# Tales n Tunes

> Shared Stories


## Posts

- [The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-silkworm-by-robert-galbraith/): The Silkworm is a British detective story in the Cormorant Strike series, written by Robert Galbraith which is the pen name for J.K. Rowling.   The first book of the series was The Cuckoo is Calling where we are introduced to a private detective, Cormorant Strike and his assistant Robin.   In this book Strike takes on another case, in which an author is killed in a dramatic gruesome manner.    The police warn him away and arrest someone, but he does not agree and follows many very small leads.     It is a longer book with many interviews and … Continue reading →
- [The Children of Men by P.D. James](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-children-of-men-by-p-d-james/): The Children of Men by P.D. James is a dystopian novel set in recent times, in a world in which human fertility has failed and no more children have been born for 25 years.   The spirit of the people has been broken and as the population decreases, a universal malaise sets in.    Democracy fails and a dictator (Warden) rules, supported by State Police.    Criminals are sent to penal colonies for life, immigrants are put into service to support the work usually done by younger people, and suicide is indirectly supported by the state.    There is little opposition and … Continue reading →
- [Tangled up in Blue by Bob Dylan](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/tangled-up-in-blue-by-bob-dylan/): Tangled Up in Blue was one of the featured songs on his best album Blood on the Tracks.   It is song which looks back at former relationship and themes of loss, love, regret, and the how the passing of time changes us.   It is a bit of a creative piece, but the lyrics stick with us over time: Early one morning the sun was shining I was laying in bed Wondering if she'd changed at all If her hair was still red Her folks they said our lives together Sure was going to be rough They never did like Mama's homemade … Continue reading →
- [All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/all-the-pretty-horses-by-cormac-mccarthy/): All the Pretty Horses is a novel set in southern Texas and Mexico in the 1950s.   It is the story of John Grady, a 16 year old who has become disconnected from his ranch home and family.   He was raised by a Mexican family and he and his friend Lacey Rawlings decide to look for work as cowboys rather than move into town.    They ride south into Mexico.   The author tells the journey of the cowboy life in detail, slowly, with great craftsmanship and passion.     The boys get jobs on a large ranch because of John Grady’s ability to break and … Continue reading →
- [Billy Summers by Stephen King](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/billy-summers-by-stephen-king/): Billy Summers is a thriller-crime-noir story about a hit man who is asked to one final job, then he plans to retire.   Billy is a sniper who will only shoot “bad men”, but this leads to many moral dilemmas since he works for bad people and to not get caught, he has to undertake many questionable roles, leading a life of lies just to survive.   The first third of the novel follows the weeks of taking the job, going undercover in the set up, completing the hit, and engineering his own escape.   Then, the story changes when he meets Alice, a … Continue reading →
- [Dr. Hook](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/dr-hook/): I first heard Dr. Hook (once called Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show) on the radio in 1972 with the pop song Sylvia’s Mother and over the next decade, I enjoyed a series pop tunes and ballads, with songs like Only Sixteen, The Cover of the Rolling Stone, Baby Makes Her Blue Jeans Talk, Spending the Night Together, When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman, Sexy Eyes, Walk Right In, Little Bit More, Better Love Next Time, and other songs off their albums.   I was never a devoted fan, but over the years those songs become part of the soundtrack … Continue reading →
- [Age of Iron by Angus Watson](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/age-of-iron-by-angus-watson/): Age of Iron is a historical action-adventure novel set in the Britain before the arrival of the Romans. We are introduced to Dug Sealskinner, an aging mercenary who is battle-scarred, roaming and fleeing from the death of his family. He is looking for work with the regional warlord (Zaidar) but gets caught in an invasion of a village and his plans are changed by a young girl and a warrioress named Lowa who is seeking vengeance on Zaidar. Some of this book felt like the books of Bernard Cornwell, but Watson keeps it simple – lots of action, humor, and a … Continue reading →
