A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Category: Nonfiction (Category Complete!)
Have you ever wondered about the origins of the universe or the workings of a cell? This introduction to many different branches of science gives you a taste of the history of how we know what we know (and what we think we know) about the world and how it works.
Giving a brief overview of such diverse scientific disciplines as physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and lots more, you may find yourself frustrated by only being given a taste of one subject before Bryson moves on to another. But the extensive notes and bibliography at the end will show you where to go next for those subjects that most interest you, and Bryson's characteristically witty narration will keep you reading even during those explorations you may not have found compelling in school. I was most fascinated to discover the reasons behind current scientific thought, and how much we really don't know about the earth and our universe. 4.5 stars.
Showing posts with label Category - Non-Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Category - Non-Fiction. Show all posts
Friday, July 3, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
After Etan
After Etan: The Missing Child Case that Held America Captiveby Lisa R. Cohen
Grand Central Publishing
May 2009
400 pages (per amazon my copy has 367)
info on May 29m 2009: Amazon.com Sales Rank: #689 in Books
Popular in these categories:
#2 in Books > Nonfiction > True Accounts > True Crime
#3 in Books > Nonfiction > True Accounts > Murder & Mayhem
#24 in Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Sociology
There is a longer post on my blog, mainly the product description.
From John Miller, former co-anchor of 20/20: "The story of the disappearance of Etan Patz is a story that almost everyone remembers the beginning of and only a handful of people know the end of. For the first time, Lisa Cohen finally unravels a complex and tangled mystery while seamlessly telling the heart wrenching story of a family trying to cope with every parent's worst nightmare. The vivid descriptions and the incredible detail make you feel like you are there every step of the way. The book pulls you in. It can be painful at times and still, you can't put the book down."
"Julie walks Etan down the three flights to the front door. He isn't tall enough to reach the lock himself... She sees the familiar figures of other parents and their children beginning to congregate near the bus stop, which is just barely out of sight around the corner..." Her friend and neighbor, Karen, was going to pick Etan up from the bus stop after school. When 3:30 p.m. comes around, Julie's concerned but thinks the buses are delayed since it is the first week back since the strike. Finally, she phones Karen. Karen assumed that when Etan hadn't gotten off the bus he had gone to another friend's, as he often did, for a semi-regular playdate. With Julie on the line, she asked her daughter if she knew where Etan had gone after school. "Etan wasn't in school today".
At 3:50 p.m., on a Friday before a three-day weekend, she calls the police to report her son missing. Now it was almost 4:30 p.m. and the cops still hadn't shown up. You see, way back when, the cops first thoughts were custody dispute or run away. What's the hurry, you'll find him at a friends house, what's one more in a crowd of kids - some other mother just forgot to call you to say he was at her house. By the time the police get there, there is no one at the school office to confirm Etan's absence. Luckily, one of the officers remembered he knew the janitor and they were able to get in. Absence confirmed. Etan never showed up to school.
Twenty years later, they still don't know what happened to their little boy.
This is a heartwrenching story but also a story of survival and triumph, friendship and hope. May 25, 1979 may have been the day innocence died for many but it is also the day eyes were opened. Okay, not exactly on the 25th but Etan was the catalyst for many of our child safety laws, including the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He's why we teach our kids "good touch, bad touch" and "stranger danger". It is a must read for all who work with or have children, not to make you paranoid, but to make you aware. In Julie's own words, "They have to grow and gain confidence in themselves. You can't lock them in the house or in class. They'll never learn how to fend for themselves. Walk with them. Teach them how to protect themselves. Give them a life." (page 346)
Friday, May 22, 2009
As They See 'Em by Bruce Weber (60/81)
As They See 'Em by Bruce Weber
Category: Nonfiction
Baseball has its fair share of books, but what about a book about the umpires? This is what reporter Bruce Weber sets out to do, starting with his stint at an umpire training school in Florida, and following with interviews with umps in the minor and major leagues. In between, he fills it out with some history (the changing strike zone, for instance) and recent events like the 1999 struggle between Major League Baseball and the umpires' union.
