BOOK REPORTS—

The Best American Travel Writing 2002, Frances Mayes, Ed.

As usual, a nice collection of magazine-sized pieces on travel writing in 2002 judged best by this particular editor. I really enjoy travel writing as a delightful, vicarious way to visit places not likely to ever be experienced personally. The problem with this kind of compilation is the pieces usually reflect the editor’s taste in writing style and the book takes on a somewhat bland sameness.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

Of course you remember the classic scam regarding whitewashing the board fence. Then there is the delectable young Miss Becky Thatcher and the hilarity of the uppity school master getting his comeuppance. It is the definitive tale of childhood along the Mississippi River in the 1800s—very well worth this revisit after likely 50 years or more since the first read.

Partners in Command by Mark Perry

An historical look at Generals George Marshall and Dwight Eisenhower in the conduct of World War II. While not written like an historical textbook it did have its share of tedium. But, for you trivia buffs this book will tell you about the allied invasion of France which ultimately ended the war with Germany and had the code name--Overlord, of course.

Rat by Jerry Langton

A look at this global, eating and reproducing machine that causes incalculable damage to world food supplies and whose control is virtually impossible; even quickly developing immunities to the latest poisons concocted by chemical technology. It’s a fairly light read but, if you are squeamish about such things, you better leave this one on the shelf.