- [Another Kind of Eden by James Lee Burke](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/another-kind-of-eden-by-james-lee-burke/): It is hard to fit Another Kind of Eden into a genre or to compare it to other novels.     It best fits into other works by James Lee Burke.   He has written over 40 novels, many of them Detective stories featuring Dave Robichaud, set in New Iberia, Louisiana.       This book fits into the Holland Family Saga and is set in Colorado in the 1960s.    It is the story of  Aaron Holland Broussard, an emerging novelist who is riding the rails, picking up seasonal agricultural work.   He settles in Trinidad, Colorado, working for a farming couple, making friends, and finding a love … Continue reading →
- [The Brand New Tennessee Waltz by Jesse Winchester](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-brand-new-tennessee-waltz-by-jesse-winchester/): Jesse Winchester was an American – Canadian singer-songwriter.    He left the US to avoid the Vietnam War draft and lived in Canada until he was later granted amnesty, then moved back to the southern US in 2002.    While in Canada he wrote and recorded his first album, which was produced by Robbie Robertson (of The Band).   He recorded a number of memorable songs and in 2007 he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.     He died in 2014.    His songs still live on in our playlists.     A number … Continue reading →
- [All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/all-the-sinners-bleed-by-s-a-cosby/): All the Sinners Bleed is a crime-thriller novel that uses a police procedural point of view.     The setting is in small rural town in the Southern states.   The protagonist (Titus Crown) is a black sheriff in a community where the divide between whites and blacks has a long, troubled history.     The strongest part of the book is the depiction of the cross-culture integration of working people, right-wing religious followers, the antebellum white class, racist extremists, equality advocates, and average citizens terrorized by a psycho-killer.    Bad things happen in Charon (as the name might suggest) and it is up to the police … Continue reading →
- [Crazy Love by Van Morrison](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/crazy-love-by-van-morrison/): The first songs I heard from Van Morrison were from the album Moondance in 1970.    From that album were a number of memorable songs like And it Stoned Me, Caravan, Into the Mystic,  and others.    I bought the vinyl album and played it many times, then bought more of his albums, probably 15 in all, and I have continued to listen to him even 50+ years later.   He has had many accolades over the years and there are many other fans.   He has many memorable songs, any of which could be chosen, but one from Moondance is shared here: … Continue reading →
- [Land of Wolves by Craig Johnson](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/land-of-wolves-by-craig-johnson/): Walt Longmire is one of the best characters in crime fiction.      Craig Johnson has published 21 Longmire books, all set in Wyoming. Land of Wolves follows a murder and a wolf sighting nearby.      Walt ventures out into sheep herding country to investigate the crime, delving into the victim’s life, past history, and the people who knew him.    The landscape plays an important part of all of the books.    The rugged and wild country of Wyoming has rugged and tough people, many unwilling to cooperate or talk about their lives. The author uses dialogue sparingly, but very effectively to portray the characters’ … Continue reading →
- [Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands by Bob Dylan](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/sad-eyed-lady-of-the-lowlands-by-bob-dylan/): Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands was written by Bob Dylan and included on his album Blonde on Blonde in 1966.    It was a song about his wife Sara Lowndes whom he remarried in 1965.     It is an 11 minute song, a poetic tribute, full of personal, symbolic, and unknown references.    The song has great emotional depth and strong lyrics.    He has never performed it live. Shared here is a cover by Joan Baez, a contemporary colleague, in a fine performance from her album Any Day Now.      This has been a favorite for 50 years. … Continue reading →
- [The Return of the Dancing Master by Henning Mankell](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-return-of-the-dancing-master-by-henning-mankell/): The Return of the Dancing Master is a Swedish-noir novel by Henning Mankell, published in the year 2000.    It has been translated from Swedish into English in 2003.    Mankell is best know for his Kurt Wallender stories, a detective series with lots of followers, both in book form and on television.    This is also a police-procedural story, following a new protagonist, Stephan Lindemann.    He is facing a cancer diagnosis and takes some time off.    He hears about a former policeman he worked with who has been murdered in the north.    Instead of going to a … Continue reading →