My dad has umpired Little League since I was very young, so maybe I'm a little biased when I say I thought this was a fascinating account of a part of baseball that's largely overlooked. As Weber makes abundantly clear, if umpires are noticed at all it's usually the shouted profanity type of notice, and little credit is given to them for keeping the game running smoothly and making good close calls. His conversational style makes the book run by fast. 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
Baseball has its fair share of books, but what about a book about the umpires? This is what reporter Bruce Weber sets out to do, starting with his stint at an umpire training school in Florida, and following with interviews with umps in the minor and major leagues. In between, he fills it out with some history (the changing strike zone, for instance) and recent events like the 1999 struggle between Major League Baseball and the umpires' union.
My dad has umpired Little League since I was very young, so maybe I'm a little biased when I say I thought this was a fascinating account of a part of baseball that's largely overlooked. As Weber makes abundantly clear, if umpires are noticed at all it's usually the shouted profanity type of notice, and little credit is given to them for keeping the game running smoothly and making good close calls. His conversational style makes the book run by fast. 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Reimagining Shakespeare for Children and Young Adults (52/81)
Reimagining Shakespeare for Children and Young Adults, edited by Naomi J. Miller
Category: Nonfiction
This collection of essays discusses various adaptations of Shakespeare for children, critical viewpoints of Shakespeare's plays and adaptations, and pedagogy in teaching Shakespeare to grades K-12. Because this book is primarily and plays and teaching methods, I decided to put it in my Nonfiction category rather than Books about Books. Probably most useful for teachers (though part 1 about adaptations could also be of interest to parents and librarians), I found in reading these essays that I had a definite opinion about my own approach to Shakespeare, story, or really any sort of convention that becomes ingrained. Each author has his or her own unique perspective, but agreed most with those who would "play" with Shakespeare's words or story, arguing that this is exactly what Shakespeare himself did when he rewrote the works of those who came before him. If his work is not entirely original, do we really have to hold his work up as untouchable?
I enjoy reading and watching Shakespeare's plays, and I've enjoyed historical fiction like The Shakespeare Stealer and stories that play with Shakespeare like Lords and Ladies. So this exploration of Shakespeare and teaching was a fun read for me even though I am not a teacher and would not find the pedagogy portion of this useful in any practical way. I still managed to add a handful of books to my TBR list, from young adult novels like King of Shadows to more academic works like Shakespeare, the Movie. 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
This collection of essays discusses various adaptations of Shakespeare for children, critical viewpoints of Shakespeare's plays and adaptations, and pedagogy in teaching Shakespeare to grades K-12. Because this book is primarily and plays and teaching methods, I decided to put it in my Nonfiction category rather than Books about Books. Probably most useful for teachers (though part 1 about adaptations could also be of interest to parents and librarians), I found in reading these essays that I had a definite opinion about my own approach to Shakespeare, story, or really any sort of convention that becomes ingrained. Each author has his or her own unique perspective, but agreed most with those who would "play" with Shakespeare's words or story, arguing that this is exactly what Shakespeare himself did when he rewrote the works of those who came before him. If his work is not entirely original, do we really have to hold his work up as untouchable?
I enjoy reading and watching Shakespeare's plays, and I've enjoyed historical fiction like The Shakespeare Stealer and stories that play with Shakespeare like Lords and Ladies. So this exploration of Shakespeare and teaching was a fun read for me even though I am not a teacher and would not find the pedagogy portion of this useful in any practical way. I still managed to add a handful of books to my TBR list, from young adult novels like King of Shadows to more academic works like Shakespeare, the Movie. 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Krakatoa by Simon Winchester (50/81)
Krakatoa by Simon Winchester
Category: Nonfiction
In 1883, the volcano on the island of Krakatau shocked the world by literally blowing the island apart. In this detailed account that starts with trading and the Dutch control of the area, describes the science of plate tectonics (which wasn't fully understood until some 80 years after), and then gives various eyewitness accounts of the eruption itself.
It's a fascinating account, and there is a lot of information packed into this book. I was rather surprised by the breadth of topics covered (trade, plate tectonics, even some biology) over a couple of hundred years (1600s-1900s). Still, Winchester writes engagingly without many technical terms, and there are ample pictures and graphs to aid as well. 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
In 1883, the volcano on the island of Krakatau shocked the world by literally blowing the island apart. In this detailed account that starts with trading and the Dutch control of the area, describes the science of plate tectonics (which wasn't fully understood until some 80 years after), and then gives various eyewitness accounts of the eruption itself.
