Full Moon over Noah's Ark

February 15, 2016
A veteran travel writer pursues an interest from childhood: Noah, the ark, and the landing. Antonson (To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey through West Africa, 2013, etc.) shows an indefatigable and intrepid spirit in this swift account of his ascent of Mount Ararat and his travels through some of the most dangerous territory in the Middle East, including Iraq and Iran. Throughout the narrative, he cuts away continually to tell about earlier ascents of the mountain that is now in eastern Turkey (he discusses the nearby Armenians' displeasure with the current border), other efforts to locate the ark (efforts resulting, he says, in much disingenuous reporting of discoveries), the ancient flood narratives that precede the account in Genesis (Gilgamesh, for example), the actual catastrophic flood possibilities in the region and various theories about the design and construction of the ark, and regional politics and horrors (e.g., the Armenian massacre). Rich with maps and photographs and a devotee's, if not a scholar's, knowledge, Antonson's text moves along with an impressive narrative current whose flow accelerates with his inclusion of much dialogue. His successful Ararat ascent concludes about halfway through, and the second half of the book deals with his ensuing travels in the region. His courage and his trust in his fellow human beings must be astonishing, for he repeatedly got into cars with people he barely knew and drove through dark streets of unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) places. Somehow, he always managed to arrive (more or less at the intended time) safely at his destination. Only occasionally does he confess anxiety over a certain situation. When he finally landed in London, he writes that he "reentered the worlds of schedules and precision." Also in the city, he was able to see the ancient "flood tablet" to which he alluded throughout. A book filled with the enthusiasm of discovery, the delight in accomplishment, and the relief of return.

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April 1, 2016

This adventure story of Canadian tourism executive Antonson's (Route 66 Still Kicks: Driving America's Main Street; To Timbuktu for a Haircut) trip to and up Mount Ararat and back is poignant and suspenseful. The author describes his journey from London to Istanbul, and from Istanbul to the little town of Tatvan via the Van Gulu Express to the base camp in Dogubeyazit, Turkey, his ascent to the top of Mount Ararat with fellow climbers and their aides, his experience with blindness on the descent, and the trip back to London. It is interspersed with stories about the Cyrus cylinder, cuneiform, local history and conflict, and ventures to locations of ark (as in the biblical Noah's) sightings. Intended for travelers, adventurers, extreme sports enthusiasts, and armchair travelers, this volume further includes illustrations that add meaningful perspective. VERDICT This tasty, spicy feast of a book could have gone beyond its 350 pages. Once picked up, it is hard to put down; it would serve well any library's bookshelf.--Cheryl Branche, Brooklyn, NY

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2016
The nitty gritty of the author's trek to the summit of Mount Ararat is the focal point of Antonson's story, but there's more. Located in present-day Turkey, Mount Ararat stands in a region where tensions among Turks, Kurds, and Armenians are palpable and, as it has for generations, remains of symbolic importance to many. Religion is added to this cultural and political mix, as Ararat is believed to be the place where Noah's Ark landed. From the beginning, Antonson establishes himself as a perceptive and evocative travel writer. A farmer he encounters at a train station, for instance, is described as having a face lined with stories but not worries. The various viewpoints he encounters both on the climb and in subsequent visits to the region are respectfully and sensitively presented, with some historical background to assist the reader. History is not always pretty and hikes don't always go according to plan. But both are combined here in an engaging and entertaining book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)