This is one of the best books that I have ever read. It is outside of the genres that I usually enjoy, and so I am all the more surprised and gratefulThis is one of the best books that I have ever read. It is outside of the genres that I usually enjoy, and so I am all the more surprised and grateful to have read it. It’s hard to describe why this book is so good (and I know I’m late to the game on this, as many others have already sang its praise), but I think it has to do with the weave. As sports writing, I have never read better. But it also is a superb telling of history. History of rowing, history of the great Northwest during the Great Depression, history of the developing American psyche juxtaposed with the emerging Nazi machine- all contained in 9 boys rowing towards an Olympic gold. My experience with rowing is limited to the Hydro rowing machine, but having read their tale, my understanding of, and respect for, rowing is immense. Having just put the book down, I am satisfied in knowing that I’ve read something both rare and profound. ...more
Dubner is an excellent writer. The first 4/5ths of this book are very good, and the last 1/5th (his analysis and struggle with his own religious questDubner is an excellent writer. The first 4/5ths of this book are very good, and the last 1/5th (his analysis and struggle with his own religious questions visa vi his return to his Jewish roots) are gold. Gold....more
I loved this book. Bravo. Amazing character development, unlikely friendships - modern and Russian in the best sense: dramatic and dark, laugh out louI loved this book. Bravo. Amazing character development, unlikely friendships - modern and Russian in the best sense: dramatic and dark, laugh out loud funny, a Romance, a tragedy, bravado, cynical, and patriotic. Fantastic writing. This was a 1 day read (at the expense of other things, gladly) and I'll likely read it again...more
Wow. Wow. I just came back from India and this book makes me want to hop back on a plane again. Plus, what a look at the Underworld by a thoughtful anWow. Wow. I just came back from India and this book makes me want to hop back on a plane again. Plus, what a look at the Underworld by a thoughtful and reluctant criminal, a life of grey, damaged saints and backsliding sinners, spiritual seekers and graft...sometimes all in the same people. I know there is a sequel somewhere bc the book ends with him in India, but his bio says he somehow served his full sentence in an Australian prison ( despite his escape and lam in India). Anyway... I truly enjoyed the whole thing: the unfolding plot, the writing, the incredibly developed characters, the moral insecurity via necessity, the existential colliding with reality, the tears, and the humor. Well done, sir, well done!...more
She is one of my top 3 living authors. Truly brilliant, and her ability to weave and layer with intense substance sweetened by narrative is thrilling.She is one of my top 3 living authors. Truly brilliant, and her ability to weave and layer with intense substance sweetened by narrative is thrilling. Bravo D Horn...more
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