Review: Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City

Jerusalem: Chronicles from the Holy City by Guy Delisle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Really interesting look at Jerusalem from a few years ago. It was neat to see all the illustrations and to read about the author's experiences with Jews, Muslims, and Christians.



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Review: John Adams

John Adams by David McCullough

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



It took me a long to listen, but I loved this biography on John Adams. I felt like, in some regard, it was a biography of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson because they were friends, not friends, and then friends again, so there was a lot about Jefferson in there as well. Loved the relationship between John and Abigail. Very interesting to see how one man influenced America throughout his life.

I became interested in John Adams due to the HBO series on him. The book is a lot better.



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PHOTO: Tumbling Falls

"Tumbling Falls." HDR Photo. July 2014

The start of the hike to Glacier Lake has some amazing waterfalls. The water has carved out a course that is exhilarating to behold. All the greens crowding around the white of the water creates a picture that I love to look at again and again.

Review: Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero

Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



With this book, I was expecting more of a survival story and less about being blind. With that said, though, I found it to be a fascinating account of how the author survived September 11 in the first tower. And it was interesting to learn more about blindness and the difficulties that blind people face, particularly in how other people perceive them. While reading, I found myself reflecting on my experience on September 11 and what I was doing that morning. I liked how the author's faith in God and trust in his guide dog intertwined together. An interesting read; I just wish it had a bit more about Sept. 11.



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PHOTO: Dusk at Lake McDonald

"Dusk at Lake McDonald." HDR photo. July 2014

As we headed back to camp late one night, we stopped at Lake McDonald for "one last look." We had just missed (by minutes!) a fabulous sunset. It's difficult to take a shot when rushing down the road and the trees are in the way. I did get this shot though, and the more I look at it, the more I like it. As my friends and I stood on the dock, I truly felt blessed. Friends, feeling loved, and a beautiful scene—what more could you want from life?

Review: Peace Like a River

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I'd give this a 3.5 rating. I liked it but found the plot to be lacking. I really liked the figurative phrases the author used, and I felt the narrator had a strong voice. But it was a slow, meandering story, and the last fifteen pages contained a twist that really surprised me. It made the book worthwhile to read, those last few pages.



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PHOTO: Day at Lake Louise

"Day at Lake Lousie." HDR photo. July 2014

Two of my friends and I headed into Canada to Banff National Park. When we got to Lake Louise, I was in love. No wonder so many people come up to visit. Its beauty is truly breathtaking.