Book Details:
Close to Flying
Pages: 304
Pages read: 70
Words on page 50: 312 (26 x 12)
Words in book: 94,848 (averaged)
ISBN 9781740666671
Author: Cadel Evans (and Rob Arnold)
Published: 2010 by Hardy Grant Books
Price: $39.99 (sheeshe - is Borders publicly listed - maybe some shares might be in order - the words wounded bull come to mind)
Well, after two average books, it is great to finally find a book that is hard to put down. What a story, Cadel is the man, and Rob Arnold (Journalist and co-author) has done an outstanding job.
So far, the book has touched on Cadel's early years, where he was bought up in the NT. He was bought up by his mum, predominantly, although his father has always been in his life, and understandably, they are very proud parents. Actually, in some ways, to this point in the book anyway, Cadel's story is somewhat akin to Lance Armstrong's. Lance was raised by a single mum, was given a lot of freedom as a kid, and was unconditionally supported by his loving mother to achieve all that he was capable of. By the way, that is another great read, Lance's first book. Looks like Cadel and Lance are competing in France and on the book shelves. Go boys.
Lance was raised, for his early years at least, in Australia's Northern Territory. His mum tells some horrible stories about living up there, about the alcohol, the aboriginals, the lack of services and the general challenges of living in an outback location some 25 years ago. I can relate to a degree, as we lived about 2 to 3 hours drive from where Lance spent his early years. He was near Katherine, we were living in Jabiru (not at the same time - about 20 years apart). But, the life style can be understood once you have seen the area. Just watch Crocodile Dundee, some of that movie was filmed in the area. A bit of trivia for you ...
Unfortunately, I have just got to the point where Cadel has been kicked in the head by a horse (at age 8). Cadel has a fractured skull, is in hospital in a coma, has been operated on and is not assured of making a full recovery. It is obvious that he will (given what he had done since), though I am sure tit will be a hard road. Looking forward to reading about it.
This book is really well written, with an obviously large amount of time and research being dedicated to the project. You know what, it is the first book that I have paid full price for - as part of this blog project at least - and holy crap, did I pay for it, though it is great quality. That might be giving me a message. You get what you pay for, I suppose.
Anyway, I look forward to the rest of the book. Cadel has only had one bike so far, and after a short time, he tried (until dad intervened) unsuccessfully to get the trainer wheels off the bike. Dad assisted, and apparently he has been riding fast since. Cadel was actually a mountain biking world champ, prior to switching to road racing. An accomplished athlete, and someone committed to his profession, obviously. He missed out on winning several Tour De Frances, with second places in both, and I would say that is an unfulfilled dream for him. Good luck with that - big job.
Feelings
Cadel is an inspirational guy - as a general fan and a committed cyclist, it is great to read his story.
I love the story of Cadel's committed mother. They say that behind every good man is a good woman, well what about behind every athlete is a supportive mum. Good on her, and I am sure she would do it all over again.
Not a great deal more to report, as yet.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Book 3 - Blog 2 - Hollywood Insider Exposed
Book Details:
Secrets, Stars and Showbiz
Pages: 255
Pages read: 64
Words on page 50: 363 (33 x 11)
Words in book: 92,565 (averaged)
ISBN 9781741106985
Author: Nelson Aspen
Published: 1998 by New Holland Publishers Australia (Pty Ltd)
Price: $9.95 (on sale)
Well, book 3 has been completed, albeit, 4 days late. I will have to make that up this week. I am back at work today (working away), so I will have more time to read at night times.
Nelson's book was readable. It really didn't excite me greatly, and it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down. In saying that, Nelson does appear to be a good guy, and he works hard on both his reporting and his philantrophy. He does support some good causes.
As for the second half of the book, some of it was more about others than it was Nelson, unfortunately, and I think that is what lost me. He talked about famous Dames of show biz, though none of the names sounded familiar (showing my lack of knowledge on all things Hollywood, I am sure). His chapter on his idol, Carol Lynley was interesting, and he was a devoted fan who even as a young boy was able to have a nice lunch with her (thanks for his dad's contacts). All his dad asked in return was that he did the same for his own son, one day. Now that is a Dad's love of his boy, and I can certainly relate to that, having two growing lads.
I really loved his chapter on his marathons. Good on ya, mate, run Nelson run. He found marathon running later in life (as we all do), and he listed his marathon times in the book. He even mentioned one of my heros, Dean Karnazes, who is touted as being the fittest man on the planet. Nelson continues to run, and I hope he can break the four hour barrier, which he appears to be getting closer and closer to doing.
The "Day in his life" chapter was also interesting, and it gave a real insight into how he works and lives. I think that I really prefer reading about someone that I know, and can relate to, rather than people that I have never heard of. In that sense, this book was not a true autobiography, but hey, it was close enough. It still goes down as book 3. Each day of his life starts at about 4.10 (holy crap) and involves a lot of media (as you can imagine) and a lot of exercises, which he appears to do religiously (committed man). Nelson also mentioned the process for covering the big events, such as the Oscars, which was detailed in a way that showed it is not all glitz and glamour for the journalists. That would be expected, though, I would have thought. Even on TV, it appears that they are doing what they can to get a word with the big names. Once again, I think we would all love his job.
Nelson talked about the moments that changed his career, and that was interesting. We all could list a range of the things or people that have provided us with opportunities throughout our lives, and Nelson calls it being in the right place at the right time. I personally think it is a little more than that, but hey, each to his own. His chapter on his best friend was also very interesting, and contrary to what you would think, his best mate is not a super star, but a stock broker, and they get on famously still. It shows he is grounded and can maintain great relationships.