It's a fascinating account, and there is a lot of information packed into this book. I was rather surprised by the breadth of topics covered (trade, plate tectonics, even some biology) over a couple of hundred years (1600s-1900s). Still, Winchester writes engagingly without many technical terms, and there are ample pictures and graphs to aid as well. 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Mountains Beyond Mountains (48/81)
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
Category: Nonfiction
Dr. Paul Farmer devotes much of his life to caring for the poor in Haiti, where diseases like tuberculosis and AIDS run rampant, made much worse by the abject poverty in which many Haitians live. Dr. Farmer is an absolutely driven man who keeps a crazy schedule, constantly advocates for his patrients, and expects a lot of himself and others. His story is both challenging and inspiring.
I read this for a community group read in my hometown. Kidder takes a very personal approach in writing this story, even showing up as a "character" from time to time. As a result, he emphasizes Dr. Farmer's personal approach to medicine and shows Dr. Farmer in a very human light. I thought it was neat that he loved The Lord of the Rings, and especially liked the story about how, as a preteen, he asked a librarian to find another story "just like this one." Fantasy didn't work, but War and Peace did (I can only wonder how she came up with that - did she make a connection between the stories, or was she just frustrated?). 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
Dr. Paul Farmer devotes much of his life to caring for the poor in Haiti, where diseases like tuberculosis and AIDS run rampant, made much worse by the abject poverty in which many Haitians live. Dr. Farmer is an absolutely driven man who keeps a crazy schedule, constantly advocates for his patrients, and expects a lot of himself and others. His story is both challenging and inspiring.
I read this for a community group read in my hometown. Kidder takes a very personal approach in writing this story, even showing up as a "character" from time to time. As a result, he emphasizes Dr. Farmer's personal approach to medicine and shows Dr. Farmer in a very human light. I thought it was neat that he loved The Lord of the Rings, and especially liked the story about how, as a preteen, he asked a librarian to find another story "just like this one." Fantasy didn't work, but War and Peace did (I can only wonder how she came up with that - did she make a connection between the stories, or was she just frustrated?). 4.5 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Down and Out in Paris and London (38/81)
Category: Non-Fiction
I read Animal Farm and 1984 years ago and loved them both, but somehow was never drawn to any of Orwell’s other work. But I was glad I took a chance on this book.
It is based on the author’s own experiences before he was famous, working in the restaurant trade in Paris and being homeless in London. Despite the subject matter, it was a surprisingly easy read, testament to Orwell’s skill as a writer. Although his poverty was only temporary, his empathy with the eternally destitute is real and his tone is never patronising.
In the first section on Paris, he describes in detail how one can live on a meagre number of francs, and provides an in-depth account of Paris’ restaurant trade, which treats its hierarchy that treats its lowly staff terribly, but provides some interesting anecdotes here.
In the second part of the book, Orwell moves to London, where the promised job falls through and he finds himself homeless. The tone here is darker, as he is living amongst people who are often without hope, but it is still graced with brilliant characters and some astute insights. I particularly enjoyed the section on the evolution of swear words.
I read Animal Farm and 1984 years ago and loved them both, but somehow was never drawn to any of Orwell’s other work. But I was glad I took a chance on this book.
It is based on the author’s own experiences before he was famous, working in the restaurant trade in Paris and being homeless in London. Despite the subject matter, it was a surprisingly easy read, testament to Orwell’s skill as a writer. Although his poverty was only temporary, his empathy with the eternally destitute is real and his tone is never patronising.
In the first section on Paris, he describes in detail how one can live on a meagre number of francs, and provides an in-depth account of Paris’ restaurant trade, which treats its hierarchy that treats its lowly staff terribly, but provides some interesting anecdotes here.
In the second part of the book, Orwell moves to London, where the promised job falls through and he finds himself homeless. The tone here is darker, as he is living amongst people who are often without hope, but it is still graced with brilliant characters and some astute insights. I particularly enjoyed the section on the evolution of swear words.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale (36/81)
Category: Non-Fiction
In the UK, it was hard to avoid the hype surrounding this book, and as a fan of detective fiction, I felt compelled to read it. It promised to be a great thriller, with the country house murder story that shaped the early detective novel. The praise heaped upon it by illustrious writers was immense. I should have realised that it won’t live up to the expectations.
