chemist's Titles

Powers of Arrest by Jon Talton (Mystery, Horror, Crime, Business, Politics) This mystery/crime novel was on the list of recommended titles; it was enjoyable. I was reluctant to read a crime novel because those I have read previously are generally based on a true story, and thus are often tragic, sad and haunting. This was fiction and had a strong solve the crime mystery element to it. I am not generally adept at solving mysteries, but I did pick up on one clue towards the end, so delve in, you amateur sleuths. The characters captured my interest, and I learned there was another book in this Cincinnati Casebook series which precedes this one. I am curious to learn more about the characters and their inner workings so will read it in the future. This is a quick, fun read, I recommend it. -- Added by chemist on 02/16/2013 Add Comment

I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron (Romance, Women's Fiction, Relationships, Humor) I chose this book from the list of recommended titles because I thought it would be a humorous look at a common problem- forgetting things. I was not disappointed. The author starts off with the statement that she has been forgetting things since her thirties, and she has proof since she wrote about it then. She then describes how she runs into folks she knows at gatherings and can't recall their names. What made that particular reflection even funnier was that when I saw the book on the library list under the humor category (not one I would normally choose) I mixed up the name in my head with Norma Bombeck. The author description on the flap cites awards for Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, and Silkwood. That clued me into my error. The author says Google saves us, so that instead of a senior moment it is a Google moment in which one simply uses a search to save the day. Readers will doubtless find connections to other reflections and observations the author makes, but for me the "I remember nothing" chapter which gives the book its name was the funniest. -- Added by chemist on 02/09/2013 Add Comment

More Than Petticoats by Gayle C Shirley (Classics, Literary Fiction, Biography) More Than Petticoats is a collections of biographies of Montana women born before 1900, who come from a variety of backgrounds, races, and professions. It includes a Crow Indian healer whose knowledge of medicinal plants was much valued, earning her the respect of her tribe. Contrast this with a white women doctor who despite her service to women and children and membership on the Board of Health, was still in a profession in which female doctors were stigmatized; one NY Medical Society physician said, "The bare thought of married females engaging in the medical profession is palpably absurd. It carries with it a sense of shame, vulgarity, and disgust." Anther story document the amazing fortitude of a leader of nuns who set up schools while battling the travails of harsh winters, lack of food, and terribly poor health. The mental fortitude of all folks, men and women and children in these recounts is amazing. The stories are tantalizingly short, but a bibliography of additional books about the 14 women is included for those who wish to explore further. This was a book I received for Christmas, and it was a welcome and enjoyable read. -- Added by chemist on 02/09/2013 Add Comment

Bill Bryson's African Diary by Bill Bryson (Adventure, Suspense, Travel, Sports) Bill Bryson's travel books are full of wonderful witticisms and clear insights -- I'll always recall the description of the Appalachian Trial hiker who tossed his food into the woods because it was all so heavy. I have hiked a bit of the trail and, while I gasped to think he threw away what he needed to survive, I also understood the sentiment. So I always look forward to Bryson's books. The copy I read was from our home library, a worthwhile purchase not just for the content, but because all the proceeds go to CARE, an aid agency that helps people by giving them the tools to be self sufficient. CARE invited Bill to tour some facilities and markets in Kenya, which he describes so well that the people come alive with color and warmth. The trip was not without its dangers, including a hair-raising plane landing and a ride on the "Lunatic Express" train of the Kenya Railways which the book describes as having "something of a tradition of killing its passengers." The short diary documents how the writer learned and grew, which offers us a chance to change some misconceptions and see that individuals working together really can make difference that ripples on past an initial contact. A fun, fast, thoroughly enjoyable read. -- Added by chemist on 02/02/2013 Add Comment

The Dark Light Years by Brian Aldiss (Science Fiction, Fantasy, Science, Health) This science fiction book has been on our home library shelf with others of Brian Aldiss, an author that I have enjoyed, so I thought I would give it a try. It is a quick read, but thought provoking. It centers around how humans react to a species found during star travels. The species has habits the humans find disgusting, plus total lack of communication engenders arguments as to whether the beings are even sentient. IMO SF offers a vehicle for examining difficult, uncomfortable questions, because the unusual settings of another world, or the future, disarm the reader by sneaking past walls of preconceived notions. It diffuses an automatic knee jerk response perhaps long enough to give us time to have an new perspective. This book, published in 1964, is satirical, but raises points for consideration: "What really defines civilization and intelligence, and how would we deal with an encounter of beings totally different in appearance, action, communication,social structure, religion ? -- Added by chemist on 02/02/2013 Add Comment

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman (Historical Fiction, Westerns, History) The Dovekeepers is historical fiction which excels in both aspects, making history come intensely alive with 4 fictional characters based on archeological findings at Masada where 900 Jewish men, women and children stood up to a massive and superior Roman Legion force. Four women each have a section of the book devoted to their stories; while the sections could stand alone, the interweaving adds to the depth and vibrancy of the tale. It is mesmerizing and sometimes heartbreaking, but very compelling. The writer creates characters so real that the reader feels able to relate to their struggles and emotions, and believes that one could walk into another room, find them and talk about their lives. The writer did years of research which coupled with the expert writing, draws one in, resulting in feeling invested in the people, learning that their hopes and aspirations are akin to ours, and that we are complicated, not all good or all bad. -- Added by chemist on 02/01/2013 Add Comment