Readability: 3.5 (out of 5)
Interesting Information: 3.5 (out of 5)
Overall book quality: 3.5 (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 7 (out of 10)
Places visited: 1
People met: 0
Books given away: 1 (to Gemma, my wife)
Books purchased second hand or cheap: 3 (Book 1, 2 and 3)
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Book 3 - Blog 1 - Hollywood Insider Exposed
Book Details:
Hollywood Insider Exposed
Secrets, Stars and Showbiz
Pages: 255
Pages read: 64
Words on page 50: 363 (33 x 11)
Words in book: 92,565 (averaged)
ISBN 9781741106985
Author: Nelson Aspen
Published: 2008 by New Holland Publishers Australia (Pty Ltd)
Well, book 3 has been commenced. I think I might be a few days behind, as I think I should be finished book 3 by now (tomorrow is January 21). No worries, I will catch up during the next week or two, when I am on a plane flying to Western Australia for work.
Anyway, book 3 is all about the glitzy and glamorous life of Nelson Aspen. Nelson is the Hollywood reporter that appears on the morning show, Sunrise, each morning, along with Kochy and Mel. As you would expect from a book like this, the names and the stars mentioned are huge. From Brangolina to Ellen to Jim Carey, amongst many, many others. There really are too many to mention. There is an index at the front of the book, and it lists all of the celebrities that are discussed in the book, and it takes up two whole pages of names.
Nelson starts the book off on a really positive note, where he focuses on the use of gossip for the entertainment of the massess. He says that it is good for the water cooler, not good for the masses. Intriguing, given his role in life. As I read through the book, it is interesting to see that he dedicates chapters to celebrities, such as Brangolina and Ellen and Portia. I guess, at a stretch, you could say that the chapters are not gossip. Maybe I don't really have a good understanding of the word gossip. He probably thinks that gossip is anything harmful, or negative. In some ways, I think talking about other people is gossip. This blog is probably gossip, then. Well, I'll be. Another good thing is that he is very positive in his notes and review of the celebrities. He really does discuss their positive sides, and talks about how much he enjoys spending time with them. He rates Brangolina as his favourite couple and favourite celebrities. He rates Jeff Goulblum as the tallest, at 6 foot 5, and he says Jeff is quite daunting, staring down at you. He would be. Apparently, Ellen and Portia have a great relationship, and his mentor Mary Stuart, was a huge role model for him. Nice.
Oh, and Nelson explains why they call them 'soap operas'. "They were called soaps because the programs were sponsored by the makers of household products like laundry and dish detergents." Yep, every day is a school day (you always learn something).
Nelson appears to be a very rounded character. He appears to be very likable, he maintains great relationships with celebrities, and he has an outstanding contact list - as you would expect. He loves his job, stays fit, is up early every day and is quite popular with viewers. He has had some auditions for acting roles, with only limited success. He is living the dream, and he lives in Hollywood, mixing with stars at every opportunity. Let's face it, who wouldn't want his job. What a blast it must be.
The one thing that I can't get my head around, is that they call him "Hollywood's happiest TV personality." Now, that might very well be right. I am sure it is, but I find him a little unenthusiastic, if there is such a word. He might be happy, but I don't see him as very energetic. He just seems to smile alot. Is that happy, I guess so. When I think about happy TV personalities, I think of Richard Reid (the Hollywood insider on the competition network) or Steve Irwin, for example.
These guys are buzzing. They have natural energy. I have never really watched Nelson, but the book looked interesting, so I bought it cheaply (on sale - another book at discount price) for this blog. I thought I better watch Nelson on TV, so I watched his coverage of the Golden Globes, and he really seemed to just smile and talk without much passion. Well, it obviously works for him, and his fans, I just don't find that sort of personality entertaining, or inspiring. I am more in for someone who is pumping and roaring with life. Anyway, that is Jimmy's call on Jimmy's blog.
Nelson also does some great charity work, which is very moral and responsible. Great work. And, he is a comic book and super hero fan. Each to his own, I suppose.
Feelings
I think there are many positives from Nelson's life and his example that we could all take something from. Get up early, make the most of your life, mix with amazing people, stay fit and live the dream. I think probably sums up his life. He just needs to liven up a bit, and get excited occasionally. But, hey, who am I really to comment, he might say.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Hollywood Insider Exposed
Secrets, Stars and Showbiz
Pages: 255
Pages read: 64
Words on page 50: 363 (33 x 11)
Words in book: 92,565 (averaged)
ISBN 9781741106985
Author: Nelson Aspen
Published: 2008 by New Holland Publishers Australia (Pty Ltd)
Well, book 3 has been commenced. I think I might be a few days behind, as I think I should be finished book 3 by now (tomorrow is January 21). No worries, I will catch up during the next week or two, when I am on a plane flying to Western Australia for work.
Anyway, book 3 is all about the glitzy and glamorous life of Nelson Aspen. Nelson is the Hollywood reporter that appears on the morning show, Sunrise, each morning, along with Kochy and Mel. As you would expect from a book like this, the names and the stars mentioned are huge. From Brangolina to Ellen to Jim Carey, amongst many, many others. There really are too many to mention. There is an index at the front of the book, and it lists all of the celebrities that are discussed in the book, and it takes up two whole pages of names.
Nelson starts the book off on a really positive note, where he focuses on the use of gossip for the entertainment of the massess. He says that it is good for the water cooler, not good for the masses. Intriguing, given his role in life. As I read through the book, it is interesting to see that he dedicates chapters to celebrities, such as Brangolina and Ellen and Portia. I guess, at a stretch, you could say that the chapters are not gossip. Maybe I don't really have a good understanding of the word gossip. He probably thinks that gossip is anything harmful, or negative. In some ways, I think talking about other people is gossip. This blog is probably gossip, then. Well, I'll be. Another good thing is that he is very positive in his notes and review of the celebrities. He really does discuss their positive sides, and talks about how much he enjoys spending time with them. He rates Brangolina as his favourite couple and favourite celebrities. He rates Jeff Goulblum as the tallest, at 6 foot 5, and he says Jeff is quite daunting, staring down at you. He would be. Apparently, Ellen and Portia have a great relationship, and his mentor Mary Stuart, was a huge role model for him. Nice.