The story is that of a murder of a child in Victorian times that caused scandal at the time and was never satisfactorily resolved. At first I was intrigued by the murder and found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it, but then the solution was found quite early and I was wondering if there was going to be a twist which never really came. The book had been meticulously researched, and there was so much detail in there about absolutely everything. The parts about Victorian society, in particular about attitudes towards women and mental health issues, were fascinating, and the parts about the influence of the case on authors were also interesting, but overall much of the information was superfluous and it could have benefited from more ruthless editing.
It was a decent enough book, but it never reached the heights which the reviews promised, and a cynical part of me wondered how much the author’s previous position as the editor of a literary review helped gain those praises.
In the UK, it was hard to avoid the hype surrounding this book, and as a fan of detective fiction, I felt compelled to read it. It promised to be a great thriller, with the country house murder story that shaped the early detective novel. The praise heaped upon it by illustrious writers was immense. I should have realised that it won’t live up to the expectations.
The story is that of a murder of a child in Victorian times that caused scandal at the time and was never satisfactorily resolved. At first I was intrigued by the murder and found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it, but then the solution was found quite early and I was wondering if there was going to be a twist which never really came. The book had been meticulously researched, and there was so much detail in there about absolutely everything. The parts about Victorian society, in particular about attitudes towards women and mental health issues, were fascinating, and the parts about the influence of the case on authors were also interesting, but overall much of the information was superfluous and it could have benefited from more ruthless editing.
It was a decent enough book, but it never reached the heights which the reviews promised, and a cynical part of me wondered how much the author’s previous position as the editor of a literary review helped gain those praises.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Natural History of Unicorns by Chris Lavers (28/81)
Category: Non-FictionThe idea of the unicorn has persisted for centuries, appearing in a number guises around the world. Here, Chris Laver attempts what may seem impossible, looking at the natural history of a creature that doesn’t actually exist.
Whilst our idea of a unicorn may not exist, there are real animals who have contributed to the legacy of the unicorn in one way or another, so the author examines possible candidates for having been the origin of the unicorn. He examines a number of other authorities on the subject (who knew so much research had already been done into unicorns!), to come up with some possible candidates for the inspiration for the unicorn.
The book then moves on to the use of the unicorn in the Bible and as a symbol in Judea-Christian religion and my favourite part, about the supposed healing qualities of their horns. There is also a really interesting section on the hunt for unicorns in Africa, and a rather disturbing section about an experiment to “create” a unicorn.
The only criticisms I have is that Chapter Six on the Khutu was rather too long for what it added and the final chapter begins with a mention of New Age and advertising, which is something I would have been interested in a chapter on, but which isn’t taken any further.
All in all this is a very well researched book with a lot of detailed information but the author writes in an accessible style with occasional flash of wit worthy of Bill Bryson.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Los Angeles without a Map by Richard Rayner (19/81)
Category: Non FictionThis is a memoir of an Englishman who can't drive who moves to Los Angeles. I'm an English woman who also can't drive and is going on holiday to LA soon, so I thought this book might be good preparation! Richard Rayner, however, moved to LA on a whim having become obsessed with a wannabe actress/bunny girl he met on holiday - this is something I'm unlikely to do!
The Los Angeles he finds is one filled with crazy people, all determined to find fame and fortune in the film or music business, but filling their time and paying their rent doing mundane jobs. It is a typical "fish out of water" story, but highly enjoyable mainly due to Rayner's great way of describing the characters he meets.
Sometimes his actions are hard to comprehend, in particular I didn't really get a sense of what was so great about the woman, Barbara, who he'd become besotted with. Some of the things that happen also seem unbelievable and I wondered how much artistic license had been used to make a good story, but really that didn't matter as it was a good fun read.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Mistaken Identity
I read a book earlier this year called Eye Contact and thought it was a mother's worst nightmare, getting a phone call from your child's school and hearing "I'm sorry, your child is missing from campus". Then I read Mistaken Identity with the late night/early morning phone call, and "there has been a terrible accident" and "I'm sorry, your child didn't make it".
Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope
Don & Susie Van Ryn and
Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak
with Mark Tabb
Howard Books a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
March 2008
288 pages
Non-fiction > Biography/Religious
Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby when you read this one!
