Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process –by John McPhee

Nonfiction / Essays

209 pages / 3095 KB

5 Stars

Disclaimer: I have never, ever, read a book by McPhee that did not hold me enthralled. This book is no exception.

If you don't know his writing, McPhee writes nonfiction on a variety of subjects ranging from oranges to the merchant marine to the geology of the USA. (BTW, some of my geology friends who read his book, Annals of the Former World, say that by the time he finished his research he was a better geologist than some of the geologists he quoted. They know. They took classes from some of those same geologists.)

Draft No. 4 is a collection of essays on the process of writing—John McPhee style. It is not necessarily a How To Write book as it is a book on the process he uses. Processes any writer of any genre can use in their chosen craft.

If you fancy yourself a writer, you need this book. If you are a wannabe writer, you need this book, if you enjoy reading a good book—well, this book will help you understand what the author went through to produce that book for your enjoyment!

real sofistikashun: essays on poetry and craft –by Tony Hoagland

Nonfiction / Essays

224 pages

5 Stars

I can't think of anything I enjoy more than reading a good poem unless it's reading a good essay, and in this book, I had the best of both worlds. It was not easy forcing myself to read one essay at a time, rather than to read the book cover to cover. 

Hoagland's book talks about modern poetry in an easy-to-understand and accessible manner; he discusses many of the current poets, and how and why they write as they do. 

If you're a poet, there are jewels of great value to be mined in real sofistikashun, if you're a reader of poetry, this book will become necessary to your bedside table. (If you put it on the shelf, it may not be as readily available as you will want.)

Buy this book! Read this book! You will not be sorry.

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End –by Atul Gawande

Nonfiction

297 pages / 1370 KB

5 Stars

For me, one of the greatest things about this book is Dr. Gawande did not go into lengths of spirituality. For those of faith, this might be disconcerting; for the rest of us, it was a welcome departure. That's not to say he is against the spiritual aspects people may have, that is to say, he left that topic alone for each to think on as they choose. Instead, he gave me information needed for me to grow older, what to expect when/if I become debilitated, and the importance of an MD who if not a specialist in Geriatrics at least has a passing understanding of the fact that us older farts and fartesses have different needs and reactions to medications than we had a couple years ago.

If dying is a topic of interest (after all, we're each going to), whether you need information, relief from fear, or are just curious about it, I heartily recommend this book. If you are faced with the prospect of caring for aging or ill parents, family, or friends, this book should be a necessary read.

Several years ago, I read How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter by Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland. I found Being Mortal a perfect companion piece to Dr. Nuland's Book. The same subject only from a different perspective.

Patriarchy Blues --by Rena Priest

Nonfiction / Poetry

62 pages

5 Stars

These poems are commentaries on our society. They are accessible, and will give the reader something to think about. Kind of like a tough, but flavorful steak – ya gotta chew on it a bit to get the full benefit.

Definitely recommend this book.

House Made of Dawn --N. Scott Momaday

Fiction / Native American

212 pages

5 Stars

If you have ever wondered what it would be to grow up in two cultures that had little in common, this is the book to read. Abel was such a young man. Native American raised in the old ways, and also raised in the culture of the dominant white man. How does one survive? How does one choose? What happens as he decides?

This is Momaday's first novel, and it is obvious, beautifully so, that he was a poet before a novelist. What a marvelous gift to us!

In the Presence of the Sun - N. Scott Momaday

Fiction / Stories & Poetry

169 pages /4898 KB

5 Stars

This is a marvelous collection of Momaday's stories, poetry, and art. He draws on his Kiowa heritage and paints gorgeous, gentle, and dignified word pictures for us. His artwork adds to the inspiration. A most beautiful book.

Japanese Death Poems – by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the verge of death

Nonfiction / Poetry

354 pages / 5446 KB

5 Stars

I am a very informal "student" of Japan, and dearly love the poetry I've read. I know that composing a poem on one's deathbed is "expected" and that many of the poems are quite beautiful.

Although most of the poems are short, this is not a book to hurry through. It is a book to read, contemplate on what you read and what the poet meant, then read more and repeat the process. 

These poems give insight into a culture different than mine, and are, as one reviewer said, "profoundly moving."

I hope, when I die, I can go out with such peace, such grace, and a poem worthy of inclusion in someone's book.

The Boy Who Made Dragonfly a Zuni Myth Retold – by Toni Hillerman

Fiction / Myth

89 pages / 3487 KB

5 Stars

Being new to the Southwest, I began reading some of the local histories and came upon this little book. Well, I need to know some of the local mythologies, too. I'm so glad I picked it up and read it.

