sailing
- Dec 31, 2013
Moby Dick Or The WhaleI first read Moby Dick when I was around 12, enjoying the Adventure and Fun Names and Cool Whale Facts, struggling through the passages that I did not understand or were boring - in an attempt to prove to myself or others that I was Smart. Listening to it again 15 years later I am forced to admit that the mere mechanical process of reading, understanding words and plot and making it from the front cover to the back is not necessarily indicative of understanding, appreciation, of Being Cultured. But also, looking back, I did not entirely miss.
- Dec 31, 2013
The Boat Who Wouldnt Float
- Jan 25, 2014
A Voyage For Madmen
- Oct 25, 2023
Treasure IslandFor a boy named Hawkins growing up by the (fresh, decidedly not pirate-infested) water, Treasure Island was a formative and exciting read about a boy named Hawkins traveling the world, finding pirates and treasure and friends. Rereading it to get in the proper headspace for dressing as a pirate for a costumed wedding - it holds up. Excellent swordfights and intrigue, and Long John Silver is to be sure a character for the ages.
- Jan 22, 2024
Master And CommanderA bit of an odd coincidence, I did not realize when reading His Majesty's Dragon that it was basically just Master and Commander with dragons. And to be frank, I think the dragons did improve it a bit. I mean, I enjoyed this, it was enjoyable, it was maybe a bit long and not quite as compelling as one might hope the swashbuckling tale of naval adventure would be. I will most likely come back and continue the series at a future date. And, credit where credit is due, O'Brian is the first writer I've encountered with the temerity to use the word floccinaucinihilipilification, so he's really not that bad.