near and dear to your heart.
-Denika
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