I decided to write little reviews, or more like, my impressions of books I read. This page is all about books. Suggestions for new books are welcome!
Book Report: A Perfect Shade of Red
Even with all this knitting, I am still reading a lot. This one will not be the last in my color series for a while, because I think there’s a yellow book in the queue at the ranch. But on to this one. A Perfect Shade of Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the … Continue reading “Book Report: A Perfect Shade of Red”
Book Report: The Warmth of Other Suns
You’d think I would have finished a couple of books by now, since I’ve been mostly alone in Utah for two weeks. But, there has been knitting, and that does take away from reading time. And the book I have been reading is over 600 pages. But, I finished The Warmth of Other Suns: The … Continue reading “Book Report: The Warmth of Other Suns”
Book Report: Fantastic Fungi
Yes, another book report. That’s what happens when you take time off from your usual busy-ness-hood. Today’s book is another really special one that I bought after the Master Naturalist meeting. Fantastic Fungi is a companion to a film I need to see. The book is edited by Paul Stamets, an expert on mushrooms, who … Continue reading “Book Report: Fantastic Fungi”
Book Report: Red—The History of a Color
I talked earlier about how fond I am of the color red and how much I enjoyed the session on cochineal, a red dye, last week. So, naturally, the first of the series of color books by Michel Pastoureau I just got that I’m going to report on is Red: The History of a Color. … Continue reading “Book Report: Red—The History of a Color”
I’m Becoming Irritating
Maybe it’s irritating; maybe it’s righteously indignant; maybe it’s newly awakened evangelism. Whatever it is, I can’t stop talking to all my friends about the Caste book I just read. I keep retelling the parts about the lynching postcards, Hitler’s use of the US as a model in how to de-humanize Jews, and the clear … Continue reading “I’m Becoming Irritating”
Book Report: Fifty Words for Rain
After the emotional turmoil of reading Caste, I wanted something less intense and not about race. Well, the next book I read, Fifty Words for Rain, by Asha Lemmie turned out to be intense and about race, but it also had fun elements, so it was a bit of a break. Here’s how the Amazon … Continue reading “Book Report: Fifty Words for Rain”
Book Report: Caste – The Origins of Our Discontent
Oh my. Here’s a book you probably should read. I guarantee you won’t “enjoy” it, but you may well be a better person for having read it. You know how they say there are things you can’t “un-see?” Well, this book hammers you with things that you won’t be able to “un-read” even if you … Continue reading “Book Report: Caste – The Origins of Our Discontent”
Doug Tallamy: Incredibly Inspiring
Wow. Just wow. My life is now so much better, having heard the amazing Doug Tallamy speak at the Texas Master Naturalist meeting. He’s just about as inspirational as a speaker gets, and I now have my answer when people ask what famous person I’d most like to have dinner with. I could talk to … Continue reading “Doug Tallamy: Incredibly Inspiring”
Books I Will Never Read Again
Are there any books, movies, or other media that you made it through once but just NEVER want to go through again? Last night my sister asked me about the handmaid costume she saw somewhere. I told her about The Handmaid’s Tale book, and that it had been made into a series. I read the … Continue reading “Books I Will Never Read Again”
Book Report: The Trouble with Goats and Sheep
The book I’m talking about today is next month’s topic for the cul-de-sac book club in Austin. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep was Joanna Cannon’s first novel, which came out in 2015. Since I wasn’t reading novels five years ago, I’d never heard of it, but dutifully ordered it when it was decided upon … Continue reading “Book Report: The Trouble with Goats and Sheep”
Book Report: The Overstory
If you know me or have read this blog a few times, you won’t be surprised to learn this, but I’ve always been a tree hugger, and I mean always. My poor mother (happy birthday wherever your spirit is) used to find me as a toddler wandering around the yard talking to the huge oak … Continue reading “Book Report: The Overstory”
Book Review: Liberty
No, this isn’t a book about the second amendment to the US Constitution; it’s a book about Liberty DeVitto. Who’s that? He was Billy Joel’s drummer for the longest time (Billy Joel lyric humor, there). I always really admired the drumming in Billy Joel’s band, because there were always so many creative percussion techniques, but … Continue reading “Book Review: Liberty”
Book Report: Wonder
Even though practically no one reads my book reviews, I have another one already. That’s what you get when you pick up a Young Adult selection; they go fast. Oddly enough, I am not sure where this book came from. Maybe someone loaned it to me? Maybe I bought it that last, wonderful time I … Continue reading “Book Report: Wonder”
Book Report: The Vanishing Half
Been wondering where those book reports went? I had to take some time off while reading The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennet, because at some point, my dislike of almost every character in the book made me not look forward to picking it up again. I was also disappointed that I’d scheduled a trip to … Continue reading “Book Report: The Vanishing Half”
Book Report: How to Be an Antiracist
Have you ever read a book and wanted to start over immediately after finishing it? Have you ever wanted to make everyone you care about read a book? Have you ever wanted to give a book a big hug and thank it? I have. And this is the book: How to Be an Antiracist, by … Continue reading “Book Report: How to Be an Antiracist”
Does Anyone Read Magazines?
