Kitty Simmons
Author: Simon Winchester
Title: Krakatoa
LSU Rating: 4
Summary: This is about the Big Bang. OK, not That Big Bang, the other one. The one that happened in 1883 when the volcano island of Krakatoa exploded killing thousands and changing the world in ways you might not expect. In addition to the story of the eruption and immediate aftermath, this book includes much historical and geological detail. The Dutch exploration and colonization of Java, the discovery of plate tectonics, and the building of a worldwide system of telegraphy are among the topics covered. The author does an expert job of connecting such varied elements to provide comprehensive coverage of the phenomenon that was Krakatoa.
Author: William Least Heat Moon
Title: Blue Highways
LSU Rating: 5
Summary: If you love road trips and aren't able to work one in this summer, reading this book is the next best thing! The blue highways are the state and non-interstate federal highways often marked in blue on the old road maps: the back roads. In this book the author chronicles his journey which begins in Columbia, Missouri and takes him in a big circle around the United States. He travels the back roads and tells interesting tales of the people he meets, the sights he sees, and the impressions evoked by his adventure. In this case, the journey is truly the destination. Photographs, an index of places cited, and a map of the route augment the story. There is even an Adventist connection since we have a copy in the Heritage Room as well as the main stacks. I didn't catch it during the read, so if you discover the reference, please let me know.
Title: Krakatoa
LSU Rating: 4
Summary: This is about the Big Bang. OK, not That Big Bang, the other one. The one that happened in 1883 when the volcano island of Krakatoa exploded killing thousands and changing the world in ways you might not expect. In addition to the story of the eruption and immediate aftermath, this book includes much historical and geological detail. The Dutch exploration and colonization of Java, the discovery of plate tectonics, and the building of a worldwide system of telegraphy are among the topics covered. The author does an expert job of connecting such varied elements to provide comprehensive coverage of the phenomenon that was Krakatoa.
Author: William Least Heat Moon
Title: Blue Highways
LSU Rating: 5
Summary: If you love road trips and aren't able to work one in this summer, reading this book is the next best thing! The blue highways are the state and non-interstate federal highways often marked in blue on the old road maps: the back roads. In this book the author chronicles his journey which begins in Columbia, Missouri and takes him in a big circle around the United States. He travels the back roads and tells interesting tales of the people he meets, the sights he sees, and the impressions evoked by his adventure. In this case, the journey is truly the destination. Photographs, an index of places cited, and a map of the route augment the story. There is even an Adventist connection since we have a copy in the Heritage Room as well as the main stacks. I didn't catch it during the read, so if you discover the reference, please let me know.