N. Rogers

Definitely NOT Stephen King

Revisado: 01-12-23

I can't believe I finished this! At least it was blessedly short. I kept thinking that it had to get better, but it didn't and ended with no real resolution. The narrator was choppy which was distracting throughout, the characters were stereotyped manikins, and the plot reminded me of the cheesy Horror films of the '50s which were scary to 10 year olds of that period. (Kids today would just laugh at them.) I refer to such film "classics" as Tartantula and Creature From the Black Lagoon.

In addition, there was a lot of gratuitous gore in this novel and far too many totally unconvincing scenarios. I feel embarrassed to admit finishing it, but because I did, I gave it 2 stars rather than 1. Granted, I am not a fan of this genre, but I have occasionally enjoyed a few well crafted offerings such as the recent Stephen King novel, Fairy Tale. I doubt that even the addition of a charming dog would have rescued this book, however. The authors' discussion after it finished was so inane that I finally gave up on it.

My apologies to those readers who enjoyed it. It simply wasn't for me.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Everyone Needs to Know About the Carpathia

Revisado: 01-12-23

5-
I'm surprised that I liked this historical novel so much. I've read several good fiction and nonfiction books on the Titanic, its passengers, and crew. It's an iconic tragedy that most of us find fascinating, as morbid as that sounds. The hubris of man...an "unsinkable" ship that sank less than three hours after a glancing blow to an iceberg, two-thirds of its people dead before the nearest rescue ship could arrive. It's a story of courage and selflessness in some of these as well as of cowardice and blatant self-interest in others. Numerous films, TV specials, and books have documented it.

But this book is like no other I have experienced. It focuses not only on the Titanic itself but especially on Carpathia, the rescue ship that pulled traumatized survivors from life boats hours after they had watched their ship, and so many so many left behind, sink from view in the frigid north Atlantic. There were many true heroes aboard the Carpathia, passengers and crew alike, who risked their lives racing to the doomed liner through dark, iceberg-filled ocean, desperately seeking to save strangers from the foundering ship. Setting this humanitarian tone and using his impressive skills was Captain Arthur Rostron.

Of course I knew that it was the Carpathia that had first arrived in response to Titanic's frantic distress call just after midnight on April 15, 1912, but that is about all I knew of her. This is the truly dramatic, inspiring part of the story that is far too often neglected in accounts. Rebecca Connolly created this novel to correct an egregious historical oversight. I found her novel mesmerizing, written as historical fiction but based tightly on documented events, using actual names of those involved.

After the novel itself has ended, readers are told the fates of many of these people; fictional elements are highlighted and explained. I so appreciate an author who does this. It adds immeasurably to my appreciation of any historical novel. I'm not at all certain that I should have amended my 5 star rating of this book with that tiny minus. Seldom have I come across a novel so inspirational in spite of the tragic elements it relates. The book highlights and celebrates greatness that is sometimes achieved by ordinary human beings who are just "doing their jobs."

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Know Your Dog!

Revisado: 08-26-22

4.5+ rounded to 5 stars
This is an excellent survey of various dog breeds, organized by categories such as Working Dogs, Herding Dogs, etc. Brandon McMillan understands dogs. He trains them and works with owners to help them appreciate the specific animal they are living with. He especially feels called to train and re-home shelter dogs of all kinds, and he is particularly drawn to mixed breeds.

He believes, as I do, that dogs are not furry humans. They have evolved with us for thousands of years; we have influenced each other and impacted the one another's lives profoundly, but we are genetically quite different. Dogs are most definitely NOT wolves, but they are descended from them and thus retain some of their hard wired behaviors. In addition, humans have "designed" dogs through genetic selection to perform specific tasks such as hunting, warning, protection, herding, and companionship. Dogs from distinct breeds retain the genes for the jobs they were bred to do. Some of the characteristics which result are no longer compatible with the lives we humans have come to live, and this can create fatal problems for these dogs.

