Babylon’s Ark [Book Review]

I received this book from my lovely sister as a birthday present.  I finished it last week and am finally getting to the review.  Enjoy!

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Title:  Babylon’s Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo

Author: Lawrence Anthony

Synopsis: ”When the Iraq war began, conservationist Lawrence Anthony could think of only one thing: the fate of the Baghdad Zoo, located in the city center and caught in the war’s crossfire. Once Anthony entered Baghdad he discovered that full-scale combat and uncontrolled looting had killed nearly all the animals of the zoo.
But not all of them. U.S. soldiers had taken the time to help care for the remaining animals, and the zoo’s staff had returned to work in spite of the constant firefights. Together the Americans and Iraqis had managed to keep alive the animals that had survived the invasion.” 

ISBN: 0312358326

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 My Review:

When tragedy strikes, whether it is war or a natural disaster, the lives of people are everyone’s first priority.  However, humans are not the only ones affected during tough times, and it seems that animals, who suffer as much if not more, are often forgotten about or left behind.  In Lawrence Anthony’s Babylon’s Ark, the true-life rescue of the animals in war-torn Baghdad reminds us how truly devastating war can be on every being.

Beginning with the frantic rush to try to save Baghdad’s zoo, Lawrence Anthony captivates you from the first page.  His reasons for going to Iraq are honorable, and his struggles throughout his journey bring both tears of sorrow and sighs of relief as the lives of neglected animals are fought for in a city that is already fighting.  However, the book not only highlights the animal’s lives, but also the people of Baghdad and the city itself.  Brave soldiers, Iraqis, and foreigners are thrown together in an unlikely situation, as they not only help the zoo’s animals, but also the mistreated and abandoned animals of ex-dictator Saddam Hussein and his sons.

Lawrence Anthony writes with such passion that the 245 page book took me only days to read as I hesitated to put it down, and the pictures comprised in the middle bring all the scenes to life.  The ending was my favorite as Anthony dedicated a chapter to how everyone could make a difference not only for animals and people, but for Planet Earth in general.  Babylon’s Ark definitely sheds a different light on the Iraq war, and is a highly recommended read for all avid readers and animal lovers.

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: Babylon’s Ark

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis and photo were taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

Voice of Conscience [Book Review]

Just like with Murder on the Naval Base, I personally reviewed this book for the author.  Enjoy!

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Title:  Voice of Conscience

Author: Behcet Kaya

Synopsis: ”Author Behcet Kaya, in his first novel Voice of Conscience, transports his readers to the land of his birth, bringing to life all of the sights, sounds and smells of a place steeped in centuries of tradition and exacting customs. Calling upon his own life experiences he weaves a story of love and revenge that plays itself out on three continents.”

ISBN-10: 1449014534

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 My Review:

In his first novel, Voice of Conscious, Behcet Kaya brings readers on an adventure of life, culture, and ultimate tragedy.  Following protagonist Ramzi Jr. Ozcomert from childhood to adulthood on three different continents, an extreme story of murder, love, and revenge is creatively and beautifully depicted.

Kaya lends his familiarity of Turkey, along with his own personal experiences, to captivate readers from the very beginning.  His words are descriptive, allowing you to escape fully into the story.  Singing to the tune of Shakespeare, Behcet Kaya is a rare breed of modern day authors who is able to weave an emotional and strong work of literature.

Voice of Conscious can be summed up into one word: powerful.  This is a book that will captivate, forcing you to read until the very end, and then going back to read it again.  Behcet Kaya has truly created something special, and it is not a book to be passed up!

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: Voice of Conscience

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis was taken from Amazon.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

Murder on the Naval Base [Book Review]

I had the privilege of  personally reviewing this book for the author himself.  So, here is my review and enjoy!

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Title:  Murder on the Naval Base

Author: Behcet Kaya

Synopsis: ”Beginning with a blurry account of a cold-blooded shooting of a couple, singled out while having dinner at an Officer’s Club, the prime suspect is apprehended hours later while apparently attempting to flee the state. With over a dozen eye-witnesses collaborating the incident, little was left in the puzzle for the military investigators to piece together; especially once it was determined the two victims were in fact the perpetrator’s wife and the man she was having an on-going affair with. After the shocking beginning of the novel, the reader in taken on a journey throughout the life and career of the characters while interlacing the technical jargon and vernacular of naval flight training and the nuances of the military lifestyle. Combined with a steamy undercurrent of lust, love, sexual fulfillment, jealousy and primordial desires of the cast of characters, the human condition of married life versus the structure and demands of military careers are juxtaposed against the strength and will of personal upbringing and ethical behavior.” 