- [Tecumseh Valley by Townes van Zandt](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/tecumseh-valley-by-townes-van-zandt/): Townes van Zandt was one of our great singer-songwriter-storytellers.    In Tecumseh Valley, he writes with plain language telling the story of a girl who faces life’s challenges, has lost her way, and then dies.    Even though this is a fictional character, the tale is told with empathy and is quite moving to many listeners.    Although Townes wrote and recorded the song, it is best sung by Nancy Griffith, one of the best singer of folk songs, and who has sadly now passed away. ...But the times were hard, Lord, and the jobs were few All through Tecumseh Valley … Continue reading →
- [Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/resurrection-walk-by-michael-connelly/): Resurrection Walk is a crime novel which combines two characters – Micky Haller from the Lincoln Lawyer series (7 books) and Bosch from the Harry Bosch series (25 books). The main story is a legal procedural story where Mickey Haller pursues a case of a woman imprisoned for killing her husband, a policeman. Mickey has been open to habeas corpus work if he thinks the person has been wrongfully found guilty. Harry reviews the case and finds a number of problems and they investigate both the criminal and legal processes. Much of the novel is an engaging courtroom drama with two … Continue reading →
- [Pacing the Cage by Bruce Cockburn](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/pacing-the-cage-by-bruce-cockburn/): Bruce Cockburn is a  Canadian singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has been providing us with great music for over 50 years.   He has written and performed over 350 songs and has 34 albums.    Some of his activist songs are well-known like Stolen Land, If I Had a Rocket Launcher, If a Tree Falls, and others on topics of human rights and environmentalism.    He has won many awards over the last decades and continues to write and perform, but the weight of expectations can be a trap, one of one’s own making as noted in the song “Pacing the Cage.” … Continue reading →
- [Network Effect by Martha Wells](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/network-effect-by-martha-wells/): Network Effect is the sixth book in the acclaimed Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells and I have read four of them now.    All of the books are creative works, full of strong characters, humor, action, and plot twists.    In this novel, Murderbot (a self-aware cyborg security bot) is joined by a sentient artificial intelligence, ART, now called Perihelion by its crew members, another Sec Unit, Three, helped by Murderbot to remove its governor module and become free, and a clone of Murderbot, all linked through a network as they battle attacks, kidnapping, and threats from an isolated colony … Continue reading →
- [Beethoven's Seventh Symphony](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/beethovens-seventh-symphony/): Beethoven’s symphonies were a portal to classical music after first hearing the 5th Symphony in 1969.    I went on to listen to all 9 symphonies and I have retained a great love for numbers 3,4,5,6,7, and 9.   I have attended symphony concerts for most of these over a period of decades and I still go back for another listen, especially after YouTube added performances to watch the orchestras interpret the works. Symphony No. 7 was written in 1811 – 1812 as he was becoming deaf and as the Napoleonic Wars ravaged Europe.    The piece was innovative, strongly rhythmic, and … Continue reading →
- [The Overstory by Richard Powers](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-overstory-by-richard-powers/): The Overstory won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2018 and was a New York Times Bestseller.   It is a sprawling, ambitious work that winds the stories of several trees and nine characters throughout the long narrative.   Some of the stories are interconnected and some are not, some feel unfinished, and some seem to have universal connections. This is not a traditional story.   It mixes science, art, humanism, drama, politics, sociology, economics, and fiction in a potent blend of tree-themed topics. “This is a gigantic fable of genuine truths held together by a connective tissue of tender exchange between fictional friends, … Continue reading →
- [Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul, and Mary](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/puff-the-magic-dragon-by-peter-paul-and-mary/): Puff the Magic Dragon is a folk song written by Peter Yarrow, based on a poem written by a Cornell student Leonard Lipton in 1959, which in turn was based on a poem by Ogden Nash (1936).    Yarrow made the poem into a song and credited Lipton with co-writing the song.    Peter, Paul and Mary had success with the song when it was broadcast in 1963. and continued to perform the song in concerts.    Other performers also recorded the song and it was adapted for TV. I remember first hearing the song on the radio as an elementary … Continue reading →
