Brandon W’s last login was Friday, April 24 2009.
Rated 4 stars
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Rated 5 stars
2008 Gastoni Award WinnersBy Dave Gaston4-5 StarsChina Road / Rob GiffordDual, The / John LukacsEvolution / Jean-Baptiste De PanafieuLong Walk, The / Slavomir RawiczMan Who Loved China / S.WinchesterOnly Yesterday / Fred AllenPeace Like A River / Leif Enger5 Star Audio BooksBeatles, The / Bob SpitzKill A Mockingbird, To / Harper LeeOutliners / Malcom GladwellReaching For Glory / Michael Beshloss Taking Charge / Michael Beshloss3+ Stars21; Burning Down House / B MezrichBook Thief, The / Markus ZusakBeautiful Mind, A / Sylvia NascarConsider The Lobster / David WallaceLiving Great Lakes / Jerry DennisLooking for Alaska / P JenkensNew World Coming / Nathan MillerThree Cups of Tea / Greg MortensonWhen Engulfed Flames / D. SedarisYour Inner Fish / Neil ShubinWhat does it take to win a Gastoni? Well, for starters, you better write a book on a topic I love. Next, your writing style has to be exquisite (to the point of awe and envy). Finally, your story telling has to be transporting. To sum it up, I quote Somerset:“When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.”On a more personal note, the time I spent reading and listening to books this year was pure escapism. It felt like I spent most of it in a hospital waiting room (which is not true). When I’d start obsessing about my girl Gracie’s cancer I’d crack a book and ride it hard to block the worst of my fears. At night, when I needed to find a path to sleep, I’d take the easy road and escape down a story line. A good book is a gift.Our family has so much to be thankful for this year. For starters, Carrie and I have our girl back! She now has about an inch of fine blond hair sticking straight out of her 5 year old head. At school they call her Q-tip. Her teachers call her Q-T-tip. I’ll post a couple holiday pictures of the family up on her website: caringbridge.org/visit/gracegastonYour friendship is counted among my many blessings. Merry Christmas to you and your family, My best for the New Year, Dave
your friends all look like parchese, except for me and annie maim. HA. so there.
