Iced In: Ten Days
Trapped on the Edge of Antarctica by Chris Turney
3 stars
Chris Turney helped lead an Australian expedition of
scientists, volunteers and his family to the Antarctic Commonwealth Bay to
conduct research on the nearby B9B iceberg and the effect it is having on the
east side of the continent. Interspersed
with accounts of the famed Shackleton expedition, this book mixes present day
adventure with tales from the past. The
most eye-opening parts of this book have to do with the effects of climate
change and how it has already affected the continent. Since Turney is a scientist, I wish more of
the book had pertained to these findings.
It is also jarring, the differences between the two expeditions and
their prospective dangers. The peril
that Shackleton and his contemporaries faced makes Turney’s ten days stuck in
the ice, while also precarious, seem fairly light in comparison. I did
enjoy this book, though, and gives a really great glimpse of a continent most
of us will never visit. I receive a
digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest
review.
An American Family: A
Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice by Khizr Khan
4 stars
This is a really well written memoir, one that gives great
insight into the decisions and difficulties that go into immigrating to the
United States all while providing a gentle reminder of the inherent goodness in
most Americans toward strangers. Khan
became something of a political figure when he spoke about his son, who died
while serving in Iraq, at the Democratic National Convention. He is a proud American, one who knows the
Constitution better than many politicians and he speaks about his experiences
with hope and great wisdom. I am glad
that I read this memoir and wish that more would pick it up. I am fortunate to have receive a digital ARC
of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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