I love reading about his curiosity and his approach to his work. I find his tone annoying... is there ever a time when our hero might not be right? anI love reading about his curiosity and his approach to his work. I find his tone annoying... is there ever a time when our hero might not be right? and women are only ever written about in terms of their beauty. I have no doubt science is better because we have Mr. Feynman. I just don't want to spend any more time with him....more
I'm not usually a sci fi reader, but this book seems too real to be considered sci fi! Makes you think about whether you could survive in such a worldI'm not usually a sci fi reader, but this book seems too real to be considered sci fi! Makes you think about whether you could survive in such a world... the answer for me is no! The lessons of community are real, and shocking to those of us living in a society like the USA that stresses individualism. The idea of God as change, and people as earthseed, is also alluring, and again feels importantto our times. The book is a page turner, and I look forward to reading the second book of the series....more
I didn't realize I was getting a philosophical treatise when I checked this book out, but I'm glad I did. Was fascinating to read a rigorous philosophI didn't realize I was getting a philosophical treatise when I checked this book out, but I'm glad I did. Was fascinating to read a rigorous philosophical argument that was also accessible... though I'm not sure I got all of it, the premise -- that all people deserve some amount of free time, and it should be treated the same way as other resources (such as income), rather than as a specific good -- was clear. Implications for federal work policies (eg, maximum hours, restrictions on Sunday business) are proposed....more
Very smart and well reasoned book about how political misinformation and disinformation spreads throughout our media ecosystem. Fascinating case studiVery smart and well reasoned book about how political misinformation and disinformation spreads throughout our media ecosystem. Fascinating case studies (the book is academic, but the case studies are accessible) show specific examples. Authors make convincing case that state actors in Russia, or data mining by companies like Cambridge analytica, or bad actors deliberately inserting bad info into the system and seeking profit... all of them pale in their impact, at least up until now, when compared with the structure of the right wing media and political ecosystem... there are no incentives for either politicians or media on the right to moderate or self-correct the baseless claims (nobody is punished). The right media is untethered from fact-checking mainstream media. In contrast, media and politicians on the left are subject to punishment for spreading falsehoods. Possible solutions are not easy... could a billionaire create a new, powerful right wing source connected to truth? Can mainstream media do more to clearly label untruth, or simply ignore it?...more
For the first time, we really get to know Gamache's son, Daniel, who has been stage left through all the previous books. To do so, we must go to ParisFor the first time, we really get to know Gamache's son, Daniel, who has been stage left through all the previous books. To do so, we must go to Paris, and leave the comfort of Three Pines. The family dynamics are portrayed so deftly, within a complex mystery at a global scale, involving a multinational corporation headquartered in Paris. The mystery is well paced and had me guessing throughout as to who was what. The twist at the end will take your breath away....more
I never expected that I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. An entire book about the Great Lakes? A new yorker article I could see reading, maybe. ButI never expected that I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. An entire book about the Great Lakes? A new yorker article I could see reading, maybe. But it was a Christmas present, so I dutifully started reading. And it was amazing... I'd never fully comprehended the size and importance of these lakes. The author masterfully shows how we've changed the lakes significantly... from connecting the lakes to the ocean for shipping, through the st. Lawrence seaway (a boondoggle), and connecting them to the Mississippi River basin through Chicago -- opening up doors for invasive species. Of course, we also cause unforeseen consequences through such intentional decisions as introducing salmon. I love that Egan helps us see these decisions through the eyes of the people who made them, so we can understand why they might have seemed smart at the time. And Egan also has an eye to the future, so we can see where the lakes might be headed as the climate changes, and more communities need fresh water. My highest recommendation!...more
Fun and light hearted romp through the story of sports mascots... appreciate that it's written by a former mascot, that insider understanding is helpfFun and light hearted romp through the story of sports mascots... appreciate that it's written by a former mascot, that insider understanding is helpful. Not a particularly compelling read, but it is interesting to read about the mascot labor market, the mascot-management relationship, gender issues, etc. The author belabors some points, such as his issues with Mets management, and the rudeness of the Chicken....more
