Where the Sea Breaks Its Back by Corey Ford

 

Subtitle: The Epic Story of Early Naturalist Georg Steller and the Russian Exploration of Alaska

This was a challenging book. It was very informative and it was interesting learning the history of some early exploration. I have never been good with history and for me it was a bit dry at times,

Some things that really grabbed my attention were the struggles of early exploration. We really take for granted modern navigation and engines. So much of the time they were flying blind or using charts that could not be trusted as accurate.

Also, the joy of finding land, new flora and fauna. New discoveries and learning about places that had never been documented was quite exciting. Names of plants and animals that we use all the time had to be discovered and named at some point and through this expedition many things were added to the books of nature.

It was a good book and if you really enjoy history and early exploration this is a must read. As I said, a bit dry at times, but really shows the trials and tribulations of early discoveries and adventure.  

Little Big Year by Richard Wayne MacDonald

 

Subtitle: Chasing Acadia's Birds - What an enjoyable book. All of you know I love birds and bird watching. It can be frustrating, but when you accomplish an identification or learn a bird song it is pretty awesome.

I should say that I know the author and he is very enthusiastic about nature and birds so while I was reading this I could hear him reading it to me. I could feel his excitement and see the joy on his face.

He spent 2018 looking for, following, and chasing birds around Hancock County, Maine. If you don't know what a big year is here is a quick description. Within a calendar year you try to see as many birds as you can. You can pick the area that you want and go from there. In 2018 Terry and I did our big birding trip out west and that was the start of my big year(in the end we identified 278 birds). You could use your state, a park, even your backyard. Whatever gets you out in nature and looking at birds is a win win.

Through his adventures you not only learn about the birds in Hancock County, you learn about nature and ecology and history. This was very well written and even if you are not a "bird nerd" you will enjoy the enthusiasm he shares with his love of the outdoors.

Will's Red Coat by Tom Ryan

 

Subtitle: The Story of Friendship, Faith, and One Old Dog's Choice to Live Again - I am a sucker for a good book about animals. Someday I will have a dog, but for now I live vicariously through others. 

I read Ryan's first book Finding Atticus and not only loved the story, but the writing. Ryan has a really good flow and you get pulled in and really feel a part of the adventure.

Ryan had had Atticus for several years and was always looking to help out other animals. Will came across his radar and it was more of a hospice situation. Will just needed a good place to live out whatever he had left of his life.

It was not an easy transition. Will was old, tired, trusted no one, and was just downright ornery. Ryan learned patience and promised Will he would have the best life he could have while in his home. It was a struggle and there were many set backs, but the steps forward made it all worth it.

Of course in the end it is sad, but you feel better for knowing this story. Feeling the pain and joy and learning that you can go the extra mile. A very feel good kind of thing with many lessons learned along the way. If you love a good animal story you better check this one out.

Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner

 

Subtitle: Adventures in Life, Love, and Writing - I started listening to this when we were driving to Maine from Kentucky. It is always nice to have something to pass the time as the miles go by.

I have always enjoyed her books and now I will enjoy them even more. Learning more about her personally, where she gets her drive, what shaped her, and what makes her so like every other woman in the world. Finding your self confidence, knowing what you want, and knowing that you are enough is really empowering.

She has had a full life with usual family dramas, amazing highs and tough lows, but that is what shaped her into who she is today and she shares some of that in her writing. She is a pretty awesome person and if you like her books you will really enjoy what she shares of her life here. 

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

 

Meg has a career in hand lettering and has become quite famous. One other thing she is good at is seeing signs that other people don't. Reading signs gets her in trouble and actually breaks up a marriage before it even starts.

Many months after this the ex-groom finds her and what could be a disaster ends up as each of them helping each other out through a difficult time in both of their lives.

This is a fun romance that has the usual bumbles and gaffs, but also the insecurities and newness of finding your way in a new space. A great read to escape the world and enjoy new love.