This week I’ve been reading a nonfiction book about the doomed Donner Party — you know, the group of emigrants lead by George Donner and James Reed who set out from Missouri for California in covered wagons in 1846. It’s by the same author — Daniel James Brown — who wrote “The Boys in the Boat” and I’m enjoying it quite a lot. I’ll report back more once I get through its snows of the Sierra Nevadas and it comes to an end.
Meanwhile I finished listening to the audiobook of Peter Heller’s 2012 novel “The Dog Stars.” Of course it’s another apocalyptic novel — where is my mind this year — ready for end of the world?! Like Emily St. John Mandel’s novel “Station Eleven,” “The Dog Stars” is set quite a few years after a flu or virus has wiped out most of humanity. It’s two primary characters are a fortyish pilot and fisherman named Hig and an older, gun nut named Bangley who have settled at a country airstrip in Colorado, trying to fend off occasional attacks from violent survivors. Their families didn’t survive the pandemic, but Hig still relies on his very dear dog companion Jasper, a Blue Healer mix.
A lot of the time, Hig spends flying an old Cessna around, monitoring the area for intruders and visiting a hamlet of sick families a distance away who have the tainted blood. Then one day, he hears a distant response on his plane’s intercom and realizes good things might still be out there. He leaves their place behind, and sets out to investigate. What happens and whether he will return kept me glued to the audio all week while raking leaves, doing chores, and walking my dog.
I liked the characters of Hig and Bangley — a crotchety, but winning combo. And Jasper of course. Hig’s love for his dog in the story earned major points with me, being a dog lover. I was also impressed by the author’s vivid descriptions of life under such dire conditions. His writing was at times poetic and touching. Though I wasn’t sure about parts of a romance in the book, it seemed a bit goofy or just perhaps out of place, but I was willing to let it ride.
To compare, “The Dog Stars” is perhaps a tad scarier and more survival focused perhaps than “Station Eleven,” but not as scary or as dark as Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” The novel is a bit hopeful, which is nice when you’re facing extinction. I liked “Station Eleven” best, but also enjoyed “The Dog Stars” as it’s both suspenseful and well written. It has heart. Actor Mark Deakins read the novel for the audio, and is quite excellent.
As for brief impressions of three fall movies I’ve seen:
“The Intern” — I had to suspend my disbelief in a couple places in this Nancy Meyers’ movie, but I still ended up enjoying it. I credit actors Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway for their performances and the cool shots of New York. I also had low expectations going in and so was pleasantly surprised it exceeded that. I found it a nice feel-good story but not over-the-top saccharine.
“The Martian” — Oh yeah I had been looking forward to Matt Damon as Mark Watney, and I was definitely entertained by this 3-D action space film adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling book. I liked it but I guess I liked the book a tad better. The film had some great imagery, but for whatever reason it did not stay with me for long like substantial films usually do.
“Steve Jobs” — Whoa, does this film have a lot of dialogue in it or what. It’s filled to the brink, courtesy of Aaron Sorkin, and slightly reminiscent of “The West Wing.” It’s innovative and cuts to some of Steve Jobs’s inner character. I liked it but it also wore me out in parts — with the around and around cerebral dialogue. But Michael Fassbender seemed amazing as Jobs, and Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen were quite excellent too.
That’s it for now. How about you — have you read “The Dog Stars” or seen any of these movies, and if so, what did you think?
Oh, I really enjoyed that Donner Party book – some fascinating stuff! I’m glad we’re getting into the good movie season, really looking forward to seeing Steve Jobs.
Hi Shannon: Yeah this Donner Party book is unreal. Harrowing but I can’t put it away! Michael Fassbender is an amazing actor, I think you’ll like the Steve Jobs movie.
I just finished reading the Daniel James Brown — still processing my thoughts. I liked all of his asides about history, and I liked the focus on Sarah, but I kept getting confused about who all the other people were. Not to mention who ate whom . . . But still, an amazing story of survival. I’ve had a copy of Dog Stars on my shelf for ages but haven’t read it yet — I’m not sure why, because I absolutely loved Peter Heller’s The Painter. Maybe I’m afraid it won’t be as good as Station Eleven, which is one of my all-time favorites?
Yeah The Dog Stars is a bit different than Station Eleven in that it’s basically a first person narrative about only a few people, whereas Station has such a wide cast. I’m glad you read the Donner Party book and think your points are valid. I’m in the middle at the moment and it’s scary!
