Marilyn's Bookshelf: September

Boorstin, Daniel J., The Discoverers

Even though I said that my favorite reading genre is fiction, this magnificent non-fiction book is one of my all-time favorites and is always on my list of best recommends.  Written by historian and former Library of Congress librarian (1975 to 1987), Boorstin has given us a sweeping view of many different discoveries which have led to man’s understanding of his world.  Although technically it is an account of history and science, his prose is so riveting and fascinating that you never feel as though you are being lectured. One of the first ideas he deals with in the book is the concept of “time” and how man learned to measure it. By leading us gently through the dilemma before sundials, clocks, and even the concept of a 24-hour day, Boorstin engages us in the very basic issues that man had to deal with in order to move forward in societal engagements.  This is only one of dozens of startling discoveries that capture our attention.  The book is divided naturally into sections, and one could either read it straight through or take it piecemeal.  Happily all of the reference notes are grouped in an appendix at the back so you won’t be distracted with superscript or footnotes.  The almost 700 pages may seem daunting, but I guarantee the book will be well worth your time.

Marilyn's Book Shelf

August 2010

Barr, Nevada, Blind Descent

One more book for the summer – a thriller, which you don’t have to think about too deeply (no pun intended).  This is one of a series of the Anna Pigeon mysteries.  Anna, a National Park Service ranger is asked to be a part of a rescue operation in a neighboring cave to Carslbad Caverns, called, Lechuguilla, a relatively unexplored cave with some extremely difficult passages.  The reason Anna has been asked to participate is because one of her dear friends has been injured in the cave.  As Anna talks to her injured friend Frieda, she discovers that there may be some suspicious circumstances about the cave and the injury.  Full of twists and turns and the terrors of caving, this proved to be a fascinating tale with the various characters Anna’s friends, the NPS, and others.  A great read.  If you choose, it is available on CD, read by Barbara Rosenblatt.  I always have a book on CD going in my car besides what I’m reading at home.  It is amazing how much you can “read” just doing errands.

30 Miler with the Young Women

A few of us Relief Society sisters were fortunate enough to join the Young Women on their 30 miler trip in the  Uinta's.  We have some tough young women and momma's in this ward!  Due to rain one day we were forced to stay in camp and relax.  Believe it or not, we had six, yes six, women crammed in a two man tent!  It was tight quarters but great conversation. Thanks Young Women for letting us experience the great outdoors with you!