Wow. Just wow. I'd unreservedly recommend this book for everybody, both for the autobiographical story of Burton and for the larger story of the impacWow. Just wow. I'd unreservedly recommend this book for everybody, both for the autobiographical story of Burton and for the larger story of the impacts of our policies on those convicted of crimes. I finished this book thinking about what I could do to make change, and to provide opportunities for this huge population of humans. How can they ever escape the cycle of prison unless they can get housing, or a job, or vote, or simply be treated as a human being, if we continue to perpetuate penal mandatory minimums, policies that allow them to be discriminated against, etc. The daunting odds, and the hopelessness they inspire, are evident in Burton's story, and her incredible recovery and activism are inspiring....more
Not so much a book you want to read straight through (and the author admits this in the intro), but there's lots here for readers who want to reflect Not so much a book you want to read straight through (and the author admits this in the intro), but there's lots here for readers who want to reflect on leadership and change. I read a library copy and am thinking I'd like my own copy to mark up. Most resonant for me was the discussion of fractals... making the world you want in individual relationships, and focusing on deep relationships with fewer people. The section on consensus is also sticking with me....more
A very accessible reminder that we will bring all our inherent biases into the technologies produced by our society, unless we consciously choose to dA very accessible reminder that we will bring all our inherent biases into the technologies produced by our society, unless we consciously choose to do otherwise. As somebody who has been reading about systemic racism for a few years, I didn't find much new in this book, but its a strong, synthesized, argument to help the reader understand that seemingly "neutral" ribots, AI, algorithms, etc. are anything but. They are the products of both the programmers, and the existing data (which reflects a white supremacist society). Could have used a few more concrete examples, though the ones discussed (Malcom x on Google maps, social credits, crime prediction) are good....more
I intend to return to this book again. More than a few of the vignettes and insights stopped me, and made me reflect about my choices as a laborer andI intend to return to this book again. More than a few of the vignettes and insights stopped me, and made me reflect about my choices as a laborer and consumer in a capitalist society. I didn't find the book terribly cohesive, but as a personal exploration into many of the "hidden" (assumed normal) facets of capitalist life (particularly for a white upper middle class person), it had much to reveal to me....more
The murkiness of the main plot line of the story -- is the paper mill responsible for the cancers in the Maine community where the author was raised -The murkiness of the main plot line of the story -- is the paper mill responsible for the cancers in the Maine community where the author was raised -- matches the murkiness of the book. It's as if the author, unable to conclusively make a connection between the toxins and the cancers, felt the need to pad the book with all sorts of other stuff -- her genealogical research into Acadians, in particular, being tangential. The author also loves her adjectives, making the book a slog at times. All that said, the book has a critical message about how much we don't know about the toxins produced by our industries, both responsible for the creation of these communities and their later health and economic struggles. Both are explored in depth and through a personal, and caring, lens....more
I work at Hollins U., where Brown attended college, and my sole purpose of reading the book was to learn more about MWB, and I was satisfied. Brown liI work at Hollins U., where Brown attended college, and my sole purpose of reading the book was to learn more about MWB, and I was satisfied. Brown lived very much the life of a 1 percenter, but challenged societal norms through her approach to writing, and her sexuality. Brown left behind a wealth of materials for a biographer, and the author weaves them together well to draw this portrait. Her relationships, both personal and professional, and her understanding of herself as a children's author are well-developed, at least from Brown's perspective. I wished for more from the perspective of her friends, family, etc., because the book feels very one-sided at times, but perhaps the sources aren't there. I also wished for more on the context of MWB's (and Bank Street) emergence into the children's publishing industry. It seems taken for granted that what they were doing was revolutionary, without explicating how so....more
An epic. More literary and descriptive at times than I prefer, but its a gripping novel that made me think. The characters drew me in, not the plot, wAn epic. More literary and descriptive at times than I prefer, but its a gripping novel that made me think. The characters drew me in, not the plot, which is a rarity for me (usually I'm all about the plot). Reading about people so dedicated to trees and our environment, to the point of committing felonies, was a revelation to me, particularly as I read about tree-sitters in our local newspaper protesting a pipeline. I didn't find much hope in the book, but the idea that the earth will always survive has stuck with me. The survival of trees is a problem for us as humans....more
