This is the third book I’ve reviewed for NetGalley that centered around the subject of the heart: The Beat of Life by Reinhard Friedl and one of my faThis is the third book I’ve reviewed for NetGalley that centered around the subject of the heart: The Beat of Life by Reinhard Friedl and one of my favorite books, Pump by Bill Schutt. Given how important the organ is to human existence, I shouldn’t be surprised.
The importance of the heart wasn’t lost on ancient history and literature. After all, if you think about it, the term “heart” has infiltrated just about every aspect of our lives, from “wearing our hearts on our sleeves” to showing mercy by “having a heart.”
In fact, according to the book, the term “Heart is the tenth most common word used in pop songs (excluding common words like I, the, and you); the fourth most common word in country music; and the sixth most common word in jazz.” It’s no wonder that the ancients devoted quite a bit of time to writing about the heart. They considered the heart to be the center of the soul and the most significant organ in the human body.
While the book devotes much time to the history of how the ancients perceived the heart (and I was happy to note that the vast work of Islamic physicians wasn’t overlooked), the book also covers the more technical aspects of what we currently know about the heart.
I found The Curious History of the Heart: A Cultural and Scientific Journey an enjoyable and an easy read, full of historical facts concerning the heart and a more scientific take on the heart, as the author is a physician-scientist and cardiologist.
This book would be of interest to those of us who have a burning interest in medical history but would also be enjoyable to those who aren’t as single-minded.
4/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion which I have given here.] ...more
As someone who loves crossword puzzles, I was immediately drawn to this mystery book. I also seem to recall reading another Inspector Tibbett book butAs someone who loves crossword puzzles, I was immediately drawn to this mystery book. I also seem to recall reading another Inspector Tibbett book but it's been a few decades.
Inspector Tibbett is invited to speak before a mystery writers group to discuss police procedures. Before the talk, the group decides to send him a crossword puzzle with several clues with the underlying idea of having the inspector investigate a long-ago murder.
This is a long book, so be prepared, but I found it to be engrossing and it kept my interest. I usually don't go into police procedurals, but this was a really solid on.
The protagonist is a location scout for a series on Jane Austen. Without her partner who was on holiday, she decided to check out a local Christmas maThe protagonist is a location scout for a series on Jane Austen. Without her partner who was on holiday, she decided to check out a local Christmas market, finding herself involved with a missing author of Jane Austen fan-fiction.
This novella allowed me to read it entirely in one night, something I don't get to do all that often. It was a good read and I enjoyed the characters. However, I'm not sure it was enough to entice me to read the series, but if any of the books are offered for a good price, I might just indulge....more
Mrs Churchill & Ms Pemberley are two elderly investigators whose latest on-going case is the "murder" of snowmen (and women) who are being constructedMrs Churchill & Ms Pemberley are two elderly investigators whose latest on-going case is the "murder" of snowmen (and women) who are being constructed for a contest.
While trying to discover the malcontent responsible for these atrocities, they are invited to a Christmas dinner where one of the participants drops dead.
I like reading Christmas-themed mysteries during the Christmas holidays and when I saw this book took place during Christmas (and the price was right), I snapped it up. I'm sorry I did. I really didn't find the interaction between the two older detectives "charming" nor did I find the mysteries themselves to be all that interesting.
I'd recommend it only if you can purchase the book for a good price....more
While I love Agatha Christie's mysteries, I much prefer reading Miss Marple's adventures than Heercule Poirot, however, I found this book to be a realWhile I love Agatha Christie's mysteries, I much prefer reading Miss Marple's adventures than Heercule Poirot, however, I found this book to be a really solid entry.
Hercule is visiting an old friend when he tags along with his friend to the apparent murder of Simeon Lee, head of a family where everyone has a reason to hate his guts. It's a typical locked room mystery where the old man is bathed in blood (so much blood) and the room was locked up tight. It takes all Hercule's skill as an interrogator and listener to suss out who did the evil deed.
I honestly didn't see it coming and despite reading mysteries for over 50 years, I was taken aback by the revelation of the murder and how it was done.
This is not a feel-good Christmas tale but it is a totally satisfying one....more
Wow, this was a great book! Again, I'm also wary when I pick up a book that has had so many previous stories published before the one I'm reading, butWow, this was a great book! Again, I'm also wary when I pick up a book that has had so many previous stories published before the one I'm reading, but I didn't feel like I was reading mid-series. In fact, I felt very comfortable reading the story.
And I loved the story and the setting. Newly weds Georgie and Darcy are invited to spend Christmas with Darcy's aunt who had been a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary. Once they have arrived, Georgie is summoned to speak with Queen Mary, who once again, enlists Georgie to keep an eye on things as the Queen is worried.
As it turns out, the Queen has a reason to worry especially when an unexpected house guest shows up to join Darcy's aunt's party.