ASIN: B006MIJ8B6

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 My Review:

Behcet Kaya’s Murder on the Naval Base is a suspenseful and entertaining murder-mystery adventure.  Readers instantly become entrapped as protagonist, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Anderson Garrett Belguzar’s life turns upside down when he is charged with the murder of his wife and former best friend.  Comprised of flashbacks, Navy life, and court room drama, readers meet a variety of characters, all intertwined to one another through the tragedy of murder.

Behcet Kaya paints a vivid picture with each descriptive sentence, while the short but action-packed chapters urge you to continue reading.  After the story has been developed in Part 1, the much anticipated climax in Part 2 provides an unsuspecting twist that will keep you reading until the very end.

A story of betrayal, romance, and who-done-it mystery, Behcet Kaya has created an exciting read throughout.  Perfect for mystery lovers, or for those just looking for an easy but enthralling read, Murder on the Naval Base is highly recommended.

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: Murder on the Naval Base

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis was taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

Born Free [Book Review]

I’m very pleased to present this review to you!  Enjoy!

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Title:  Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds

Author: Joy Adamson

Synopsis: ”Joy Adamson’s story of a lion cub in transition between the captivity in which she is raised and the fearsome wild to which she is returned captures the abilities of both humans and animals to cross the seemingly unbridgeable gap between their radically different worlds. Especially now, at a time when the sanctity of the wild and its inhabitants is increasingly threatened by human development and natural disaster, Adamson’s remarkable tale is an idyll, and a model, to return to again and again.” 

ISBN: 0375714383

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 My Review:

I heard of the Adamsons – Joy (the author) and George (her husband) – when I read the book A Lion Called Christian, in which they had helped rehabilitate Christian back into the wild.  However, their work with lions had been going on for a while before Christian, so I was very excited to read Born Free and see how Joy and George got started.

And it all began with Elsa.  Born Free is the account and adventure of Elsa the lioness’s life, and the difficult task Elsa provided for her human parents, Joy and George Adamson.  Raised by the Adamsons since she was a baby, she treated them as her lion pride, and they treated her as their child, however never forgot the fact that she was a wild lion.  Her life with them flew by as she grew from a cub into a full-size, and eventually a wild, lioness.

Besides the story itself, my favorite part of the book was how it was written.  Joy Adamson has written quite a few books – all of which I hope to read – and her written language reads like she is having a face-to-face conversation with the reader.  Her writing flows, and it feels as if you are experiencing Elsa’s life with the Adamsons.  Joy is a professional painter and photographer, and her beautiful pictures of Elsa, Africa, and the unlikely family’s adventures are scattered throughout the pages, which makes it an even more intriguing read.  The ending of the book is comprised of letters which George sent from Africa to Joy when she was finishing the book in England, and this aspect gives an even more personal touch to the readers.  

I’m a sucker for animal stories – especially if they are true – so Born Free was one of those books that touched my heart and stayed in my mind for a while after I read it.  I was sad when they had to eventually try and release Elsa back into the wild because come on, who doesn’t want a lioness as a pet?!  However, the outcome made the entire book and I walked away with tears in my eyes and a happy heart.

 

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: Born Free

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis was taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

When Elephants Weep [Book Review]

This is the second time I have read this book.  The first was for pleasure a few years ago, and I finished it recently again because I wrote a summary and critique on it for my English class.  So here is my review, and most of it I took from my paper I wrote for school.  However, I spiced it up a bit for here.  Enjoy!

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Title:  When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Elephants

Author: Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

Synopsis: ”From dancing squirrels to bashful gorillas to spiteful killer whales, Masson and coauthor Susan McCarthy bring forth fascinating anecdotes and illuminating insights that offer powerful proof of the existence of animal emotion. Chapters on love, joy, anger, fear, shame, compassion, and loneliness are framed by a provocative re-evaluation of how we treat animals, from hunting and eating them to scientific experimentation. Forming a complete and compelling picture of the inner lives of animals,When Elephants Weep assures that we will never look at animals in the same way again.” 

ISBN: 0385314280 

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 My Review:

Every pet owner will admit to committing anthropomorphism – ascribing human emotions to animals – on a daily basis; I know I sure do!  We can see that our dog feels happy, that our cat feels playful, or that our turtle feels content; most people do not deny that non-human animals share some basic human emotions.  However, in the scientific community, committing anthropomorphism is essentially looked upon as a sin.