A whodunit that illuminates a shameful period of American history. I didn't know about the wealth of the Osage in the early 19th century; i didn't knoA whodunit that illuminates a shameful period of American history. I didn't know about the wealth of the Osage in the early 19th century; i didn't know about the guardianship laws in place to take away Indian control of that money; i didn't know about the blatant exploitation of the Osage by white people seeking to take their money; i didn't know about (but am not surprised by) the general indifference of the government to bringing those criminals to justice. Even the white "heroes" of the story, who solve a piece of the murder mystery, only go so far to address the injustices. You won't remember all the names and dates in the book (and I wish there was an index) but the moral arc of the story will overwhelm you....more
The book was recommended to me by a fellow library director, as a good read on leadership, and I agree. Lots of good insight, regardless of field... aThe book was recommended to me by a fellow library director, as a good read on leadership, and I agree. Lots of good insight, regardless of field... a question is not a question, its an answer within a question, and your job is to draw out the answer. Don't speak unless you have something to say; if you're not sure, postpone and let your intuition tell you when you're ready. Being clear about what you WANT. Just a very smart book, and a pleasure to read... even the parts that were particularly theater specific were still fun, I have a new appreciation for the theater....more
The book wandered a bit far afield for me, but the central idea around the reproducibility of all types of contagions... from infectious disease to coThe book wandered a bit far afield for me, but the central idea around the reproducibility of all types of contagions... from infectious disease to computer viruses to online misinformation... was worth my time and attention. Thinking about how things spread, particularly as seen through the r number and DOTS (duration, opportunities for transmission, transmission probability and susceptibility) was very insightful. Thinking through times we desire spread, and how to boost that spread, and the times we need to slow spread... there are many levers that exist....more
Unbelievable (well, really, all too believable) to find of a coup like this in the US, with neither the state nor national government willing to lift Unbelievable (well, really, all too believable) to find of a coup like this in the US, with neither the state nor national government willing to lift a finger in defense of the elected government of Wilmington and its black citizens. Author does a fabulous job presenting the evidence of a carefully plotted coup, and the terror it inflicted on both those driven out of the city and those left behind. More evidence, not that any more is needed, of the systemic barriers placed in the way of black success throughout our history. And the people are brought to life too, from the black newspaper publisher to the orator of white supremacy, who became mayor....more
**spoiler alert** I can't give it 5 stars only because its 1,000 pages, and it's really more like 3 books, but the suspense and characters do move the**spoiler alert** I can't give it 5 stars only because its 1,000 pages, and it's really more like 3 books, but the suspense and characters do move the story quickly. The pandemic / the journeys / the confrontation are how I'd classify the books, and I enjoyed them in that order too (well, the journeys might be slightly in front of the pandemic)... the final part of creating the new society, and the showdown with the evil one, fell a bit flat for me. Too many characters! Felt like it lost focus on the people I like most. Conclusion does give you something to think about... why did Mother Abigail have to send those 3 men to their deaths... felt like an old fashioned sacrifice....more
Thought-provoking and important, though a few of the sections get a bit difficult and dense... Am so glad Rankin wrote this book... I couldn't get thrThought-provoking and important, though a few of the sections get a bit difficult and dense... Am so glad Rankin wrote this book... I couldn't get through Citizen (not a fan of poetry), but this format, a series of reflections and inquiries on whiteness from a leading black intellectual, often in conversations with others or her friends, worked for me. A necessary complement to Kendi's How to be an anti-racist, to ask all of us to simply stop and think, and to be uncomfortable. I admired Rankine's engagement of others, allowing us to move at times outside her own thoughts....more
I found the context to be too dense with names, dates and places, especially early. I almost gave up on the book about 100 pages in... but I continuedI found the context to be too dense with names, dates and places, especially early. I almost gave up on the book about 100 pages in... but I continued, and am glad I did. This is a very different story of Ruth, with very little baseball included, and it's a story well worth telling. The detailed research explodes some of the Ruth mythology (the orphan, for example) and demonstrates the myth-making that grew up around him... Christy Walsh and the ghost writers, for example....more
