Book Review: White Sky, Black Ice

I found this, the  first book in Stan Jones’ Nathan Active series, even more compelling than the second novel which I reviewed in an earlier post.  Three men supposedly commit suicide within a week of each other. Even for winter-time in the isolated Alaskan Northwest, this is excessive, and Active, a full-blooded Inupiat and Alaskan State trooper, decides to investigate.  He is hampered by the fact that most of the village consider him an “half-blood”, since he was adopted by white people and raised in urban Anchorage. He is unfamiliar with the customs that offer clues to the killings. Filled with rich characterizations and fabulous descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness, this is recommended for lovers of mysteries which feature character and place and offer insight into another culture.  Jones, an award winning journalist, offers a very pleasurable read !

Movie Review: The Bucket List

One more time, I don’t agree with the general critical review for a film. Even though it deals with two men who know they are dying, this is NOT a “downer” film. Rather it celebrates life and knowing, before one dies, what is important in life.  I don’t know why critics will consider a film like this “sentimental” and slam it for being unrealistic, and won’t do the same thing with an action thriller where people die and there is no blood or remorse !? In the film, both men make a “bucket list” (a list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket)- and then, thanks to one character’s wealth, they do them ! 

It is a blast to watch Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the same film. Much like watching Michael Caine and Robert Duval in Secondhand Lions.

One sidebar on my movie-going experience.  I attended a showing where there were a number of older people (with walkers, canes, etc.).  Obviously, one of the local assisted living places was having a field trip ! I noticed how much they enjoyed the humor… that added to my enjoyment also ! Someone told me that the critics were saying that people over 70 years old would enjoy the film.  Well those of us over fifty enjoy it, too ! 

The St. John’s Bible- Phoenix Art Museum

I was told that this was a display not to be missed- and was my friend right!  On display are pages from the first illuminated, hand printed (calligraphy) Bible to be produced in over 50o years.  Commissioned by the St. John’s Abbey in Minnesota, this Bible is inspirational. Many of the illuminations have a “traditional” flavor, but more have a “modern” feel. For instance, the first illumination in the Book of Psalms features imbedded voice tracks of people singing Gregorian Chant, the call to pray in Islam, and songs from Jewish traditions.  Surrounding the St. John’s Bible display are a number of famous Bibles from throughout history (both in calligraphy and early printing).  One display is Arabic and Armenian Bibles collected by James Melikian.

I was smart enough to drop the $20 for the PBS special on the people who are illuminating the Bible.  The entire project will take over seven years to complete, costs over $4,000,000 and is being paid for by private contributions- many from people who pay for a “page”.  Well worth a special trip to Phoenix… come, see, be inspired and enjoy !

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The most thrilling thing I did while at conference was attend a talk by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At first, I had no idea why I was so excited about the opportunity to see him . When he began to speak, I remembered.  Just a little older than me, he was just old enough, involved enough, and good enough (as a person and as an athlete) that he made an impression on my youth. He was a person to be admired; not only for his physical gifts, but how he carried himself. He stood for the things in which he believed (as he still does today).  He talked about his book On the Shoulders of Giants:My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance and, as with any good book talk, made me anxious to read it as well as the authors who so inspired him ! I was also happy to learn that soon a new audio book, based on his research for the book will be released. It will feature music and interviews with major figures from the Harlem Renaissance.

Abdul-Jabbar was so patient and kind. He must have answered questions from the audience for at least 90 minutes- a first in my experience of any famous person who speaks ! The most interesting answer was to a question concerning changing his name. He did so, he said, for religious purposes when he became a Muslim. He said that Muhammed Ali had already “taken the heat” for doing the same thing and that, therefore,  he did not have to deal with as much as he would have had he been the first.

Hotels: Philadelphia Lowe’s

I just returned from a conference in Philadelphia.  The Lowe’s Hotel is right across the street from the Convention Center and just a block and a half from Historic City Hall.  These were the only “sights” I saw while there- the rest of the time I was at conference (of which more later). 

The Lowe’s Hotel is a fine place to stay. Everyone treated us like honored guests- particularly the registration folks, concierge, cleaning persons, and luggage schleppers.  Everyone was concerned that we were having a good time. 

The restaurant (Sole Food) had the BEST scallops I have ever tasted and a fine breakfast with lots of fresh berries. 

The beds were very comfortable- but over ”covered”- I am not used to sleeping in a 67 degree room and found the down blanket a little too much.  But that was a fault in me- I needed to be more proactive with the room temp !

I would recommend this hotel to anyone staying in Philadelphia.   

Movie Review: The Great Debaters

 This is a movie about committing to a vision that many might say is impossible. This is what makes it so inspiring to watch.  Yet, at the same time, it is a  difficult movie to view.  Set in the mid-1930’s it shows all to clearly the racism and cruelty of the Jim Crow South and the apathy of the rest of the nation to even acknowledge what was going on.  Set in an small all-black college in Texas, it tells the true story a debate society that broke the color barriers to participate at the highest level of the craft.  As the students, and their coach, played by Denzel Washington, pursue this dream, they face overt and covert racism.  They are nearly killed by a mob when they accidently stumble on a (graphically portrayed) lynching.  Like Schindler’s List  and Amistad this movie asks viewers to see and acknowledge the price of racism for all people.  Like those movies, it is well worth viewing.

Two Wonderful Children’s Books

One of the great delights of reading is discovering a mentor and role-model. As an adult reader I discovered a “feisty old lady” who, when I-grow-up (and find some courage), I will emulate.  Richard Peck, in two children’s books, introduces Grandma Dowdel. She is as “tough as an old boot” and suffers neither fools nor sentimentalists gladly.  Yet, as we
share her adventures with her city-slicker grandchildren, we discover that under her overalls and rough exterior grandma is a true friend- particularly to the two home-sick children.  Brave, clever, and supremely practical – I love Grandma Dowdel !  Set in rural Indiana from 1929-1945,
I recommend reading these aloud to a friend or family member – they are books to share!  The first book, narrated by the grandson, is A Long Way from Chicago; Mary Alice, his younger sister, shares her story in A Year Down Yonder.

Shaman Pass by Stan Jones

I really love mysteries that reflect a different culture/society. Shaman Pass  is a wonderful, character-driven mystery takes place in contemporary Northwest Alaska.  Nathan Active, an Alaskan trooper, investigates the murder of an older Inupiat with an antique, irory harpoon.  Nathan, while Inupiat, was adopted and raised by White people in Anchorage. Therefore, as with many good detectives, belongs completely to neither world.  Like us he is learning about the history, religion and current culture of this remote region.  Jones,  an award winning Alaskan journalist, is an fine writer who brings the region, and its people, to life. 

Movie Review: P.S. I Love You

I was not going to see this movie because the critics had panned it so badly; I am so  glad that a friend had seen it and recommended it.  It focuses on the year long grieving process of a young (30) widow, Holly Kennedy.    Holly’s husband has left a series of letters for her in which he asks her to do various tasks.  Surrounded by caring friends and a caring, if emotionally aloof, mother (played wonderfully by Kathy Bates), it reflects perfectly the various stages of grief.  I know this sounds like a downer- but it is not.  The script is excellent and the soundtrack fits the mood perfectly. 

   As a sidebar: Part of the film was underwritten by the Irish Gevernment- and the scenery in this film ALMOST had me grabbing the next plane to Gallway !