This book drew me in and kept me hooked. I finished it in one night and then just sat there. I didn't go check my children's beds but I thought about it. The faith and compassion of these families would be unbelievable if I hadn't see something like it for myself. The way the community of Fort Worth came together for the Van Ryn family is next to miraculous.
A friend suggested they start a blog to avoid so making so many phone calls. Soon, comments were being made from far off places. Prayers were being said by people they didn't know and faith was being restored in some who followed the blog. It has since been shut down but I think I would like to have been one who followed, who cheered and cried and prayed. Getting it all in one night (and not ALL of it) was a bit overwhelming.
Taylor University is a Christian school and the families involved quote scripture and hold family prayers. It didn't detract from the story, quite the opposite for me, just a heads up.
This book was written in response to intrusive media. "The story has been told, leave us alone". The paperback is scheduled for release late next month.
I've also posted what the back cover says on my blog, along with a cover picture and the above information.
Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope
Don & Susie Van Ryn and
Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak
with Mark Tabb
Howard Books a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
March 2008
288 pages
Non-fiction > Biography/Religious
Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby when you read this one!
This book drew me in and kept me hooked. I finished it in one night and then just sat there. I didn't go check my children's beds but I thought about it. The faith and compassion of these families would be unbelievable if I hadn't see something like it for myself. The way the community of Fort Worth came together for the Van Ryn family is next to miraculous.
A friend suggested they start a blog to avoid so making so many phone calls. Soon, comments were being made from far off places. Prayers were being said by people they didn't know and faith was being restored in some who followed the blog. It has since been shut down but I think I would like to have been one who followed, who cheered and cried and prayed. Getting it all in one night (and not ALL of it) was a bit overwhelming.
Taylor University is a Christian school and the families involved quote scripture and hold family prayers. It didn't detract from the story, quite the opposite for me, just a heads up.
This book was written in response to intrusive media. "The story has been told, leave us alone". The paperback is scheduled for release late next month.
I've also posted what the back cover says on my blog, along with a cover picture and the above information.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Cross by Arthur Blessitt (19/81)
The Cross: 38,102 miles. 38 years. 1 mission. by Arthur Blessitt
Category: Nonfiction
The subtitle "38,102 miles. 38 years. 1 mission." is a little misleading, perhaps suggesting that this is Arthur Blessitt's account of his carrying a cross to every nation on the globe from 1969 to 1998. This is only incidentally the case. The story is very much about The Cross, but instead of being organized chronologically, every chapter is a theme such as "following God's call on your life" or "tearing down walls." Within that chapter, various stories from different years and countries highlight the point as Blessitt challenges his readers to do this in their own lives. Ultimately, it's about his 1 mission to point people to Jesus.
Though his storytelling is mediocre, his passion for evangelism and loving people really shines through. Arthur Blessitt's theme of following God's call no matter what and encouraging others to do the same loosely holds the book together. His approach to writing and inclusion of God's words to his heart, a vision, and phrases most familiar to those who have grown up in church (such as "the miraculous power of God was manifest" (p.121)) may make this book less appealing to some, but it will definitely challenge readers about their own lives. I had such mixed feelings reading this, it took me awhile to decide how to rate it. The writing didn't impress me, but his passion did. Maybe it's a little high, but I give it 4 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
The subtitle "38,102 miles. 38 years. 1 mission." is a little misleading, perhaps suggesting that this is Arthur Blessitt's account of his carrying a cross to every nation on the globe from 1969 to 1998. This is only incidentally the case. The story is very much about The Cross, but instead of being organized chronologically, every chapter is a theme such as "following God's call on your life" or "tearing down walls." Within that chapter, various stories from different years and countries highlight the point as Blessitt challenges his readers to do this in their own lives. Ultimately, it's about his 1 mission to point people to Jesus.
Though his storytelling is mediocre, his passion for evangelism and loving people really shines through. Arthur Blessitt's theme of following God's call no matter what and encouraging others to do the same loosely holds the book together. His approach to writing and inclusion of God's words to his heart, a vision, and phrases most familiar to those who have grown up in church (such as "the miraculous power of God was manifest" (p.121)) may make this book less appealing to some, but it will definitely challenge readers about their own lives. I had such mixed feelings reading this, it took me awhile to decide how to rate it. The writing didn't impress me, but his passion did. Maybe it's a little high, but I give it 4 stars.