It is a delightful story of creation, as Hillerman said on the back cover, in the white culture, it would be considered a "bible story."

Draught comes upon the land and the people leave their village, inadvertently leaving two children and an old woman behind. The boy becomes the hero, saving both his smaller sister, and the old hermit grandmother he at first didn't know was also left. 

The boy made dragonfly, and in the process also a delightful story, made more so by Hillerman's retelling of it. This is a book for your library, your child's library, your grandmother's library. Frankly, I think it's the best book Hillerman wrote, or at least that I've read.

Ararat –by Louise Glück

Nonfiction / Poetry

68 pages

5 Stars

May I double the star rating? Make it an even 10 stars? Yes, the book is that good.

The poems are serious, thought-provoking, contain pain, but also shards of piercing sunlight. The sunlight is needed to see more clearly into the shadows.

This is a book about family, about loss, about beauty, about memory.

My introduction to Ms. Glück, and by far not the only book of hers I will read and enjoy.

Women v. Religion: The Case Against Faith -- and for Freedom, ed. Karen L. Garst, PhD

Nonfiction /Essays

224 pages / 1003 KB

5 Stars

This is a collection of 13 essays about women who have left patriarchal religion and how leaving their religious affiliations affected them.

For those who use the church as their primary social outlet, it will be harder to leave unless they have built up a secular support group, as they will probably either be hounded to come back or shunned for thinking on their own and making their own decisions.

It's amazing what happens when women finally realize that their church, their religion, is used primarily as a tool to dominate women and children. It's really good for the man, for the woman not so much. And how we, as women raised in a culture where the dominant religion has carried through since the bronze age, have been taught since we were wee little ones what our place is, and what our role is, and woe unto any of us who decides to use our brain and think on our own! 

If you as woman are tired of being blamed for all the ills of men, I highly recommend this book. When a man can't keep his pants zipped, it's the woman's fault. All because of a bronze age war god who hated women then, and hates them still.

The essays are written by women who are recovering Christians, Jews, and Muslims. One is by a trans, and one by an atheist minister! Some of these essays will make you angry, some will make you sad, and scattered throughout are snippets of humor to make you laugh. All will give you grist to chew on and think about. If you are still subjugating yourself to a male god (and a male human), I strongly recommend you read this book. 

The Medici Letters (Dr. Fox Marshal Thriller) --by Jeff D. Copeland

Fiction / Historical Thriller

486 pages / 4053 KB

5 Stars

A Page Burner

I've actually read this book a couple of times, and even though I knew what was going to happen the second time through, I was spellbound. I had to read it. I couldn't put it down. 

The characters in this novel are believable, from the evil ones to the truly good ones. There were places I wanted to cry and a place or two I actually did. There were also places I laughed out loud!

If you enjoy car races, train rides, old planes, fascinating architecture, and an Indiana Jones kinda story (only better), you'll like Dr. Fox Marshal. Honest. Trust me.

My biggest (and only) complaint in the whole book was The End. I wasn't ready. I wanted it to continue on for a few more chapters. I hope Book 2 comes soon.

Shallow-Rooted Heart --by Gregory Louis Candela

Nonfiction / poetry

106 pages

5 Stars

No matter what we read, no matter what was written, we each bring our own stories to the book. When you read these poems, you will get a double treat. First will be the gorgeous imagery Candela evokes with his words, then will come your own memories, images from your own life. 

This is a book to be read again and again, each poem rich as a Death by Chocolate cake, to be slowly savored, and with no calories. Though I promise, once you read this book, your mind will be stretched in delightful new ways and will never shrink to it pre-reading state. 

Black Diamond Fall --by Joseph Olshan

Fiction / police procedural

411 pages

5 Stars

I must state up front that I read an ARC so my copy may be a smidge different than yours.

My biggest complaint was the lack of chapter numbers. I don't know why this bothered me, but I would have liked to have chapter numbers with the current titles used as epigraphs. 

The story is told in many POVs, all in first person. I had no problem with that, but if you aren't used to reading that style, you may have a slight learning curve. Had I started reading earlier in the day, it would have been a one sit read.

Luc Flanders is playing hockey on a frozen pond in modern-day Vermont, when the game is over and he's nearly home, he realizes his necklace has broken and he has lost a ring that means everything to him. He goes back to look for it and is never seen again.

As the police interview everyone who might have information to impart, we meet many people from guys who sell steroids to ex-girlfriends to parents, and of course, Sam Solomon, Luc's (secret) lover. 

Although this is a mystery I did not find it an adrenaline gusher; it is also a love story. More than once I cried with Sam, more than once I hurt with Luc's mother. 

