I finished this book over the weekend and I must say I am sad that it ended. A nonfiction recount of two airmen flying warbirds for opposing countries in WW2, who met over the skies of Germany on December 20th, 1943. One pilot, Franz Stigler, a Luftwaffe Ace with the call of family-torn vengeance under his wings, decided at the last minute to turn his fully-armed BF-109 into a protective escort for a badly crippled American B17, flying it safely beyond the German iron curtain and out to sea, thereby saving the lives of its pilot and remaining crew. The book also provides an fascinating glimpse into what it was like to be an aviator from both sides of the war. Look for a in-depth review of this very much recommended novel by Adam Makos shortly.

Finished a great book today, Eight Bells and Top Masts by Christopher Lee. It is the book of a young seaman, still in his teens, taking to the water as a crew member aboard the Tramp, an old steam driven freight ship with routes spanning around the globe, top and bottom. On the way we get an idea of what life is like out there, especially when you’re a rookie amongst a seasoned crew. We also get a glimpse of the world as it were during the time period our sailor is in, the early 1950s.

The best way I can describe this book is, if you’ve ever opened up an old National Geographic magazine – like from the 1970’s and back – and got lost in its sepia-toned pages of new worlds abroad, old (but then, new) car brochures and the occasional cigarette advertisement, then this book is for you. The historical events that take place come alive and pull you in, all from the eyes of this real-life young lad, who is now an old man.

Most importantly, this book contains an underlying wisdom that is chock full of meaningful takeaways, in quotes, perspectives, encounters, and more.

I highly recommend this book.

A terrific book that I bought here in London about two years ago. I let my Mother borrow it and she couldn’t put it down. Im happy to say that I couldn’t either. This book is an interesting character study of an eccentric middle aged woman  who must cope with the  struggle of day-to-day life while under the insufferable shadow of a deeply tragic childhood. We see the world through her eyes as she pushes forward, meeting a host of characters along the way, each tied to a crescendo of experiences.  4/5

A tale of a girl who loses everything in England, and must relocate to Africa to live with her grandmother on a wild game reserve, where poachers are a constant threat to the animals. Her new life begins in a big way, as she discovers a knack for the supernatural, and develops a special bond with a mythical-like giraffe. This is a very nice get-away book that is great for older children. 4/5