The answer is yes, Suna loves magazines. The view from either side of “my” chair at the ranch house will tell you so. I’m worried that they will all go away, though. They get thinner and thinner. Then they go quarterly. Then they’re only online (bye Newsweek). Sometimes I feel like I’m keeping the entire … Continue reading “Does Anyone Read Magazines?”
Book Report: Too Much and Never Enough
Book reports are not the most popular of my blog posts. The one from yesterday got 9 whole hits. But, if I ever need to know what books I was reading starting in 2018, I know where to look! I had a feeling I’d read Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the … Continue reading “Book Report: Too Much and Never Enough”
Book Report: The Madwoman and the Roomba
So, this book, The Madwoman and the Roomba: My Year of Domestic Mayhem, by Sandra Tsing Loh, was this month’s Austin neighborhood book club selection. I think we were all looking forward to a nice, lightweight comedy book to get us through yet another month of being unable to hang out together and hug. Indeed, … Continue reading “Book Report: The Madwoman and the Roomba”
Book Report: The Sacred Enneagram
What follows won’t be my normal book report. I don’t know what it will be, really, because I’m not sure if I’ll be able to adequately explain the profound effect that The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth, by Christopher L. Heuertz has had on me. Anyway, I knew I picked up … Continue reading “Book Report: The Sacred Enneagram”
Book Report: The Hidden Life of Trees
Take a minute to look at things from a long point of view. Reading (or just looking at) this beautiful book lets you leave the now and enter the enduring. I’m so glad we still have trees around to take care of us and the earth long term. I’ve been reading a lot of Peter … Continue reading “Book Report: The Hidden Life of Trees”
What Are Your Core Values?
You just get to pick TWO! I’ve been reading Dare to Lead, a book by my favorite self-help author, Brené Brown (it’s the book I reviewed the horrible workbook for back in March). It was my suggestion for our work book club at Planview. What’s annoying is that I keep leaving the book in Austin, … Continue reading “What Are Your Core Values?”