- [Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/squeeze-me-by-carl-hiaasen/): Squeeze Me is a satirical novel set in South Florida. It is also a murder mystery with bouts of humor and and full of humor and edgy dialogue. At times it is raucous and absurd. At other times it has scathing political satire. The characters are interesting and the story moves along well. It is entertaining, light in thematic content, but strong in social commentary. Above all, it is a lot of fun to read. “Mockingbird sometimes found it hard to believe this was the same man she’d married; he looked like a different person now—as if someone had put a … Continue reading →
- [Pink Moon by Nick Drake](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/pink-moon-by-nick-drake/): Nick Drake had a short career, publishing two albums which got little attention, then he released the  acoustic solo album Pink Moon in 1972.   It had mixed reviews, but there was a number of critics and followers who thought it was top-notch, a blend of singer-songwriter blues, melancholy, and creativity.   He had depression and mental health issues, though and he died of an overdose in 1974 at age 26. Since his death, there are still some dedicated fans, enjoying his honest, but rhythmically complex songs.    The title track to his solo album is a simple song and it is included … Continue reading →
- [Outsider: An Old Man, a Mountain, and a Search for a Hidden Past](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/outsider-an-old-man-a-mountain-and-a-search-for-a-hidden-past/): Outsider – An Old Man, a Mountain, and the Search for a Hidden Past is the story of Dag Aabye, told by journalist Brett Popplewell.   Dag was born in Norway and was orphaned at the end of World War II.     He was brought up by foster parents, but the shadow of suspicion is that he was the child of a Nazi soldier and a German sympathizer.   He would have been the heir to an estate in Norway, but he left and traveled to Chile, the United States, and Canada to ski and to work teaching skiing.    He skied some extreme slops … Continue reading →
- [Hello in There by John Prine](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/hello-in-there-by-john-prine/): John Prine wrote Hello in There in 1971.    It is a song about aging, loneliness, and isolation: “So if you’re walking down the street sometime and you spot some hollow ancient eyes, please don’t just pass them by and stare, as if you didn’t care. Say ‘Hello in there,’” The song is full of heart-felt empathy and poignancy and has been reinterpreted a number of times to become one of our culture’s best songs.    John Prine wrote many songs, but this one resonates very strongly with listeners. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVhA01J0Zsg[/embedyt]
- [Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/project-hail-mary-by-andy-weir/): Project Hail Mary is a sustained, entertaining science fiction novel.    There is lots of science and engineering, many quips and lots of banter, several plot twists, and some excitement, providing ongoing tension throughout.   Best of all, there is a pervading sense of wonder, following a “what-if” premise developed by the author. The story starts with Ryland Grace waking up, alone on a spaceship, not knowing who he was, why he was there, nor where he is heading.   As the story fills in the background, we find out he is alone and on a long journey to save the planet.   We later … Continue reading →
- [Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye by Leonard Cohen](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/hey-thats-no-way-to-say-goodbye-by-leonard-cohen/): Hey, That’s No way to Say Goodbye was released in 1967 on Leonard Cohen’s album Songs of Leonard Cohen.   It is a song about the waning of a relationship.    It is written as a folk song, but with emotional depth that shows acceptance and reflection.    Cohen was a poet and the lyrics have a melancholy conversational tone. I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm, your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm, yes, many loved before us, I know that we are not new, in city and in forest they smiled like me … Continue reading →
- [The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-fck-by-mark-manson/): This book is a bit of a dupe. The author uses a gimmick to attract a select audience. The first two chapters are full of f-bombs, hyperbole, illogical generalizations, and unstructured conclusions. By chapter three he settles into more of a logical pattern and traditional language. The messages are not new. They are recycled, but restated in a social-media type of diatribe. Yet, there are some good insights here and there. Overall, though, it is written using a gimmick to attract the interest of a younger audience who may be looking for some informal thoughts on coping with the modern world. … Continue reading →
- [Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/tears-in-heaven-by-eric-clapton/): Tears in Heaven was written and performed by Eric Clapton after the death of his 4 year old son, who fell from the 53rd floor of an apartment building.    After a period of reclusion and mourning, he wanted to take on a project, writing a personal song for the soundtrack of a film.    The song was later released on Clapton’s album Unplugged.   It became a number one song, won 3 Grammy awards and eventually reached Platinum status. The early performances were heartfelt and mesmerizing and after so many years, the song is part of us, a reminder of what … Continue reading →