I normally would find it annoying that Georgie has ties to the royal family but it just fits so naturally. I just loved how the author deftly weaves history within the fiction and I look forward to reading more in the series. (I've already pre-ordered the next book.)...more
I was looking for books with a Christmas theme and found this one on sale. I was hesitant to read purchase it only because this was the 10th book in tI was looking for books with a Christmas theme and found this one on sale. I was hesitant to read purchase it only because this was the 10th book in the series and sometimes, it's hard to start reading a series with so many books already published.
However, my qualms were diminished as I read the book as the author was able to deftly weave in what obviously happened in previous books and not make the reader feel as if they were missing anything.
The story itself was really good, the town gossip is murdered and it seemed that just about everyone had a reason to see her depart this earth.
I was surprised by the ending, which doesn't happen very much with cozy mysteries and the characters were fun to read. I have no qualms about reading any further books in the series if I come across them on sale....more
My favorite octogenarian is at it again, this time, she attends the wedding where the mother of the bride just happens to end up being conked on the hMy favorite octogenarian is at it again, this time, she attends the wedding where the mother of the bride just happens to end up being conked on the head by a champagne bottle. Of course, Myrtle is determined to find out who did the deed and happens to have some assistance from Wanda, who comes to spend the holiday with her.
This is yet another great book in the series and if you are a fan, you won't be disappointed!...more
The hotel is hosting the Chief Constable’s daughter's birthday (and possible engagement) aboard a hired luxury paddle steamer. Unfortunately for the pThe hotel is hosting the Chief Constable’s daughter's birthday (and possible engagement) aboard a hired luxury paddle steamer. Unfortunately for the party, a man that Matthew has been trailing is murdered, leaving Kitty and Matthew to discover the miscreant so as to not affect the hotel's reputation.
This was another delightful entry in the series and it even has a surprising connection to the over-arching murder mystery of Kitty's mother....more
I had previously read “Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery” by Dr Marsh and enjoyed it. So when “And Finally: Matters of Life and DeaI had previously read “Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery” by Dr Marsh and enjoyed it. So when “And Finally: Matters of Life and Death” showed up on NetGalley’s list of Biographies & Memoirs available for review, I naturally requested a copy. When the book I want to read isn’t immediately available, I put in a request and am always surprised when my request is granted.
As I read the book, I was reminded of Frank Sinatra’s signature swan song, “My Way,” (“And now, the end is near; And so I face the final curtain”) as the lyrics seem to mirror the theme of the book: facing terminal prostate cancer and reflecting on a life mostly well-lived.
Dr Marsh takes the readers through his cancer diagnosis and treatment, and despite him being a renowned surgeon, he still came across as just another patient undergoing treatment but with the knowledge of what it all “really” meant. He also reflects on how he treated his surgical patients and perhaps he could have been a bit more empathetic to their situation and feelings.
I would recommend that anyone interested in this book consider first reading “Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery” to get an idea of the kind of physician Dr Marsh was before tackling “And Finally: Matters of Life and Death.”
I recommend this book to anyone interested in how physicians view death or the idea of facing one’s own mortality.
4/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion which I have given here.]...more
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as I hadn’t read any of his previous works, however, as I dove into the story, I slowly realized how much I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as I hadn’t read any of his previous works, however, as I dove into the story, I slowly realized how much of a complete jerk Dr Westaby was. And this was the first time I’d read a nonfiction book where I really didn’t like the lead character.
Dr Westaby explains that his impulsiveness and single-mindedness came from a frontal lobe injury he had suffered playing rugby. This, of course, suggests the unfortunate situation that Phineas Gage found himself in after tamping iron pierced his brain and completely changed his personality.
But the more I read this book, I realized that the story isn’t about Dr Westaby as much as it is about the creation of specialty trauma hospitals in England. I was already familiar with some of the history of shock trauma and R Adams Cowley efforts to centralize trauma treatment to hospitals best equipped to handle them in the United States. (Dr Cowley also coined the term “golden hour” to emphasize that patients have the best chance of surviving if they are treated within 60 minutes of their trauma.)
“The Trauma Chronicles” was well-written and reasonable easy to read. It would be of interest to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the creation of trauma hospitals in England or interested in medical history.
4/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion which I have given here.]...more
I purchased this book back in 2018 because the ebook was being offered at a great price, but I kept skipping over the book on my Kindle app because I I purchased this book back in 2018 because the ebook was being offered at a great price, but I kept skipping over the book on my Kindle app because I thought that the title of the book, Alpha Docs implied the doctors being discussed in the book were seriously full of themselves.
Instead, I was treated to the story of Dr Munoz and his time spent as a cardiac fellowship at Johns Hopkins where he rotated through the various cardiac specialties: consultation, preventative cardiology, nuclear medicine, heart transplantation, cardiac intensive care, electrophysiology, and interventional cardiology.
