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August 19th, 2008
Robert Kurson is one of those rare non fiction writers whose proximity to his subject is so intimate as to appear impossible, whose narrative focus and clarity is so steady and consistent as to be rendered invisible. In short, Kurson is so good at what he does that the reader is almost startled to recollect that his books were produced at great effort, rather than simply waved effortlessly into being.
Kurson's first book, Shadow Divers, was a surprise bestseller. The odd thing is that, while his second book, Crashing Through, is as good if not better than Shadow Divers, it didn't sell all that well in hardcover. I was shocked to learn that fact because Crashing Through had sold well at DDG, where it was featured prominently. More importantly, one reader after another had come back into the store to buy more copies to give out as gifts, and to tell us what an amazing and inspirational book it was. Crashing Through tells the remarkable story of Mike May, blinded at age three, who chose, at great risk, to regain his sight as an adult. May, pictured wind surfing blind above right, and seeing his son for the first time to the left, is a remarkable person, and his story involves fascinating science and gripping psychological components. A book this good cannot be allowed to languish like a beached whale on the fatal shores of monetary under-performance. Check below for our full account of this great read!
Here they are! Our weekly picks for the two best: two hardcover, two paperback, and two children's books. The very best new arrivals to leap out of the box and onto our shelves this week. Call or email us if you want more information on any of these titles, or to have us hold you a copy. Or stop in and check them out in person. We'd love to see you. Thanks as always for sharing your reading with us!
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