While I am waiting for a simulation to run ... let's hear it for book reviews. I tend to read a lot (let's say at least a book or two a week ... sometimes much more), but I also tend to forget a lot. My memory is quite poor, in my opinion. So, when we selected books to read at book club last month, I could only think of books I had read recently - the Flu by Gina Kolata. I do have to say I enjoyed it, but I'm just not sure the rest of the group will. Good thing I didn't remember the other book I was reading about at the time was about Sotheby's. That would have been an even bigger hit.
So, some recent books I've read or mostly read and my quick thoughts.
The Flu, by Gina Kolata - (non-fiction) this talks about the 1918 influenza, one, if not THE worst, natural disaster in recent history. What I think is sad is how nobody even knows about this part of American history. Parts I esp. enjoyed was learning how the government tried to steal a guys research project and then make it classifed (!!!) as well as how malleable the public is and how they can't interpret statistics. And other things. A good book.
Reading Lolita in Tehran - (non-fiction) not quite finished, but I enjoyed learning more about Iran & the Revolution there. I guess I'm really out of current events, but I had no idea how much Iran is anti-Western and how terrible the situation is for women. But besides the oppressive setting, the author was an amazing English teacher who really made me want to read the books this book is loosely based around - Lolita, books by James, Pride & Prejudice, & the Great Gatsby. A real thinker.
An Ordinary Man - (non-fiction) if you've seen the movie Hotel Rwanda, you should really read the book which just came out. Another thought provoking book on disasters, tragedies, and good people. Also interesting thoughs on the US and foreign policy. Short, but very interesting and not at all graphic like I was worried about.
The Swarm - (fiction) this is a new book, at least in English, which has sold 1.5 million copies in Germany at only 2 years old. I am half way through and am really fascinated by this environmental thriller. I used to hate environmentalism (too many assemblies on the rainforest and recycling in elementary school) but I have to say that I am started to get worried and concerned about waste. Really - think of how much garbage we throw away ... where can it possibly all be going?
Cage of Stars - (fiction) I had to read this book because it's about a Mormon!!! In conventional fiction!!! Her two younger sisters are murdered randomly when she is baby-sitting them. It's about her and her family trying to cope with it in this small Mormon community. I really thought it was interesting ... esp. since I'm Mormon.
Hope someone enjoys some of these books!!!! I did.
1 comment:
The Spanish Flu is in the background of every major health organization, always. Everyone thinks about it, and wonders why it hasn't happened again.
Ever since world wide travel became common, people have expected more Spanish Flu type outbreaks, 10% or more of the human population at a shot.
Before, Smallpox, the plague, etc., all were delayed by geography. Now such things are delayed only by luck.
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