Monday, November 16, 2009

Books I've Enjoyed

I have been using my library card to its fullest potential lately, and thought I would share a few of the books I've read. Usually I'll browse and find ones that look interesting; other times I will find a subject I want to learn more about, sometimes that comes from reading, which leads to more reading. Of course there have been the obligatory fiction novels as well. I will use my patent-pending system of Number of Things to rate each book.

Confessions of a She-Fan, Jane Heller.
Loved it. This is the story of Jane's search to find what it means to be a true Yankees fan. She followed the team around the country for half the season to do so. I think guys would enjoy this as well, but I've heard they don't always.

Note: Helps to know something about baseball, but it is not neccessary.
Note Note: It also helps to know something about the Yankees.

I give it: 5 things


Vanished Smile: The Mysterious Theft of Mona Lisa, R.A. Scotti.
This one grabbed me because it is based on a true story which I had never heard: in 1911, someone had the audacity to steal the most beloved painting in France. She went missing for almost two years before she was recovered. Now, the story is all but forgotten. This book is written almost like a novel, and gives the history of all the main characters (including da Vinci). It starts slow, but finishes well. Fun fact: Pablo Picasso was considered a main suspect!
I give it: 4 things



Sleep: the Mysteries, the Problems, and the Solutions, Carlos H. Schenck, M.D.
This book was really interesting from the first page till the end. It went over all the various issues that can come from sleep, like sleepwalking, night terrors, narcolepsy, etc. They illustrated the concepts with interesting case studies. I think I finished this book in a few days, it was a quick read.

I give it: 4 1/2 things




The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment, A.J. Jacobs.
This is a humorous collection of essays by A.J. Jacobs, who contributes to Esquire magazine. He tried things like outsourcing his personal life to assistants in India, and practicing Radical Honesty and saying exactly what is on his mind all the time. I am also going to read his previous books, wherein he follows the teachings of the Bible for an entire year and reads the entire Encyclopedia Britannica (not at the same time).

I give it: 5 things



More Information Than You Require, John Hodgman.
This sequel to The Areas of My Expertise brings us more "World Knowledge" from the Daily Show's Resident Expert. It contains such useful information as 750 Molemen names, which US Presidents had hooks for hands, and a new "Today in the Past" feature. A few chapters did move a little slowly, but Hodgman's (mis)information always entertains.

I give it: 4 things





3 comments:

Karen said...

"Sleep" sounds VERY interesting. BTW...You're such a good writer :)

Anonymous said...

Why thank you! :)

~ardie

Bri said...

Think I might try out the Guinea Pig book. Sounds funny! Love the mini book reviews. Kepp not working and reading so I can read these =)