I was totally captivated by Dr Munoz's journey through the various aspects of his cardiac fellowship and tried to guess what specialty he would end up in.
This book would appeal to anyone interested in what constitutes cardiology or just enjoys a good read....more
Witch Quinn Callahan defied coven rules and was shipped off from her relatively comfortable life as a librarian in Seattle to a bookstore owner in theWitch Quinn Callahan defied coven rules and was shipped off from her relatively comfortable life as a librarian in Seattle to a bookstore owner in the small Irish town of Ballydehag. As she walks into her bookstore, she finds a dead body. Welcome to Ballydehag!
This is a really nice, smooth read and I was able to read it in two days (I might have finished it in one evening but I didn't relish going to bed at 3am).
Definitely add this one to your reading list if you enjoy a paranormal mystery that is very well-written....more
Former ER nurse Mattie Winston is now a Deputy Coroner, investigating the murder of a part-time model; her body scattered amongst Halloween decorationFormer ER nurse Mattie Winston is now a Deputy Coroner, investigating the murder of a part-time model; her body scattered amongst Halloween decorations.
Along with detective Steve Hurley, they uncover the murderer along with their growing feelings towards each other.
The story is sprinkled with some realistic situations that coroner's find themselves in (beware if you are a squeamish reader) but it is sprinkled with great humor.
I look forward to reading more of Mattie's adventures....more
I picked up this book because it had a Halloween theme and the price was right.
What I didn't realize that this was the fourteenth book in the series. I picked up this book because it had a Halloween theme and the price was right.
What I didn't realize that this was the fourteenth book in the series. Some authors are really good about adding necessary information so that anyone reading the book the first time wouldn't be completely lost. I was thankful for this author's skill as I didn't feel like I was reading a book in the midst of a series.
As you can imagine, Halloween is the theme of the book and I really enjoyed the paranormal aspects and having a cat didn't hurt. However, as much as I love cats (and I do!), I found that Leo started to annoy me. OK, I understand his obsession over squirrels, but geeze, give it a rest.
Despite that, I really enjoyed the book and if any other books in the series are on sale, I will definitely pick them up....more
This book is told mostly from the point of view of tabby cat Aubrey who was recently adopted from cat rescue group. He has settled nicely into his newThis book is told mostly from the point of view of tabby cat Aubrey who was recently adopted from cat rescue group. He has settled nicely into his new home, even making friends with the neighborhood cats.
Unfortunately, one of the kinder humans, an older gentleman is killed. With his previous owner killed as well, Aubrey decides to investigate the murder himself.
Aubrey is a cat and unlike Joe Grey, he can't talk directly to humans. But he can communicate quite clearly with other kitties and that allows us readers into their cat world.
This is a gritty story with a bit of snark from the cats, so I hesitate to call this a cozy. Perhaps a cozy with an edge. Still, I think that any cozy reader who loves cats will enjoy the book.
Recommended for cozy readers especially if you love kitties. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased the rest of the series!...more
Say the word “eugenics,” and most people’s minds immediately drift towards World War II and the atrocities that the Nazi’s brought to bear on those thSay the word “eugenics,” and most people’s minds immediately drift towards World War II and the atrocities that the Nazi’s brought to bear on those they had deemed “undesirable.” And you might think that the idea of eugenics has been tucked away in our distance past and forgotten.
Not so fast. In fact, I just read an article from the Journal of the American Medical Association published October 07, 2022 that specifically discussed the “stigma and exclusion of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) within medicine, social services, public health, and society have a long history that persists to this day. The practices of eugenics and institutionalization were state-sanctioned and used within the US throughout much of the 20th century to remove persons with IDD from the population through forced sterilization and placement in institutions. These movements received widespread support at the time, including from leading medical and public health authorities.” [JAMA October 7, 2022. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.18500]
As you can see, the notion of eugenics is still alive and well.
And this brings me to the book, Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics. I was familiar with eugenics as espoused in the United States, as I was researching it for a story I was outlining, but I wasn’t as familiar as I thought with the origins of the “theory.”
Without getting too far down the rabbit hole, eugenics can be traced back to Sir Francis Galton and his fascination with his cousin Charles Darwin’s publication of The Origin of Species in 1859, specifically, the discussion of animal breeding. Galton used his vast intellect to research various aspects of human dynamics and attempt to codify them mathematically.
Those who followed in his eugenics and mathematical footsteps improved on his statistical techniques and those methods are still in use today, such as standard deviation, regression, correlation, etc.
I found this book fascinating and an easy read. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the subject of eugenics, especially the eugenics movement in the United Kingdom. Others who are interested in population statistics may find themselves engrossed with the uncomfortable origins of eugenics.
This is a book worth reading because the notion of eugenics won’t simply fade away.
5/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion which I have given here.]...more
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