My Favourite Reads From 2011 & What’s on My 2012 Wish List

December 12, 2011

I don’t know about you but I feel lost without a book on the go. I need to read everyday – even if some-days it’s only a page or two.

This year I’ve read about 45 books – some great, many mediocre and a few I shouldn’t have bothered with.

Here are my favourite reads from 2011.

Down the Nile in a Fisherman’s Skiffy by Rosemary Mahoney

rosemary My Favourite Reads From 2011 & Whats on My 2012 Wish List

Down the Nile: Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff

A wonderful read about Rosemary’s solo trip down the Nile in a small skiff. Through determination and the help of a Muslim sailor she set out on a trip no women let alone tourists are supposed to do. She endured blistering temperatures during the day and the terror of crocodiles at night. A good window into the beliefs help by both Egyptian men and woman – though unfortunately it doesn’t make me want to visit Egypt anytime soon.

Bones of the Master: A Journey to Secret Mongolia by George Crane

This is a true story about an American poet who befriends a Ch’an Buddhist monk living in upstate New York. Tsung Tsai, the last of the monks from his Chinese monastery, felt he had to return one last time to find and honor his master’s bones and rekindle his tradition. The  book describes their adventure, including a life threatening 18 hour mountain climb – though it begins with Tsung Tsai’s traumatic decades-earlier escape from newly communist China. That involved a walk from Inner Mongolia to Hong Kong through a war-torn, famine-struck land. The author grows to accept Tsung Tsai’s demanding philosophy and outlook, even though he says that meditation makes him nauseous. A page-turner and an eye-opener.

I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish

After reading this book you’ll wonder just how much tragedy one man can bear. It’s an eye opening account of what it’s really like to live on the Gaza strip – deprivation, humiliation and little in the way of hope. Follow Dr. Abuelasih’s journey from his youth through to the present and marvel at his message of peace and dialogue, despite what he’s been through. You’ll find yourself looking at the region with fresh eyes.

My Favourite Reads From 2011 & Whats on My 2012 Wish List

I Shall Not Hate

Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You’re 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley and Harry Lodge

Just as the title suggests, this book is a practical guide to staying healthy as you age. It’s thought provoking and puts into words much of what you probably know already. But it might be just what you need to read to get moving because the key to a long-term healthy life is exercise and lots of it.

The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at Metropolitan Opera by Joseph Volpe

I am not an opera fan but I still found the history and what’s it like running one of the world’s great opera houses to be a fascinating read. Joseph Volpe was an improbable choice to lead the Met. He started as an apprentice carpenter and ended up being at the helm for 16 years. Scrappy, blunt and no nonsense, you’ll find yourself rooting for him.

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steve Galloway

This is the story about what it means to be human in the face of atrocity. The cellist is the character who unites the story of four regular people and their response to the war. Galloway says in the introduction - The themes and characters exist wherever ordinary people find themselves caught in war. Sarajevo could be Lebanon or Chechnya or Iraq or a half-dozen other places.

My Seductive Cuba: A Unique Travel Guide by Chen Lizra

I recently reviewed this book and gave it full marks for its thoroughness. Whether you’re going on an all inclusive trip or heading to Cuba on your own, this book will take you to places no other guidebook will. You’ll get a brief history of the country and the political situation, what’s hot in Havana, and then a good rundown of the rest of the country including Cuba’s best natural secrets.

cuba 193x300 My Favourite Reads From 2011 & Whats on My 2012 Wish List

Cover of My Seductive Cuba

Annabel by Kathleen Winter

Annabel, a Giller Prize finalist, is the story of a mixed gender child born in remote coastal Labrador. Only three people are privy to the secret – the parents and a trusted neighbour. A decision is made to raise the child as a boy and through surgery and hormones that is accomplished. Except that the girl inside – Annabel – is never extinguished. A moving read about what it’s like to be different and the anguish it causes everyone in the family.

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whale Ship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

This is a true story about the sinking in the 19th century of a whale-ship - after it was rammed by a sperm whale. Twenty crew members end up drifting in three small boats for 90 days in the South Pacific with most dying from weather, hunger and disease. It’s a riveting account that provides plenty of insight into life in Nantucket in the 1800′s, life on a whaling ship and the history of the whaling business.

in the heart of the sea My Favourite Reads From 2011 & Whats on My 2012 Wish List

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex

Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues by Susan Casey

Casey writes a riveting account of the giant waves the extreme surfers are chasing,  the science behind these super sized 100 foot waves, tsunamis, and issues with the giant waves especially as it relates to shipping. A fascinating read complimented with great colour photos.

1000 White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus

The book is premised upon a real incident at a peace conference in the 19th century where the Chief of the Northern Cheyenne tribe suggests to the US Army authorities that they trade 1000 horses for 1000 white women to promote assimilation. The proposal never goes forward but it does form the basis for this highly readable book. Follow May Dodd through her journals as she describes the adventures and life after marriage to the Cheyenne warriors.

