Dead Wake - Eric Larson

Dead Wake, by Eric Larson (author of Devil in the White City), is the captivating and tragic story of the 1915 sinking of the British cruise ship Lusitania. Nearly 1,200 passengers (or "souls") perished after a German U-boat torpedoed the Lusitania, an event that rocked the civilized world and helped draw America into World War 1. Larson's skillful storytelling weaves the events of that fateful year into a thrilling page turner, and his detailed portrayal of characters makes them come alive. President Wilson isn't just the cautious and patient man he seems to be outwardly, he is also a passionate man, driven to distraction by his wife's death, and preoccupied by his subsequent courtship of Edith Bolling. Larson recounts several passengers' tales in vivid detail, and clearly went to some trouble to gather stories about victims as well as survivors, so one is not sure when reading if a given personage will be spared or not in the inevitable tragedy, adding to the suspense of the narrative. A very engrossing read which I recommend to all.

S.A.S. Survival Handbook

Thank you very much, Mark, for this wonderful Christmas present! I had read about this some time ago as being the "definitive guide" to wilderness survival, a topic of great interest to me. This book is fantastic - based on a lifetime serving in the Special Air Service (SAS), an elite British army unit, Wiseman packs this invaluable book full of comprehensive, clear, practical information about building shelter, finding food and water, and staying safe and healthy in all emergency scenarios and situations. The diagrams are very clear, and his writing style is quaint. Very enjoyable to read, and who knows, one day it could save your life!!

On a related note, check out the CDC's fun and educational illustrated narrative on emergency preparedness, zombie style.

Heart of Darkness

This classic from Joseph Conrad is actually a really, really short read. So, if you've ever wanted to dip your toe into the novels you should have read in high school but never got around to, this one's a good one to start you off.

The story is rather straightforward, so much so that one might argue very little happens-- the true beauty of the novel, however, is in the atmosphere that Conrad creates throughout the book, bringing to life the struggles of the African people, and the darkness that is within everyone.

I thought this book was fantastic, and definitely worth the read. If you're willing to brave a couple of nightmares, pick this sucker up from your local library.

Treasure Island- Will's review

Wow... I must say, this review seems a little outdated for many of those who have had the good sense to read Treasure Island in the golden years of their youth... Or at least, those who read it before I did. But, for those who have not read it yet, fear not! It is a book for those of any age, and (if I may say so myself) this is the reason that it has endured for so long.

The story focuses in on Jim, the son of the innkeepers of the "Admiral Benbow", a pleasant inn not unlike any other. The arrival of one particular sailor, who is rowdy and likes drink too much for his good, is the catalyst to the plot. The man, demanding to be called "Captain", has a past wrapped in secrecy, but deathly fears other seafaring men, and when one such a man comes to deliver a dire message, the captain dies from his weak heart. From there, it's all downhill as Jim finds in the man's trunk a most mysterious chart, which tells of the location of fabulous treasure, on a mysterious island far out to sea. He soon, with the respected Doctor Livesie and the bumbling Mr. Trelawney, sets out upon a voyage for this treasure, where he gets more than he bargained for.

The basic plot may seem trite to anyone familiar with Treasure Hunt stories, but, it should be remembered that this book is the one that spawned all the cheap imitations that have become so much more well known today, and may even claim to be inspiration for the popular series "Pirates of the Caribbean". The original is fantastic, and is a thousand times better than any knockoff you can find. It has my highest praise for its comedic scenes, its sorrowful scenes, and even all the confusing sailing terms in between.

In short, to any who have not read this wonderful book, READ IT! To those who have, I recommend that you re-read it, as it is the kind of book that cannot be fully enjoyed the first time through.

Treasure Island

Just finished reading Treasure Island aloud to the boys. I've read it a half dozen times, and always with fresh pleasure. Stevenson is probably my favorite author - the best storyteller I have ever read, who seems to take immense delight in people, both good and bad. Long John Silver has my vote for most fascinating character in all literature! And the fact that it's all about the sea and sailing is icing on the cake for me!

Moby Dick

I have decided that I need to make mid-way posts, because I will rarely update if I wait until I finish the book.

So, I am about 1/5 through Moby Dick. Despite what Jesse would have you believe, this book rocks! The only fair complaint that could be lobbied is that it is a bit slow. However, the narrator, Ishmael, is very clever and humorous, and it is very interesting to read about Nantucket and whaling.

Definitely a worthwhile read!