No comments about Pioneering in Alaska: A true account.

5 comments about Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls: Library Edition.

1. I quite enjoyed "Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls". Leslie obviously did extensive research on his subject, and his thoroughness pays off. Many of the stories are at least vaguely familiar to most, like the real Robinson Crusoe named Alexander Selkirk, and a host of others who shipwrecked, crashed, exiled or simply became lost. Amongst my favorites was the story of Hugh Glass who was vicously mauled by a Grizzly on the American Plains in 1823 and left to die by members of his expedition. Facing incredible odds, not only of surviving the wounds, but also battling starvation, the elements and furocious Indians over huge expenses of land and time to face again those who abandoned him.
   
   The only minor criticism I have is that it tends to be too thorough,and after a few dozen early shipwreck stories you feel relieved when a modern airplane crash changes the pace. All in all, a well written and interesting book.



2. Every story got better than the last. I was a little skeptical of a compilation book of survival stories, but this was very well written. A great collection of true survival stories.



3. This book dissapointed me in so far as I thought it was too academically written. It failed to capture my imagination.



4. I have often wanted to write a thank you note to Mr. Leslie for this wonderful book. It is a touchstone for me. I re-read it once in a while to remind myself of the strength of the human spirit, the determination of character and the resourcefulness of our species. It also gives you something to think about when you think YOU are having problems! I appreciate that Mr. Leslie never assigns any of the successful survivals to the intervention of a devine being. To the contrary, scoundrals seem to fair better at the survival game than those who believe they have somewhere better to go. Certainly a keen interest in your own best interests and a refusal to give up on yourself is a factor in most of these stories. In short, this book is a guide book on survival for anyone who is mortal. Add to all this the fact that Mr. Leslie is a very talented writer and researcher, and you have a book that is a great read and refreshing to your soul. Thanks, Mr. Leslie.



5. This is a gripping account of how castaways and survivors struggle with nature and, sometimes, man. It is a huge book and I agree that the author could have eliminated the last section of the book. Actually, he should have written two books, one of them on the detailed survival of people like Alexander Selkirk and Herman Melville and the other book a short one on modern survivalists.
   
   This is because the last section of the book is a different format than the first much larger section. On the last section, the author provides only brief synopsis of events and facts and most of them are WWII related nature-related survivals. I would have suggested that he expand one of two of the stories and save the others for another book.
   
   However, what I enjoyed most about this book is the author's writing. He often used a turn of phrase that was unique, humorous and subtle. Don't get me wrong - the book is not humorous but the author has inserted a comment or phrase periodically that summed up someone's plight or segued into their next calamity. I found it very enjoyable and would mark the pages because I enjoyed that writing so much.
   
   I enjoy this genre and know that well written books in this genre are a rarity so I gave this book 5 stars. Whether you like this genre or not, you will enjoy this book!

No comments about Jane's Texas.

4 comments about The Nail That Sticks Up: An American Woman in Asia and Africa.

1. As a woman of color, I expected to be offended by Nancy Duncan's book, The Nail That Sticks Up. I expected it to be another story of how an enthusiastic, dedicated teacher rescued some third world students from tribalism and ignorance through sheer force of personality and good intentions. To my surprise, the book exposes the reader to the lessons the teacher learned. Told without the least trace of condescension, this memoir-travelogue leaves the reader wiser and happier. It is full of remarkable people, singular destinations, and wonderful descriptions. Its tone is ironic and witty and there are many places where you can't help but laugh out loud or sigh with frustration. This book is so good, my only question is, when will it be optioned for a movie. It's got it going on--beautiful, fearless blonde on an adventure trek. Pamela Anderson is too old to play the part, but let's not rule out Blanchette.



2. The Nail That Sticks Up is a window into many cultures. Duncan's clear mastery of foreign languages and desire to live among the people whose lives she chronicles allow her to go where few have gone before. Duncan delves into the heart of Asian and African culture. The detail in every description leaves the reader feeling like they are IN the bustling market with her, not curled up at home with the book and a cup of coffee.
   My teacher introduced this book to my class, asking us to read a few chapters relevant to our lesson. None of us could put the book down and most read the whole thing. The book is both insightful and inspiring. It leaves you with a desire to go out and see the world and also a deep sense of connection with all the people Duncan encounters. I recommend this book to people of all ages, but hang on to your seats, The Nail That Sticks Up is quite an adventure.



3. During my recent hospital stay, of the books I was brought to read, The Nail That Sticks Up, is the book I couldn't put down. The reader feels he is: meeting the people the author meets, scalding in a Japanese bath, sweltering in jam-packed, African buses, and freezing in a Chinese university dorm room in the dead of winter, along with the author, all without the discomfort that goes with actual travel. The book was so good, after I had given my copy to a friend leaving to study in China, I felt moved to buy one for her parents and one for another friend whose son has left to work in Japan. (One caveat-I don't necessarily agree with all of the author's perspectives e.g. on Christian Missionaries in China.)



4. The book is interesting and well written with a good deal of humor. It's a very insightful look at some of the important cultural difference to be in found in the areas Nancy Duncan has visited. I teach English to students from Japan and China and find the book valuable for the information it presents and for starting points of discussions I have with my students. I'd recommend it for a general audience and, in particular, to those who teach English language and culture to students from Asia.

No comments about A Brush With the West.

No comments about Joseph Woods Hancock: The life and times of a Minnesota pioneer.

No comments about The Jungle Beat.

No comments about True experiences of Poor Si in eastern Oregon.

No comments about Am I Dreaming.

No comments about Life & Times of Col. Daniel Boone.