Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Rhino Keeper & New York Nico's Guide to NYC; Movie: Lost on a Mountain in Maine

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: The Rhino Keeper & New York Nico's Guide to NYC

Today we are recommending The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg. This is a fictionalized version of a true story about a Dutch sea captain, Douwement van der Meer, and the Indian rhino, Clara, whom he traveled with and displayed across Europe in the 18th century. Their story is interspersed with the modern story of Andrea, a college student studying abroad in Holland and working with a group trying to unravel the mystery of Clara and what happened to her remains.

True animal lovers will both love and hate this book. The bonds between Captain van der Meer and Clara are so deep and beautiful. Yet, it's hard to get past the idea that he carted her around and put her on display.  Plus, he clearly had no real idea what he was doing or how best to care for her. He was just kind of winging it. Knowing that people knew so much less about animals and their care and their attitudes toward animals and their care were so much different back then is only slight consoltation.

The character of Andrea also shows a deep and admirable concern for animals and their care. She refuses to marry a man whose family hunts animals for trophies. Plus, she is determined to find and make sure nothing happens to Clara's remains. 

This is also a story about bonds between people, and their is plenty of found family in it. Dowement and Zubin, the boy whose job it is too take care of Clara, become like a family, and he later forms a touching bond with Lonnie, a young sailor who is not what he may first appear. 

There is just bit of romance but probably not enough to satisfy any true romance fan. Andrea forms a bond with her co-worker, Lucas, which later turns into something more. Plus, there is a little more romance especially toward the end of the book. However, the limited amount of romance seems right for this book. It keep the focus where it belongs on the story of Clara.

Today we are recommending New York Nico's Guide to NYC. This book is not your typical guidebook which tells you about the popular places to go, but more of an insiders guide to off the beaten track places within the five boroughs of New York City. Here you can find a locksmith in Manhattan,a comic shop in Brooklyn, a pizza place in any of the boroughs and so much more. 

Nico has personally visited every one of the locations listed in this book and most, if not all, numerous times. His recommendations are not just based on the quality of whatever is being sold at at the location but on the caliber of the people who own or run each establishment as well. It is more than just about suggesting good places to go in New York City, it's about sharing a little New York City history as well.  

Movie: Lost on a Mountain in Maine

The below is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Blue Fox Entertainment. Any and all opinions expressed are our own.

Courtesy of Blue Fire Entertainment

Today we are recommending Lost on Mountain in Maine. This movie is the true story of a Donn Fendler, a boy who was separated from his family during a storm while hiking in the mountains, and had to survive on his own for nine days before being found and rescued. The story of Donn's survival is quite intriguing. The constant shifting in focus between Donn and what he is experiencing and the efforts to locate and rescue him, keep the story from dragging. 

There are also interview clips with the actual people involved in the story interspersed throughout the fictional film. Plus, there is some footage of the actual rescue as well. This makes the movie quite a unique and interesting combination of a fictionalized dramatization and a documentary. 

Lost on a Mountain will be released in movie theaters this Friday November 1, 2024. For more information on the film, visit www.lostonamountaininmainemovie.com.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday

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