false 97 334 82 true 5724098 read 1 true 205358 currently-reading 30 true 205357 to-read 221 true 1349403 ≤undergrad 41 false 655073 fiction 35 false 655074 nonfiction 23 false 655081 japan 5 false 655079 poetry http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/51799469 to: The Ethics of What We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter (Paperback) by Peter Singer
bookshelves: nonfiction
A great follow-up to Michael Pollan's books. Singer and Mason offer a more opinionated exploration of three families'food choices--the "all-American" Walmart variety, the conscientious omnivores, and the vegans. The authors are clear that they believe veganism is perhaps the best ethical food option. However, their chapters are well-balanced rather than incendiary and they practice what they preach: "You can be ethical without being fanatical." I expected to feel attacked for my omnivorous food choices, but I ended up feeling curious instead of defensive. Surprisingly, I had never even considered many of the ethical arguments they address. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/50697433 to: A People's History of the Supreme Court: The Men and Women Whose Cases and Decisions Have Shaped Our Constitution (Revised Edition) by Peter Irons
bookshelves: nonfiction
The book cover describes it as human interest stories surrounding major Supreme Court decisions. While engaging at times, the book is a lot denser than I anticipated and it took me 2 library renewals to finish it. Nice descriptions of famous cases, though, especially Dred Scott v. Sandford, Hirabayashi v. United States, Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/61018230 to: Cunt: A Declaration of Independence (Expanded and Updated Second Edition) by Inga Muscio
bookshelves: nonfiction
Muscio delivers a shocking, empowering, and deliciously biased look at what it means to be a woman. Her chapters about biology, etymology, and personal defense leave me buzzing. In the updated edition, Muscio discusses transgendered inclusion--an important addition--and she provides a helpful list of pro-women organizations and media outlets. I give this 3 enthusiastic stars because, as much as I enjoy the narrative, I find her "separatist feminist" ideas a bit too much. Chances are, most readers won't agree with everything she says, but EVERY WOMAN (and every man "man-enough") should read this womanifesto. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/35840471 to: White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son (Paperback) by Tim Wise
bookshelves: nonfiction
Tim Wise writes about white privilege, racism in America, and what white folks should do about it. While his ideas are scholarly, his delivery is more in-your-face; after all, he speaks on college campuses nationwide as his day job. I like this revised and updated edition, which includes an epilogue, "An Open Letter to White America about White Privilege and Hurricane Katrina." A powerful catalyst for dialogue. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/61565251 to: World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War (Paperback) by Max Brooks
bookshelves: fiction
A friend recommended this book and I'll admit, I kinda giggled when I first heard the title. Not exactly what I'd usually pick up at the library. But, actually, it is well written and sooo creepy! Max Brooks compiles many international voices and stories into a (a-hem) living history of a worldwide zombie war. Think: Studs Terkel meets summer blockbuster. Lots of fun to read! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/61563473 to: The Handmaid's Tale (Paperback) by Margaret Atwood
bookshelves: fiction
I devoured this book in a couple days. Atwood doesn't disappoint; her language is silky and her satire is haunting. There are many layers of meaning here. I particularly enjoyed her descriptions of mirrors, of liquid and confused identity. This is a feminist satire, but like Offred herself, it is not so simple. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/54096916 to: The Stand (Expanded Edition) by Stephen King
bookshelves: fiction
The first half of this book is terrifying and great. I started reading it when the swine flu pandemic first hit and, well, it was scary! But unfortunately, it is too long and can't keep its speed. After a 300-page dry spell I wanted it to end, but I was too invested (800 pages in!) to just stop reading. It gets better in the last 200 pages or so, which helps. As a big fan of King's The Dark Tower series, though, I think my favorite part is discovering his Stand characters who appear in the Tower novels. Oh, the Walkin' Dude... ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/45911765 to: In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto (Hardcover) by Michael Pollan
bookshelves: nonfiction
Where The Omnivore's Dilemma gave me background about where my food comes from, In Defense presents a rough guide map of how to change my eating habits. I love the first section of the book describing the history and influence of "nutritionism"--excellent journalism. However, things get confusing in the second part: Pollan argues that food science is largely not-so-scientific, even bogus, but then he uses a bunch of food science studies to support his arguments. He admits that he does it, but I still find it a little hard to digest (hehe. oh boy). I really appreciate his final section outlining a so-called "algorithm" for choosing what to eat. I've already started reading food labels differently and wondering what Great-Grandma Hrbolich would think of my food choices. This book will make you seriously question--and probably change--your approach to food. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/47033283 to: Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (Paperback) by Roger Fisher
bookshelves: nonfiction
I can understand why this is often required reading in business classes. The authors describe a negotiation method that is "soft on people, hard on the problem." This little gem should be a must read for everyone. I had so many real-life examples to help me visualize their techniques. Many of their points I already knew, but it had never been presented to me is such a straightforward form. If only everybody negotiated this way, our world would be a better place. ]]>