- [The Searcher by Tana French](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-searcher-by-tana-french/): The Searcher is a modern-day western set in Ireland.   Cal Hooper is a divorced, retired American who has moved to rural western Ireland, looking for peace, trying to leave behind a lifetime of police work and a broken marriage.   He picks a run-down house on the lower slopes of the mountain and sets about to fix it up, go fishing, and get a fresh start.      There are secrets in the village, though, and a young teenager (Trey) asks him for help in find a brother who has gone missing.    The story moves along slowly.    Characters, dialogue, and local color are well-developed … Continue reading →
- [Vincent by Don McLean](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/vincent-by-don-mclean/): The song “Vincent” has long been a favorite.   Don McClean wrote it after reading a book about Vincent van Gogh.    The song starts off with a reference to a painting (Starry, Starry Night). Starry, starry night Paint your palette blue and grey Look out on a summer's day With eyes that know the darkness in my soul Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and the daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colors on the snowy linen land Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you … Continue reading →
- [Razorblade Tears by S.A. Crosby](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/razorblade-tears-by-s-a-crosby/): Razorblade Tears is a thriller novel by S.A. Crosby.   Two hard ex-cons unite after their sons are brutally murdered.    Although the fathers were homophobes and were distanced from their gay sons, they did love them in their own silent and rough manner.    One of the fathers is black and the other is a somewhat racist white man, but they find common ground to seek justice for their sons.   They soon come to realize that they will need to exact revenge themselves and what follows are raw, action-packed sequences, with lots of blood spilled.   Between these sections, the fathers reconcile … Continue reading →
- [Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/wish-you-were-here-by-pink-floyd/): Wish You Were Here was written by Pink Floyd and released on an album of that name in 1975. It is song about loss (Syd Barrett, a band member) and disillusionment with the music industry.   Over the years it has been sung by Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, and David Gilmour in their concerts and it has been included in the greatest hits compilations.   I heard it performed live twice.   Pink Floyd remains a long-term favorite and there are many other of their songs on my playlists. How I wish, how I wish you were here We're just two lost souls swimming … Continue reading →
- [Things Have Changed by Bob Dylan](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/things-have-changed-by-bob-dylan/): Things Have Changed was released on the for the film The Wonder Boys in 2000 and went on to win an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.    It was released on Dylan’s compilation albums afterward.    It is a song about disillusionment and isolation, written in a storytelling style, full of imagery, references, and memorable lyrics.   I have been a Dylan fan for almost 60 years and have many favorite songs.     This one works very well for me: People are crazy and times are strange I’m locked in tight, I’m out of range I used to care, but things … Continue reading →
- [Fair Warning by Michael Connelly](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/fair-warning-by-michael-connelly/): Michael Connelly’s books have given us over 30 crime books in the last 30 years with central characters like Detective Harry Bosch and lawyer Micky Haller.    He has also written books featuring Jack McEvoy (crime writer), Terry McCaleb (criminal profiler), and more recently Renee Ballard (detective), all set in Los Angeles.     His books can be described as crime-related procedural novels, doggedly investigating violent crimes.   As the protagonist works her/his way to follow clues and leads, various obstacles and dangers are encountered, adding thriller elements along with strong characters, and clear thematic tones. Fair Warning follows the contemporary issue of genetic research … Continue reading →
- [White Winter Hymnal by the Fleet Foxes](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/white-winter-hymnal-by-the-fleet-foxes/): White Winter Hymnal is an infectious song which invites repeated listens.  It has folk instrumentation and folk-inspired harmonies.   It is a short, but memorable song, added to my personal playlists.    The video for the song is particularly enjoyable: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrQRS40OKNE[/embedyt]
