This is an intelligent version of the movie franchise Taken. Yigal Zur takes you behind the curtain of transnational crime and places you alongside DoThis is an intelligent version of the movie franchise Taken. Yigal Zur takes you behind the curtain of transnational crime and places you alongside Dotan Naor (an Israeli private investigator who use to work for Shin Bet) as he tries to find Eden, a 12-year old girl who has disappeared in Thailand. What follows is a 'mosaic' of corruption that includes members of Eden's own family and organized crime. Dotan soon finds himself in a labyrinth of greed and deception - and there are those who never want him to find a way out. Highest recommendation. ...more
One word comes to mind the more I learn about James Baldwin (JB): uncompromising! JB knew who he was - and he knew that he was not going to change to One word comes to mind the more I learn about James Baldwin (JB): uncompromising! JB knew who he was - and he knew that he was not going to change to accommodate anyone! I admire the way he just left for France: he knew he had to leave America to get in touch with himself, a bold step that so few of us take. Great first book on JB! ...more
Pictures taken from a helicopter of beaches all over the world. I was struck by the geometric unity of so many of the beach umbrellas: almost looked aPictures taken from a helicopter of beaches all over the world. I was struck by the geometric unity of so many of the beach umbrellas: almost looked as if you were looking inside a body and the people and umbrellas were different cells. Would love to visit some of the beaches in this book - just have to keep playing the lottery! ...more
Pictures from all over the world of people reading; really made a connection with this book - as I suspect anyone on this site would make - how readinPictures from all over the world of people reading; really made a connection with this book - as I suspect anyone on this site would make - how reading connects people - almost a bridge that allows us to cross over into another culture and learn more about our collective humanity. I think this book will appeal to all my GR friends. ...more
Really like this concept; a book for children that looks at one country and gives you facts and history about it. We (Americans) know so very little aReally like this concept; a book for children that looks at one country and gives you facts and history about it. We (Americans) know so very little about other countries; I still find it amazing that many US ambassadors do not speak the language of the country they are ambassador too - but I digress. Wonderful first book on this historically important country. ...more
Now I want to go to Japan even more! I would strongly suggest you read this book if you are going on a trip to Japan; if you read it the year before yNow I want to go to Japan even more! I would strongly suggest you read this book if you are going on a trip to Japan; if you read it the year before you go I think that you will find it very helpful in your attempt to 'acclimatize' to Japanese culture. Everything from food to fashion is covered in this book. Great street view of what is happening in Japan. ...more
Comic that the state of Wyoming put out to attract tourist in 1954. All of the places you can go and things you can see are outlined here. Made me wanComic that the state of Wyoming put out to attract tourist in 1954. All of the places you can go and things you can see are outlined here. Made me want to go! I really think that comics like this are little 'windows' to the past that can tell us where we have been; I am always looking for comics like this to get a feel about what was going on back then....more
More from Mark Slackmeyer and the gang. A look back on the chaos that was the early '70's; a generation of young people going from flower power to WatMore from Mark Slackmeyer and the gang. A look back on the chaos that was the early '70's; a generation of young people going from flower power to Watergate; a war that seemed to canabalize young men without end; women demanding equality here and now. A fantastic 'snapshot' of that tumultuous time!...more
Join Mark Slackmeyer (great name) and Michael J. Doonesbury as they go 'On the Road' in a very 'Easy Rider' way to try to find American. In Nixonian tJoin Mark Slackmeyer (great name) and Michael J. Doonesbury as they go 'On the Road' in a very 'Easy Rider' way to try to find American. In Nixonian times that is hard to do; our boys soon find out that things are not always as they seem. Great 'time capsule' book that is (strangely) still relevant today....more
One of the best GN I have read this year. A wonderfully fanciful examination on sapiens and how we came to be where we are today. This GN adaptation oOne of the best GN I have read this year. A wonderfully fanciful examination on sapiens and how we came to be where we are today. This GN adaptation of the ground breaking book by Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a trek back in time to discover how we became the dominant species on the earth. Adapted with many clever interpretations; rare combination of a fun and informative read! ...more
