The Explorer - Review

The Explorer
by James Smythe © 2013
HarperCollins
ISBN 9780062229519

I borrowed this Kindle ebook from my Public Library online Overdrive system.

Three parts. First person. Speculative fiction.

The official book blurb:
When journalist Cormac Easton is selected to document the first manned mission into deep space, he dreams of securing his place in history as one of humanity's great explorers.
But in space, nothing goes according to plan.
The crew wake from hypersleep to discover their captain dead in his allegedly fail-proof safety pod. They mourn, and Cormac sends a beautifully written eulogy back to Earth. The word from ground control is unequivocal: no matter what happens, the mission must continue.
But as the body count begins to rise, Cormac finds himself alone and spiraling toward his own inevitable death...unless he can do something to stop it.

I was drawn to James Smythe's The Explorer, by the intriguing cover design. I found the writing good and the emotions of protagonist of Cormac Easton believable. I didn't like or dislike him--was merely curious to see where the events led. The psychological elements of crew interaction are interesting, but hinge greatly on information that is given in dibs and dabs throughout the book; perspective of them keeps changing. Some of the science elements seems sketchy, but since the story is from Cormac's POV (and he's a science Luddite) maybe that doesn't matter.

I felt the story strung out a bit too long, especially the flashbacks to Cormac's life and dissolving marriage to Elena. Cormac-on-the-ground is boring. I found myself skimming much of Part 2 and 3 because it seemed repetitive with just slightly different slants from before. I realize this repetition is some of the essence of the story and meant to build tension; I wasn't tense. Toward the end, I studied what I read more closely to understand the denouement of the story. This prompted me to return to earlier parts of the book, because a few things didn't jibe. Even on re-reading, certain major factors didn't work.

I don't want to tell too much because I hate giving spoilers. Best I can do is to say The Explorer is something each reader has to experience without forewarning. The review responses on Goodreads run the gamut from 5-star to 1-star. Whatever, it's a good mental exercise to see if you can figure out what's happening.

Winter Shoot Camera Care

When scheduling a winter shoot, make plans in three segments.

• Before: precautions before leaving the house;
• During: precautions when out shooting;
• After: the best way to end the shoot.

BEFORE
-- If you have several lens choices, decide which to use (preferably only one; swapping lenses in the cold increases risk), put it on the camera and use a lens cap to guard against fogging.
-- Pack a camera bag that will hold your camera and a few extra things, such as some plastic or canvas bags; a soft, lint free cloth; food, water and extra gloves for you.

A water-repellant, dark bag is best; it will absorb heat even from the winter sun and items in it might stay warmer longer (depends on the temps, of course).
-- Take a padded ground cloth, so if you have to set the bag down, the cold won't seep through the bottom.
-- Place your extra batteries in an interior coat pocket where they will benefit from your body warmth. In subzero temps, put a hand-warmer packet in that pocket, too.

DURING
-- Allow the camera to adjust to the temp change from warm car to cold day; keep it in the bag for as long as possible when you leave the car; this will reduce the chance of the lens and viewfinder fogging.
-- If you can, carry your camera under your jacket between shots. If it's on a tripod, cover it--a sweatshirt works well.
-- Maintain battery power by swapping the batteries on occasion. Even a cold battery will regain some strength after it is warmed. Autofocus uses power, so if possible, go manual. Previewing your shots also uses power, so use this feature sparingly.
-- Moisture can accumulate on your lens from light or wind-whisked snow. Use an absorbent cloth to keep the camera dry. If conditions start getting messy, a small umbrella (that you have stashed in your bag, of course) or a pop-out reflector can shield the camera.
-- When a gale kicks up, get everything under wraps; any moisture can really mess up the circuits that control the camera's functions.

A plastic bag is good to pull around the camera, although I prefer one of the reusable bags from recycle places. They are sturdy and easier to maneuver in a wind; you can even put it inside the plastic bag. I've treated the outside of mine with the same waterproofing I use on my boots.

AFTER
Although thoughts of warmth and shelter might beckon you, first make provisions for the camera.
-- Condensation can be produced in any change from outside to inside—even into the car. Let the camera warm slowly to prevent condensation. It's best to wipe the camera down and put it in a resealable container or the camera bag before you get out of the cold. The bag will collect the moisture and not the camera.
-- Once at home, unpack everything and dry it thoroughly. If not treated properly, moisture on a lens, especially where it connects to the camera, can eventually cause mold between the glasses. (If you were caught in bad weather I suggest dismantling and wiping all removable parts as soon as you get to your vehicle.)
-- Open all the hatches and flaps on the camera to let moisture escape. Take out the memory card and battery.

 

Pouches of rice or silicon packets placed in the camera bag will also remove moisture. Any missed condensation could freeze and cause damage when the camera is again exposed to the cold.





-- Don't forget to charge the batteries so they're ready for the next venture.

Badluck Way - Review

Badluck Way: A Year on the Ragged Edge of the West

Bryce Andrews © 2013

ISBN 9781476760261

Atria Books/Simon & Schuster

I received a copy of this title through NetGalley, with permission from the publisher.

Badluck Way is the setting down of a year in Bryce Andrews' life. I consider this creative nonfiction, and the publisher states in the front matter that "certain and names and identifying characters have been changed and search and events have been reordered and combined.” This protects both the region and people succinctly presented in this book and also allows Andrews to put events together in a concise reveal of what he perceived.

Set in the Madison River Valley of Southwestern Montana Badluck Way contains images and a map of the area. None of these are as interesting as the rich language used in Andrews' narrative. The sense of place is powerfully conveyed and I visualized the mountains, creeks, Sun Ranch, and the indomitable terrain in which Andrews lived and worked. For readers not from this region of the United States, I feel certain they will be awed by the vast ruggedness just as I (a Montanan) was. The book gives rich description of  unrelenting ranch work and the satisfaction of jobs well done.

In first reading, the beginning of Badluck Way seemed disjointed and rambling. As I moved through the book, I realized that the recounting of Andrews' youth and his travels to Montana and other places, define his character. Knowing about him before he arrived at Sun Ranch illuminates his personal changes and growth.

In several segments of the book Andrews describes the wolves and has done a nice job in eliminating the human elements and presenting a Wolf story. This juxtaposition of Wolf life with Ranch life builds with tension throughout the book. When the clashes of species occur, Andrews presents each conflict with his own inner turmoil about what is happening. He also leaves room for interpretation so the "get rid of the wolves" camps (of which there are many in this state) cannot dismiss his words out of hand; nor can the "preserve nature at all cost" factions. His reporting is thoughtful and articulate.

I enjoyed Badluck Way and from it I will retain images and emotions for a long while.