Check-in for the annual top five recommendations, find out how to visit the best bookstore in any city, and read reviews of Drew’s favorites
Book Reviews by Tall Travels
The Boys in the Boat
By: Daniel James Brown / 5
A stirring, emotional saga chronicling the improbable rise of the University of Washington crew team culminating in the 1936 Olympic games set in Nazi Germany. It is, in my estimation, not only one of the greatest sports stories ever told but one of the most remarkable stories of any kind. One can’t help but be engrossed in the lives of these young men as they grapple with countless challenges along an epic journey, and ultimately form a unique bond that will endure the rest of their lives. Also of note, is that I knew nothing of crew or competitive rowing prior to reading this book and yet, from the outset, was completely mesmerized by both the sport, as well as the stories of the individuals. The book is simply transcendent.
Born a Crime
By: Trevor Noah / 4.5
This introspective memoir by comedian Trevor Noah is a reflection on his childhood and growing up in a racially divided South Africa. At times funny, at times heartbreaking and at times an education I was totally immersed in the stories, often laughing and by the end, with a newfound appreciation for Trevor. I love that this book isn’t about Trevor’s life as a comedian, or television personality but rather the experiences and people that helped mold him along the way. It becomes clear early on that one person in particular, his mother, had an indelible impact on young Trevor’s life. One can’t help but be drawn into the loving, dynamic and often comical relationship between mother and son. I also appreciated Trevor’s perspective on growing up during and post-apartheid, as well his poignant lessons about life, all conveyed in a thoughtful and relatable narrative.
Killers of the Flower Moon
By: David Grann / 4.25
A well-researched account of the nefarious Osage Indian killings during the 1920s. The Osage were displaced from their homelands and assigned a ragged, rocky territory in northern Oklahoma by the US government. The new home seemed an utterly worthless stretch of desolate land. When oil reserves were discovered beneath the reservation, however, the Osage Nation became the wealthiest people per capita in the United States. Unfortunately, this newfound wealth didn’t necessarily equate to health and happiness as many of the Osage began to die under incredibly suspicious circumstances.
Grann’s well-paced investigative writing takes us inside the corruption, conspiracy and evil that enabled the Reign of Terror in Osage County. The reader is also introduced to various investigative agencies, some admirable, others notably less so, tasked with solving this complex string of murders. Overall, an honest, informative look at some of the most heinous killings in US history, ones too often missing from our history books. Although certain to make your blood boil, it is not to be missed, especially for fans of true crime, mystery and history.
H is for Hawk
By: Helen Macdonald / 4.5
An honest, moving self-reflection on dealing with grief. Lovely, vivid descriptions of the natural world. Beautiful prose. Also, falconry is kind of awesome.
Classic Krakauer
By: Jon Krakauer / 4
A collection of ten essays primarily from Krakauer’s early journalistic days. The pieces cover a wide range of topics, from surfing to architecture, but largely focus on themes of nature and adventure, as well as the consequences when things go awry. For fans of his other works, Into Thin Air and Into the Wild being two of my personal favorites, many will likely find this amalgamation of articles to hold their interest in much the same way.
The Body
By: Bill Bryson / 4.5
Informative and interesting. Filled with intriguing facts and helpful anecdotes. The book touches on almost all significant features and functions of the human body, without overly extensive deep dives into each subject. The complexities of life in the human body are truly staggering and wonderful. Bryson takes us behind the scenes to better understand the countless ways our genes, cells, organs, and so much more enable everything from physical movement to our very existence. Of course, also discussed are those disconcerting instances when our systems, for any number of unfortunate reasons, do not work as intended. However, no matter the topic, the book is laden with astounding facts, most of which my hippocampus has regrettably failed to remember.
I also appreciate that, in classic Bill Bryson form, the book is filled with anecdotes of all sorts, firsthand insights from scientists and medical professionals and brief histories (albeit often quite unpleasant) of each subject. Surprisingly, how much we do not yet know about any number of things related to the human body is evident throughout the book. Clearly science and medicine have a long way to go in completing our understanding, however, what exciting discoveries must await in the future. For me, this was not a can’t put down page turner, and I had to adjust my reading speed accordingly. This at least allowed an attempt at processing the tremendous amount of info packed into each chapter.
Bottom line, for those with an avid interest in anatomy and physiology or simply someone interested in gaining a better understanding of the wonder that is the human body this book should make for a highly enjoyable and informative experience. I do, however, feel we should all read this book regardless. Surely, a better understanding and appreciation of our physical and physiological selves can only be to our benefit!
The Game
By: George Howe Colt / 5
The Game is a result of the long and storied rivalry between the collegiate football teams of Harvard and Yale. Specifically, a game played on a cold day in November 1968, which transcended rivalry and became classic. Certain to long live in the annals of history, the game is ranked as one of the greatest college football games of all-time. As such, the book is worth a read simply for the recounting of the improbable confluence of events that transpired that day.
