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mindtravelagent's reviews
425 reviews
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
3.0
I love Malala's story, but in this book it resonates most when you hear it's really her, in all her authenticity. Otherwise it's like reading a piece in Vanity Fair (not necessarily a bad thing, it's just more polished and journalistic, which I assume is the Christine Lamb influence).
I so admire this strong young woman, as well as her father (and mother and brothers) for believing in the power of raising and educating strong, confident women. True role models and heroes for standing up to bullying in its most extreme form.
I would suggest, however, that we all take time to delve deeper into the complexity of Pakistan, it's people, history, and politics to gain a more robust understanding, something I am personally doing.
I so admire this strong young woman, as well as her father (and mother and brothers) for believing in the power of raising and educating strong, confident women. True role models and heroes for standing up to bullying in its most extreme form.
I would suggest, however, that we all take time to delve deeper into the complexity of Pakistan, it's people, history, and politics to gain a more robust understanding, something I am personally doing.
The Harvey Girls: Women Who Opened the West by Lesley Poling-Kempes
3.0
Have wanted to read this for some time due to my late mom's recommendation. Fascinating story, and shines light on the many women of the West! Bonus is the info about our grandfather, R. Hunter Clarkson, and the Indian Detours, a topic of which I aim to research and pen a book about in future.
A Short History of England by Simon Jenkins
4.0
Nice, easy-to-read, surprisingly thorough overview of English history. Given that history is barely taught in our schools anymore this offers a big picture introduction.
In the Name of God: The True Story of the Fight to Save Children from Faith-Healing Homicide by Cameron Stauth
4.0
Couldn't put this book down because of the author's "whodunit" writing style. I thought it was a pretty balanced presentation. I lend some credence to spiritual healing but also believe in utilizing Western and Eastern medicine. A cautionary tale of having faith so blind it blinds you to everything else, including the health and well-being of loved ones.
Home Sweet Anywhere: How We Sold Our House, Created a New Life, and Saw the World by Lynne Martin
3.0
Us Conductors by Sean Michaels
4.0
I don't read much fiction these days, but this one was rather enjoyable, mainly because the author pens fantastic prose and has some really unique and delicious turns of phrase.
The author notes that this is a very liberal mashup of fact and utter fiction about the fascinating life of Léon Theremin (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9on_Theremin), but like a "gateway drug," this book has encouraged me to explore his life in more detail and re-watch my copy of " Theremin - An Electronic Odyssey."
The author notes that this is a very liberal mashup of fact and utter fiction about the fascinating life of Léon Theremin (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9on_Theremin), but like a "gateway drug," this book has encouraged me to explore his life in more detail and re-watch my copy of " Theremin - An Electronic Odyssey."
Counterculture Through the Ages: From Abraham to Acid House by Ken Goffman, Dan Joy
4.0
I finally got around to reading this. Highly entertaining read and a great overarching view of counterculture through the ages. Turned me on to a few I didn't know much about. Would also make a fun textbook for a class on the subject that I might teach one of these days...
Queen of the Oddballs: And Other True Stories from a Life Unaccording to Plan by Hillary Carlip
4.0
I really enjoyed this read as she's the same age as I, as evidenced by her interesting use of timelines prefacing each chapter. I always like a book that celebrates oddballs, as we all need support and to stick together. My only disappointment is that it felt as if she was rushing to the ending. The beginning and middle of the book felt well fleshed out, but the end felt a bit barebones.
She's crossed paths, been friends with, and worked with numerous well-known folks, which you'll discover in the book.
Bonus was reading about her experience of being on and winning "The Gong Show." Reading about that experience unlocked a wealth of rich memories for me as a "tween" in Coral Gables, FL in 75/76, the stories of which I want to add to my own book!
A fun read, with lots of guffaw moments.
She's crossed paths, been friends with, and worked with numerous well-known folks, which you'll discover in the book.
Bonus was reading about her experience of being on and winning "The Gong Show." Reading about that experience unlocked a wealth of rich memories for me as a "tween" in Coral Gables, FL in 75/76, the stories of which I want to add to my own book!
A fun read, with lots of guffaw moments.