“The Stowaway,” then, is like an intriguing photo album brought out from the bottom drawer: If the gaps between images sometimes frustrate, the granular detail can fascinate. It shows us who we are, and what we’re trying to escape.
A believable account of elite operators working outside traditional government parameters to track international villains.
Over the course of the trek, Benanav becomes a contributing member of their party rather than an outside observer. His closeness with the family takes the book beyond the anthropological.
Many of its lessons reach far beyond the realm of golf, however, highlighting the importance of purposeful focus, the dangers of perfectionism, and the joy that can come from seeking improvement. A fine teaching tool that offers advice for getting through a golf game—and through life.
Previously published in England, the book may have greater resonance with those more familiar with the birds, organizations, and conservation efforts there, but the core message of this delightful book will appeal to birders everywhere.
The plot develops slowly, and as a result, the romantic tension between Fletcher and Haley isn’t always as strong as it could have been. Overall, however, this is an uncomplicated and pleasantly agreeable tale.
Gibson blends emotional and comic details without turning farcical or melodramatic, showing subtlety and finesse in her storytelling and characterization. A perfect balance of heat, humor, quirkiness, and refinement.
...Miranda can stand up to people she respects but lets mean-spirited gossips get to her. An intriguing island mystery, a lively set of secondary characters...Like its main character, the book triumphs despite some cracks.
The plot is also well-paced, and Olsen keeps the twists coming...A thriller that offers a good read for a week at the beach.
Jam-packed with thoughtful lore and adventure, this book can be enjoyed by those who aren’t hunting or fishing folk, but those who participate are the primary audience.
Beautiful descriptions of the natural surroundings in Tanzania and the importance of spending time in nature weave their ways throughout the narrative. An absorbing tale of the profundity of the human-chimp bond and how it can inform interactions among humans.
Tori is less well-developed and her motivations are confusing at times, but Will’s sweet efforts to change and sexy pursuit of her body and her heart make up for it.
Wrestling with what it means to be black, determining his own responsibility and capacity to respond to injustice, and becoming the “kindest, gentlest, smartest, lovingest, version” of himself takes center stage in this retelling of the early part of his life. Like the author’s unstoppable sky hook, this timely book is a clear score.
“Silence” may not be groundbreaking, but it still offers thoughtful meditations on the importance of “pausing to breathe deeply, shut out the world and use the time to experience ourselves.”
Maddox’s investigation lacks the dazzling heft of John McPhee’s Annals of the Former World (1998), but it makes for a gentle introduction to early modern natural history, one of the last eras in which a gentleman (or gentlewoman) scholar might ever hope to have a solid grasp of every branch of science.
In his introduction Sisman says that the letters are written in a “free-flowing prose that is easier and more entertaining to read” than that of Fermor’s travel books, which is true up to a point. The books are so original they take some getting used to.
A vibrant, creative, youthful yarn about personal freedom and self-discovery played out against an American West backdrop.
This is a collection of essays from college sports historians on several interesting moments in sports. You'll learn some things along the way, but the writing and subject matter is a little uneven. So be prepared to skim a little as you go through it.
Author David A. Goldstein takes a good-sized look at the life of African Americans who come to Israel for a career in basketball - and who often find a whole new life. This may be more information than some are looking for, but those who are interested in the subject will find the book has rewards.
Bernard King overcame some severe challenges to become a basketball Hall of Famer, and he opens up about his career and life here. It's an interesting story, although some interesting parts are skipped over at time. Still, fans of him and his era will like this.