- [Some Lie and Some Die by Ruth Rendell](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/some-lie-and-some-die-by-ruth-rendell/): Some Lie and Some Die is a mystery novel by Ruth Rendell, the 8th book in the Inspector Wexford series.   The setting is a music festival in Kings Markham.    A woman is found in a quarry, a murder victim, and Wexford’s team need to investigate.    There are lots of interviews with witnesses and suspects, lots of checking up, and a number of meetings, often in pubs, to discuss theories.    This is standard detective fiction, but Ruth Rendell’s books always have a lot of in-depth character development, an unravelling of secrets, and some dark behaviors.    In her books, … Continue reading →
- [Billy Joel's She's Always a Woman to Me](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/billy-joels-shes-always-a-woman-to-me/): I remember the first time I heard Billy Joel’s first album.    A friend (now deceased) played the vinyl record and stated that this artist would be around for a long time.    He was right.    Many of Billy Joel’s songs are memorable and his voice perfectly provides the emphasis and empathy for the words sung in the tune.     I heard this song performed live by a tribute band, and of all the songs, this one resonated with me. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2GryZ4ipKY[/embedyt]   She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes And she can ruin your … Continue reading →
- [Gallows View by Peter Robinson](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/gallows-view-by-peter-robinson/): Gallows View is the first book in the Inspector Banks series by Peter Robinson.   There are 28 mystery books and they have won a number of awards in the period from 1987 to 2023.    All of the stories take place in Eastvale, a fictional city in the Yorkshire Dales.    Banks moved there from London for a quieter life, but with the number of murders and other crimes portrayed in the series, it could not have been all that peaceful.   The plots follow the police procedural structure, and the stories are reminiscent of the Ruth Rendell mysteries (high praise indeed). … Continue reading →
- [Let it Be by the Beatles](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/let-it-be-by-the-beatles/): I have been a fan of The Beatles for 60 years and I still listen to their songs, embedded onto my playlists.    Many songs still resonate for me, and one of them is Let it Be.   It is a Paul McCartney song, written in remembering his mother who had died when he was 14.    It is tale of hope, resilience, and acceptance, reminiscent of his mother’s words.   I sing along to the song, with my own mother in mind.   It is a permanent personal playlist song: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egCy1KoE1Ss[/embedyt] When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes … Continue reading →
- [River of the Gods by Candice Millard](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/river-of-the-gods-by-candice-millard/): River of the Gods – Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile is a historical account of the expeditions of Richard Burton and John Speke in the 1850s.    The author Candice Millard has written a historical account of the at-the-time-famous expeditions by British explorers to trek from the East Coast of Africa into the Interior in search of the Mountains of the Moon and the source of the Nile.    Burton is a fascinating man who spoke over 50 languages and had spent his whole life living in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa … Continue reading →
- [Force of Nature by Jane Harper](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/force-of-nature-by-jane-harper/): Force of Nature is a thriller/mystery novel written by Jane Harper, the second in the Aaron Falk series, set in Australia.    Five women set out on a four day corporate retreat backpacking into the remote Giralang Range, but only four return.   A search is started and the police question the women and anyone else associated with the missing Alice Russell.   Their stories are not consistent as the author patiently develops the characters of the five women, each flawed, each with secrets, each dealing with personal, family, and work issues.    Two police teams investigate and the truth slowly unfolds, but … Continue reading →
- [Green Eyes by Kate Wolf](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/green-eyes-by-kate-wolf/): One of my favorite female singer-songwriters for decades has been Kate Wolf.     Many of her songs were in the folk/Americana/acoustic genre.   With a crystal clear warm voice she wrote and sang many memorable songs until her death from leukemia in 1986.   There are many wonderful songs to love, but Green Eyes is one of her best: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsXGzblg7Ws[/embedyt]