The World’s Longest Climb: Dead Sea to Mount Everest by Pauline Sanderson

Join Pauline as she recounts her adventures cycling from the Dead Sea in Jordan to Tibet, followed by a successful climb of Mount Everest. Part coffee table book, part inspirational read, you’re sure to love all the colour photos.

book cover Pauline1 274x300 My Favourite Reads From 2011 & Whats on My 2012 Wish List

The World's Longest Climb

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

Lisa’s first book – Still Alice – was a fantastic though sobering read about life with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Her follow up book is equally riveting. Sarah, the successful, hard working, multi tasking mom ends up in a horrific accident that leaves her with a traumatic brain injury – left neglect. It’s serious subject matter and left neglect is a real issue but the book is much more than just the accident. It’s about relationships and priorities and redefining success.

What’s on My Wishlist For 2012

Every year in late fall, Canada’s Globe and Mail does a 100 newly released best books feature. I always spend time looking through the list and deciding what I’d like to read in the coming year.

Here’s what I think are some new and interesting books to read.

  • Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World by Michael Lewis
  • The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary by Andrew Westoll
  • The Magnetic North by Sara Wheeler
  • The Antagonist by Lynn Coady
  • Little Comrades by Laurie Lewis
  • Winter: Five Windows on the Season by Adam Gopnik
  • The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit by J.J. Lee
  • The Magician King by Lev Grossman
  • Before I Go to Sleep by S. Watson
  • Phoenix: The Life of Norman Bethune by Sharon Stewart and Roderick Stewart

I hope this post gives you some fresh ideas for reading – either for yourself or as a gift.

What  have been a few of your favourite reads in the past year??

Leigh McAdam

Bellagio 0143 My Favourite Reads From 2011 & Whats on My 2012 Wish List

 

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Books and Book Reviews | 4 Comments 

Book Review & Giveaway: The World’s Longest Climb

November 22, 2011

Meet Pauline. Someone who calls herself ordinary. I think she needs a dictionary.

This remarkable woman was one of six Everestmax Expedition members – a team led by Dom Faulkner with the stated objective of cycling from the Dead Sea in Jordan to the Rongbok Monastery in Tibet, followed by a climb of Mount Everest – all in the span of six months.

Pauline completed every inch of it and The World’s Longest Climb, Dead Sea to Everest Summit is her account of the 2005-2006 trip.

book cover Pauline7 Book Review & Giveaway: The Worlds Longest Climb

The World's Longest Climb by Pauline Sanderson

How and why Pauline, a middle-aged, married marketing manager ended up on the Everestmax team is the subject of the first third of the book. It’s a fast, fun section to read. Her obvious determination, zest for life and excitable disposition ring clear. So does her ability to embrace adversity.

bike in Iran snow conditions2 Book Review & Giveaway: The Worlds Longest Climb

Snow conditions biking in Iran

The next 100 pages take you from the Dead Sea in Jordan, 8000 kilometers through to Tibet via Syria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal. Each country gets its own chapter complete with a brief overview of pertinent facts about that country – for example, population, life expectancy and GDP per capita. I find these facts are helpful in putting the country into context.

Then there are the stories, the trials and hardships as well as the highlights of each country. Included in every chapter are many beautiful, colour photos.

colours day is a kids dream2 Book Review & Giveaway: The Worlds Longest Climb

Colours day is a kid's dream

The team enjoys a support staff of two – Ro and Dickie. Combined they are responsible for shopping, arranging accommodation, border control, bureaucracy as well as general admin and life. Pauline gives them full credit throughout the book for making the expedition member’s lives easier. I like that.

The last section of the book deals with the Mount Everest climb and the challenge of incorporating new team members (her husband included) with varying personal goals into a team with a common focus. Pauline handles this section with aplomb and it makes for great reading.  If you’ve never read a mountaineering book before you’ll get a real sense of what  life is like on a big mountain – the tedium followed by heart pounding climbs, the effects of low oxygen and the feeling of living on the edge.

first sight of himalayas2 Book Review & Giveaway: The Worlds Longest Climb

First sight of the Himalayas

Inside the front cover you’ll find the full day to day itinerary with mileage. Maps are included though I wish she’d added detailed maps at the start of each country chapter – but I’m a map lover so that omission won’t bother everyone. At times there is repetition on the theme of what a great group dynamic the team enjoyed. Fortunately it can be overlooked.

The World’s Longest Climb is 243 pages in length – and coffee table material. Although it’s softcover the book has some heft to it.

My hat goes off to Pauline – for sharing her adventurous spirit, for showing that middle-age is only a state of mind and for inspiring other would be adventurers, myself included, to think big and to have dreams, no matter what your age.

