A friend loaned me her copy of Almost Adam by Petru Popescu (1996). What a neat story! A dedicated young scientist who has lived and studied in Africa for a few years is attracted to a remote area because of the possibility of discovering the remnants of a prior civilization. Not only does he find some anthropological history, he also encounters a boy showing every indication of being an example of an earlier evolutionary stage of humankind. They find ways to communicate, and develop a real fondness for each other.
There's a lot more to the story including treachery, overthrow of an African government, romantic love, and sex among the aborigines.
Did I get your attention?
Give the book a try. It's really excellent.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
WAY DIFFERENT
I read a lot of mysteries and courtroom dramas because they're entertaining, and no heavy-duty thinking is required. Occasionally one comes along that teaches the reader a lot while still filling the entertainment aspect.
Such a mystery novel is In Cold Pursuit by Sarah Andrews (2007). The story is set in the Antarctic in the current era. In my opinion, it started out rather slowly, and I wasn't sure that I'd want to read all of it, but little by little, it captured my attention, and ended up being good enough that I wanted to share it with any reader that might stumble onto this website.
The fascinating part is really not the mystery, but instead, learning about how people manage to live at the South Pole. In addition to all the clothing, the insulation, the air-locks on all buildings, and other bits of trivia, you might be interested in knowing that persons in that situation have to consume about a zillion calories every day just to keep warm. And they never gain an ounce!
Had we all known that earlier, we might have chosen a different career.
The author spent two months at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and seems to have loved it.
Such a mystery novel is In Cold Pursuit by Sarah Andrews (2007). The story is set in the Antarctic in the current era. In my opinion, it started out rather slowly, and I wasn't sure that I'd want to read all of it, but little by little, it captured my attention, and ended up being good enough that I wanted to share it with any reader that might stumble onto this website.
The fascinating part is really not the mystery, but instead, learning about how people manage to live at the South Pole. In addition to all the clothing, the insulation, the air-locks on all buildings, and other bits of trivia, you might be interested in knowing that persons in that situation have to consume about a zillion calories every day just to keep warm. And they never gain an ounce!
Had we all known that earlier, we might have chosen a different career.
The author spent two months at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and seems to have loved it.
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