Oh, and Nelson explains why they call them 'soap operas'. "They were called soaps because the programs were sponsored by the makers of household products like laundry and dish detergents." Yep, every day is a school day (you always learn something).
Nelson appears to be a very rounded character. He appears to be very likable, he maintains great relationships with celebrities, and he has an outstanding contact list - as you would expect. He loves his job, stays fit, is up early every day and is quite popular with viewers. He has had some auditions for acting roles, with only limited success. He is living the dream, and he lives in Hollywood, mixing with stars at every opportunity. Let's face it, who wouldn't want his job. What a blast it must be.
The one thing that I can't get my head around, is that they call him "Hollywood's happiest TV personality." Now, that might very well be right. I am sure it is, but I find him a little unenthusiastic, if there is such a word. He might be happy, but I don't see him as very energetic. He just seems to smile alot. Is that happy, I guess so. When I think about happy TV personalities, I think of Richard Reid (the Hollywood insider on the competition network) or Steve Irwin, for example.
These guys are buzzing. They have natural energy. I have never really watched Nelson, but the book looked interesting, so I bought it cheaply (on sale - another book at discount price) for this blog. I thought I better watch Nelson on TV, so I watched his coverage of the Golden Globes, and he really seemed to just smile and talk without much passion. Well, it obviously works for him, and his fans, I just don't find that sort of personality entertaining, or inspiring. I am more in for someone who is pumping and roaring with life. Anyway, that is Jimmy's call on Jimmy's blog.
Nelson also does some great charity work, which is very moral and responsible. Great work. And, he is a comic book and super hero fan. Each to his own, I suppose.
Feelings
I think there are many positives from Nelson's life and his example that we could all take something from. Get up early, make the most of your life, mix with amazing people, stay fit and live the dream. I think probably sums up his life. He just needs to liven up a bit, and get excited occasionally. But, hey, who am I really to comment, he might say.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Book 2 - Blog 2 - Mr Nice
Book Details:
Mr Nice
An Autobiography
Pages: 466
Pages read: 123
Words on page 50: 468 (39 x 12)
Words in book: 218,088 (averaged)
ISBN 0-7-493-9569-9
Author: Howard Marks
Published: 1997 by Vintage
Well, book two for this blog is complete. Thank God. It really was a huge book. Although Howard did a pretty good job of the book, it was a huge effort to get through it, especially about a 100 page section from about page 250 to 350. During this section, there was extended dialogue about every conversation about drug dealing and importation that Howard had with all of his contacts. It was a little mind numbing. I guess for some people, this might have been interesting, but I am not sure how much value it added to what could have been a really good read.
On either side of that section, it was very readable. During his drug trafficking career, Howard Marks was actually busted twice, the first time, he did 2 years and the next about 6 or 7. The times that he spent in prison, and the way that was depicted was amazing to read. For his second stint in prison, he was housed at Terre Haute (USA), which was described in the book as the worst of the worst, as far as prisons go. Some of the names that he either met, or just mentioned in the book, were also amazing, including Bill Clinton and other country presidents.
He explained really well the process of how most drug dealers become 'snitches' for a reduced sentence. Howard refused to do that, which I thought was quite brave, as he was willing to do a longer stay in prison. In the end, the only way that he was busted was when his contacts 'ratted' on him. It is was not for that, he may have gotten off a second time. The book explained how he made up crazy stories to get off the charges, the first time, he claimed to be smuggling drugs for a spy agency (to bust those responsible). Then, the second time, he was going to make up a story about smuggling drugs to Australia, instead of into America (where he was eventually deported to and imprisoned).
He was somewhat confident of an early release from prison, as he wrote that Bill Clinton was running for president at the time. "An Oxford-educated, dope taking, philandering, draft-dodging leader was just what this ridiculous country needed". Very amusing. In the end, he did get an early release, as he was originally sentenced to 25 years jail. He only served a quarter of that time.
Probably the most interesting part of the book, involved what lengths the DEA went to to imprison him. If you believe Howard Marks, the DEA are corrupt, dishonest, willing to change evidence and do whatever else it takes to get a conviction. The way he described the DEA agents (with fat arses) was comical.
One of the saddest parts of the book was the imprisonment of his wife, for involvement with his drug trafficking. She was released after several years, though it was tough on his family.
The story finished on a really happy note. His young son, named after his brother in law Patrick (who ended up snitching on him - shattering for Howard) did not speak for the seven years that Howard spent in prison. He stopped talking when Howard was arrested. When he saw his son again, on his release, "his blue eyes shone, and his soul smiled. He ran towards me. Hi Dad.'
Key messages from the book
I am not sure there are any great messages from Mr Nice. I would say that Howard Marks appears to be an extremely likable individual. That helped in at many times during his life, and was even noted in his trials. I would say that it is important to be a nice person throughout your life, and treat everyone in a courteous and friendly manner.
I would also say that drug trafficking and drug taking are just totally inadvisable. I am totally against drugs, and although I chose to read this book, that was one part of the book that I struggled with. How could you take or sell drugs, regardless of whether or not you thought they should be legalised. Stay away from it, if Jimmy's recommendation.