I few years ago I read Ordeal by Hunger: The Story of the Donner Party by George R. Stewart. I highly recommend that book. The best word to describe the story of the Donner Party is harrowing.
I have not yet read Station Eleven but I want to. I have intentionally avoided The Road as I am afraid that it may be a bit too dark for me. The Dog Stars sounds really good.
If you like realistic, apocalyptic plague books I should mention the nearly forgotten Frank Herbert’s The White Plague. Though I mention it I am a bit hesitant to mention it as I found it a bit too disturbing.
Thanks Brian I’ll check out the Stewart book on the Donner Party. I know there’s been many books written about what happened to them. I agree it is Harrowing. Gruesome. I’m in the middle and almost too scared to read on.
McCarthy’s The Road is dark but likely is worth reading as the author is so good. I’m glad you let me know about The White Plague. I hadn’t remembered that Frank Herbert book. I think I will add it to my list, or first test out whether it’s too disturbing on my husband. 🙂
I don’t usually read apocalyptic novels, but I’m looking forward to reading Station Eleven next year if I can fit it in. I haven’t watched any of this year’s movies, but I’m looking forward to watching The Martian (I loved the book!) and Steve Jobs. Fassbender looks quite the part, but I’m not sure I will like all the dialogue that you are describing.
Hi Carmen: I hope you like Station Eleven next year. You have to adjust a bit to its many characters within the story. It has a lot, but it’s good if you see it through. I’m not sure the Steve Jobs movie will be for everybody – though Fassbender really is excellent.
Thanks for the movie reviews. I need to read The Martian before I see that one. As for reading so much post apocalyptic stuff, I am doing the same. Reading The Kraken Wakes by John Wyndham right now.
Hmm. I haven’t heard of that apocalyptic book. But I’ll definitely check out what you think about it. I guess I should take a rest on that genre, although my current book about the Donner Party is worse than an apocalyptic book, yikes!
I look forward to hearing more about the Donner Party book, especially since I loved Boys in the Boat. Not sure about The Dog Stars though. Station Eleven pushed the limits for me… not sure I can go beyond that. Haven’t seen any of the movies, but am hoping to get to The Intern.
I think you’ll like The Intern. This Donner Party book is unreal! Will review soon.
Yes, you do have to suspend disbelief when you see The Intern but it’s worth it – I thought the movie was charming. I haven’t read The Martian yet but want to see the movie.
Yes I agree Kathy. I liked The Intern quite a bit. The Martian is quite a ride.
I’ve had The Dog Stars in my personal library to read forever and a day. I will get to it one of these days.
I am definitely intrigued by the Donner party book you are reading. What is the title?
The Donner party book is The Indifferent Stars Above. It’s unreal!
I enjoyed The Dog Stars except for that one sex scene. Ugh. Anyway, I believe I am talking about the right book. I hope so or you’ll think me a weirdo! LOL.
I haven’t seen The Martian yet but I so want to!
I want to read that Donner party book. When we read Boys in the Boat I saw that he had a book out on that topic and we all mentioned it would be a good one to read.
Ha. I know the sex scene you speak of. I didn’t think it was necessary to include it either. I agree totally! Ugh. Otherwise Dog Stars was pretty good. You will be blown away by the Donner party book! You must get it! You will also like The Martian movie.
I haven’t read the book or seen the movies, but I’d like to see The Martian because I read the book and enjoyed it. I also would like to see Steve Jobs, but probably won’t see either until they come out on DVD. I haven’t been to the theater in a while.
Yeah Bryan I know what you mean. I think you’ll like The Martian whenever you see it, though I’m not too sure about the Steve Jobs flick. There’s good parts to it.
I didn’t realize Daniel James Brown did a book about the Donner Party — I am intrigued!
Yeah it’s a good book! You’d like it Kim.
I’m reading Dog Stars right now, because of your post about it! So far it’s really good.
Oh wow, glad you are enjoying it! I will stop by to see what you think of it by the end. cheers!
Hi Susan! I finished Dog Stars last night and basically came to the same conclusion as you. Good story and characters, but that sex scene! Puke. Was that for the benefit of the male readers, perhaps? Totally unnecessary. But that was my only complaint about the entire book, so….
Ha. I tried to warn you. That scene seemed very out of place — why he went into it like that. I’m not sure why. But I agree the rest of book was pretty entertaining and captivating. Glad you liked it. The author’s 2nd novel The Painter — was also pretty good but also had a healthy dose of male ego-ness to it. But no scene like that!