Book Report: What It’s Like to Be a Bird
What a joy it has been to read What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing–What Birds Are Doing and Why, written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley (as I said to Anita, yes, THAT Sibley). The man responsible for the many Sibley field guides has just published this … Continue reading “Book Report: What It’s Like to Be a Bird”
Book Review: The Nature of Texas
A review of a field guide to the nature of Texas, suitable for beginning naturalists
Quick Enneagram Update
As I talked about recently, I have been looking into the Enneagram to see what insights it could give me into how I could function better as a person and interact with others. Two of the types came close to describing me, 2 (helper) and 9 (peacemaker). I eventually decided I was a 9 after … Continue reading “Quick Enneagram Update”
Pampered Chickens? Nah. (Book Report)
I was a little worried that we are pampering the chickens and guineas. For example, I wandered out into the woods today to make more perches and shade for the chickens. And Chris made a new shelf and perch for the guineas. They have really grown since we got them! I feel much better now, … Continue reading “Pampered Chickens? Nah. (Book Report)”
Book Report: The Enneagram of Belonging
A couple of days ago, I mentioned that I was reading a book on the Enneagram and that I’d gotten some helpful insight in it. I had a lot of time last night to read, so I finished The Enneagram of Belonging: A Compassionate Journey of Self-Acceptance, by Christopher L. Heurtz. A Little Background I’ve … Continue reading “Book Report: The Enneagram of Belonging”
Book Review: Unintended Consequences (and why you should write your memoirs)
This is a different type of book review. For one thing, you can’t buy the book anywhere; I was lucky enough to receive a copy from the author. You see, Unintended Consequences, by F. Douglas Martin, is a collection of stories of the life of one of my friends from my old church. He had … Continue reading “Book Review: Unintended Consequences (and why you should write your memoirs)”
Book Report: Bunny Bunny
This book is a follow-up to the memoir of Alan Zweibel that I posted last week. In that book, Zweibel talked about a little book he wrote about his late best friend, Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer at a very young age. He said the whole book was dialog that just came to … Continue reading “Book Report: Bunny Bunny”
Book Report: Leave Only Footprints
Tell ya what, this sheltering in place stuff has really helped me get a lot more books read. Last night I finished the latest of my series of “hot off the presses” books (the next few will be older books). Today’s recommended reading is Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey through Every National Park, by … Continue reading “Book Report: Leave Only Footprints”
Book Report: Laugh Lines
Believe it or not, I don’t spend all my time getting pissy about people’s online behavior. I actually spent much of this weekend laughing aloud, because I read the new memoir, Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier, by the great Alan Zweibel. Who? I didn’t realize I was such a comedy nerd … Continue reading “Book Report: Laugh Lines”
Book Report: Poetry E-book Edition
You may know that I am very fond of books, the physical objects. I like to hold books, feel the paper of the pages, smell that inky new-book smell, etc. But, some books aren’t available physically, including self-published books. I’ve always liked the idea of making one’s work available for friends and family, and don’t … Continue reading “Book Report: Poetry E-book Edition”
Book Report: A Hundred Suns
I gobbled up this novel, which I found via my usual method of discovering books, an interview on NPR (National Public Radio in the US). I figure anything Scott Simon likes, I’ll like. I encourage you to read or listen to the interview about A Hundred Suns, with the author, Karin Tanabe. Tanabe is known … Continue reading “Book Report: A Hundred Suns”
Book Report: Nature’s Best Hope
Do you care about our planet and the life it supports? Then, stop reading this blog post and go order this book: Nature at Its Best: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, by Douglas W. Tallamy. Consider it an early Earth Day present to yourself and the Earth. Get ready for … Continue reading “Book Report: Nature’s Best Hope”
Book Report: Behave!
It feels like it took me forever to read the 2017 best-selling nonfiction book, Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, by Robert M. Sapolsky. It’s not that I didn’t find the book absolutely fascinating, because I sure did! It’s just those sneaky book club books and the book about restoring old … Continue reading “Book Report: Behave!”
Book Report: Restoring Your Historic House
I saw a little blurb in This Old House magazine, saying this new book is a “must-read” for anyone restoring an old house. Why, I’m renovating an old house, which is close. So, I ordered two copies, one for me and one for Kathleen, of Restoring Your Historic House: The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners, by … Continue reading “Book Report: Restoring Your Historic House”
Book Report: Stories of Your Life, and Others
Well, we have plenty of time to read books, at least most of us do right now. I had a big backlog of magazines when I got back from vacation, but I finally got around to finishing this month’s book club book, Stories of Your Life, and Others, by Ted Chiang. I am told by … Continue reading “Book Report: Stories of Your Life, and Others”
Book Report: Talking to Strangers
Another book finished, and I’m impressed that I got this one done in less than a week, since I’m also trying to knit some every day now. I bought Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know, by Malcolm Gladwell, because I really wanted some insight into how to communicate … Continue reading “Book Report: Talking to Strangers”
The Reviews Are In! The Dare to Lead Workbook Stinks!
