Alan Armstrong (4) (1939–)

About one year's description in the life of a unofficially retired lawyer deciding to sell books at flea markets, book fairs, and impromptu garage sales. He and a friend took to reciting favorite passages from the books he was trying to sell. Apparently it sometimes worked to sell the book. A lot of description on what books to take in his old VW van, how to display the books and how he got to the location and set up at the location. The amount of books sold and the amount of money made each day, what was eaten for food and break even points were also thoroughly discussed. The quality of his books was interesting rather than high and, of course, the number of books brought to each sale was limited only to several hundred at most. This kind of detail has its own charm, I think, as one really gets a good feel of his overall experience. The year ends and so does this book. It is unclear whether bookselling was still a part of his life after this interlude… (mehr)

Racing the Moon is the fourth or fifth YA novel I've read in the last couple of years, more than I had read since I was YA myself. This was probably the least good of the few I've read, but was, nonetheless, a rather fun and interesting read. While many of its most important plot elements were improbable--to say the least--the book would appeal to youngsters and keep them reading.
The story describes two teens, an adoptive brother and sister, and their two passions, his for radios and radar and hers for space and space exploration. The setting is in the early days of the American space program when young people's interest in space was probably higher than it is today.
Their adventures allow them to meet rocket pioneer, Dr. Wernher von Braun whom they also encounter later when they steal their way into a secret location the government uses for rocket development. To a young reader unfamiliar with the background of America's space program, the meeting with von Braun would teach them a bit of important history while still keeping them entertained.
The book was really too much fun to put down and probably a lot better than a lot of books written fro adults that I could have read. However, had it been the first of my recent YA reads, I probably would not have picked any more, but as it is, I am still interested in occasionally enjoying the fiction written for young adults. As many have said, it is often the best stuff being written these days.
… (mehr)