In layman's terms, this book summarizes a great deal of the most recent social scientific research in the field of willpower, i.e., self-control or se...moreIn layman's terms, this book summarizes a great deal of the most recent social scientific research in the field of willpower, i.e., self-control or self-discipline. Some of it may seem obvious (and probably is), but the book does a good job synthesizing this volume of information and reaching some insights. (less)
A neat, odd little story about a small town that is caught in a perpetual February, cold, dark, and flightless. It doesn't really follow a traditiona...moreA neat, odd little story about a small town that is caught in a perpetual February, cold, dark, and flightless. It doesn't really follow a traditional novel format and that may put off some readers, but I found its fable-like tone enjoyable and entertaining. (less)
A collected series of short stories from the NPR radio show, in which actors read the work of talented authors.
Synopses cribbed from Ama...moreA collected series of short stories from the NPR radio show, in which actors read the work of talented authors.
Synopses cribbed from Amazon: A robbery and its dramatic consequences lead a Spokane Indian to rethink his entire life in Alexie’s "Breaking and Entering," dynamically performed by B. D. Wong. A young Nigerian woman tackles adventure by taking a Greyhound bus to the end of the line and starting a new life in Hartford in Adichie’s longing-filled story "The Thing Around Your Neck," performed by Condola Rashad. Tony winner Boyd Gaines performs Hemon’s heartfelt tale "Good Living," in which a Bosnian emigrant seeks the American dream while selling magazines door to door in Chicago. Lastly, Rita Wolf gives a breathtaking performance of "Hell-Heaven," Lahiri’s story of passions and tensions in a Bengali family in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
It's an enjoyable set with interesting characters and situations. (less)
For eight years, the author and his dog have hiked into the forests of New Mexico to climb a lookout tower to watch for and report fires over the radi...moreFor eight years, the author and his dog have hiked into the forests of New Mexico to climb a lookout tower to watch for and report fires over the radio. Five months of the year he basically spends in complete isolation. This book is a chronicle of that time as well as a rumination on loneliness and solitude, nature and work. The book is beautifully written, and full of thoughtfulness and things to stir the reader's thoughts. I loved it, and highly recommend it. (less)
A beautiful book of poetry touching a wide array of subjects and influences, from the mundane to the epic. As the title suggests, the book is full of...moreA beautiful book of poetry touching a wide array of subjects and influences, from the mundane to the epic. As the title suggests, the book is full of dark moments, but there are light ones, too, almost to help make the dark seem that much bleaker. Still, it's beautiful. (less)
This short book sets out an interesting premise, but falls a bit flat. It attempts to analyze the history and import of the pun. While at times inte...moreThis short book sets out an interesting premise, but falls a bit flat. It attempts to analyze the history and import of the pun. While at times interesting, the book feels cobbled together from other books (from such esteemed contemporary writers as Steven Pinker and Jared Diamond) and the author only contributes more puns rather than any real insight of his own. (less)
Harp Spillman is an artist who has spent much of his life drinking. After a run-in with the national Republican party, he, with the support (and perh...moreHarp Spillman is an artist who has spent much of his life drinking. After a run-in with the national Republican party, he, with the support (and perhaps more) of his wife Raylou, sets out to quit drinking. The novel doesn't have much of a plot; it's more like a string of events set against a crazy rural South backdrop as Harp struggles to stay away from booze. That said, some of the vignettes are laugh-out-loud funny and some of them are sad or poignant. The structure makes it hard to get into (I put the book down several times before returning to it), but overall it's engaging . (less)
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