Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Karen H. - Reviews

1 to 20 of 36 - Page:
Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies (Hornblower, Bk 9)
Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies (Hornblower, Bk 9)
Author: C. S. Forester
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 18
Review Date: 8/30/2021


All of this series is enjoyable. The only reason I didn't rate it a five was an initial disappointment in the transition from the previous book in the series. Also, I much prefer reading about the feelings and experiences of a younger Hornblower as he seems less 'stuffy'. However, the book is still very enjoyable and excellent reading and I highly recommend!!


The Art Forger
The Art Forger
Author: B. A. Shapiro
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 72
Review Date: 11/24/2016


Written in the first person, this novel will entertain and inform you about the intricacies of the art world. It is a dark world indeed, and reading this book lessened my appreciation for the masterpieces on display in famous museums throughout the world. I gave it a 4 instead of 5 due to the tone of the protagonist's thoughts-- she seems to have questionable ethics and a whiny victim viewpoint in romance and business dealings that I did not like. I found this tone and attitude versus her supposed degree of talent and expertise quite incompatible in today's world. However, that's a personal bias that did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying the book for its informational and entertainment value. A worthwhile read!


Being Caribou: Five Months On Foot With An Arctic Herd
Being Caribou: Five Months On Foot With An Arctic Herd
Author: Karsten Heuer
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 4/7/2021


Interesting and realistic book about pursuing a dream, a honeymoon, and a very hormonal caribou herd through its natural mysterious migration. I love how it fell more in tune with the spiritual aspect as time progressed and felt more and more at one with the herd. Well done!


Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte and Thomas Pitt, Bk 18 )
Brunswick Gardens (Charlotte and Thomas Pitt, Bk 18 )
Author: Anne Perry
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 55
Review Date: 5/22/2015


Anne Perry does it again and re-creates the era she is so proficient with. A bit too much emphasis on romance, in my opinion, which makes the book move too slowly for me. The mystery is good and the suspense is held as to who done it, but clues are scarce and unless you are interested in romance you may feel it's a slow-mover.


Captain Paul
Captain Paul
Author: Commander Edward Ellsberg
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 9/27/2022


Incredible story of Captain John Paul Jones, written in superlative style by Commander Edward Ellsberg, who also wrote the riveting book "Hell on Ice", the story of the ship Jeanette in the Arctic. Well written and well researched, "Captain Paul" keeps your attention as it follows the riveting story of America's first naval patriot. One vividly sees what he meant when he shouted, "I have not begun to fight!" in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds against a British warship of greater power. A collectible book for those who enjoy naval history and adventure. Highly recommend!


Cherry : A Life of Apsley Cherry-Garrard (Modern Library Paperbacks)
Review Date: 3/25/2018


A very thorough biography of a young man who by talent and happenstance became an important member of Scott's final Antarctic expedition. I rated it 4 not because of the writing, which was dry but passable and well researched, but because of the overall impression this book left with me. Cherry-Garrard's failure to rescue Scott's doomed party returning from the South Pole was discussed in detail and, frankly, left a sad, ironic taint on this man's fortunate-but-unfortunate life. This book drives home the reality of polar exploration as none other I have read thus far.


The Coldest March: Scott's Fatal Antarctic Expedition
The Coldest March: Scott's Fatal Antarctic Expedition
Author: Susan Solomon
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 2/13/2019


Although I have read most of the available books on Robert Scott's last antarctic expedition, this one added to my knowledge and understanding of what happened and why. I found the comparisons between Scott's expedition and modern day Antarctic travel both enlightening and disheartening, and honestly dreaded the back-and-forth-in-time aspect of this work. However, the interesting reflections on the effects of polar winds and weather (which have the benefit of years of data accumulated by man and machine), made up for any regrets I may have had about juxtaposing modern day science with Scott's historic march. Well done!


The Cruise of the Arctic Star
The Cruise of the Arctic Star
Author: Scott O'Dell
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 3/27/2017


An enjoyable book combining a personal journey with some history of the California coast. Wish the journey were longer, and more history. Also would like more development of on-board characters, especially "the navigator". Lack of said character development makes this book a more whimsical book than I prefer. Otherwise well written and entertaining. Would like to read more by this author.