I understand this is based on a couple of true stories – the disappearance of a student during winter break at Middlebury College; and the vandalism of the Robert Frost Homestead. This book is well written, worth my time to read, and I heartily recommend it.

The Way to Rainy Mountain --by N. Scott Momaday

Nonfiction / History, Myth, Memoir, Prose Poems

89 pages / 846 KB

5 Stars

I'm not all that sure how to categorize this book, other than Beautiful. Each numbered section is in three parts—History, Myth, Memoir. It tells the search Momaday undertook to find his roots (Kiowa), to reconnect to the land, the people, his family.

A fast reader, I thought I'd have this book devoured in a relatively short time. It took several nights; because I would read a bit, then have to think about what I'd read. Not just the words, but also the artistic way they were placed next to each other and on the page as a whole.

When I finished the book, I realized I had learned a great deal. What a beautiful way to get an education!

From the Ashes (Ravenwood Mysteries Book 1) –by Sabrina Flynn

Fiction / Detective  / Historical

270 pages / 6397 KB

5 Stars

What a fun read! Turn of the century (1899) San Francisco. Atticus Riot returns from a long absence and wants only to stay retired and lick his wounds. Life has other plans for him, and he once again finds himself embroiled in a mystery as an unwilling detective, striving to find the missing wife/heiress before her kidnappers kill her.

Ms Flynn has done a remarkable job of creating the fog-drenched city and time of the era. The tale is told in different times, so pay attention to the chapter headings, when shown. I rather enjoyed her taking us fore and aft along the time continuum. 

I enjoyed the characters, and look forward to meeting them in future books (I believe there are currently 4 in publication). Yes, I solved part of it before the ending. Note, I said PART of it. The fun in mysteries is trying to figure out the who and the why, and then reading through to the end to see if I was correct. I give myself a C on that one. ;-)

I became very engrossed in the story, therefore, in my book; it is a perfect piece of fiction. The ending was satisfactory, albeit too soon. I really wanted to stay and play with the characters a bit longer. Escapism at it's best!

Bless Me, Ultima --by Rudolfo Anaya

Fiction / Coming of age / Magical Realism

276 pages / 1161 KB

5 Stars

Having recently moved to Albuquerque NM, and searching for books by local authors, I came across Bless Me, Ultima. Oh, what a warm and marvelous welcome to my new home!

Knowledge of some Spanish would be helpful, but not necessary, though the next time I read the book (oh, believe me, there will be a next time!) I will take the time to look up the words I couldn't figure out.

When Antonio is 6, the curandera who delivered him comes to live with his family. She has a special fondness for Antonio and takes him with her when she goes out to gather her herbs and medicines. She teaches him the proper way to harvest them, to talk to the plants, explain why he is taking a part of them.

His mother is a Luna, her people till the land; his father is a Marez, his people were free to ride the plains. Mama wants Antonio to become a Priest; Papa wants him to become a man of freedom. Antonio struggles to become Antonio.

I think this is one of, if not the, best coming of age I've read. I highly recommend the book. The writing is marvelous, the story compelling. An insight into a culture in the process of changing. 

The Snow Child: A Novel --by Eowin Ivey

Fiction 

404 pages / 1154 KB

5 Stars

Eowyn (pronounced A-o-win) Ivey, is one of my new favorite authors! She has taken an old fairy tale, which I remember reading as a child, and retold it in 1920s Alaska, and retold it beautifully.

Jack and Mable are an older couple, have suffered horrendous loss, and decide to homestead in the wilds of Alaska. She thought they would do it together, he decided she would take care of the cabin, he the hard stuff. She contemplates suicide. They barely spoke and one night it snowed, and they were outside and had a spontaneous snowball fight, they laughed, they hugged, they built a snow girl. 

The next morning, the snow girl was demolished and the knit mittens and scarf were missing.

Mabel's idea of partnership was hard won. Slowly, laughter came back to their lives, and a strange, snowgirl brought them new love in handmade birch baskets.

This is a magical, enchanting book, and one of the most beautiful ones I've read in some time. I vaguely remember I didn't care for the fairy tale as I read it, but I absolutely love this book. Huzzah! to Ms. Ivey!!

Hispanic Albuquerque, 1706-1846 --by Marc Simmons

Nonfiction / History 

164 pages

5 Stars

As a history buff, and new to Albuquerque, I asked the locals for some recommendations to get a bit of flavor of my new home. Marc Simmons's books were highly recommended, and this book in particular.