Cross-posted at Born Reader.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat who Touched the World - 18/81
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat who Touched the World, from Library Thing/Good Reads category.
You should see the cat on the cover. How can you resist such a face? But this book is a lot more than a cute cat story. I like cute cat stories well enough, but there's a reason this book has been so popular and it's not just because of the cat. Writer Vicki Myron takes us through the history of the little town of Sheridan, the farm crisis in the 1980s and 1990s and right into the heart of the Midwestern small town.
That being said, Dewey is a very special cat. He was able to unite the whole town (well, almost) and bring a little love into some desperate hearts. Anyone who loves cats, libraries, or small town America will find much to love in this little book.
You should see the cat on the cover. How can you resist such a face? But this book is a lot more than a cute cat story. I like cute cat stories well enough, but there's a reason this book has been so popular and it's not just because of the cat. Writer Vicki Myron takes us through the history of the little town of Sheridan, the farm crisis in the 1980s and 1990s and right into the heart of the Midwestern small town.
That being said, Dewey is a very special cat. He was able to unite the whole town (well, almost) and bring a little love into some desperate hearts. Anyone who loves cats, libraries, or small town America will find much to love in this little book.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker - 16/81
The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker
I had a hard time with this book. When I started it, I was excited because the introduction was really good and it looked like the rest of the book would be also. But it soon got very technical and dull. Then it would get more interesting again. Then it would be very hard to read and understand. Then we'd have several pages of diagrams and obscure notation.
I don't really know how to rate this book. The basic idea is that language is a human instinct, and that language is acquired naturally. I understood a lot of his examples and some of what he said made sense. But I was frankly lost a lot of the time. I did study linguistics at least a little back in college, but that was not much help here.
I would say if you are interested in the subject, it might be worth a try, but it's certainly not for everyone.
I had a hard time with this book. When I started it, I was excited because the introduction was really good and it looked like the rest of the book would be also. But it soon got very technical and dull. Then it would get more interesting again. Then it would be very hard to read and understand. Then we'd have several pages of diagrams and obscure notation.
I don't really know how to rate this book. The basic idea is that language is a human instinct, and that language is acquired naturally. I understood a lot of his examples and some of what he said made sense. But I was frankly lost a lot of the time. I did study linguistics at least a little back in college, but that was not much help here.
I would say if you are interested in the subject, it might be worth a try, but it's certainly not for everyone.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson (11/81)
Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson
Category: Audiobooks, Nonfiction
Sanddancer has already done an excellent review of this book, so I won't belabor over a second description. I will merely add that I highly recommend the audio, with Bill Bryson reading his own work, as you get an excellent feel for his dry sense of humor. 4.5 stars.
Category: Audiobooks, Nonfiction
Sanddancer has already done an excellent review of this book, so I won't belabor over a second description. I will merely add that I highly recommend the audio, with Bill Bryson reading his own work, as you get an excellent feel for his dry sense of humor. 4.5 stars.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Levels of the Game by John McPhee (8/81)
Levels of the Game by John McPhee
Category: Nonfiction
In 1968, the U.S. Open Championship was first opened to amateur players. They weren't expected to do very well against the players on the pro tour, but both Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner made it to the semifinals. This is the story of that game. McPhee starts right off with the first serve, moving cinematically for a close shot of several points, then backing out to focus on the perspective of someone in the player's box or watching the match on television, or maybe taking a panoramic shot of the background of one of the players and how they started playing tennis, and moving in again for a closeup of a game or two.
I chose this read because in an interview recently the author of The Best Game Ever, Mark Bowden, said that it was a model for his writing in his book about the 1958 Championship football game. I also found it excellent preparation for the Australian Open. Levels of the Game, published in 1969, is a little dated in the description of the "modern" game of tennis, and by comments made by some of the players, like "he plays like that because he's white" or "because he's black", or he has a "Latin temperament". McPhee was definitely at his best describing moments in the match, a tense point, a solid ace, and the reaction of players and fans. A worthwhile read that left a smile on my face in the end. 4.5 stars.