Readability: 3.5 (out of 5)
Interesting Information: 4 (out of 5)
Overall book quality: 3.5 (out of 5)
Overall: 7.5 (out of 10)
Places visited: 1
People met: 0
Books given away: 1 (to Gemma, my wife)
Books purchased second hand or cheap: 2 (Book 1 and 2)
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Mr Nice
An Autobiography
Pages: 466
Pages read: 123
Words on page 50: 468 (39 x 12)
Words in book: 218,088 (averaged)
ISBN 0-7-493-9569-9
Author: Howard Marks
Published: 1997 by Vintage
Well, book two for this blog is complete. Thank God. It really was a huge book. Although Howard did a pretty good job of the book, it was a huge effort to get through it, especially about a 100 page section from about page 250 to 350. During this section, there was extended dialogue about every conversation about drug dealing and importation that Howard had with all of his contacts. It was a little mind numbing. I guess for some people, this might have been interesting, but I am not sure how much value it added to what could have been a really good read.
On either side of that section, it was very readable. During his drug trafficking career, Howard Marks was actually busted twice, the first time, he did 2 years and the next about 6 or 7. The times that he spent in prison, and the way that was depicted was amazing to read. For his second stint in prison, he was housed at Terre Haute (USA), which was described in the book as the worst of the worst, as far as prisons go. Some of the names that he either met, or just mentioned in the book, were also amazing, including Bill Clinton and other country presidents.
He explained really well the process of how most drug dealers become 'snitches' for a reduced sentence. Howard refused to do that, which I thought was quite brave, as he was willing to do a longer stay in prison. In the end, the only way that he was busted was when his contacts 'ratted' on him. It is was not for that, he may have gotten off a second time. The book explained how he made up crazy stories to get off the charges, the first time, he claimed to be smuggling drugs for a spy agency (to bust those responsible). Then, the second time, he was going to make up a story about smuggling drugs to Australia, instead of into America (where he was eventually deported to and imprisoned).
He was somewhat confident of an early release from prison, as he wrote that Bill Clinton was running for president at the time. "An Oxford-educated, dope taking, philandering, draft-dodging leader was just what this ridiculous country needed". Very amusing. In the end, he did get an early release, as he was originally sentenced to 25 years jail. He only served a quarter of that time.
Probably the most interesting part of the book, involved what lengths the DEA went to to imprison him. If you believe Howard Marks, the DEA are corrupt, dishonest, willing to change evidence and do whatever else it takes to get a conviction. The way he described the DEA agents (with fat arses) was comical.
One of the saddest parts of the book was the imprisonment of his wife, for involvement with his drug trafficking. She was released after several years, though it was tough on his family.
The story finished on a really happy note. His young son, named after his brother in law Patrick (who ended up snitching on him - shattering for Howard) did not speak for the seven years that Howard spent in prison. He stopped talking when Howard was arrested. When he saw his son again, on his release, "his blue eyes shone, and his soul smiled. He ran towards me. Hi Dad.'
Key messages from the book
I am not sure there are any great messages from Mr Nice. I would say that Howard Marks appears to be an extremely likable individual. That helped in at many times during his life, and was even noted in his trials. I would say that it is important to be a nice person throughout your life, and treat everyone in a courteous and friendly manner.
I would also say that drug trafficking and drug taking are just totally inadvisable. I am totally against drugs, and although I chose to read this book, that was one part of the book that I struggled with. How could you take or sell drugs, regardless of whether or not you thought they should be legalised. Stay away from it, if Jimmy's recommendation.
Readability: 3.5 (out of 5)
Interesting Information: 4 (out of 5)
Overall book quality: 3.5 (out of 5)
Overall: 7.5 (out of 10)
Places visited: 1
People met: 0
Books given away: 1 (to Gemma, my wife)
Books purchased second hand or cheap: 2 (Book 1 and 2)
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Book 2 - Blog 1 - Mr Nice
Book Details:
Mr Nice
An Autobiography
Pages: 466
Pages read: 123
Words on page 50: 468 (39 x 12)
Words in book: 218,088 (averaged)
ISBN 0-7-493-9569-9
Author: Howard Marks
Published: 1997 by Vintage
Well, the story about this book is interesting. We were still in Vietnam, we were in Mui Ne, and we were having lunch at a nice little Vietnamese restaurant. I walked out of the Restaurant to take a photo of Hat Chi Minh (my hat - so named after Ho Chi Minh, the great president of Vietnam) with some interesting cooking utensils outside. As I took the camera out of my pocket, my wallet fell out with it. I didn't realise that, and when I sat down to lunch, my wallet was not in my pocket. I freaked out, and retraced my steps for the day for about an hour, while the family finished lunch. As I was still away, Gemma, Ged and Jeremy tracked me down at one of the places we had been, with the wallet that was sitting outside the restaurant the whole time. What has this all got to do with the book Mr Nice - nothing really, other than the book was the first thing I bought after the return of my wallet. I was absolutes effen estatic, as I thought I had lost all of the cards and identification that was in the wallet. It was great to find it. Absolutely. I was on a high when I bought this book for 70,000 VND (about US$3.50). This book is the second that was bought at under wholesale price. Mind you, the quality is crap, and it is obviously a pirated version. Only in Vietnam can you get bargains like that.
Anyway, onto the book.
My Nice is the autobiography of a con man and drug dealer named Howard Marks. The book is his recount of the life of someone that has served time for drug smuggling. It tells of his journey from country boy, living in Wales, to studying Physics at Oxford (he was given every opportunity in life) to marrying young and then to smoking copious amounts of hashish and ingesting copious amounts of LSD.
In his twenties, Howard Marks was smuggling massive quantities (tonnes) of drugs into countries around the world, and was benefiting greatly from the profits. He became very wealthy from the proceeds, and was reinvesting the money into both legitimate businesses and other drug smuggling operations.