- [The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-mysterious-affair-at-styles-by-agatha-christie/): The Mysterious Affair at Styles was Agatha Christie’s first book. She wrote in on a dare in 1916 and tried to get it published, unsuccessfully until 1919. It was then releases in serial format with 18 parts. It was not published as a full book until 1920. In the book we are first introduced to Hastings, the narrator of the story and to the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie went on to write 33 Poirot books, and many other mystery books for a total of 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. She became the best-selling author of all … Continue reading →
- [The Book of Koli by M. R. Carey](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-book-of-koli-by-m-r-carey/): The book of Koli is a dystopian science fiction novel, told in a future after civilization has broken down and genetically-altered nature has taken over.    People survive in small villages or enclaves and build their own way-of-life, complete with the myths created by those in charge. The story is told by an illiterate youth named Koli.   With no education he follows the tenets of the village and takes on the trade of his family, accepting the expectations of the ruling family.   In a world without technology, there are still a few pieces of “tech” in operation and those who have them … Continue reading →
- [What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/what-a-wonderful-world-by-louis-armstrong/): Louis Armstrong was known as a jazz trumpeter, but he sang ballads with a raspy and nuanced voice.    One of his best songs was performed in 1967.    the song was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss and has been recorded many times, but none matches the first rendering by Louis Armstrong. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaCSuzR4DwM[/embedyt]
- [A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/a-world-of-curiosities-by-louise-penny/): A World of Curiosities in the 18th book in the Inspector Gamache series by Canadian author Louise Penny. It is a police procedural crime novel, but there are many layers and intriguing developments throughout the story, completed by a thriller ending. The tale begins with several back-stories. The main story is an early Gamache case in which a prostitute is killed and her two kids are orphaned, but they have been damaged, and the echoes are part of the current murders. There is a look back at the killings at the Ecole Polytechnique, with a real life survivor as part of … Continue reading →
- [Nomadland by Jessica Bruder](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/nomadland-by-jessica-bruder/): For years we have been seeing more and more people who seemed to spend a lot of time in trailers or vans.   When we talked to a few people we were surprised to find out that they were actually traveling in their homes.    We assumed it was just a choice they made, to be unattached,  except to a love of travel.   We did not really think that this was an economic choice.    In Canada, it is very hard to live in a van or trailer over winter, so we just don’t see the nomads.    Nomadland helped us to … Continue reading →
- [Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/both-sides-now-by-joni-mitchell/): A few songs stick with us, embedded into our bones for life.  Both Sides Now is one of those songs.    I first heard it sung by Judy Collins about 1968, then in 1970 I bought Joni’s album “Clouds.”    It was played many times.    Joni recorded it in different versions on later albums and she has sung it live at festivals, on TV, and on request.   It has been recorded by other artists, often as a tribute.    The message is universal and her rendering of the song resonates and reverberates for days after each listening. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKQSlH-LLTQ[/embedyt]
- [The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-nickel-boys-by-colson-whitehead/): Nickel Boys is narrated by Elwood Curtis living in New York City in the present time, looking back at a period of time when he attended the Nickel Academy (a reform school in Florida) when he was a teenager.   Colson Whitehead tells the story at various points in Ellwood’s life and it isn’t until the end of the story that we find out that there are really two narrators and two lives told in this narrative.   The storytelling is skillfully shifted to different times, different places, and different points of view, all to paint a larger portrait of systemic racism, societal … Continue reading →
- [No Regrets by Tom Rush](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/no-regrets-by-tom-rush/): No Regrets is a folk-rock song written and sung by Tom Rush.   The album was The Circle Game and it was released in 1968.    I had this album and have listened to the song many times over the years.    It was covered by a number of other artists too, and in soundtracks for movies. “No regrets No tears goodbye Don’t want you back We’d only cry again Say goodbye again” A simple song that resonates with Tom Rush’s distinctive voice. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKU0S5K5aYE[/embedyt]