Humans who adopt dogs have an obligation to understand the heritage of their animals. Fortunately this can be aided by modern DNA tests for mixed breeds and understanding breed standards for purebreds.

We live with 6 adult Belgian Malinois, most of whom come from the DoD Working Dog Breeding Program at Lackland in San Antonio. Ours are wash outs, dogs that we raised and fostered but which do not possess all of the characteristics required of a military or law enforcement canine. Even so, our "maligators" are chock full of hard wired tendencies that make it impossible for them to passively lie on the couch for hours and watch the world go by. They are each unique, but all are intense, active, possessive, highly intelligent, and incredibly athletic creatures. They require far more time, training, and stimulation than any other dog I have lived with. Brandon McMillan describes this breed precisely. We have discovered, as he states in this book, that some of their behavior can never be trained out of them, but it can be managed. Both training and management on on us, the humans.

I totally agree with this author that while individuals within a breed differ, they often share a number of characteristics from their common heritage. Our one mixed breed dog is a wonderful combination of Siberian Husky, American Bulldog, and American Staffordshire Terrier. He loves his home, but given the chance, even at the age of 14, Regal will take off and run like his husky forbearers who pulled sleds for miles. He is incredibly sweet with people, even little kids, and he tolerates a lot from his crazy Malinois siblings...but if they threaten him beyond endurance, his bite is swift and hard. It is always the Malinois that requires veterinary care even though Regal never holds a grudge and is instantly peaceful the moment the perpetrator stops. Understanding his genetic background has helped give all of us the best of lives.

This book can be very helpful to owners of all breeds and mixes. Think about the life you and your family want to have, learn about the various kinds of dogs, and begin with one that has the temperament most compatible. Remember that training and time are required to teach any dog what you need and to finally accept and manage what cannot be changed. This book is not a training manual; it is a survey of the many types of dogs we have developed and, as such, it provides invaluable guidance for understanding your animal, the first step in forming a loving, positive relationship with any dog.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

What a Treasure!

Revisado: 08-16-22

5-
This brief memoir surprised me. I found it engaging and well worth the time it took to listen to the audiobook, flawlessly narrated by Cassandra Campbell. The author openly describes her childhood struggles, later, nearly fatal addictions, and how she had built a new life, strictly structured to avoid a relapse. Like all humans Allison Hilborn-Tatro has failings, but, almost instintively, she takes into her rigid life two neglected orphaned Shih Tzus. These little dogs slowly break down the barriers she has so assiduously built up against the world.

I am a dog person, always have been, so books that portray these amazing creatures as furry humans with unrealistic behaviors and anthropomorphic motives completely revolt me. They are disrespectful to the miracle of what dogs truly are. This author understands dogs, at least as she thaws and allows herself to feel despair and pain along with the joys that life can bring, she does. At its best, the canine/human relationship is symbiotic, a profound learning process for both species. And this is what I felt as I listened to Allison's experience with her dogs--everyone grew and benefitted.

I liked this book a great deal. It is limited in scope, but it delivers its message clearly in simple words through experiences that many of us can identify with. Dogs make us better humans...if we are open to the lessons they teach.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Don't Miss This One!

Revisado: 02-09-22

I am awarding a full-throated 5 stars to this excellent explanation of our immune system, a vital, complex, and imperfectly understood part of us all. This book is not perfect, and there have undoubtedly been new discoveries announced even before the day it was published. But perfect is not required. Philipp Dettmer is clear, repeatedly, that he has simplified the topic and used almost continuous analogy in order to make it possible for the general public to gain a conceptual, useful understanding respect for immunity.

Dettmer himself is not an immunologist, and he refers frequently to his own limited knowledge even after years delving into the subject. As a fellow layman, he is able to explain what is most important for us to know about an incredibly complex subject. He also empathizes with his readers on how difficult it can be to see how all the moving parts of our immune system work together to defend us constantly, and how devastating it can be when things go awry.

