The first frontier for America was not the “wild west but the sea,” according to director of Egan Institute of Maritime Studies author Nathaniel Philbrick. In his highly-acclaimed book, ‘Sea of Glory: America’s Voyage of Discovery, the U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842,’ the writer brings to life the intricacies and incidents of one of the most ardent voyages of the nineteenth century. The story is wonderfully filled out with a cast of extremely interesting characters; crewmen, officers, scientists, mapmakers, botanists, biologists and geologists. The man in charge was Lieutenant Charles Wilson, a fledgling commander and a rashly self-assertive individual. The intention of the sea trek was to survey the Pacific Ocean from Pole to Pole and install the American flag throughout the area. Several of the ships involved in the venture returned home laden with an enormous accumulation of new specimens—many of these were to become the foundation of the famous Smithsonian Institute’s scientific holdings. This book does more then just document the journey, it also relates the day-to-day difficulties of managing and dealing with a multitude of personalities, prejudices and problems. It is a great read and gives one an amazing insight into the adventure quests of our recent past.
Author James Patterson is for the most part best known for his fictional writing. ‘Against Medical Advice: A True Story of One Family’s Struggle With an Agonizing Medical Mystery,’ however, is a book that he has co-authored with Hal Friedman. It is the devastating and disturbing documentation of a family’s courage and conviction in the face of an overwhelming affliction. This is a timely and inspiring book.
Jane Austen fans will enjoy author Lynn Shepherd’s novel, ‘Murder at Mansfield Park.’ The story blends actual Austen writing ingredients, many of her original characters and some of the actual events from her novel. Shepherd gives everything a definitely new spin though. This is still at its heart a mystery novel with aspects of passion, murder and trickery. New literary life created with links to a wonderful old classic!
‘The Postmistress’ by Sarah Blake is a tale spun between the horrors and vulnerabilities of war-torn 1940s Europe and semi-rural America where most people are still carrying on their lives much as usual. The story chronicles the private misery of two very different women and a shared secret that will devastate another woman’s life. This a stunning novel and beautifully illustrates the frailty of relationships and life.
Young Adult Pick: ‘The Raven Boys’ by Maggie Stiefvater.
DVD Pick: ‘Immortals’ starring Henry Cavil, Freida Pinto and Mickey Rourke—mythological adventure—an impressive tale of revenge and fate.
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