In When Elephants Weep, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson challenges people – scientists, researchers, and non-scientists alike – to come to terms with the fact that animals do seem to have emotions.  Focusing on the basic human emotions people are most able to relate to, such as joy, love, anger, fear, shame, etc., this book provides compelling examples of non-human animals portraying and experiencing emotions much like people do.  Some of these anecdotes that Masson provides as he argues that animals do have emotions and feelings include: the love shown in animals who mate for life, the fear evident in the animals’ eyes during dangerous encounters, and the sorrow they feel when one of their kind passes away.

Included with the examples are scholarly explanations from biologists, ethologists, and animal behaviorists of the emotions animals have been seen portraying.  Masson’s theory that animals do experience emotions is backed up by some of the leading people whom have dedicated their lives to studying animals.  While he gives detailed examples, and convinces the reader of his point, he is not biased in any way.  He also provides anecdotes and opinions from acclaimed scientists and researchers whom do not believe animals can feel emotions, and through this, he allows the reader to keep an open mind.

When Elephants Weep is one of those books that you continue to think about long after you have read it.  Granted, I am an animal lover so my opinions toward this book may be a little biased.  However, this is not just a book for those with passions for animals; this is also a book for those simply curious about emotions and how those emotions affect every living thing, and also for those wishing to dive into a world known little by humans.

 

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: When Elephants Weep

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis was taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

No Touch Monkey! [Book Review]

I am so excited to present this review to you.  Enjoy!

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Title:  No Touch Monkey!: And Other Travel Lessons Learned Too Late

Author: Ayun Halliday

Synopsis: ”From taming the wild dog packs of Bali to requiring the services of a bonesetter in Sumatra, Ayun Halliday offers up the best of her itinerant foibles as examples of how not to travel abroad.” 

ISBN: 1580050972 

 

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 My Review:

After I finish a book, I usually ponder it for a day or two before I write its review.  However, with No Touch Monkey by Ayun Halliday, my review was already written before I finished the first chapter.  And it contained one repeatable word: outrageous.

I’ll be honest.  This was my second attempt at reading this book.  My first time was last year, and not being able to get into it after the first couple of pages, I gave up and tossed it aside.  Yet, last week I picked it back up, agreeing to give it another try; I mean look at the cover!  It called to me!  I then realized that the problem the first time was not with the book at all.  The problem had been with me.

I am a seasoned travelogue reader, but no other travel memoir has been able to captivate me, splitting my sides in the process, much like No Touch Monkey has.  Ayun (wish I knew how it was pronounced!) Halliday writes with such vibrant personality, it is hard not to wish she was your best friend.  Her witty anecdotes, good-natured blunt descriptions, and her seriously funny – often surprisingly random – experiences ranging from Bali to Amsterdam, makes this book unlike any other.

With all that said, I am disappointingly surprised to see so many bad reviews of this book on Goodreads – a site I trust a lot.  True, this book does not contain as much information or history about the places she visits as much as it includes her travel antics, but that  is one of the reasons why I feel in love with her stories.  Halliday makes you want to jump off the couch and create your own wild experiences abroad, which is a huge aspect I look for in reading travelogues.

Simply put, No Touch Monkey is definitely outrageous: outrageously hilarious, outrageously entertaining, and you would be an outrageous fool not to read it.

 

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: No Touch Monkey!

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis was taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

Grounded [Book Review]

I have just finished this book from my TBR list.  On to the next!  Here is my review.  Enjoy!

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Title:  Grounded: A Down to Earth Journey Around the World

Author: Seth Stevenson

Synopsis: ”In this age of globalism and high-speed travel, Seth Stevenson, the witty, thoughtful Slate travel columnist, takes us back to a time when travel meant putting one foot in front of the other, racing to make connections between trains and buses in remote transit stations, and wading through the chaos that most long-haul travelers float 35,000 feet above. Stevenson winds his way around the world by biking, walking, hiking, riding in rickshaws, freight ships, cruise ships, ancient ferries, buses, and the Trans-Siberian Railway-but never gets on an airplane.” 

ISBN: 1594484422

 

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 My Review:

I have always dreamed of taking an epic road trip and romantically sailing around the world.  So, it is no surprise that Grounded, by Seth Stevenson, was one of the many travel books in my to-be-read pile, and one of those reads that I immersed myself into.

Besides containing a topic of interest for me – traveling without leaving the ground – it was also an easy to read book with enough happenings to keep you entertained.  The different methods of ground transportation used throughout the book was vast, and the history on each kept the historical side present, which makes for good travel literature.