An epic. Compelling, page-turning, and a much-needed corrective to the patriarchal Bible. Imagining the lives of women in the era, who we know so littAn epic. Compelling, page-turning, and a much-needed corrective to the patriarchal Bible. Imagining the lives of women in the era, who we know so little about, fills in the gaps left by the Bible's focus on men. The story is so evocatively written, too, you really feel like you're in Egypt and Canaan in the time of the old testament. Yes, it's about Dinah, and you'll cheer for her throughout, but the other women are also thoughtfully developed....more
200 pages to tell us that it science had definitively determined that no such thing as the hot hand existed, only to discover that, huh, there might b200 pages to tell us that it science had definitively determined that no such thing as the hot hand existed, only to discover that, huh, there might be a hot hand effect after all. Would have been an awesome in-depth magazine article, I don't think the stories (the NBA jam video game story was fun), personalities (of the researchers), and the examples (curry) were interesting enough to justify a book. There is a good story here about the progress of science, and the athlete/stock-picker intuition that hot streaks must surely exist....more
I'd have to give this 5 stars for no other reason than the following line... how do you know everything? Because I'm a fucking librarian... but more tI'd have to give this 5 stars for no other reason than the following line... how do you know everything? Because I'm a fucking librarian... but more than that, I found this book was good on so many levels. The author has a gift of conveying narrative, emotion, meaning, in so few words. And plenty of sneaky humor to lighten what can be a challenging read, with the depression attendant to the question of how to continue in the face of so much bad news. I found i could relate to the narrator's husband, and his eventual commitment to get off the sideline and exert himself. A very quick read....more
Unbelievably well researched and textured bio of all aspects of Douglass life. You have to be in it for the long haul to get through all 700+ pages, aUnbelievably well researched and textured bio of all aspects of Douglass life. You have to be in it for the long haul to get through all 700+ pages, and the story loses some of its momentum after the Civil War. (Understandably.) I learned a ton about Douglass and where he fits in the pantheon of American greats. His voice brought the true horrors of slavery to so many people across the country, willing them to action. And his advocacy continued through reconstruction and then the south's reversal. But the author also makes clear Douglass was a human... the struggles of his family life were a fascinating subplot throughout the book. What did it mean to be Anna Douglass? Nobody can know. Just an incredible read throughout....more
**spoiler alert** Gripping spy story and what a cool title. Tautly written, that's what I really appreciated. An economy of words, with much conveyed **spoiler alert** Gripping spy story and what a cool title. Tautly written, that's what I really appreciated. An economy of words, with much conveyed through every sentence. Everything is understated, too, and never fully explained, letting the reader do just the right amount of work to follow the story and try to figure out the mystery. Who's on whose side? Its an open question until the final pages. The final outcome for our hero is a different way to come in from the cold than we'd been hoping for....more
I don't know Greek mythology well, but this is still a fun read, and I learned about some mythology in the process. Very rewarding! All the death and I don't know Greek mythology well, but this is still a fun read, and I learned about some mythology in the process. Very rewarding! All the death and senseless violence got to me after a while, but I guess that's part of the mythology. And I guess the death gets to Circe too, as the author portrays her. A fascinating set of characters, from circe to helios to daedelus to glaucos to Penelope, they all were distinct and well developed.. i think I'll remember them more than the plot....more
This is a quick and vivid read, but so much is unknown about Ona Judge that I think a historical fiction novel would have made for even better readingThis is a quick and vivid read, but so much is unknown about Ona Judge that I think a historical fiction novel would have made for even better reading... then we wouldn't have had to have all the caveats the author employs on seemingly every page, to say well, maybe this happened, or this was likely, but we don't know, etc. A historical novel, plus a 25 page epilogue about the factual record, would have been my preference. That said, its still important reading to think of our revered first president as a man desperately trying to hold onto his enslaved person. Makes me think about the question: What am I doing today that future generations will realize was unjust, and can I do better?...more
Enjoyed by all members of our family, including our 12 year old daughter. Suspenseful and authentic, even if some of plot points are a little hard to Enjoyed by all members of our family, including our 12 year old daughter. Suspenseful and authentic, even if some of plot points are a little hard to believe (living in basement and nobody notices??). Found myself swept up in the story, rooting for Ahmed. Characters, including the police Inspector, are multidimensional, which I don't always see in books for this age level....more
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