One of the best nonfiction texts I've read. This text gives a detailed account of the development and history of the Irish Republican Army during the...moreOne of the best nonfiction texts I've read. This text gives a detailed account of the development and history of the Irish Republican Army during the Northern Ireland Troubles, as well as the development of their associated political party, Sinn Fein. However, the text doesn't feel heavy in the way that many historical texts do. It's very engaging and reader friendly, reading more like a novel than a history text.
The only downfall of this book is that Ed Moloney is clearly a very big fan of Gerry Adams. He paints Adams as the hero who led Northern Ireland out of the Troubles. Not exactly an objective view point, but then, Moloney's opinionated writing is part of what keeps this text from being just another dry historical document.(less)
I've never learned as much about as wide a range of topics from any other single book. The way Grandin weaves her vast knowledge about animal behavior...moreI've never learned as much about as wide a range of topics from any other single book. The way Grandin weaves her vast knowledge about animal behavior, Autism, neurology, and genetics (both human and animal) into one cohesive text continues to astound me and speaks to how much our society misses out on by undervaluing those who think beyond what we know as the norm. We "neurotypical" people are neurologically designed to think within certain parameters. Some people with Autism are able to think beyond those boundaries, making connections and opening up possibilities beyond the rest of us.
In this one book we find a detailed analysis of animal behavior (specifically how humans affect animal behavior), a description and call to action regarding our responsibility to the animals in our care, an analysis of the neurological and behavioral differences between nuerotypical people and people with Autism, a detailed account of the thought process of one woman with Autism, an appreciation for the ways people with Autism can improve our society in the ways neurotypical people cannot, and a picture of Grandin's development as she turned what some would have described as her "Autism symptoms," "difficulties," or "differences" into a fulfilling and successful vocation.(less)
I never thought I would see violence, blood, and all out gore written so very beautifully. The plot would have been addictive enough to carry me throu...moreI never thought I would see violence, blood, and all out gore written so very beautifully. The plot would have been addictive enough to carry me through the book even if the writing had been mediocre, but this is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. Lynch's writing and storytelling were dark and witty and produced bloody but beautiful images in my mind.
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