- [The Mist by Stephen King](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-mist-by-stephen-king/): The Mist is a novella first published in 1980 and also included in the short story collection Skeleton Crew.   It is a horror story complete with horrific creatures, exciting encounters, savage killings, and a desperate attempt to escape.    Characters are well-developed (though most don’t survive). Stephen King is adept at setting up the “What if” scenario in which he inserts a variety of characters.   As fear and horror develop, conflicts arise, in this case between the people trapped inside the grocery store.    We have seen this type of psychological horror story for 30 years in books like Under the Dome, The … Continue reading →
- [The House on the Cerulean Sea by T. J Klune](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/the-house-on-the-cerulean-sea-by-t-j-klune/): The House on the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy about an orphanage of very unusual magical children.   Each of the children are interesting and unique characters and this could have been the central part of the story, but it is a tale of redemption, compassion, and humanity as seen through the lead character, Linus Baker.   As a worn-out case worker he arrives on the island with some trepidation, sent by Extremely Upper Management to investigate the enigmatic caretaker Arthur Parnassus. Surprises and revelations unfold as the children and Arthur interact with Linus, but also with people in the outside world.   Linus … Continue reading →
- [Conclave by Robert Harris](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/conclave-by-robert-harris/): Conclave is a fictional story based on the Vatican’s practice of holding a sequestered meeting of all Cardinals after the death of the Pope, in order to elect a new Pope. Robert Harris writes historical fiction which is thoroughly researched, but he also creates fictional characters who are well-defined, believable, and interesting. In this case, he has created Cardinal Lomeli, the Dean of the Vatican, as the main character. It is his job to administer the Conclave, following the centuries old traditions and canons of the Church. The story’s location is the Vatican and its time frame are the few days … Continue reading →
- [Nobody Loves Me but My Mother by BB King](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/nobody-loves-me-but-my-mother-by-bb-king/): I was a BB King fan in the 1970’s and bought the album Indianola Mississippi Seeds in those years.    It was a vinyl record and I played it frequently.    In the years that followed I bought more albums and looked for chances to see a performance on TV (before YouTube).   Then decades later I got to see him perform live in Kamloops.    It was a stunning performance by a master.    He is gone now, but we can enjoy his music in videos.    One is provided here: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIW4ARVbhrw[/embedyt]
- [If You Could Read my Mind by Gordon Lightfoot](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/if-you-could-read-my-mind-by-gordon-lightfoot/): Gordon Lightfoot’s music became a part of my life in the late 1960s and I followed his songs, albums, and his career for almost 60 years.    I owned a number of his albums and many of his songs are on my current playlists today.    I saw him perform live twice.     He was one of the great storytelling songwriters and singers.   Picking one song is not easy, but I am featuring “If You Could Read my Mind.”   It was inspired by his divorce, and his thought/feelings converted to lyrics are clear and resonant even today.   His distinct voice is … Continue reading →
- [All Systems Red by Martha Wells](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/all-systems-red-by-martha-welsls/): All Systems Red is the first book in the Murderbot Diaries series, a popular science fiction series and streaming series on Apple TV.    We watched the series first, then I was able to get a copy of Fugitive Telemetry from the library and thoroughly enjoyed it.   I recently read/listened to the first book in the series.    The streaming series closely follows the first book of the series, but the book fills in more details, and provides more insights into what the main characters are thinking. The books are well-told, with fresh ideas, action, humor, irony, and suspense.    Best … Continue reading →

## Pages

- [About](https://rambleon.ca/talesntunes/about/): A companion site to KamloopsTrails.com, Rambleon.ca, and A Wildflower Journal.net, along with subdomains OntheTrails.Rambleon.ca and GardenersJournal.WildflowerJournal.ca. this is a site which only focused on tales (books) and tunes (music). Although I have read thousands of books, the site features comments, reviews, and information on recent reads and recommendations. My music tastes are varied and for the most part posts will feature a work from many genres.   The tunes will feature videos which are embedded so that any commentary is also accompanied by a recording and/or performance. Comments are welcome.    Thanks for coming to this website.  

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