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Friday, February 25, 2005

Because of Winn-Dixie - book, 5 stars

Not your typical child and dog story, Winn-Dixie is a melancholy look at interpersonal relationships and a celebration of the beauty of difference.  It is the story of young Opal, but in addition, it tells the story of her father, the broken man she calls The Preacher, an elderly librarian, a so-called witch, two boys, a girl who lost her brother, a former convict, and a five-year-old child.  Winn-Dixie, a dog that is really a metaphor, somehow paws his way into each of their hearts.  The book ends on a bittersweet note as Opal realizes both that what she lost may never return and that what she has is extremely precious.  Simple and beautiful, this book is worth reading from start to finish.

Saturday, December 04, 2004

Sea of Glory - book, 4.5 stars

This book is a great way to learn about the early U.S. Navy, American politics in the 1800s, and exploration, not to mention having a great time doing it.  Nathaniel Philbrick does an excellent job of weaving the stories of different men together to explain a little-known event in American history that is well worth experiencing.  Sea of Glory is a voyage worth taking.