I’m about halfway in the book, and it has a lot of great insight.
But the better short read is THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYICH. 53 pages long, perfect, about a lawyer who suddenly discovers he’s dying. Just spot on. And only 53 pps. I absolutely love this little novella. I especially laugh at the opening, when his colleague buddies first learn of his death, and each one is secretly thinking how this will affect their place in a line of promotions.[/quote]
I am reading “2 Years Before The Mast” right now. About halfway done. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
It is a true story written by a college student who takes time off in 1835 to become a sailor on a merchant ship and takes a trip from Boston, around the cape to the tiny cities at the bays on the west coast of North America – including San Diego. He gives very detailed descriptions of the people, customs, and environment he finds on the west coast, as well as aboard the ship. Sailors bunk before the mast (thus the title) and it was to be a two-year round trip back to Boston. It is fascinating. Excellent read!
