Originally posted here on September 13, 2016. You know the beginning of any good ensemble-cast blockbuster, where the ringleader travels to goofy locations collecting a ragtag bunch of specialized misfits to assemble his crack squad? The tough guy, the master thief, the tech nerd, the female. Collecting the squad that makes up the Rīc Kom … More The Making of a Dziesmu Svētki, part 3: Rīc Kom
Three Star review, posted here on August 2, 2016. Right off the bat, I’ll say that my 3 star rating is a very personal review, and shouldn’t discourage others from reading this book. If you are interested in this book, then you should go ahead and read it. I really like Larson, and there are … More Goodreads Review: Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson
Five Star review, originally posted here on July 13, 2016. Well, I did that think again where I start a book without paying attention to what it’s going to be about. For whatever reason I confused famous 17th century English explorer Captain John Smith with famous 18th century English explorer Captain James Cook. Doh! Egg … More Goodreads Review: Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before by Tony Horwitz
Originally posted here on July 12, 2016. If you ever want to feel like a total rock star, host a dziesmu svētki (Latvian song festival). Yes, the majority of your time leading up to the event will consist of unglamorous sweat and tears, sleepless nights poring over non-profit status applications, budget woes, marketing plans, and … More The Making of a Dziesmu Svetki, part 2: Baltimore
Four Star review, originally posted here on June 10, 2016. Well this book is absolutely fantastic. My review is really more 4.5 stars, but I rounded down to 4 because there is an epilogue that I just hated because it felt forced and juvenile after what otherwise felt like a smart and well-thought-out book. I … More Goodreads Review: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Two star review, originally posted here on May 26, 2016. I was pretty underwhelmed here, and I think the main reason why is because the narrative was very difficult to follow. Another reviewer called in “uneven,” and I think that hits the nail on the head. I’ve been on a Latvian/Baltic kick recently, re-exploring my … More Goodreads Review: Baltic Countdown: A Nation Vanishes by Peggie Benton
Two Star review, originally posted here on May 19, 2016. It really pains me to rate this book so low. I really, really wanted it to be good. But it just isn’t good. We’ll start with the positive: Just like in Between Shades of Grey, Sepetys introduces western readers to a barely-known but highly traumatic … More Goodreads Review: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Five Star review, originally posted here on May 13, 2016. This book will knock you on your ass. It is a very harsh story about a very harsh life, beautifully written to draw you into the landscape and make you glad you can close the book and move on and never have to return to … More Goodreads Review: Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell
Five Star Review, originally posted here on May 13, 2016. This book is virtually perfect. The main thing I love is the voice of our narrator/protagonist. At the very beginning I was a little hesitant, because the writing seemed almost too juvenile and crude. But I have gone back and read my teenaged diaries before, … More Goodreads Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Alexie Sherman
Three Star review, originally posted here on May 13, 2016. Continuing my couple-decade-late attempt to catch up with this whole Harry Potter phenomenon… Okay, I have to admit that Rowling is starting to lose me at this point. My favorite thing about the first two books was being introduced to the magical world of magic. … More Goodreads Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Helga without the H 