Nice first biography of President Biden. I think it is very important to get young children interested in politics - it is not going to get any easierNice first biography of President Biden. I think it is very important to get young children interested in politics - it is not going to get any easier trying to get balanced information on candidates in the future. I also believe that the next generation of voters is going to make some of the most important decisions any generation has ever been asked to make. Books like this will get them thinking....more
From all over the world our ancestors have been like seeds planted in the garden that is America. We all have to share this garden with each other; onFrom all over the world our ancestors have been like seeds planted in the garden that is America. We all have to share this garden with each other; only by sharing can we all grow strong. This book introduces young children to how we all must tend this garden to continue to grow together....more
Do you remember the cars in your life? The cars of your childhood, your first car, the car that took you to your job in your 30's? Michael Holroyd doeDo you remember the cars in your life? The cars of your childhood, your first car, the car that took you to your job in your 30's? Michael Holroyd does a wonderful job of looking at the cars we have traveled in - and how our memories are linked to them. Sure to bring back lots of memories of your own cars....more
Wonderful memoir! Ray has a way of connecting with the reader; his thoughts and concerns reflect what we were all going through at the same time. If yWonderful memoir! Ray has a way of connecting with the reader; his thoughts and concerns reflect what we were all going through at the same time. If you like the work of Guy Delisle then you will enjoy this funny and heartwarming look at the best/worst of times we have just finished collectively getting through....more
Wonderful book on Ida Pfeiffer - the first woman to travel around the world alone. At the age of 44 (after her two sons had grown up) Ida decided to gWonderful book on Ida Pfeiffer - the first woman to travel around the world alone. At the age of 44 (after her two sons had grown up) Ida decided to go on that adventure she had been dreaming of ever since she was a little girl. Wonderful story about never giving up on your dreams - beautiful art. ...more
456 Spanish boys and girls were put on a ship to Mexico in 1937 to escape the Spanish civil war - many would never return. This haunting tale reveals 456 Spanish boys and girls were put on a ship to Mexico in 1937 to escape the Spanish civil war - many would never return. This haunting tale reveals the true cost of war - so often paid by those who had no role or voice in the matter. We are seeing this happen all over the world today - so many children displaced by war - I guess we will never learn. ...more
Beautiful art paired with inspirational quotes from John Muir. I don't think I have ever read anyone who was more in touch with nature than John Muir.Beautiful art paired with inspirational quotes from John Muir. I don't think I have ever read anyone who was more in touch with nature than John Muir. His descriptions of the sights he sees are deeply poetic and transporting; you feel as if you have been to the places he describes. ...more
Very balanced introduction to this very important politician. No matter what you think of her politics there is no denying the impact Hillary Clinton Very balanced introduction to this very important politician. No matter what you think of her politics there is no denying the impact Hillary Clinton has had on America. I have to say that she is one of the most polarizing political figures I have ever come across; I have friends who really like her and friends who really hate her. I find this very puzzling - think it may have to do with issues outside of politics to some degree. ...more
Having finished all three of the books written by Aldo I have to say this is my favorite. The amount of detail he packs into this book is truly amazinHaving finished all three of the books written by Aldo I have to say this is my favorite. The amount of detail he packs into this book is truly amazing! So often when you read a book about traveling in another country it is the 'rose colored glasses' version; everything is going to be fine - just go have a good time. Aldo never shies away from giving you the real deal - like a friend who is giving you pointers before you find yourself in a bad situation. Topics covered include everything (rent, food, transportation, red light districts, law against saying bad things about the monarchy, etc.) and all the information is provided with a dash of humor. If you know of anyone going to Bangkok buy them this book as a going away gift 6 months before they leave - highest recommendation....more
For the young soccer player in your life - help then set their 'goal' of excellence with this book! It is amazing to me how much soccer has grown in AFor the young soccer player in your life - help then set their 'goal' of excellence with this book! It is amazing to me how much soccer has grown in America; I can remember only one family from Costa Rica in my neighborhood kicking a soccer ball around when I was growing up! Now soccer is played at parks around my house every weekend! ...more