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There are currently 35 member reviews
for The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl
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Portia A. (Monroe Township, NJ)
A wonderful book
I didn't know what to expect when I started to read, but then I couldn't put the book down. Showing a man's life in twelve chapters was inspired. Maybe being 92 years old myself helped me to relate, but I think the book would be great for anyone of any age.
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Stephanie K. (Glendale, AZ)
A Life Review in Twelve Chapters
The Very Long and Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl by Bart Yates was a very different and intriguing read for me. Normally not the type of book I'd select to read, I found it delightful the way the author began at age eight and concluded at ninety-six in revealing Isaac's unusual life. Although living an admittedly "ordinary life," he survives such traumas as an avalanche, naval battle, civil rights riot and earthquake to tell his tale of American family life. I couldn't help admiring someone--if only a character in a book--who was so resilient and steadfast no matter what life threw at him. Through each challenging event, Isaac remains humble and nonplussed, not considering himself a hero or even someone worthy of praise. Readers will certainly enjoy this tale, as I did, of an extraordinarily regular person shining during the very irregular occurrences of life.
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Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Life of Isaac Dahl
This book had a great start, and I immediately connected with all the characters. The connection between all the characters was very believable, and the human flaws they all had were relatable .
The author gracefully weaves in various historical incidents, and various social mores, to make this a well rounded story. While the book had lots of humor, it also gave me much to think about.
It was a quick read, and I didn't want to put it down. It was a great book. I loved it!
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Mickie D. (Layton, UT)
Is "The Very Long Very Strange Life Of Isaac Dahl" For You?
Bart Yates has written a book that in 12 chapters covers the lifetime of Isaac Dahl in 8 year increments which blends historical fact and fiction. The book opens with the twins, Isaac and Aggie, surviving an avalanche in 1926 in Bingham Canyon, Utah in a tarnished bathtub. The twins with their best friend, Bo, and their children, Ty, Karen, and Elias, live through character-busting dust storms,battles aboard USS Houston,atomic bomd tests,Civil Rights demonstrations,the raising of the Mary Rose, idle days at the movies, Saint Remy, France,Italy, and Massachusetts, as well as a tornado and an earthquake. The characters remain virtually unchanged despite the scope of their adventures. The "life" of Isaac Dahl and his co-characters encompass enough trauma to change a mirade of characters, but these characters remain circumspect. So if you're seeking a novel where the characters undergo momentious changes, this is not a novel for you.
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Jolene B. (Sioux Falls, SD)
The Very Long, Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl
As a reader in the twilight years (70) of my life, I found this book very poignant. I have often looked at my life reflecting on the passage of time as I have moved through history and experienced personal growth through experience. The author did a wonderful job in using historical events not widely known. My only criticism is that the personal relationships or chance meetings that Isaac mentions besides his family are not well developed.
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Windell H. (Rock Hill, SC)
The very long ,very strange life of Isaac Dahl
This book was a good read and I really liked the format. Lots of anchor points of historical events and movements of the time. Great well developed characters. The story tells of the power of family and friendships through tragedy and triumphs. I would recommend this for book clubs because of its diversity.
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Janet O. (Beaverton, OR)
The Very Long, Very StrangeLife of Isaac Dahl
Isaac Dahl was a witness to many of the major events of the 20th century. During his long life he experienced natural disasters, wrote about wars and nursed loved ones through devastating illnesses. Yet despite the backdrop of violence, tragedy and loss, Isaac and his family persevered with determination and love for one another. The family saga is chronicled in twelve chapters with each describing one day in Isaac's life from age 8 to 96. When his sister suggests this format to him she says "this will allow you to explore the scattershot richness of your past, without getting bogged down in the minutiae." (pg. 218) And indeed that is the beauty of this book. It invites you to know a man well loved and to appreciate a life that was filled with adventure, service and success.
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