Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson 448 pgs, CD

Let me start by telling you I am a fan of Erik Larson. The story is rich with details from the clothing and food of the first class passengers to the engineering specs of the Lusitania as well as other boats and submarines. My daughters said, "it is taking forever to get to the exciting part". I disagree, he is setting the stage and the development of the story adds to the anticipation of what we already know happened, but we are now connected to the characters on all sides.

There was mention of conspiracy, some interesting circumstances or by chance coincidences that spelled disaster and now I have some research to do .

Amazon: It is a story that many of us think we know but don't, and Erik Larson tells it thrillingly, switching between hunter and hunted while painting a larger portrait of America at the height of the Progressive Era. Full of glamour and suspense, Dead Wake brings to life a cast of evocative characters, from famed Boston bookseller Charles Lauriat to pioneering female architect Theodate Pope to President Woodrow Wilson, a man lost to grief, dreading the widening war but also captivated by the prospect of new love.

The Green Mile: The epic story of the fastest ride in history through the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko (417 pgs, CD)

Wow - If you like rivers, river running, adventure on untamed wilderness, history, and edge of your seat suspense - this book is for you.

A true story of a speed run in an almost retired dory down the Colorado River starting at the head of the Grand Canyon and ending in Lake Mead. In 1983 massive flooding on the river resulted in emergency procedures to keep the Glen Canyon Dam in tact, unbeknownst to river rafting trips and some crazy fast water as well as danger. The story does not begin in 1983 though, we have an understanding of those who first explored the territory. I can't say too much, I don't want to ruin any of the suspense.

Colorado River Trip - Sign me up. Seriously!

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