I enjoy reading a history that is, to my way of thinking, interestingly told, and not just "fact, date, fact, date." I had enough of the latter in school. Mr. Simmons gets extra points for not using endnotes. He also did not use footnotes. The book was as smooth a read as good fiction!

This is not a whitewash of how good the Spanish were, or how uncivilized the locals were. When two cultures meet there is bound to be disagreement between them. 

I do admit to wishing the book was longer, and perhaps even with footnotes. It is indexed and has a list of books at the end for further reading. Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of Spanish Colonial times in New Mexico!

Paper Mage --by Leah R. Cutter

Fiction / Historical / Fantasy

329 pages / 827 KB

5 Stars

Back in 2003 or so, I attended a Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention and had the privilege of meeting Leah Cutter and talking with her for a few minutes. We both had an interest in Ancient China, and she told me about her new book, Paper Mage. I bought it. I read it. I loved it. I kept it.

The other day, I was in the mood to read something different, saw her book on my shelf, and remembered how much I enjoyed it years ago, and then realized I couldn't remember how it ended. So I picked it up to read again. Fortunately, I live alone, and if I spend time reading instead of cleaning, cooking, sewing, or any of the other mundane things one must do, no one cares! Had I picked it up earlier in the day, it would have been a one-sit read. Again.

Xiao Yen is the protégé of her aunt, Wang Tie-Tie, whether she wants to be or not. Wang Tie-Tie is a bit unusual in that when she became a widow and had no men to look after her, she became head of the house and ran the business. She made all decisions regarding the family, and when a Paper Mage came to town to start a school, she sent her youngest niece to learn. It isn't that Auntie was being generous, it was that Auntie had an ulterior motive.

Xian Yen must learn to fit in, or at least accept, her world as different from what girls are brought up to believe and is traditional. She must work in the male world of magery. She is, more or less accepted at school, but when she graduates and goes out on her first assignment, she truly comes of age. And begins to understand that luck is not something that is given or taken away, but is something that is made.

If you are not familiar with the culture of the time, you might not realize just how difficult it was for Xiao Yen to be filial and honor her family—Auntie, Mother, Elder Sister—and to also learn she had her own life and was capable of living it.

I had remembered enough of the story to know I loved it once and had forgotten enough of the story to fall in love with it all over again. In fact, the ending was a total surprise to me! 

If you like history, fantasy, and well-told stories, buy this book, read this book, and review this book. It's truly a marvelous read.

New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment –by John Hamilton

Nonfiction / History

48 pages

5 Stars

When you want a lot of knowledge about a subject, without a lot of filler, head for the children's section of the bookstore or library. Books written for kids get right to the good stuff, and don't make us adults work for it.

This book is part of the series published by ABDO Publishing, for all of the States--see their site at: https://abdopublishing.com/shop/show/8948. Children's books are a great way to learn about New Mexico when all one wants are "just the facts" and only the facts. Things I learned on pages 6 and 7—our state bird is the Roadrunner [beep beep], our state flower is the Yucca, and our state tree is the Piñon Pine. 

We all know Tony Hillerman lived here, but did you know that Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, is from Albuquerque? I didn't until I read page 29.

If  you have children, or grandchildren, who enjoy learning, I strongly suggest you consider a book or two. Or, perhaps, if you just want to donate a book (or two) to your local library—these books are high quality, reinforced library bound hardcovers.

New Mexico Myths & Legends: The True Stories Behind History's Mysteries –by Barbara Marriott, PhD

Nonfiction / history

232 pages / 2243 KB

4 Stars

Having just moved to New Mexico, I want to learn a bit about my new home, and thought this would be a good start. It was.

While Dr. Marriott covered a lot of ground, and could only do it superficially in most cases, still, it was ground most of which I knew little to nothing about. I did know about some of them, and it was fun to read and have my knowledge verified.

She covers 15 myths from the days of the conquistadors to modern phenomena, including the alien crash near Roswell, haunted hotels, and a canyon with gold that has been lost to time.

Sweeney --by Robert Julyan

Fiction / modern New Mexico

299 pages / 833 KB

5 Stars

This book was published by the University of New Mexico Press, and while I couldn't find it in the usual places, I did find it in AbeBooks.com, ISBN 10: 082635033X ISBN 13: 9780826350336–if you look in the usual places by author, not title, you'll probably find it. 

When I finally found my local library (about as easy to get to for me as falling off a log!) I asked the librarian for some ideas on local history. This is one of the books recommended, although it is fiction. Librarians are very special people. This book is marvelous!