Cross posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
In 1968, the U.S. Open Championship was first opened to amateur players. They weren't expected to do very well against the players on the pro tour, but both Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner made it to the semifinals. This is the story of that game. McPhee starts right off with the first serve, moving cinematically for a close shot of several points, then backing out to focus on the perspective of someone in the player's box or watching the match on television, or maybe taking a panoramic shot of the background of one of the players and how they started playing tennis, and moving in again for a closeup of a game or two.
I chose this read because in an interview recently the author of The Best Game Ever, Mark Bowden, said that it was a model for his writing in his book about the 1958 Championship football game. I also found it excellent preparation for the Australian Open. Levels of the Game, published in 1969, is a little dated in the description of the "modern" game of tennis, and by comments made by some of the players, like "he plays like that because he's white" or "because he's black", or he has a "Latin temperament". McPhee was definitely at his best describing moments in the match, a tense point, a solid ace, and the reaction of players and fans. A worthwhile read that left a smile on my face in the end. 4.5 stars.
Cross posted at Born Reader.
Things I've Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi (6/81)
Things I've Been Silent About by Azar Nafisi
Category: Nonfiction
This is the second book I've read by this author, who also wrote Reading Lolita in Tehran. Though both books are nonfiction about her life in Iran, Things I've Been Silent About is much broader in scope than the first. This book focuses much more on Azar Nafisi's personal life, particularly her relationship with her parents. Written in roughly chronological order from before her parents were married through the early 2000s, the narrative covers many years in Iran and the U.S. with some historical and political events, particularly as they related to the author directly. For those memories that seem particularly poignant, she lapses into the present tense taking the reader into the moment with her. Her memoirs are often sad, but beautifully written.
Here is a sample of her writing, from the prologue when she discusses the meaning of the title: "There are so many different forms of silence: the silence that tyrannical states force on their citizens, stealing their memories, rewriting their histories, and imposing on them a state-sanctioned identity. Or the silence of witnesses who choose to ignore or not speak the truth, and of victims who at times become complicit in the crimes committed against them. Then there are the silences we indulge in about ourselves, our personal mythologies, the stories we impose upon our real lives" (xxi). This book speaks of all these types of silences. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.
Cross posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
This is the second book I've read by this author, who also wrote Reading Lolita in Tehran. Though both books are nonfiction about her life in Iran, Things I've Been Silent About is much broader in scope than the first. This book focuses much more on Azar Nafisi's personal life, particularly her relationship with her parents. Written in roughly chronological order from before her parents were married through the early 2000s, the narrative covers many years in Iran and the U.S. with some historical and political events, particularly as they related to the author directly. For those memories that seem particularly poignant, she lapses into the present tense taking the reader into the moment with her. Her memoirs are often sad, but beautifully written.
Here is a sample of her writing, from the prologue when she discusses the meaning of the title: "There are so many different forms of silence: the silence that tyrannical states force on their citizens, stealing their memories, rewriting their histories, and imposing on them a state-sanctioned identity. Or the silence of witnesses who choose to ignore or not speak the truth, and of victims who at times become complicit in the crimes committed against them. Then there are the silences we indulge in about ourselves, our personal mythologies, the stories we impose upon our real lives" (xxi). This book speaks of all these types of silences. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.
Cross posted at Born Reader.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (3/81)
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Category: Nonfiction
When college professor Randy Pausch learned that his cancer had returned and he had only months to live, he decided to live life to the fullest. He and his family moved so his wife could be close to family when he died; he made memories with his children. He had been scheduled to give a lecture, and instead of canceling, he gave a lecture about "living your childhood dreams."
An inspiring tale, The Last Lecture often reminded me of Tuesdays with Morrie, the difference being that this is told in the first-person by the dying man himself as a way for his children to know him. Divided into five larger, thematic sections, there are short vignettes from Randy's childhood, adulthood, family life, work life, and just general experience in which he tells you how he lived his life and imparts wisdom on various subjects such as "how to maximize your time." I laughed, I teared up, and I remembered defining moments in my own life along the way. A quick read that packs a lot of punch. 5 stars.
Cross posted at Born Reader.
Category: Nonfiction
When college professor Randy Pausch learned that his cancer had returned and he had only months to live, he decided to live life to the fullest. He and his family moved so his wife could be close to family when he died; he made memories with his children. He had been scheduled to give a lecture, and instead of canceling, he gave a lecture about "living your childhood dreams."
