May Books

As a 19-year-old Catholic male, I thought reading this book was an excellent decision. While there wasn't as much coverage of "fornication" and other extra-marital material as I had expected, the author really does a great job of explaining what it means to have real love and a good Catholic marriage. I've passed the book on to my girlfriend and am waiting for her to finish to hear what she has to say :)

Written by those who fear them, those who study them and those who hunt them - May lets you see the shark from many perspectives. It would have been easy to just compile as many accounts of gristly attacks as possible, but May had taken a higher road. Rodney Fox explains how an attack victim forces himself back into the surf, the model for Jaws' shark-hunter Quint tells how he got into the business. The book is not just about sharks, but about the people who try to share their world. And of course, just to make sure you stay on the beach this summer, there are some dramatic accounts of attacks - not all of which were survivable. The selections are well-chosen and pretty much closed-ended so you don't feel cheated, although the excerpt of Caldwell's solo Pacific crossing may have you searching for the rest of his story. This is light and interesting reading - fast paced - perfect for summer.

I love this little booklet, with pure white covers and intriguing simple pieces of the artist's work inside, which look like little worms- she calls them flaps! Apparently they are 3 dimensional in the show. A couple of pieces in the back are like paint wiggles, which she calls agents. (There is an intro by Bill Arning which talks more about her work, to interpret it.) The best part? Under the back flap of the book is an actual watercolor on acetate piece of art!!! This is a limited edition of 500 catalogues. I can see why, with an original piece of art included. Great.

This is the most amazing book I have ever seen! It defies description! The title is so unique!

The Shenandoah Valley witnessed much fighting in 1864. Many books and articles have been written about it, most of them concentrating on particular battles (Fishers Hill, Cedar Creek) or specific leaders (Sheridan, Early). Many accounts have also spilled over into 1865 to Custer's destruction of Early's forces in March. Lepa has decided to look at activities in the Valley only for the year 1864, and to use as his main reporting sources soldier's diaries, letters, and reports. It makes for a very interesting work.

After describing the strategic importance of the Valley (as a "breadbasket" for Lee's army it was indispensable), Lepa begins his history with the replacement of Benjamin F. Kelly with Franz Sigel as commander of the Department of West Virginia, which included the Shenandoah Valley. The Confederate army in the same district was led by John C. Breckinridge. Both men were popular, but Lepa makes it clear that Breckinridge was the better general. While Breckinridge spent the late winter and early spring bolstering the confidence of his troops by making a 400-mile tour and speaking to many of them personally, Sigel was antagonizing his superiors. The first major engagement in the Valley was at New Market, and Sigel was badly beaten. Not only was he overly cautious, but he then split his forces in the face of the enemy, a major tactical mistake. One regimental colonel wrote that he thought Sigel was "an adventurer and speculator, venal and intriguing," and that "we can afford to lose such a battle as New Market to get rid of such a mistake as Major General Sigel." He was replaced by Gen. David Hunter, who was subsequently replaced by Phil Sheridan in August.

Lepa continues his chronological summary by detailing events at Piedmont, Staunton, and Lynchburg, the last a Confederate victory that launched Early's raid on Washington. The raid and the burning of Chambersburg, PA, are dealt with (Lepa believes the latter incident was the turning point of the campaign in that it convinced Grant that winning the Valley would be a "no-holds barred" affair and Sheridan was just the man to lead such an offensive. Two-thirds of Chambersburg had been reduced to ashes; that would be nothing compared to what the Shenandoah Valley would suffer in the next few months.) Winchester, Fishers Hill, and Cedar Creek, the last a near Federal disaster until Sheridan, "Up from the South at break of day," arrived and turned the tide to a Union victory.

Lepa is concerned only with the actual fighting in the Valley and not so much with troop movements, strategizing, down-time, or peripheral events. But what he gives is clear and focused, and his frequent citing of original sources adds much richness to the proceedings. I found the book very useful (the notes, illustrations, and index are excellent) and informative. Highly recommended.

Violet Dene Gordon inherited Dene's Court in Ireland. It was a grand house. The family always arrived in the rain, Violet thought. The servant, Annie, noted that Violet's husband Charles did not show his age and Violet did. Charles and Violet were not alltogether comfortable with each other.

Charles was a good observer. He was able to reconstruct some of the history. A ballroom had been designed but had not been completed because the money gave out. Violet's grandfather had been efficient. Charles was an enthusiast. He had learned the language in Burma. He knew about village customs. It seemed that Charles used excuses to get away and go and talk with the men at the pub. Annie knew how to cheer up Violet.

Notably, an American niece, Sally, comes to stay with the couple. She is sent to Ireland by her parents because she has become involved with an actor, Ian, whom the parents believe is misleading her into hoping for a marriage. Sally believes that Violet and Charles are still in love. She watches them. At Vassar Sally had revolted against a sense of responsibility being imposed upon her. She tries to resist the influence of Violet and Annie and their attempts to become close to her.

Later in the summer, Ian, through curiousity, attempts a visit. The visit is not a success. The couple parts.

The book was inspired by the circumstances of Elizabeth Bowen I learned from reading another book by May Sarton. This is a psychological story of considerable interest. The atmosphere of Ireland is very well done.

For all women, but especially lovers of LMA. Heavily illustrated, even the charming endpapers. Written for teens, young adults, sunny and fun. Retro fifties, and very collectible. Buy and hold. Great deal, recommended.

This book is great. I am going to be an athletic trainer. This book has provided me with many answers to symptoms and injuries. If you are going into training or watching from the side-lines, this is a great book to read to become familiar with the symptoms of injuries.

In Silent Light, Chris May has created an intricate kaleidoscope that held me captive from start to finish. Its many facets twist and turn, coming together in a clever and unexpected picture.

Two story lines unfold, separated by nearly half a century, forming a beautifully choreographed dance around each other. They are two fast-moving beams that sweep from poignancy to bloody action, suspense to horror, earthiness to surreal beauty. May's use of light forms an elaborate and masterfully crafted framework which helps to bind the story and spellbind the reader. At times an emotion-provoking read, this compelling novel explores many weaker aspects of human nature and the fragility of love.

Intriguing, complex, and clever - if you are looking for a book that's easy to put down, don't choose Silent Light.

The book was in the same conditions as described when I bought it and it came in time.