The author had me laughing at points with his wit and good-natured humor about the many interesting people he meets along the way, however throughout the book the slight arrogance he displays toward his quest is quite off-putting.  The way he writes about his pre-travel plans suggests that, aside from known explorers, he thinks he will be one of the first “normal” persons to travel the world without stepping on a plane.  When he realizes that others he meets along the way are doing the same thing he and his companion are, his surprise is a little bothering, not to mention the ill-spirited way he views backpackers. 

Yet, though I did not enjoy the author’s personality, I did enjoy his travels and the journey he took.  The people he met, – every day travelers mixed with a few engaging characters – the places he traveled to, – nothing too exotic, but places we all want to visit – and the modes of transportation he used, – you name it, he rode it – were worth the read.

I do not “recommend” you read Grounded, but if you are looking for a quick read to pass the time while you’re reaching a new destination – yes, while on a plane included – then this book could be for you.

 

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: Grounded

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Has anyone read this book?  If yes, what was your take on it?  If not, do you plan on reading it?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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*Note: The synopsis was taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

The Devil’s Teeth [Book Review]

I really wanted this book for Christmas, and my mom, being the sweet Santa she is, got it for me!  I started it 2 weeks ago and have finally finished it.  Here is my review.  Enjoy!

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Title:  The Devil’s Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America’s Great White Sharks

Author: Susan Casey

Synopsis: ”Susan Casey was in her living room when she first saw the great white sharks of the Farallon Islands, their dark fins swirling around a small motorboat in a documentary. These sharks were the alphas among alphas, some longer than twenty feet, and there were too many to count; even more incredible, this congregation was taking place just twenty-seven miles off the coast of San Francisco.

In a matter of months, Casey was being hoisted out of the early-winter swells on a crane, up a cliff face to the barren surface of Southeast Farallon Island-dubbed by sailors in the 1850s the “devil’s teeth.” There she joined Scot Anderson and Peter Pyle, the two biologists who bunk down during shark season each fall in the island’s one habitable building, a haunted, 135-year-old house spackled with lichen and gull guano. Two days later, she got her first glimpse of the famous, terrifying jaws up close and she was instantly hooked; her fascination soon yielded to obsession-and an invitation to return for a full season. But as Casey readied herself for the eight-week stint, she had no way of preparing for what she would find among the dangerous, forgotten islands that have banished every campaign for civilization in the past two hundred years.”

ISBN: 0805080112

 

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 My Review:

Terror, bloodshed, and the author’s close and personal Great White shark contact: that was what I was expecting based on the synopsis from the back of the book.  However, what I read instead had really little to do with sharks.  Yes, the history and unknown lives of the Great White was interestingly detailed, and yes, tales of shark attacks were recalled, and finally yes, the author had some up-close-and-personal sightings of the mysterious Jaws, though I don’t think she even saw a Sister (read the book to know what a Sister is).  Instead, it seemed that her obsession was more with the mysterious Farollon Island, and its dedicated scientist-inhabitants, than with the sharks themselves.  And honestly, that was fine with me.

The Devil’s Teeth by Susan Casey was a book filled with history, characters only a non-fiction book could create, and an unlikely adventure.  The book, which was originally supposed to be just a magazine article, captured the accomplishments and trials of the people who dedicated their lives to the study of sharks and marine life on the Farollon Islands – a captivating place that seems could only be known from experiencing its wonder.

Susan Casey relates her time on the island, and with the people and creatures she meets, in an entertaining, often humorous, and fascinating way.  The beginning grabs your attention, the middle forces you to keep reading, and the ending leaves you wanting more of the sharks, the island, and the real-life characters.

If you enjoy adventure, history, and a glimpse into a world you will probably never experience for yourself, then The Devil’s Teeth is the book for you.  While I was hoping for more shark action than the book actually provided, I was still left with a sense of longing to be in the author’s position, and for the book to never end.  The Devil’s Teeth, by Susan Casey, is a must-read for those who want to escape into a completely realistic, yet far-off land. 

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: The Devil’s Teeth

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*Note: The synopsis was taken from Goodreads.com.  The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

In the Shadow of Man [Book Review]

Anyone who has read my blog knows that Jane Goodall is one of my heroes.  So, I am warning you right now: THIS REVIEW WILL BE BIASED!  But, trust me, once you read this book, you will all share my opinion on it!

