One of Library Journal’s 10 Best Books of 2015Following his acclaimed Atlantic and The Men Who United the States; New York Times bestselling author Simon Winchester offers an enthralling biography of the Pacific Ocean and its role in the modern world; exploring our relationship with this imposing force of nature.As the Mediterranean shaped the classical world; and the Atlantic connected Europe to the New World; the Pacific Ocean defines our tomorrow. With China on the rise; so; too; are the American cities of the West coast; including Seattle; San Francisco; and the long cluster of towns down the Silicon Valley.Today; the Pacific is ascendant. Its geological history has long transformed us—tremendous earthquakes; volcanoes; and tsunamis—but its human history; from a Western perspective; is quite young; beginning with Magellan’s sixteenth-century circumnavigation. It is a natural wonder whose most fascinating history is currently being made.In telling the story of the Pacific; Simon Winchester takes us from the Bering Strait to Cape Horn; the Yangtze River to the Panama Canal; and to the many small islands and archipelagos that lie in between. He observes the fall of a dictator in Manila; visits aboriginals in northern Queensland; and is jailed in Tierra del Fuego; the land at the end of the world. His journey encompasses a trip down the Alaska Highway; a stop at the isolated Pitcairn Islands; a trek across South Korea and a glimpse of its mysterious northern neighbor.Winchester’s personal experience is vast and his storytelling second to none. And his historical understanding of the region is formidable; making Pacific a paean to this magnificent sea of beauty; myth; and imagination that is transforming our lives.
#18649 in Books Brower Kate Andersen 2016-03-08 2016-03-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .76 x 5.31l; .0 #File Name: 0062305204336 pagesThe Residence Inside the Private World of the White House
Review
258 of 281 people found the following review helpful. The perfect Mother's Day giftBy East Coast ReaderThis is such a readable book. I just bought three copies for my mom and sister and mother-in-law. The perfect Mother's Day gift. There are so many amazing stories. It's not all about gossip either. There's a story about 9/11 and how there was a barbecue planned at the White House and there were so many tables and chairs set out for the event. Since the White House was a target; they had to evacuate all of the staff. People were running out of the White House to safety. They were terrified; as I would be too! One of the staff members was so busy working downstairs at his job that he didn't hear the Secret Service evacuating everyone. He came upstairs and wondered where everyone had gone. Meanwhile the head chef and head usher decided to stay on the grounds of the WH and take down all of those chairs and tables because if they didn't do it no one else would. They spent all morning during 9/11 doing their duties.What's really incredible about this book is the dedication and service these men and women have made to serving not just the first families; but the institution of the White House. There are some families who have generations of family members who have served there. One family had like 5 or 6 family members working at the White House. They all loved and honored the traditions there and they all served no matter who got elected.One other thing I loved: You don't realize it until you read just how complicated it is for the first family to move into the White House. One family moves out with moving trucks; while the new family moves in -- all while the inauguration is taking place. It's so cool. I love this book and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the presidency or the institution of the WH.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Informative and Fun to ReadBy L. Charles Wimer IIIWhat a great book!!!! Very easy to read and certainly a page turner in spots. The Residence gives readers a lot of insight to what happens inside the White House. I loved how The Residence was able to interview so many of the staff and they were open and candid about so many of the Presidents and there families. Very well researched. I particularly enjoyed how the author was able to capture the vibe during the JFK assassination and 9/11 terrorist attacks. I hope a sequel is in the works -- especially now with the Trump's in toe.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I've generally been fascinated by the people who care for ...By Pam Shelton-AndersonI've generally been fascinated by the people who care for the White House and how they handle the different families that come and go. There were a lot of interesting perspectives here without the feeling that a line was being crossed. It is clear that many of the residence staff came to have a genuine friendship with the author. My biggest issue is that it jumped around a lot. A straight chronology might not have worked so well but it was hard to get settled in some spots. Otherwise; very enjoyable.