A Giveway of The World’s Longest Climb

I have one book to give away to a reader in Canada or the US who leaves a comment on my blog by Saturday, November 26th at midnight (MST) with an answer to this question. A winner will be chosen at random.

Of the eight countries Pauline visited – Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Tibet – which one would you like to see for yourself and why?

The World’s Longest Climb is available for sale on Amazon for £19 ($Cdn 30.82) though on Amazon in Canada it’s $63 – all the more reason to leave a comment. This book would make a great Christmas gift – especially for the adventurer in your life.

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HikeBikeTravel
Twitter: @hikebiketravel
Bellagio 0147 Book Review & Giveaway: The Worlds Longest Climb

 

 

 

 

Here’s one comment I got in my inbox.

I think this book would inspire me to travel to Nepal because Nepal
is tucked away in the highest mountain range in the world, and has
been labeled the 'last paradise' on earth. The people are supposed to
be really welcoming and I would like to experience this. I would like
to do some trekking and view Mount Everest. Ever since a friend showed
me their photos of Mt Everest with so much of it above the clouds I
have wanted to see this. Also I would like to experience the Buddhist
temples and have some spiritual experiences in Nepal. (from Lesley Swirhun)
Note: Barry Taylor from Hiking with Barry is the winner of a copy of the book. Thanks to all who entered.




		
		

			
Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Biking, Books and Book Reviews | 8 Comments 

		

		
				
Book Review: My Seductive Cuba – A Unique Travel Guide

		
October 26, 2011

	
		
				
				


Chen Lizra, an Israeli born dancer who now resides on Canada’s west coast, is the author of My Seductive Cuba – A Unique Travel Guide. Right off the bat she brings sexiness to Cuba with her provocative choice of a book cover.


cuba Book Review: My Seductive Cuba   A Unique Travel Guide
Cover of My Seductive Cuba


But that’s just the start.


Chen takes you on a complete tour of Cuba by mixing personal stories with cold, hard facts.


First the facts.


Cuba is not a straight forward country to visit if you’re doing anything other than an all-inclusive trip. But if you aren’t, then you’ll find everything you need to know including maps between the covers. And if you are on an all inclusive and dare to leave your hotel, then you’ll be much the wiser after reading this book.


In the first chapter Chen describes Cuba’s political situation.  It’s a good synopsis and makes for interesting reading. You’ll understand why, as she puts it personal connections are valued more than what one owns. She gives a  helpful rundown about the revolution and the ongoing travel embargo for Americans.


The second chapter is devoted to preparing for your trip. Included are sections on getting to Cuba, customs (including a copy of what the form looks like), weather, telecommunications, tourist scams and even restroom etiquette. Pertinent websites are included. So are QR codes – those two dimensional barcode looking logos – that are sprinkled throughout the book and provide another layer of information if you have a smart phone and the free app you need to read it.


Chen’s next stop is a thorough look at what’s Hot in Havana. She takes you to the best places for dance and music, sends you to the can’t miss restaurants and leads you to folklore and cabaret shows. Then if you’re prepared to lace up your shoes you can join her on one of the six walking tours of Havana she describes. Finish with shopping, especially she says for sexy, beautiful clothing.


Once you’ve had your fill of Havana Chen takes you around the rest of the country. She’ll tell you how to do it, what’s allowed, what isn’t. One section – Cuba’s Best Natural Secrets, got me very excited because many of the places she lists aren’t known to the average tourist.


Getting the authentic Cuban experience is the subject of the final chapter. Rules, customs and language are dealt with – and all those quirks about a country you wonder about are explained. But this chapter in particular is full of insights garnered from making friends over a period of years and many visits. There’s an interesting section on a tambor ceremony and getting possessed. Learn about Santería, an exotic religion that started with the Yoruba people of what is Nigeria today – and is widely practiced by the Cuban people.


Some 300 plus pages later I am much the wiser about the workings of Cuba and I have insight now on what makes Cubans tick.


chen Book Review: My Seductive Cuba   A Unique Travel Guide
The author - Chen Lizra


Seduced by Cuba


Although this book is loaded with facts, figures, websites and lots of wonderful colour photos, it’s Chen’s personality that shines through. Her experience and stories from Cuba are heartfelt. She has been seduced by the country and by opening her heart to Cubans she is able to show the real Cuba – the messy, far from perfect Cuba that’s got a big heart and soul.


This book isn’t like any of your typical guidebooks. It’s going to take you places other guidebooks don’t mention. And it’s going to teach you to open your heart to the people of Cuba.


I’ve always wanted to visit Cuba, and I feel even more compelled to go now.


It’s available for $Cdn16.95 through a link to sellers on her website.


Leigh McAdam


HikeBikeTravel


 


 


 




		
		

			
Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Books and Book Reviews | 3 Comments 

		

		
				
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