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Title:  In the Shadow of Man

Author: Jane Goodall

Synopsis: ”This best-selling classic tells the story of one of the world’s greatest scientific adventures. Jane Goodall was a young secretarial school graduate when the legendary Louis Leakey chose her to undertake a landmark study of chimpanzees in the wild. In the Shadow of Man is an absorbing account of her early years at Gombe Stream Reserve, telling us of the remarkable discoveries she made as she got to know the chimps and they got to know her.” 

ISBN: 0547334168

 

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 My Review:

Almost everyone has heard of Jane Goodall and her work with the chimpanzees.  However, the stories of the chimpanzees themselves, and what made Jane fall in love with them in the first place, is something not everyone is familiar with.  In the Shadow of Man is a book about those stories, and about the early years, which would become many years, of Jane Goodall’s study, research, and fascination with human’s closest living relatives.

Not only is this book informational and descriptive about the complex lives of chimpanzees, but it also reads like an entertaining tale as you follow the lives of the different chimps Jane Goodall comes to know and love.  You learn the stories of Flo, the old chimp mother, and her family; you grow to love one of Jane’s favorite chimps, David Greybeard; and you feel the pain Jane Goodall felt when nature takes its course in the chimpanzee world.

Not only are the chimps the center of the book, but readers also get a glimpse into the personal life of Jane Goodall herself.  You follow her on her beginning adventures when she first steps into the Gombe forest, and continue on her journey through research, marriage, and the birth of her own son.  Throughout the book, it feels as if Jane is actually speaking to you, the reader, and it is this aspect of In the Shadow of Man that sparks you to keep reading.

Filled with adventure, surprise, facts, and detailed accounts of the behaviors and lives of wild chimpanzees, this book is for animal-lovers, scientists, and avid readers alike.  Whether you are familiar with Jane Goodall or not, In the Shadow of Man is a highly recommended read, and one that is worth your time and money.

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: In the Shadow of Man

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*Note: The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*

Heat & Light [Book Review]

I have been reading this book for awhile – as it took longer than expected what with family visiting for the holidays and starting school recently – and finally, I have finished it.  Here is my review.  Enjoy!

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Title:  Heat & Light: Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists

Author: Mike Wallace and Beth Knobel

Synopsis: “In Heat & Light, a legendary journalist and a journalism professor join forces to offer a one-of-a-kind guide for our next generation of great journalists.  Drawing on the authors’ decades of experience at the top of the field and inspired directly by beginners’ most frequently asked questions, Heat & Light offers invaluable advice on such topics as:

·        balancing drama and information (‘heat’ vs. ‘light’)
·        generating and evaluating story ideas
·        the secrets to crafting good ledes
·        creating strong packages for the internet, tv, and radio
·        the specific requirements of writing for print and broadcast
·        the art of the interview

Along the way, the authors share countless anecdotes from their own storied careers—and discuss larger questions such as the rapidly growing role of digital media and what it means for today’s aspiring journalists.

Includes an extensive “reporter’s toolbox” of checklists, techniques, and resources.”

ISBN: 0307464652

 

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 My Review:

I was skeptical when I first picked up Heat and Light.  It was not a book I was obligated to read for class, nor was it a book I was told to read for a job; it was a book I wanted to read for my future journalist self.  While I wanted to read it to learn about the ins-and-outs of journalism, I was still scared that maybe this book would be too technical, too full of lists, and ultimately boring.  However, after reading the first page, I realized how wrong I was.

This is not one of those bullet-pointed-checklist books telling you how to be a journalist.  It is not a book so full of information, rules, and guidelines that it makes you lose interest by the second chapter.  And it is not a book which leaves your brain hurting and your eyes tired.  No, Heat and Light is a book filled with engaging stories, useful tips, and rewarding advice on how to strive in today’s – and tomorrow’s – journalism industry.

Written by the prominent Mike Wallace of 60 Minutes, and award-winning journalist turned professor, Beth Knobel, these two experienced reporters show – not tell – what it takes to make it as a journalist in both present day, and future, journalism.  Along with inspirational and motivational anecdotes from other noteworthy reporters, producers, editors, and anchors, the pages in this book are not only packed with knowledge and information, but also with entertainment, making it an easy read.

Heat and Light is more of a resource than a book.  Touching every aspect of journalism from print to broadcast to internet reporting,  and ending with a “Reporter’s Toolbox”, it is one of the most useful materials for hopeful – and seasoned – journalists and reporters.  If you are interested in journalism, or just want some advice for the ever expanding profession, Heat and Light is a must read.

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Purchase it at Amazon.com here: Heat and Light: Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists

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*Note: The review above is written by me.  © Kalie Lyn 2011*