Every Man Will Do His Duty: An Anthology of Firsthand Accounts from the Age of Nelson, 1793-1815
Review Date: 5/15/2022


Dean King is one of my favorite authors and is very knowledgeable on the Age of Nelson. I would rate this anthology higher if it didn't contain the manuscripts by Nagle, an enthusiastic but somewhat illiterate writer who tends to ramble a bit. But that's just personal preference. Given that, the stories, put together, do accomplish the purpose of giving the reader a wide-spectrum view of the Age of Nelson, and readers looking for true accounts of this age, versus historical fiction, will appreciate the enormous effort this collection must have taken.


Farthest North (Modern Library Exploration)
Farthest North (Modern Library Exploration)
Author: Fridjtof Nansen
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.8/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 3/18/2022


Nansen is revered in Norway and for good reason. Not only was he a highly skilled, brave and organized explorer, but his sensitivity and poetic nature shine through this description of this incredible journey. A must-read for fans of early polar exploration, if only to learn how exploration should be done, making vital decisions in ways that accomplish one's goals while preserving the lives of those who believe in you.


Fatal Passage: The Story of John Rae, the Arctic Hero Time Forgot
Fatal Passage: The Story of John Rae, the Arctic Hero Time Forgot
Author: Ken McGoogan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 4/5/2023


Enjoyed this book very much. It is true that John Rae is a forgotten hero of arctic exploration, and those who follow the early polar expeditions will find this book very informative. Would have been a "5" except for the heavy repeated bias in favor of John Rae, which is understandable, but not needed, as Rae's story speaks for itself. Good read!


Field survey of growth and colonization of nonnative trees on mainland Alaska
Review Date: 1/1/2023


Great study by John Alden on this interesting topic!


Fifty Miles from Tomorrow: A Memoir of Alaska and the Real People
Review Date: 3/19/2015


Having lived in Kotzebue, Alaska it was a revelation to see the old Kotz from a native perspective. This book is very well written and holds one's interest throughout. It is true and real and tells the story well. An amazing story of a boy who, given very few opportunities, made the most of them and became a man who served his people far beyond anyone's dreams. Highly recommend!


Forest Mensuration, Second Edition
Forest Mensuration, Second Edition
Author: Bertram Husch, Charles I. Miller, Thomas W. Beers
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 12/5/2022


The best book on how to cruise timber ever written.


Grant
Grant
Author: Ron Chernow
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 5/31/2023


Very large paperback that covers Grant's background, Civil War battles, Presidency, and retirement from public service. Fascinating look at Grant's character, including the best and the worst of his personality. Straightforward portrayals of those close to him and those who betrayed him, and Grant's endearing but dangerous naivety concerning political turmoil around him. Not a fast read, but a good one for students of history and personality. Well written incorporation of many sources that holds one's attention day by day. Great job Ron Chernow!


Hell on Ice: the Saga of the "Jeannette"
Hell on Ice: the Saga of the "Jeannette"
Author: Edward Ellsberg
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 4/4/2018


Riveting account of Arctic exploration as told through the eyes of a survivor.


Hornblower and the Atropos (Hornblower Saga)
Hornblower and the Atropos (Hornblower Saga)
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.7/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 8/24/2021


This series is great and I enjoyed this book very much. Highly recommend!


Hornblower and the Crisis (Hornblower, Bk 11)
Hornblower and the Crisis (Hornblower, Bk 11)
Author: C. S. Forester
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 8/11/2021


I love this whole series and can't find anything to complain about as it is just plain wonderful reading!


Hornblower and the Hotspur (Hornblower, Bk 10)
Hornblower and the Hotspur (Hornblower, Bk 10)
Author: C. S. Forester
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 22
Review Date: 8/11/2021


Great reading that brings an entirely different but fascinating world alive again. Most enjoyable!


The Hundred Days (Aubrey/Maturin, Bk 19)
The Hundred Days (Aubrey/Maturin, Bk 19)
Author: Patrick O'Brian
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 18
Review Date: 8/28/2018


Patrick O'Brian immediately draws you into the story and the era and doesn't let you go. Brilliant!


1 to 20 of 36 - Page: