So much to write, so little time.
Well, I'm back, finally, and things appear to have returned to whatever state of normality I'm accustomed too. First, a long overdue review of a very enjoyable book: Eagle Dreams by Steve Bodio. I read the book (much) earlier this year and, like several of my fellow bloggers, was very impressed. After attending a book signing of Steve's in Albuquerque I was determined to finally get this post up.
But back to Eagle Dreams. It's a delightful cross between a kind of love affair and an adventure story that takes the author and reader literally to the other side of the world in pursuit of an elusive image that captured the imagination of the author as a boy. The other side of the world, in this case, is Mongolia and the image is a man on horseback hunting with a golden eagle perched on his arm. I can't say I'd given much thought to either Mongolia or the Kazakh nomads who hunt with eagles before reading this book, but after reading it I've also become a bit enamored with this fascinating corner of the world where camels and pick up trucks are both found in the streets, where the diet seems to consist mostly of vodka and meat and where a home remedy for pneumonia involves wearing horse meat for a day. Besides taking the reader to a land few have ever thought of, much less experienced, the book is just fun to read. The style is informal without rambling and very funny; I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Quite amusing is the resourceful use the Mongolians have found for Lenin's writings and the meaning of the author's name, "Steve" in Mongolian. But as I read the book, the thing that struck me most was that it was an account of the pursuit of a dream. Dream is not exactly the best word, especially with all it's Hallmark-greeting-card-connotations, but, hey, it's in the title so it's not too far-fetched. What I mean is a sense of wonder and adventure that sees the world as something both exciting and mysterious. The picture of the man and the eagle was the beginning of an adventure that has in part defined the author's life. The book is an account of that adventure and an invitation to the rest of us to be a part of that adventure, even if that is only the few hours vicarious pleasure of reading the book.
So, expand your horizons and go get the book. You'll probably have to special order it here, or better yet, get a small local bookstore (if you're lucky enough to have one nearby) to order it for you. More detailed reviews by my fellow bloggers are here, here, and here with links to other cool things. Happy reading!
Well, I'm back, finally, and things appear to have returned to whatever state of normality I'm accustomed too. First, a long overdue review of a very enjoyable book: Eagle Dreams by Steve Bodio. I read the book (much) earlier this year and, like several of my fellow bloggers, was very impressed. After attending a book signing of Steve's in Albuquerque I was determined to finally get this post up.
But back to Eagle Dreams. It's a delightful cross between a kind of love affair and an adventure story that takes the author and reader literally to the other side of the world in pursuit of an elusive image that captured the imagination of the author as a boy. The other side of the world, in this case, is Mongolia and the image is a man on horseback hunting with a golden eagle perched on his arm. I can't say I'd given much thought to either Mongolia or the Kazakh nomads who hunt with eagles before reading this book, but after reading it I've also become a bit enamored with this fascinating corner of the world where camels and pick up trucks are both found in the streets, where the diet seems to consist mostly of vodka and meat and where a home remedy for pneumonia involves wearing horse meat for a day. Besides taking the reader to a land few have ever thought of, much less experienced, the book is just fun to read. The style is informal without rambling and very funny; I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Quite amusing is the resourceful use the Mongolians have found for Lenin's writings and the meaning of the author's name, "Steve" in Mongolian. But as I read the book, the thing that struck me most was that it was an account of the pursuit of a dream. Dream is not exactly the best word, especially with all it's Hallmark-greeting-card-connotations, but, hey, it's in the title so it's not too far-fetched. What I mean is a sense of wonder and adventure that sees the world as something both exciting and mysterious. The picture of the man and the eagle was the beginning of an adventure that has in part defined the author's life. The book is an account of that adventure and an invitation to the rest of us to be a part of that adventure, even if that is only the few hours vicarious pleasure of reading the book.
So, expand your horizons and go get the book. You'll probably have to special order it here, or better yet, get a small local bookstore (if you're lucky enough to have one nearby) to order it for you. More detailed reviews by my fellow bloggers are here, here, and here with links to other cool things. Happy reading!
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