Colt also chronicles each teams’ undefeated season (Harvard vs Yale is the final game of the year) and provides personal histories of players and coaches. The story, while centered around Yale, Harvard and football, is actually about so much more. The book is also a reflection on the turbulence experienced by so many living through the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement rippling through America in the 60s. A decade where ideals were shifting from conformity and authority to self-expression and activism. Colt details an excellent account of the struggles and movements that motivated so many to take action at universities across the nation. In a time of serious divisiveness, the seasons of Harvard and Yale and their unusual final game provided a respite and sense of unification (even if only temporary) for the universities’ students, alumni, administrations, and fans.
Bottomline – A great, highly enjoyable read about a once in a lifetime football game, that also proffers an excellent perspective on coming of age during a tumultuous time.
In Cold Blood
By: Truman Capote / 4.5
A true crime masterpiece. Haunting, intelligent and candid. Capote effortlessly blends the narratives of the family, the killers, law enforcement, and a small-town Kansas community. Further, the author provides a superb retelling of the facts combined with astonishing and empathetic insights into the psyches of all the affected individuals.
Circe
By: Madeline Miller / 4.5
A spellbinding retelling of the tale of Titan goddess, Circe. Madeline Miller skillfully brings gods and mortals to life in this page turning narrative.
Circe, the daughter of Helios (Titan god of the sun), grows up feeling unwelcome amidst her cold and distant eternal brethren. She eventually discovers unusual abilities as a sorceress; this new power, however, is seen, by Zeus, as a threat to the Olympians. Thus, Helios and Zeus reach an accord requiring Circe be exiled on an uninhabited island, Aiaia. It is during these eons spent in exile that Circe begins to understand the true nature of gods and mortals and her place among them. Her exile, however, does not prevent chance encounters with many of the most famous mortals, gods, and monsters of the day, including Odysseus, Daedalus, Hermes, Athena, Scylla, the Minotaur, and many more.
For an eternal being with considerable influence, Miller’s Circe is surprisingly relatable, especially in her quest to make meaningful connections and find her place in the world.
2020 Book Recommendations
#1 Shoe Dog
By: Phil Knight
Memoir / 4.48 Goodreads Rating
#2 The Boys in the Boat
By: Daniel James Brown
Nonfiction / 4.34 Goodreads Rating
#3 Born a Crime
By: Trevor Noah
Autobiography / 4.46 Goodreads Rating
#4 H is for Hawk
By: Helen Macdonald
Memoir / 3.72 Goodreads Rating
#5 The Pillars of the Earth
By: Ken Follett
Historical Fiction / 4.32 Goodreads Rating
2019 Book Recommendations
#1 Why We Sleep
By: Matthew Walker
Nonfiction / 4.45 Goodreads Rating
#2 A Gentleman in Moscow
By: Amor Towles
Historical Fiction / 4.35 Goodreads Rating
#3 The Kingkiller Chronicle (The Name of the Wind & The Wise Man’s Fear)
By: Patrick Rothfuss
Fantasy / 4.54 & 4.57 Goodreads Rating
#4 Shantaram
By: Gregory Roberts
Fiction / 4.27 Goodreads Rating
#5 The Kite Runner
By: Khaled Hosseini
Historical Fiction / 4.29 Goodreads Rating
2018 Book Recommendations
#1 Lonesome Dove
By: Larry McMurtry
Western / 4.49 Goodreads Rating
#2 The Killer Angels
By: Michael Shaara
Historical Novel / 4.32 Goodreads Rating
#3 The Book Thief
By: Markus Zusak
Historical Fiction / 4.37 Goodreads Rating
#4 When Breath Becomes Air
By: Paul Kalanithi
Nonfiction / 4.36 Goodreads Rating
#5 Night Watch
By: Terry Pratchett
Fantasy / 4.49 Goodreads Rating
2017 Book Recommendations
#1 All the Light We Cannot See
By: Anthony Doerr
Historical Fiction / 4.33 Goodreads Rating
#2 Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
By: Douglas Adams
Science Fiction / 4.22 Goodreads Rating
#3 Brothers Forever
By: Tom Manion
Nonfiction / 4.46 Goodreads Rating
#4 All the Pretty Horses
By: Cormac McCarthy
Western / 3.99 Goodreads Rating
#5 Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
By: Haruki Murakami
Science Fiction / 4.15 Goodreads Rating
Bookstores Around the World
Seattle, WA
Seattle Public Library (pictured above), Central Location
1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
Metsker Maps of Seattle, Pike’s Place Market
1511 First Ave. Seattle, WA 98101