It is the story of a fictional town, Sweeney, on the high plains of New Mexico, which like many other small towns, is dying. They young people are leaving as soon as they can for the life of the big cities, businesses have closed, people have moved. The die-hards want to bring the town back to life—or die trying. It is a marvelous story about the handful of people who set about performing CPR for this fun town. And I, for one, am glad it's fiction, or I would feel very badly that I moved to Albuquerque instead of Sweeney. (I love Albuquerque, and even finally learned to spell the name, but oh, I really love Sweeney. I think it's the New Mexican version of Camelot.)

In this well-told tale, you will meet Druids, nudists, a naked bull rider named Bare-assed Bob, Indians both real and not, and a whole bunch of the crazy citizens who make up the town. I laughed out loud on several occasions. It kind of reminded me of the movie, M*A*S*H, and the line about the only way to remain sane was to go insane. Well, "Crazy ideas are the only kind that work..." in Sweeney.

For a great fun read, find a copy of this book. I'm looking forward to reading more of his books.

Mao's Last Dancer --by Li Cunxin

Nonfiction / Memoir

500 pages

5 Stars

I tumbled to this story via the movie a few months ago, and when I found the book I couldn't wait to read it. If you, like me, know little of ballet, other than you enjoy watching it, I suggest you watch the movie first. I was able to "see" the pictures in the book much better for having seen the movie first.

This is a story of modern China and Li Cunxin, who was chosen to learn ballet in Madame Mao's school. He was taken from his family, poor peasants barely able to make a living, and thrust into a totally new and different world. Through the tutelage of one of his teachers, he not only developed a love of ballet but dedicated his life to it, becoming one of the premier dancers of our day.

I don't want to tell you what happens, but he is allowed to come to the US to study in Houston TX with the Houston ballet, falls in love, and well, read the book. I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

This is one of the best memoirs I've read. Ever. And I read a lot of memoirs.

Looking for a Ship --by John McPhee

Nonfiction

260 pages / 757 KB

5 Stars

OK, I admit it. I've yet to read anything by McPhee I don't love, and this book is no different. McPhee has the ability to take a subject of which I know absolutely nothing, and really had never thought about it, and write about it in such a manner that I'm amazed I didn't know I needed to know about citrus fruit, or geology, or looking for a ship in the U.S. Merchant Marine.

I knew the Merchant Marine existed and was surprised to learn it's on the decline. Or was in 1990 when this book was published. And also saddened.

McPhee took passage on a ship and sailed with her. He interviewed the crew, and when available, the other passengers. An absolute delight to read this book. I'd like to read a follow-up on the status of our Merchant Marine—I see the US Merchant Marine Academy is still educating accepted applicants, so that says something positive. But, are the graduates finding ships?

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to stow away on a ship and see the world, read this book first.

The Housewife Assassin's Handbook (Housewife Assassin Series, Book 1) –by Josie Brown

Fiction

290 pages / 4762 KB

5 Stars

Ladies, are you a stay-at-home soccer mom with a bit too much time on your hands, and bored with the daily dose of soap operas? Or are you an office worker, who would like to be a stay-at-home mom but can't afford it? If your answer to either question is some form of "Yes" then this book just may offer the solution to your predicament.

This little book is your handbook to free-lance murder and mayhem, and just chock full of helpful tidbits to maintain your dream home in suburbia, never miss your son's baseball game or daughter's recital. Our heroine, Donna Stone, begins each chapter with a household hint and how it fits in with the killing of your next mark. For instance, she explains how carpets and rugs are so important for giving the proper status/design element to your smoothly run home, how to use them to transport the body, and how to clean them so your gossipy neighbors will never know. Oh yes, she also explains how to bury the body so the cadaver dogs won't find it.

Indeed, who knew how funny murder and mayhem could be? If the idea of selling cosmetics door-to-door just doesn't appeal to you, perhaps this book will. Pour a cup of your favorite libation, settle into your favorite chair, and enjoy this book.

Piggy: Four Women Tilting at Windmills: Dames Quixote: Book 3 –by Jane Roop

Fiction / Cozy Mystery

146 Pages

5 Stars

 Once again, Jean Reeves and her three friends encounter a mystery and have only days to solve it, or one of the four wind-mill-tilting women will be destitute. And if Franny "Piggy" Gunderson becomes destitute, how will she afford the flashy clothes and fancy jewelry she is addicted to? Not to mention the boy toys her late husband's investments pay for.

It's nice to read about four women my age who are still alive and kicking and solving mysteries. These women are believable, and indeed, they are women I'd be honored to know and have cocktails with. The are proof that life doesn't end with menopause.

Check out my earlier review: http://lenoragood.blogspot.com/search?q=jane+roop