The books is quite a good read. It is witty, satircial and mentions some big names, such as John Lennon and members of the IRA. Howard Marks learn the art of deception, he used aliases and he paid people handsomely for their involvement in his schemes. He was a good business man, by all accounts, and the businesses that he set up seemed to be very successful (both in their chosen endeavours, and in covering and concealing drug transactions and the proceeds of such).
Strangely enough, Howard Marks seems like a likable guy. He is obviously a ratbag, and sold drugs, which I vehemently detest, but he appears nice enough. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
Feelings
No real emotions stirred as yet from the book. I am looking past the fact that Howard Marks is a drug dealer, as that would put me off.
Other than that, there certainly are some amusing sections, like his commentary with some of the people that work in his drug smuggling operations. Very funny.
I am not really sure what I am going to be able to take from this book, but hey, there is only one way to find out, and that is to keep reading.
Until next time, you do the same.
Jimmy A
Mr Nice
An Autobiography
Pages: 466
Pages read: 123
Words on page 50: 468 (39 x 12)
Words in book: 218,088 (averaged)
ISBN 0-7-493-9569-9
Author: Howard Marks
Published: 1997 by Vintage
Well, the story about this book is interesting. We were still in Vietnam, we were in Mui Ne, and we were having lunch at a nice little Vietnamese restaurant. I walked out of the Restaurant to take a photo of Hat Chi Minh (my hat - so named after Ho Chi Minh, the great president of Vietnam) with some interesting cooking utensils outside. As I took the camera out of my pocket, my wallet fell out with it. I didn't realise that, and when I sat down to lunch, my wallet was not in my pocket. I freaked out, and retraced my steps for the day for about an hour, while the family finished lunch. As I was still away, Gemma, Ged and Jeremy tracked me down at one of the places we had been, with the wallet that was sitting outside the restaurant the whole time. What has this all got to do with the book Mr Nice - nothing really, other than the book was the first thing I bought after the return of my wallet. I was absolutes effen estatic, as I thought I had lost all of the cards and identification that was in the wallet. It was great to find it. Absolutely. I was on a high when I bought this book for 70,000 VND (about US$3.50). This book is the second that was bought at under wholesale price. Mind you, the quality is crap, and it is obviously a pirated version. Only in Vietnam can you get bargains like that.
Anyway, onto the book.
My Nice is the autobiography of a con man and drug dealer named Howard Marks. The book is his recount of the life of someone that has served time for drug smuggling. It tells of his journey from country boy, living in Wales, to studying Physics at Oxford (he was given every opportunity in life) to marrying young and then to smoking copious amounts of hashish and ingesting copious amounts of LSD.
In his twenties, Howard Marks was smuggling massive quantities (tonnes) of drugs into countries around the world, and was benefiting greatly from the profits. He became very wealthy from the proceeds, and was reinvesting the money into both legitimate businesses and other drug smuggling operations.
The books is quite a good read. It is witty, satircial and mentions some big names, such as John Lennon and members of the IRA. Howard Marks learn the art of deception, he used aliases and he paid people handsomely for their involvement in his schemes. He was a good business man, by all accounts, and the businesses that he set up seemed to be very successful (both in their chosen endeavours, and in covering and concealing drug transactions and the proceeds of such).
Strangely enough, Howard Marks seems like a likable guy. He is obviously a ratbag, and sold drugs, which I vehemently detest, but he appears nice enough. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
Feelings
No real emotions stirred as yet from the book. I am looking past the fact that Howard Marks is a drug dealer, as that would put me off.
Other than that, there certainly are some amusing sections, like his commentary with some of the people that work in his drug smuggling operations. Very funny.
I am not really sure what I am going to be able to take from this book, but hey, there is only one way to find out, and that is to keep reading.
Until next time, you do the same.
Jimmy A
Book 1 - Blog 2 - The Girl in the Picture
Book Details:
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
Pages: 372
Pages read: 372
Cumulative pages read: 372
Words on page 50: 297 (33 x 9)
Words in book: 110, 484 (averaged)
Cumulative words read: 110,484
Well, book one for this blog is complete. It really was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in learning about the sufferings of war, and even about some of the more detailed aspects of what happened in Vietnam. The book also considers, not in great depth, the happenings after the Vietnam War, and the fact that the country then started warring with Cambodia. They had a tough time, the Vietnamese, none more so than Kim Phuc.
Kim, if she stayed in Vietnam, was destined to a life of poverty. Her communist government was controlling her every move, from what she would stay, to who and when interviewed about her story. She became world renowned, especially at events like world youth events, or major anniversary dates of the Vietnam War (like the 10 and 20 year anniversaries). She was not paid anything for many of the interviews, although at the time that she was living in Vietnam, she received the travel and accommodation free of charge.
Finally, she was given the opportunity to study in Cuba, where she eventually studied English. In her early years there, her quality of life was good, though it deteriorated with the demise of the economic situation in that country. Whilst in Cuba, Kim Married Toan.
Kim eventually got the opportunity to travel to Canada. While she was in Canada she took the opportunity to relocate to that country, and live in total freedom for the first time in her life. She was not controlled by a communist regime any longer. Although her and Toan continued to live in poverty, being unable to work, due to Visa delays, they were ecstatic with the move, and they had children and moved Kim's parents over from Vietnam to live with them. Toan is working two jobs to support the family, though it all seemed rosy at the end of the book.
For all of her suffering, heart ache and pain, Kim Phuc finally found happiness and a life that she longer for, for such a long time. Hers was a journey of endurance and tolerance, underpinned by strong religious beliefs and an at times strong family support network.
Key message from the book
I think there are several key messages to be taken from this book.
1. No matter what happens to you in life, there is always hope. And, there is always someone with a bigger burden to bare. Kim Phuc should have received much needed medical attention in the years following her burns. She did not receive that care until at least 10 years later, so the pain she must have endured during those long years would have been excruciating. If she can bear that burden, we can bear our trials and tribulations.
