Heavy Words, Lightly Thrown: The Reason Behind the Rhyme, by Chris RobertsGrade: D. This book looked so promising: scores of etymological mysteries solved--with bawdy, morbid, delightfully British explanations! But no, it was drier than a blacksmith's boot.
The Namesake, by Jhumpa LahiriGrade: B+. This novel centers around a first-generation Bengali family and the bittersweet coming-of-age story of their son, named after Russian writer Nikolai Gogol. Lahiri really has a gift for describing those complex, compound feelings that characterize growing up between two cultures.
Mutants: On Genetic Variety and the Human Body, by Armand Marie LeroiGrade: A. I love good science writing, and this is it. There's lots of stuff in here that will make your stomach turn (extra renegade skeleton??!?), but Leroi is also quick to point out the beautifully intricate orchestrations that make order and life possible in the first place.
Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife, by Mary RoachGrade: B-. This book isn't nearly as joyous an undertaking as Roach's previous book on human cadavers--you get the feeling she was a little bored the entire time she was sniffing out the answers--and while I still love her sense of humor, there was a lot of uncharted territory here that wasn't covered. Still a fun read.
Beauty Up: Exploring Contemporary Japanese Body Aesthetics, by Laura MillerGrade: B. This was the first real academic book I've read since college, and while at times it definitely read like a dissertation (reifications, anyone?), it was such an interesting and refreshing take on gender studies and Japan studies. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and not everyone is trying to emulate the West. Bam!
I haven't forgotten about our trip to Vegas. You'll hear about it soon, I promise. Hopefully, Eli will make a guest blogger appearance. :-P
4 comments:
oh my gosh - i'm reading the namesake right now. i feel so connected to you. maybe we shoudl revive book club :)
This extra renegade skeleton seems fascinating! And now that i'm hooked on Heroes I've gotta read more about mutants...
Ooh, you should totally borrow it! I'll bring it to work tomorrow.
my current book is unfortunately called Persuasive Technology, and this is the third time I've tried to read it (for work)...it is so boring. i keep on reading the first four chapters bc i stop reading it, forget what it's about, and then am reminded i must finish it for work.
in happier reading, it's 1776 by david mccullough. love my american history :)
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