An inspiring tale, The Last Lecture often reminded me of Tuesdays with Morrie, the difference being that this is told in the first-person by the dying man himself as a way for his children to know him. Divided into five larger, thematic sections, there are short vignettes from Randy's childhood, adulthood, family life, work life, and just general experience in which he tells you how he lived his life and imparts wisdom on various subjects such as "how to maximize your time." I laughed, I teared up, and I remembered defining moments in my own life along the way. A quick read that packs a lot of punch. 5 stars.
Cross posted at Born Reader.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
5/81 Real Food Revival - 3/5 stars
Real Food Revival by Sherri Brooks Vinton, food/cooking category
There's been a movement lately to try to get Americans back to the basics when it comes to food - plain food, done well, with local and organic ingredients, prepared simply. This book is another in that vein, but presented in a simple format. This one takes us 'aisle by aisle' through the basic food types and tells us first what's wrong with absolutely everything you like and then what you should do instead. Perhaps you can tell from my grumpiness that I'm not completely converted to this way of thinking. As I sat last night at the dinner table, eating my Rice-a-Roni and frozen chicken prepackaged and preseasoned, plus my canned mandarin oranges (I got that one right, at least! I think.) I thought that I probably could make a few changes.
There's been a movement lately to try to get Americans back to the basics when it comes to food - plain food, done well, with local and organic ingredients, prepared simply. This book is another in that vein, but presented in a simple format. This one takes us 'aisle by aisle' through the basic food types and tells us first what's wrong with absolutely everything you like and then what you should do instead. Perhaps you can tell from my grumpiness that I'm not completely converted to this way of thinking. As I sat last night at the dinner table, eating my Rice-a-Roni and frozen chicken prepackaged and preseasoned, plus my canned mandarin oranges (I got that one right, at least! I think.) I thought that I probably could make a few changes.
There is certainly some important stuff in here. I know buying local, organic ingredients is best. But my basic objections remain. This way of life is really only practical for those with the money to shop that way. People living on the edge of their income will not make these kinds of changes. I know; I've been there. When your grocery budget for the entire month is measured out by each careful dollar, you simply can't afford to buy these organic ingredients. It means going without. But what I have decided to do is read my labels more carefully and see what exactly I am buying. My favorite quote from the book: "Good food should be valued on its quality, not its ability to turn your tongue purple."
She includes a few recipes, most of them not appealing to me, but there is a basic recipe for marinara sauce, which I love. But the author must live in a very different community from the one I live in. For instance, she suggest shopping at your local cheesemonger. Um, what? Maybe where she lives, but not here, that's for sure. And as for shopping at your local bakery, also not something I'm planning to do. I wouldn't mind making my own bread, but I can't exactly go to these corner stores.
So I'm not sure who to recommend this to. I guess just about anyone might read it and find a few things to change, but the audience intended for this book will know most of this stuff already.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Shakespeare: The World as a Stage by Bill Bryson (6/81)
Category: Non-FictionI work in the theatre industry and am quite partial to a bit of Shakespeare, so this seemed like a good choice for my first non-fiction book of the year.
The first chapter was mainly about how little is actually known for certain about Shakespeare, and while it was amusing enough, I did worry about how the book would unfold with so few facts. However, I shouldn’t have worried, because the book was so much more than a collection of facts about Shakespeare.
Bryson does bring together some of the things that are known about Shakespeare that historians and fanatics have found over the centuries from surviving records, along with more ideas that are little more than theories. But he adds great detail about the period in history with some real gems of information about Elizabethan and Jacobian society and theatre in particular. This is all presented with Bryson’s usual humour with which readers of his previous work will be familiar.
As well as learning a lot about that period, I enjoyed the parts about the words and phrases that Shakespeare introduced to the English language, and the final chapter “Claimants” which looks at (and dismisses) the various theories about who else may have wrote Shakespeare’s plays. The only weak point in the book was the section on the various folio and quarto editions of the plays, which was essential to a comprehensive survey on Shakespeare but just not as entertaining as the rest of the book.
Overall a great read and highly recommended especially to anyone with an interest in Shakespeare, history or the English language.
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