The Civilizing Process
This is post 3 of 5 in the series “The Better Angels of Our Nature Book Review” Chapter 3: The Civilizing Process “It is impossible to overlook the extent to which civilization is built upon a...
View ArticleThe Humanitarian Revolution
This is post 4 of 5 in the series “The Better Angels of Our Nature Book Review” Chapter 4: The Humanitarian Revolution “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” ~...
View ArticleThe Long Peace
This is post 5 of 5 in the series “The Better Angels of Our Nature Book Review” Chapter 5: The Long Peace “War appears to be as old as mankind, but peace is a recent invention.” ~ Henry Maine Name five...
View ArticleReview: Everybody has a story… These are ours…
Everybody has a story… These are ours… by Audrey N. Lewis My rating: 3 of 5 stars This author has one of those rare “ears” for the beauty in words, sentences, and ideas. “The Closet” is reminiscent of...
View ArticleReview: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury My rating: 1 of 5 stars Sorry, Ray. I didn’t like this or The Martian Chronicles. I guess the short story master was right to stick to short stories,...
View ArticleAtlas Shrugged or Fountainhead?
Since “better” is so subjective, let me rephrase your question: “Which of the two books encapsulates Ayn Rand‘s worldview and delivers her point more wholly?” Atlas Shrugged. (Disclaimer: this is my...
View ArticleReview: Night
Night by Elie Wiesel My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is one of those books that is important to keep in circulation, especially among young people. It feels awkward to review because it is, as one critic...
View ArticleReview of Reconstruction A Short History
A Short History of Reconstruction by Eric Foner My rating: 2 of 5 stars Confusing, unclear, and scattered, not unlike The Guns of August. Every sentence in the book is an uncited statement of fact,...
View ArticleReview: The Snow Child
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey My rating: 5 of 5 stars Perfect. Perfect in structure, perfect in language, perfect in scope. This novel is as perfect as novels come. It is easy to say that of a short...
View ArticleMy Year in Books 2015
I’d have to say I had a pretty solid year in books for 2015. I hope 2016 is as fruitful! I read 43 books. The vast majority were good or great. I discovered new authors, both traditional and indie....
View ArticleReview: Myths to Live By
Myths to Live By by Joseph Campbell My rating: 4 of 5 stars I liked this book, but I only really liked the chapters on Buddhism and science. I’m told this is his most accessible book. After reading...
View ArticleReview: The Elements of Style
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. My rating: 5 of 5 stars I found a new table-side reference book. This little baby will sit right on top of my copy of Simon & Schuster Handbook for...
View ArticleReview: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King My rating: 5 of 5 stars I think I’ve read this before, or at least part of it. My mom is a huge King fan, owns nearly all his work in hardback, so I’ve...
View ArticleReview: The Year of the Stolen Bicycle Tire and Other Stories
The Year of the Stolen Bicycle Tire and Other Stories by Andrew Kozma My rating: 4 of 5 stars I enjoyed Kozma’s collection. My favorite story was “Mile High Bridge.” There was something about the...
View ArticleReview: Life of Galileo
Life of Galileo by Bertolt Brecht My rating: 5 of 5 stars What a powerful play. I’ve always heard the adage that plays are meant to be performed, not read. That’s fine, but I still can’t shake the...
View ArticleReview: Theory of Irony: How Jesus Led to Moon Golf
Theory of Irony: How Jesus Led to Moon Golf by Erik Von Norden My rating: 2 of 5 stars This is a history of Western Civilization on speed. Let me first say that the author is apparently extremely...
View ArticleReview: (Almost) Average Anthology: Tales of Adventure, Loss, and Oddity
(Almost) Average Anthology: Tales of Adventure, Loss, and Oddity by Jason J. Nugent My rating: 3 of 5 stars I liked these little stories. The writer has a good voice and style and presents a good range...
View ArticleThe New Peace
This is post 6 of 6 in the series “The Better Angels of Our Nature Book Review” Chapter 6: The New Peace “Macbeth’s self-justifications were feeble – and his conscience devoured him. Yes, even Iago was...
View ArticleReview: Incubus
Incubus by Ann Arensberg My rating: 2 of 5 stars I hesitate when choosing whether to give this book one star or two. None of the author’s books have very good ratings, which is odd. She’s a good...
View ArticleReview: Don’t Think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate:...
Don’t Think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate: The Essential Guide for Progressives by George Lakoff My rating: 5 of 5 stars What an incredibly important book! I don’t read many...
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