2. You must always maintain a positive outlook on life. One person that met Kim could not believed how"somebody who has met death up close can be so full of life? Smiling all the time, with everyone." A positive frame of mind with create positive outcomes, as they did for Kim.
3. Believe, and you shall receive. This is true for all aspects of your life. Believe in a greater good, and the fact that the universe provides, and it will do just that. In Kim's case, it was a belief in God that got her through. She believed that "the Napalm bomb was unknown and unexpected, and an "accident" but she came to believe that God, when he saw need, would deliver other "accidents" in her life to offset the suffering and evil wrought by the bomb; these accidents would be good people, strangers to her, wanting to do acts of goodness. How true it is - the universe provides.
Until next time, read hard.
Jimmy A
Oh, and by the way, when we were in Vietnam (today we are on our way home to Australia) we visited the place where the picture of Kim Phuc was taken. It looks different now to what it does in the picture. It was quite amazing to stand somewhere that significantly changed the worlds opinion on war.
Readability: 4 (out of 5)
Intesting Information: 4 (out of 5)
Overall book quality: 4 (out of 5)
Overall: 8 (out of 10)
Places visited: 1
People met: 0
Books given away: 1 (to Gemma, my wife)
Books purchased second hand or cheap: 1
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
Pages: 372
Pages read: 372
Cumulative pages read: 372
Words on page 50: 297 (33 x 9)
Words in book: 110, 484 (averaged)
Cumulative words read: 110,484
Well, book one for this blog is complete. It really was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in learning about the sufferings of war, and even about some of the more detailed aspects of what happened in Vietnam. The book also considers, not in great depth, the happenings after the Vietnam War, and the fact that the country then started warring with Cambodia. They had a tough time, the Vietnamese, none more so than Kim Phuc.
Kim, if she stayed in Vietnam, was destined to a life of poverty. Her communist government was controlling her every move, from what she would stay, to who and when interviewed about her story. She became world renowned, especially at events like world youth events, or major anniversary dates of the Vietnam War (like the 10 and 20 year anniversaries). She was not paid anything for many of the interviews, although at the time that she was living in Vietnam, she received the travel and accommodation free of charge.
Finally, she was given the opportunity to study in Cuba, where she eventually studied English. In her early years there, her quality of life was good, though it deteriorated with the demise of the economic situation in that country. Whilst in Cuba, Kim Married Toan.
Kim eventually got the opportunity to travel to Canada. While she was in Canada she took the opportunity to relocate to that country, and live in total freedom for the first time in her life. She was not controlled by a communist regime any longer. Although her and Toan continued to live in poverty, being unable to work, due to Visa delays, they were ecstatic with the move, and they had children and moved Kim's parents over from Vietnam to live with them. Toan is working two jobs to support the family, though it all seemed rosy at the end of the book.
For all of her suffering, heart ache and pain, Kim Phuc finally found happiness and a life that she longer for, for such a long time. Hers was a journey of endurance and tolerance, underpinned by strong religious beliefs and an at times strong family support network.
Key message from the book
I think there are several key messages to be taken from this book.
1. No matter what happens to you in life, there is always hope. And, there is always someone with a bigger burden to bare. Kim Phuc should have received much needed medical attention in the years following her burns. She did not receive that care until at least 10 years later, so the pain she must have endured during those long years would have been excruciating. If she can bear that burden, we can bear our trials and tribulations.
2. You must always maintain a positive outlook on life. One person that met Kim could not believed how"somebody who has met death up close can be so full of life? Smiling all the time, with everyone." A positive frame of mind with create positive outcomes, as they did for Kim.
3. Believe, and you shall receive. This is true for all aspects of your life. Believe in a greater good, and the fact that the universe provides, and it will do just that. In Kim's case, it was a belief in God that got her through. She believed that "the Napalm bomb was unknown and unexpected, and an "accident" but she came to believe that God, when he saw need, would deliver other "accidents" in her life to offset the suffering and evil wrought by the bomb; these accidents would be good people, strangers to her, wanting to do acts of goodness. How true it is - the universe provides.
Until next time, read hard.
Jimmy A
Oh, and by the way, when we were in Vietnam (today we are on our way home to Australia) we visited the place where the picture of Kim Phuc was taken. It looks different now to what it does in the picture. It was quite amazing to stand somewhere that significantly changed the worlds opinion on war.
Readability: 4 (out of 5)
Intesting Information: 4 (out of 5)
Overall book quality: 4 (out of 5)
Overall: 8 (out of 10)
Places visited: 1
People met: 0
Books given away: 1 (to Gemma, my wife)
Books purchased second hand or cheap: 1
Monday, January 4, 2010
Book 1 - Blog 1 - The Girl in the Picture
Book Details:
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
Pages: 372
Pages read: 266
Words on page 50: 297 (33 x 9)
Words in book: 110, 484 (averaged)
ISBN 0-14-028021-9
Author: Denise CHong
Published: 1999 by Simon and Schuster Australia
Comments:
Well, this book is an amazing read. Kim (or Phuc, as they call her in the book) has had a terrible life since she was burnt by a Napalm bomb (dropped by South Vietnamese fighter planes) on their own civilians on June 8, 1972. She as photographed by a Vietnamese journalist as she ran away from the blast, still on fire, with burns to a high percentage of her body. Her face was not burnt, thankfully, and she notes "thank God my face was not burned. Even if my character was as good as an angel, if my face were ugly, it would be better that I had died".
That might have been one of the things that ensured Kim maintained a strong positive attitude both during her recovery, and into her life as a recovered burns victim. She was burnt at the age of nine, and after the Vietnam war ended in her area, the Vietnam - Cambodia war started, so Kim and her family lived in constant fear for many years.
