Louren itibaren São Mateus - ES, Бразил itibaren São Mateus - ES, Бразил

The author writes about her time spent on a Chinese boat from Shanghai to Galveston, Texas as an English teacher in 1991. Since it was so long ago, maybe she had to rely on her journals, so there was some depth missing in her stories. Some of the book touches on her confusion about her sexuality. She leaves behind a long-term boyfriend to go on this voyage, but during this journey she questions whether she wants to remain with the boyfriend or not, and her longing for a relationship with a woman. This book was interesting but closer to average than outstanding.

This book is about the abortive trans-Antarctic expedition led by Ernest Shackleton between 1914-16. Alfred Lansing has written a well-researched account of the journey and the subsequent epic survival of all the men against all odds once the ship sinks deep in the Weddel sea. Shackeleton shows extraordinary leadership and courage in attempting an impossible 800-mile journey in the roughest oceans on a 22-foot boat to reach South Georgia island with five of his fellow men. In this, he is assisted by the tremendous navigating skills of Frank Worseley. Once safe, they go back to Elephant island to rescue the remainder of the crew. I have reviewed elsewhere the book of Caroline Alexander on the same subject. Between the two, Dr.Alexander's book is my favorite. Lansing's book contains an incident where one of the crew of Shackeleton is stalked by a sea-leopard while they were on the ice floes and the crew member narrowly escapes as the sea leopard attacks him. However, subsequently, the general conclusion on the incident by experts has been that there is no evidence to support its occurrence. Since I read the book after I read Alexander's brilliant book, I did not find it that appealing. Perhaps, I could have had a different opinion had I perhaps read this one first. If you are going to read one book on the subject, I would however, recommend Caroline Alexander's book rather than this one.

Codi returns home to AZ to teach high school and take care of her father. Alternating perspectives (Codi and her father). Codi's sister (Hallie) goes to Nicaragua to teach sustainable farming and is killed by Contras. The town in Arizona fights against the mines that are polluting their water Codi rethinks here attitudes towards life and love and gains a new perspective. Themes: political issues, biology/nature imagery, family secrets and growth, multi-culturalism I liked this book a lot. The imagery was beautiful and the message in the end was very positive, despite the death of Hallie. The guy back home who wanted Codi so desperately was hilarious and I enjoyed the alternating perspective and knowing more about her history than Codi did at times. There's a great scene where Codi and Hallie (as kids) try to save baby wolves and nearly drown.

Even though this book was over 1000 pages I flew through it, I coudln't put it down. For me it is the perfect mix of architecture, history, and romance. I wish he would write another one quickly!!!