jdcummings
Ottawa Public Library
jdcummings's Completed Shelf
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American DesperadoAmerican Desperado, BookMy Life--from Mafia Soldier to Cocaine Cowboy to Secret Government Asset
by Roberts, JonBook - 2011 | 1st ed.Book, 2011. 1st ed.
jdcummings's rating:
Added Feb 14, 2012
The Bounty TrilogyThe Bounty Trilogy, BookComprising the Three Volumes, Mutiny on the Bounty, Men Against the Sea & Pitcairn's Island
by Nordhoff, CharlesBook - 1985 Book, 1985
jdcummings's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2011
The Great Railway BazaarThe Great Railway Bazaar, BookBy Train Through Asia
by Theroux, PaulBook - 1994Book, 1994
jdcummings's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2011
jdcummings's rating:
Added Sep 16, 2011
Comment:
A true testimate to the grit, determination, and will of the human spirit to overcome anything.
Although it is a very humorous book, it deals with a true story of a white-family who have known nothing but being Zimbabweans their whole lives try to hold on and make sense of the anti-white racist wave taking over the country as a result of Mugabe's ignorance.
Never having considered before to ever visit Zimbabwe, this book has made me reconsider this. Even though Mugabe and his inept government have made Zimbabwe into a basket case, it is filled with everyday heros and wonderful people - all beautifully captured in this memoir.A true testimate to the grit, determination, and will of the human spirit to overcome anything.
Although it is a very humorous book, it deals with a true story of a white-family who have known nothing but being Zimbabweans their whole lives try to…
Surviving ParadiseSurviving Paradise, BookOne Year on A Disappearing Island
by Rudiak-Gould, PeterBook - 2009Book, 2009
jdcummings's rating:
Added Aug 16, 2011
Comment:
This was a great book! Considering it was the author's first book, it was downright amazing! It's rich in details and very witty - reminds me of Bill Bryson. The book was so good, that you don't realize you are actually being taught some anthropology lessons about the Marshallese. I not only had a great time reading it, but I unwittingly learned a lot as well.This was a great book! Considering it was the author's first book, it was downright amazing! It's rich in details and very witty - reminds me of Bill Bryson. The book was so good, that you don't realize you are actually being taught some…
SeaworthySeaworthy, BookAdrift With William Willis in the Golden Age of Rafting
by Pearson, T. R.Book - 2006 | 1st ed.Book, 2006. 1st ed.
jdcummings's rating:
Added Jul 15, 2011
Comment:
Great story about a strong-willed individual who is both incredibly inspiring and frustratingly stubborn. Surprisingly he is both at the exact same time...
William Willis lived an incredible life and was ahead if his time in regards to his approach on how to live your life the way you want to!
The book made for a great read - it was well written and witty.Great story about a strong-willed individual who is both incredibly inspiring and frustratingly stubborn. Surprisingly he is both at the exact same time...
William Willis lived an incredible life and was ahead if his time in regards to his…
Nine Hills to NambonkahaNine Hills to Nambonkaha, BookTwo Years in the Heart of An African Village
by Erdman, SarahBook - 2003 | 1st ed.Book, 2003. 1st ed.
jdcummings's rating:
Added Jul 14, 2011
Comment:
A well-written book by an observant and intelligent author. The details provided by her on both the physical world she was immersed in and the human-behavior exhibited by its inhabitants were outstanding. The images I conjured up while reading this made it feel like I was reviewing my own travel journal. Unfortunately like all good things, her two year stay in the north of the Ivory Coast had to come to an end.A well-written book by an observant and intelligent author. The details provided by her on both the physical world she was immersed in and the human-behavior exhibited by its inhabitants were outstanding. The images I conjured up while reading this…
So, We Sold Our House and Ran Away to the South PacificSo, We Sold Our House and Ran Away to the South Pacific, Book
by Cope, GordonBook - 2007Book, 2007
jdcummings's rating:
Added Jul 08, 2011
Comment:
Not quite what I was expecting. Based on the title, I thought it was about the author moving to some island (or islands) in the South Pacific and living for years amongst the locals (similar to "The Sex lives of Cannibals") - instead it's basically documenting the extended and typically-western vacation the author and his wife took to Australia and New Zealand (save for a month in the Cook islands). When I think "South Pacific" - I think small undeveloped islands... Nothing really insightful or overly interesting.
However, it made for a quick read and would recommend as a back-up book for a vacation should you finish your primary book too quickly...Not quite what I was expecting. Based on the title, I thought it was about the author moving to some island (or islands) in the South Pacific and living for years amongst the locals (similar to "The Sex lives of Cannibals") - instead it's basically…
Solomon TimeSolomon Time, BookAn Unlikely Quest in the South Pacific
by Randall, WillBook - 2003Book, 2003
jdcummings's rating:
Added Jun 28, 2011
Comment:
One of the best books I have read in a while! Solomon Time was an extremely entertaining read - both funny and awe-inspiring. The author goes on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that pretty much all of us can only dream of, never being brave enough to pull the trigger!
The book gets you so immersed in his adventure that you pretty much feel it actually happened to you!
Highly recommended to those that wish they could literally leave everything behind and move to a tropical island!One of the best books I have read in a while! Solomon Time was an extremely entertaining read - both funny and awe-inspiring. The author goes on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that pretty much all of us can only dream of, never being brave enough to…
Island of the LostIsland of the Lost, BookShipwrecked at the Edge of the World
by Druett, JoanBook - 2007 | 1st ed.Book, 2007. 1st ed.
jdcummings's rating:
Added Jun 28, 2011
Comment:
Interesting read. Well researched and documented.
Rough MedicineRough Medicine, BookSurgeons at Sea in the Age of Sail
by Druett, JoanBook - 2001Book, 2001
jdcummings's rating:
Added Jun 15, 2011
Comment:
A very well researched and enjoyable read about a by-gone era. The grit and determination these surgeons had, as well as the comical 'solutions' they maintained for various diseases and conditions was downright fascinating!
This book is highly recommended to anyone that enjoys reading about sailing adventures and old-school medicine.A very well researched and enjoyable read about a by-gone era. The grit and determination these surgeons had, as well as the comical 'solutions' they maintained for various diseases and conditions was downright fascinating!
This book is highly…
The Sex Lives of CannibalsThe Sex Lives of Cannibals, BookAdrift in the Equatorial Pacific
by Troost, J. MaartenBook - 2004 | 1st ed.Book, 2004. 1st ed.
jdcummings's rating:
Added Jun 15, 2011
Comment:
Excellent book! Allows you to live vicariously through the author as he details a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to an isolated South Pacific island. Well written - both clever and funny. The worst part was that the book had to end!
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