Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/mayflower

Comment #1014

2010-02-06T13:31:53Z

Two votes (and from people I respect) for In the Heart of the Sea — it's now on my list!

How am I ever going to get through my bookshelf backlog, New Year's resolution or no, if I keep getting new books?

Comment #1013

2010-02-06T11:43:51Z

This is a good book and worth reading, but I still think Philbrick's very best book is "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship 'Essex'," the true story that Melville would adapt for Moby Dick. Philbrick lives on Nantucket and had ready access to source material. I understand his next book will be on Little Big Horn and is due out soon. Should be exciting!

Comment #1012

2010-02-03T01:32:16Z

I know what you mean! I've had the book since the summer, and only managed to get started (1) because I need to return it, and (2) because of my New Year's resolution to read more books. It is not the kind of book that works well with my previous approach to reading, i.e. in short bursts, snatched moments of time. I found it works best when the reading periods are at least half an hour long, which one doesn't get without making an effort.

Comment #1011

2010-02-03T01:21:10Z

I'm glad to see this review. I had started this book, but couldn't stick with it. I don't think it was the book, but my mood. You know how you have to be in the right frame of mind for a particular book?

I still have the book, so perhaps this summer, when I have a solid chunk of time to devote to it, I will try again.

I have read one of his other books, "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whale Ship Essex". I was really fascinated by that book. I have another of his sitting on the shelf, "Sea of Glory". I seem to have a bent towards stories of the sea and exploration.

Lest you think he just writes about the sea, he has a book coming out in May about Custer and Sitting Bull.