The book proceeds logically, explaining the most important and foundational parts of our immune system and how these interlock and "cooperate" to rid our bodies of the harmful pathogens that continually invade us, as well as many cancers that inevitably occur during the process of living. Dettmer takes time to review important concepts and clarify what is vital to know before proceeding to the next step. He admits to extensive use of personification in order to engage readers and amuse them along this complex path, but he often points out that he is doing so and why.

This is a book that medical professionals should read even if they believe they have a thorough understanding of immunity (no one really does, by the way) because it would be helpful in clarifying illnesses to patients and can also encourage compliance with treatments believed to be helpful. Dettmer's main goal is to foster a respect in his readers for the complexity and effectiveness of our immune systems. In doing so, he also tempers our expectations of "cures" and inoculates us against unproven promises and bogus (often dangerous) therapies too often presented to desperate sufferers by a plethora of snake oil salesmen lurking about.

I have always found immunity fascinating. Many years ago I took a college Immunology class and therefore came to this book with some basic rudimentary knowledge of the subject. During the intervening years I have attempted to keep current through reading and paying attention to advances in the subject as they surfaced. Yet, this is by far the best book on the subject that I, as a nonprofessional, have found. I will definitely listen to it again in a week or so, and I obtained the ebook version for reference to promote a more complete understanding. I very seldom do this which demonstrates just how valuable I find this material and Dettmer's presentation of it.

For anyone with even a casual interest in Immunology who is also willing to concentrate a bit, I highly recommend Immune: A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive by Philipp Dettmer. I understand this author has videos on YouTube that are said to be excellent. I will, of course, be checking those out...

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Clearly Written Biography

Revisado: 11-10-21

4+
John of Gaunt was a complex man who excited the passions of his contemporaries. Helen Carr presents a sympathetic narrative of his political and family life. His story is not well known in modern America although he had significant influence of the history of late medieval England. He never became a king himself, but his decedents were some of the most notable monarchs of that nation, making his impact on Western world history greater than commonly appreciated.

My first introduction to John of Gaunt was through his long term scandalous romantic relationship with Katherine Swynford. Helen Carr focuses on the man himself, his loyalties, betrayals, and his burning ambition to become King of Castile. The biography is well researched and clearly written. I found it helpful in untying some of the confusing knots of royal succession from Henry VII through Elizabeth II. I think John himself would be amazed at the accomplishments of his progeny.

This is not a history that everyone would find interesting. The reader has to be something of a history buff. But if I'm ever in England, I plan to look up a jacket that is believed to have belonged to John of Gaunt. It's more than 800 years old! I find that fascinating, as I find the man himself.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Another Excellent Novel in This Series

Revisado: 11-07-21

5-
This is was one of the best in this excellent series of novels. I have read them all, and now sadly I must wait another year for the next one. I enjoy books about dogs, but they must be either authentic or clearly designed to be humorous.

Many mysteries and thrillers about working dogs and their handlers, especially in law enforcement or the military, show little accuracy in what dogs actually can do. The authors are too often ignorant of training methods and the realistic capabilities of these animals. Margaret Mizushima is married to a veterinarian. She often includes the care and repair needed with dogs and other creatures as background. In this novel, she provides a detailed account of a Caesarean birth of puppies, probably using her husband as her research source.

Robo, the German Shepard who partners with a small town deputy sheriff in this series, is always a dog. He and his handler have a very close relationship, but he never becomes "humanized" as so often happens in books about dogs and their people. The methods for training Robo to work are those used by good canine trainers in the real working dog world. This author portrays dogs in her novels respectfully, with authenticity. His handler, Mattie, never forgets either Robo's substantial abilities or his limitations. Working dogs are wonderful, but they need to be treated as the potentially serious animals they are. They are not fuzzy pets, although at times they can act that way.

This is a very good series, with a cast of characters who grow and develop as the novels progress over time. Children become adolescents, and adults gain wisdom from their mistakes. I strongly suggest beginning with the first book and moving sequentially as each novel builds upon the previous ones. However, each one will stand alone if that is what the reader prefers. But, I am committed to this series and to a few others in which the authors create people I care about and want to remain in touch with. Mattie and her dog, Robo, are prime examples.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Loved It!

