Books and other stuff I feel like discussing
By education and experience - Accountant with a specialty in taxation. Formerly a CPA (license has lapsed). Masters degree in law of taxation from University of Denver. Now retired. Part time work during baseball season as receptionist & switchboard operator for the Colorado Rockies. This gig feeds my soul in ways I have trouble articulating. One daughter, and four grandchildren. I share the house with two cats; a big goof of a cat called Grinch (named as a joke for his easy going "whatever" disposition); and Lady, a shelter adoptee with a regal bearing and sweet little soprano voice. I would be very bereft if it ever becomes necessary to keep house without a cat.
Mood:
Advisory
Read/Post Comments (0)
Books Update - Non suspense titles
And on to the rest of the reading log -
THE DAILY COYOTE by Shreve Stockton
A few years ago, on a whim, Stockton moved to Wyoming from her big city life in New York and later San Francisco. She learned to enjoy small town living and was able to support herself as an author of specialty cookbooks. A good friend worked as a wildlife conservation agent, and brought her an orphaned coyote cub.
She began a regular series of emails to friends and family in other parts of the US - including photographs of the little coyote Charlie - dubbing the missals The Daily Coyote. This memoir is her story of that entire experience. The book raises very interesting questions about our relationships with and responsibilities to wild creatures living around us. I'm not sure I'm 100% in favor of what she accomplished, but I did enjoy reading the book.
THE PANIC VIRUS by Seth Mnookin
Journalist Mnookin became intrigued with the widespread publicity given those who believe that childhood immunizations are responsible for a wide range of complications, including most troubling, autism.
He researched the entire history of this point of view, came down solidly on the side of all the scientists whose researched has failed to find a connection, and has some very pointed criticisms for the journalistic decisions which gave the issue so much publicity.
The book reads almost like true crime, very engrossing.
IPHIGNIA IN FOREST HILLS by Janet Malcolm
I'm not sure why I picked this one up, and was only mildly interested in it as I read. Malcolm is a New York City area reporter and followed the trial of a Russian immigrant physician - for the muder of her husband.
A BOX OF DARKNESS by Sally Brady
Another memoir - after her husband's death, the author discovers some very unsettling secrets that he had kept from her.
INFIDEL by Aayan Hirsi Ali
This was a book discussion choice. Ali grew up in a succession of African and Middle Eastern countries. As a young Muslim woman, she endured female circumcision (against her mother's wishes). She eventually emigrated to the Netherlands and obtained an education and became an activist for the rights of Muslim women. After a colleague of hers was murdered she was forced to flee to the United States. The story is gripping from first page to last, I found the tone a little too strident at times.
THE LONGEST WAR by Peter Bergen
The best of this bunch, and probably one of the best reads of the year.
Journalist Bergen analyzes US involvement in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and points out more than a few errors in the political leadership which got us there. He has more hopeful things to say about the scenario in Iraq than he does for Afghanistan.
Another skillful writer - the book is based on dozens of interviews and other research, is quite serious in tone, and yet is very readable. Highly recommended.
HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
The latest "must read" it seems. Our library book discussion group chose it. I had only made through about 70 pages the night we met, but the discussion whetted my appetite to finish it.
In a futuristic North America, young teenagers are chosen through a type of lottery to fight to the death. The main character is a young girl. The author has quite a few things for her readers to ponder. It's written for a young adult audience, like the Harry Potter books. Although I enjoyed every one of Harry's adventures, I think Collins has a more serious approach to her story.
MORTAL CRIMES by Nigel West
West was the Elderhostel lecturer on my recent trip. He is a widely respected historian of espionage. This book details Soviet infliltration of the Manhattan project. I picked it up because I was curious about his skill as an author. I think I can safely tell you that his range of knowledge and depth of research is impressive, but he writes for the academic reader.
I think that catches me up!
THE DAILY COYOTE by Shreve Stockton
A few years ago, on a whim, Stockton moved to Wyoming from her big city life in New York and later San Francisco. She learned to enjoy small town living and was able to support herself as an author of specialty cookbooks. A good friend worked as a wildlife conservation agent, and brought her an orphaned coyote cub.
She began a regular series of emails to friends and family in other parts of the US - including photographs of the little coyote Charlie - dubbing the missals The Daily Coyote. This memoir is her story of that entire experience. The book raises very interesting questions about our relationships with and responsibilities to wild creatures living around us. I'm not sure I'm 100% in favor of what she accomplished, but I did enjoy reading the book.
THE PANIC VIRUS by Seth Mnookin
Journalist Mnookin became intrigued with the widespread publicity given those who believe that childhood immunizations are responsible for a wide range of complications, including most troubling, autism.
He researched the entire history of this point of view, came down solidly on the side of all the scientists whose researched has failed to find a connection, and has some very pointed criticisms for the journalistic decisions which gave the issue so much publicity.
The book reads almost like true crime, very engrossing.
IPHIGNIA IN FOREST HILLS by Janet Malcolm
I'm not sure why I picked this one up, and was only mildly interested in it as I read. Malcolm is a New York City area reporter and followed the trial of a Russian immigrant physician - for the muder of her husband.
A BOX OF DARKNESS by Sally Brady
Another memoir - after her husband's death, the author discovers some very unsettling secrets that he had kept from her.
INFIDEL by Aayan Hirsi Ali
This was a book discussion choice. Ali grew up in a succession of African and Middle Eastern countries. As a young Muslim woman, she endured female circumcision (against her mother's wishes). She eventually emigrated to the Netherlands and obtained an education and became an activist for the rights of Muslim women. After a colleague of hers was murdered she was forced to flee to the United States. The story is gripping from first page to last, I found the tone a little too strident at times.
THE LONGEST WAR by Peter Bergen
The best of this bunch, and probably one of the best reads of the year.
Journalist Bergen analyzes US involvement in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and points out more than a few errors in the political leadership which got us there. He has more hopeful things to say about the scenario in Iraq than he does for Afghanistan.
Another skillful writer - the book is based on dozens of interviews and other research, is quite serious in tone, and yet is very readable. Highly recommended.
HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
The latest "must read" it seems. Our library book discussion group chose it. I had only made through about 70 pages the night we met, but the discussion whetted my appetite to finish it.
In a futuristic North America, young teenagers are chosen through a type of lottery to fight to the death. The main character is a young girl. The author has quite a few things for her readers to ponder. It's written for a young adult audience, like the Harry Potter books. Although I enjoyed every one of Harry's adventures, I think Collins has a more serious approach to her story.
MORTAL CRIMES by Nigel West
West was the Elderhostel lecturer on my recent trip. He is a widely respected historian of espionage. This book details Soviet infliltration of the Manhattan project. I picked it up because I was curious about his skill as an author. I think I can safely tell you that his range of knowledge and depth of research is impressive, but he writes for the academic reader.
I think that catches me up!
Read/Post Comments (0)
Previous Entry :: Next Entry
Back to Top