She came from a strong Caodai (religious denomination) background, and she was thankful to Caodai that she was alive and was able to live a somewhat normal life. She lived in pain constantly, though, and her mother and father were there for her always. That is, until later in life (early in her twenties) that she adopted Catholicism. That was against her parents wishes, and although they did not disown her, they stopped supporting her when she needed it most.
Communism came to Vietnam, and where her family were previously wealthy restaurant owners, they were now stripped of their ability to earn a living by a communist government. Kim tried to study medicine (to follow her passion to help people - that she developed in the hospital during her recovery). She told her parents that they gave her life, but the doctors and nurses kept her alive. This drove her to enrol in Medicine.
It was about ten years after her burns, that things started going horribly wrong for her. Her mum (who had all of the families lives taken responsibility for supporting everyone, including all of her children and her husband) cut off her support, due to her Christianity. Kim was forbidden by the state from continuing to study medicine, then she started to become an international celebrity, as the face of the Vietnam war. She was the girl in the picture.
As she was 'forced' by Vietnam to take interviews, both domestically and internationally, she was forced to lie about her position in life, which was one of poverty and near starvation. She enjoyed the overseas 'adventures', though life for her in Vietnam was unchanged, and she returned each time to poverty. It was not until she befriended the then president of Vietnam that her situation changed.
Feelings
Kim Phuc is a very resilient woman. She is struggling in life (at age 23 - currently as far as I have read).
It was amazing that after she turned to Catholicism, and was baptised in that faith, things started changing for the better in her life. She asked the Lord for very specific things, and he delivered each time, further strengthening her beliefs.
Although I am a catholic, in my mind, it is more a case of the universe provides. What you want and need in life, will be yours, if you are committed and do what it takes to make it happen. Kim is an example of how to do that.
I can't wait to finish the book, and give you some more insights into her life.
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
Pages: 372
Pages read: 266
Words on page 50: 297 (33 x 9)
Words in book: 110, 484 (averaged)
ISBN 0-14-028021-9
Author: Denise CHong
Published: 1999 by Simon and Schuster Australia
Comments:
Well, this book is an amazing read. Kim (or Phuc, as they call her in the book) has had a terrible life since she was burnt by a Napalm bomb (dropped by South Vietnamese fighter planes) on their own civilians on June 8, 1972. She as photographed by a Vietnamese journalist as she ran away from the blast, still on fire, with burns to a high percentage of her body. Her face was not burnt, thankfully, and she notes "thank God my face was not burned. Even if my character was as good as an angel, if my face were ugly, it would be better that I had died".
That might have been one of the things that ensured Kim maintained a strong positive attitude both during her recovery, and into her life as a recovered burns victim. She was burnt at the age of nine, and after the Vietnam war ended in her area, the Vietnam - Cambodia war started, so Kim and her family lived in constant fear for many years.
She came from a strong Caodai (religious denomination) background, and she was thankful to Caodai that she was alive and was able to live a somewhat normal life. She lived in pain constantly, though, and her mother and father were there for her always. That is, until later in life (early in her twenties) that she adopted Catholicism. That was against her parents wishes, and although they did not disown her, they stopped supporting her when she needed it most.
Communism came to Vietnam, and where her family were previously wealthy restaurant owners, they were now stripped of their ability to earn a living by a communist government. Kim tried to study medicine (to follow her passion to help people - that she developed in the hospital during her recovery). She told her parents that they gave her life, but the doctors and nurses kept her alive. This drove her to enrol in Medicine.
It was about ten years after her burns, that things started going horribly wrong for her. Her mum (who had all of the families lives taken responsibility for supporting everyone, including all of her children and her husband) cut off her support, due to her Christianity. Kim was forbidden by the state from continuing to study medicine, then she started to become an international celebrity, as the face of the Vietnam war. She was the girl in the picture.
As she was 'forced' by Vietnam to take interviews, both domestically and internationally, she was forced to lie about her position in life, which was one of poverty and near starvation. She enjoyed the overseas 'adventures', though life for her in Vietnam was unchanged, and she returned each time to poverty. It was not until she befriended the then president of Vietnam that her situation changed.
Feelings
Kim Phuc is a very resilient woman. She is struggling in life (at age 23 - currently as far as I have read).
It was amazing that after she turned to Catholicism, and was baptised in that faith, things started changing for the better in her life. She asked the Lord for very specific things, and he delivered each time, further strengthening her beliefs.
Although I am a catholic, in my mind, it is more a case of the universe provides. What you want and need in life, will be yours, if you are committed and do what it takes to make it happen. Kim is an example of how to do that.
I can't wait to finish the book, and give you some more insights into her life.
Friday, January 1, 2010
The reading effort has started
Well, it is now five minutes since I wrote the first post, so it is time to let you know what the first book of the 52 book reading challenge will be.
The book that I am going to read first is titled:
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
The book is about (in essence) a photo that was taken during the Vietnam War. A bombing of South Vietnamese fighters (on South Vietnam civilians - go figure) went wrong and innocent people were killed and injured by Napalm bombs. One of the injured was Kim Phuc, who was nine at the time. As she was running away from the bomb, and with serious burns injuries, she was photographed, and the photo became (apparently) a very important image of the war.
Given that I am still in Vietnam, finishing a holiday with my family, and that this book was bought for $90,000 Vietnam Dong (about $6US, or a little bit more in Aussie Dollars), it really was a bargain. That is the first of the bargain books to be read this year.