Revisado: 10-23-21

5-
Even though this isn't a great work of literary fiction or a life-changing piece of art, I awarded it 5 stars. It was such fun to listen to--a wonderful entertaining novel with nuggets of moral questions to consider along the way. I enjoyed Andy Weir's first published novel, The Martian, a great deal (both times I read it) as well as the film adaptation (also watched twice). But I liked this book even more.

The main protagonist and narrator, Ryland Grace, is a more complex character than "Martian" Mark Watney. Grace's history, character, and personality are revealed as the plot shifts forward and back in time. He is a hero but an imperfect one, basically a "nice guy" but one with a few significant weaknesses. Also, where Mark was alone during most of his adventure, Grace has important interactions with others throughout. These varied characters add interest and elements of unexpected humor to the story. Finally, the setting of this deep space odyssey has far more texture than the bleak, dry, dusty Martian terrain. I would love to see this novel produced as a film. It could be glorious if done well!

Most of us will have critical times in our lives when we have to decide if the the lives of significant others matter more our own. In Project Hail Mary several of the characters are faced with this challenge. The choices they make reveal their essence and humanity and cause the reader to examine their own core values. And, of course, there is science, science fiction, and wild imagination enough to satisfy the wonkiest of us.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel! I'm not really a science fiction fan, but Project Hail Mary was one of the few exceptions to my general rule.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Good Place For Cat Owners to Begin

Revisado: 08-24-21

This is a short little Great Courses audiobook (just under 4 and a half hrs.) that is a free offering from Audible for its members. It isn't meant to be a complete book of cat care or an exhaustive discussion of feline behavior and cognition. Instead it is a survey of these topics and would serve as a introduction to cat owners of some of the new research results. It totally debunks the unfortunate common myth that cats are aloof and detached low-maintenance pets perfect for the busy owner.

Cats are complex, sentient beings. Kristyn Vitale, the presenter, wants her listeners to learn that above all else from her personable lectures. For many, this information may be just enough to encourage more sensitivity to their cats' physical and emotional needs. And that is a very good thing! I wish we had been aware of this information all those years ago when we had our first cat.

For other listeners this will awaken their curiosity and encourage further research into their cats' lives, and that is even better. This audiobook can serve as a gateway to a far richer, deeper understanding of this beautiful alien creature they have chosen to live with. And more importantly, their cats will benefit greatly as well.

I strongly recommend that every cat owner listen to this audiobook. The time investment is modest, and the financial cost is nothing for Audible members, modest for everyone else. Not all important areas are covered, but many are...and there are more complete sources easily available to those who wish to learn beyond this.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

More Than I Had Expected!

Revisado: 08-24-21

The Great Courses are almost always very good, sometimes even excellent. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one and learned from it as well. I expected a basic survey of the animal kingdom, a review of my course work and articles I often read on the subject. It did, of course, provide that, but it was so much more.

The presenter, Donald E. Moore III, is not a typical university professor, and therefore the content of these lectures were distinctive. He is a "conservation biologist," so along with the general biological information I had expected, he eagerly shared his knowledge and passion for all animals, the obscure as well has the iconic. In addition, he passionately lobbied for their preservation.

He has been the Director of the Oregon Zoo and the senior science advisor at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. He skillfully shared his wealth of experience of almost 40 years in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and zoo management. Furthermore, each lecture was joined by at least one expert in the topic under discussion. Without exception, these men and women added interest and animation to their topics.

I was amazed at how much I learned about a subject quite familiar to me--animals. I relished each lecture. Dr. Moore has an uncanny knack for explaining complex topics in a way that includes all levels of competence. I found myself wishing that I could present this entire series to my former fifth grade classes. The kids would have been mesmerized, as I had been, in spite of my previous graduate level exposure to this subject. An instructor with that range is truly the master of his field.

I recommend this outstanding audiobook to others with a penchant for learning more about our shared natural world.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas