2009 Book Reviews #4

I'm way behind on my reviews so these will be short and sweet - or not so sweet depending on the book.

Born Standing Up: A Comics Life by Steve Martin

A interesting read. I was in college when I first heard of Steve Martin. In fact, Arkansas Tech was on his college tour - yes the balloon animals, dart through the head, etc. Saw it all. Not only is this story interesting because of it being Steve Martin's story, it is also interesting to read about the people that have been in and out of his life.

Tears of the Desert: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur by Halima Bashir

Powerful story written from the heart. It's sad to realize what is going on in different parts of the world.


What to Keep by Rachel Cline

A well written story. This covers parts of 3 different decades in Denny's life beginning with the distant, somewhat neglectful childhood thourgh adulthood as a successful playwriter.


So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger

A cowboy adventure story. The narrator is a postman, turned novelist. This is the story of an adventure he took through the wild west and the people and challenges he faced. It is a story full of faith, grace and surprises.


Black Dogs by Ian McEwan

Not my favorite McEwan book. I think it is too deep for me. I enjoyed parts of it, but the overall concept of the black dogs troubled me. I never really understood that part of it - except for the fear they instilled. I'm sure there's a message there.