What happened was, this little old lady on the streets of Saigon wanted to sell me this book, but I didn't want to buy anything at the time. She, like most people with something to sell in Vietnam, was extremely persistent and she followed me and Gemma (my wife - who cannot cook really well (unlike the Julie in the movie that has inspired this blog - but she is a great wife, anyway) and our two boys Ged and Jeremy, about two blocks shoving this book in my face. I even put it at her feet and walked away, and she chased me again. Finally, I parted with the money, though she was disappointed with the price. Hey, I did not really want the book, but I was meant to have it, I think. Strangely enough, the next day we did a tour to the exact place where the photo that the book was written about, was taken. That is fate.
Anyway, it is proving to be a great read, and very enlightening.
I will tell you more soon.
Until next time, read hard.
Jimmy A
The book that I am going to read first is titled:
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
The book is about (in essence) a photo that was taken during the Vietnam War. A bombing of South Vietnamese fighters (on South Vietnam civilians - go figure) went wrong and innocent people were killed and injured by Napalm bombs. One of the injured was Kim Phuc, who was nine at the time. As she was running away from the bomb, and with serious burns injuries, she was photographed, and the photo became (apparently) a very important image of the war.
Given that I am still in Vietnam, finishing a holiday with my family, and that this book was bought for $90,000 Vietnam Dong (about $6US, or a little bit more in Aussie Dollars), it really was a bargain. That is the first of the bargain books to be read this year.
What happened was, this little old lady on the streets of Saigon wanted to sell me this book, but I didn't want to buy anything at the time. She, like most people with something to sell in Vietnam, was extremely persistent and she followed me and Gemma (my wife - who cannot cook really well (unlike the Julie in the movie that has inspired this blog - but she is a great wife, anyway) and our two boys Ged and Jeremy, about two blocks shoving this book in my face. I even put it at her feet and walked away, and she chased me again. Finally, I parted with the money, though she was disappointed with the price. Hey, I did not really want the book, but I was meant to have it, I think. Strangely enough, the next day we did a tour to the exact place where the photo that the book was written about, was taken. That is fate.
Anyway, it is proving to be a great read, and very enlightening.
I will tell you more soon.
Until next time, read hard.
Jimmy A
How it has all begun
Hi,
My name is Jim Agalby, and during a recent overseas flight (from Australia to Vietnam), I watched the movie Julie and Julia. It was not a great movie, but I loved the theme, where Julie cooked the recipes in an old (best selling) cookbook by Julia. Not only did she cook all of the over 300 and something recipes, in a year, she blogged about them. What a great idea.
Watching the movie, I was interested in the whole blogging thing, and I was thinking about the topics that people might like to read about in a blog. One topic that I thought of was books, and book reading. I read a huge amount of books, and I thought the world might like to follow a reading journey with me, over the course of 2010.
So, for the next 12 months, I have set myself a challenge.
Here are some of the rules of the challenge, of reading 52 books in 52 weeks, in 2010.
1. The book must be about a person, place or particular event
2. Each book must have at least two blog posts, one part way through and the other at the end of the book
3. Each book must be summarised in several 'learnings' or key messages (or, in other words, what can the reader of this blog take away from the book, to teach them something, or to help them improve something in their life?)
4. At least 52 books must be read and blogged about by January 1, 2011
5. At least 5 of the people or places depicted in the books must be met or visited prior to January 1, 2011
6. At least half of the books must be purchased second hand or below full retail price (bargain hunting)
7. All details about all books must be recorded, including the book details, the number of pages read, the number of words per book etc (the number of words on page 50 of every book will be recorded - not sure why, but it sounds like a good idea right now)
8. Upon request, my copy of the book must be sent to the person that requested it
9. Each book must be rated out of 5 for readability, storyline and learnings provided
10. Not sure about if a tenth is needed or not. Probably not, but I might add to it later.
Got it - the book cannot be a self help book. That is the only stipulation.
Anyway, I have not read for a few days, in anticipation of starting this little challenge, but I started reading last night (New year's Eve, 2009). That gives me a full 365 days to do all of the above.
I hope you enjoy the blogs, and until next time, read hard.
Jimmy A
My name is Jim Agalby, and during a recent overseas flight (from Australia to Vietnam), I watched the movie Julie and Julia. It was not a great movie, but I loved the theme, where Julie cooked the recipes in an old (best selling) cookbook by Julia. Not only did she cook all of the over 300 and something recipes, in a year, she blogged about them. What a great idea.
Watching the movie, I was interested in the whole blogging thing, and I was thinking about the topics that people might like to read about in a blog. One topic that I thought of was books, and book reading. I read a huge amount of books, and I thought the world might like to follow a reading journey with me, over the course of 2010.
So, for the next 12 months, I have set myself a challenge.
Here are some of the rules of the challenge, of reading 52 books in 52 weeks, in 2010.
1. The book must be about a person, place or particular event
2. Each book must have at least two blog posts, one part way through and the other at the end of the book
3. Each book must be summarised in several 'learnings' or key messages (or, in other words, what can the reader of this blog take away from the book, to teach them something, or to help them improve something in their life?)
4. At least 52 books must be read and blogged about by January 1, 2011
5. At least 5 of the people or places depicted in the books must be met or visited prior to January 1, 2011
6. At least half of the books must be purchased second hand or below full retail price (bargain hunting)
7. All details about all books must be recorded, including the book details, the number of pages read, the number of words per book etc (the number of words on page 50 of every book will be recorded - not sure why, but it sounds like a good idea right now)
8. Upon request, my copy of the book must be sent to the person that requested it
9. Each book must be rated out of 5 for readability, storyline and learnings provided
10. Not sure about if a tenth is needed or not. Probably not, but I might add to it later.
Got it - the book cannot be a self help book. That is the only stipulation.
Anyway, I have not read for a few days, in anticipation of starting this little challenge, but I started reading last night (New year's Eve, 2009). That gives me a full 365 days to do all of the above.
I hope you enjoy the blogs, and until next time, read hard.
Jimmy A
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