I just can’t stop laughing, so I have to share. This will be brief. I went to Amazon to write a review of the Dare to Lead workbook I “read” yesterday. Of course, I had to read the other reviews. That started my day off right. There was ONE positive review, and it was written … Continue reading “The Reviews Are In! The Dare to Lead Workbook Stinks!”
What Makes a Professional Editor/Writer Sweat? Unprofessional Editing/Writing
We all make mistakes, right? Well I’m about to admit to making a big mistake. I spent $8.99 on a “book” that is only a book by virtue of having pages, a cover, and some printing. I had good intentions! The work book club is going to read Dare to Lead, by my buddy Brené … Continue reading “What Makes a Professional Editor/Writer Sweat? Unprofessional Editing/Writing”
Book Report: Furious Hours
Oh, hooray! I finally finished a book! I’ve been reading some long ones lately, and it hasn’t helped that I have all those other activities and distractions going on. Speaking of distractions, Cathy J. gave me some fascinating used books and magazines passed along by her daughter. When I sent this photo on to Anita, … Continue reading “Book Report: Furious Hours”
Book Report: Sunnyside Plaza
I haven’t written a book report in a while. Why? I am reading two long books at the same time, which means neither one of them is finished. But, yippee-dippee, I small but significant little book has appeared, and I got so excited about it, that I got it the day it was published: Sunnyside … Continue reading “Book Report: Sunnyside Plaza”
Book Report: Ragtime
Proud of myself, I am, for finishing the latest book in the neighborhood book club series, especially since this is not something I would have picked out for myself. But, the assignment was Ragtime, by E.L. Doctorow, so I read it! As someone interested in history, I did enjoy all the historical references and real … Continue reading “Book Report: Ragtime”
Book Report: Can We, Should We, Be “Happier Now?”
They started a book club at work, where everyone is to read some self help book. Even though I had to miss the first meeting, I have been dutifully reading Happier Now: How to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Everyday Moments (Even the Difficult Ones), by Nataly Kogan. Kogan is a Russian immigrant who founded … Continue reading “Book Report: Can We, Should We, Be “Happier Now?””
Book Report: The Body: A Guide for Occupants
Ooh-wee am I excited to share this book report! I’ve been making myself obnoxious the entire time I’ve been reading it, because I keep telling everyone little tidbits I’ve learned or recommending it with great abandon. I sure liked The Body: A Guide for Occupants, by Bill Bryson. I am a complete sucker for nonfiction … Continue reading “Book Report: The Body: A Guide for Occupants”
Book Report: Unnatural Texas?
Hey from Austin! You didn’t think my holiday was all traipsing through the mosquito fields and staring at the ocean, did you? Of course not. I also read a lot. Admittedly, I read a few magazines, but I got deeply into this book, which I got at the Texas Master Naturalist Conference a couple of … Continue reading “Book Report: Unnatural Texas?”
Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain
The book I read all in one day is The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein (also a major motion picture, which I did not see). There seems to be an entire genre of books written from the viewpoint of dogs, these days. In fact, here’s a list of them from Amazon, … Continue reading “Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain”
Book Report: Me, by Elton John
Here’s a random fact about me: I really love to read memoirs, especially of my favorite musicians from the seventies. Some are definitely better than others (like Keith Richards’ memoir, dang that was some good writing). So, I had this book by Elton John pre-ordered and got it the day it was published last week. … Continue reading “Book Report: Me, by Elton John”
Book Review: Homegoing
Here’s the latest book I read for the neighborhood book club. I had to read through it as quickly as I could (meaning with all my other stuff, it still took a week), because my queue is full of good stuff (Elton John memoir arrived yesterday!). It’s another first novel, this time by Yaa Gyasi, … Continue reading “Book Review: Homegoing”
Book Review: Going Tiny
I am sharing a book review I wrote for Hermit Haus Redevelopment, because I think some of my readers here would also enjoy it. The little book I read is called Going Tiny: Failure + Opportunity in the Future of Affordable Housing It’s written by a guy named Davis Richardson, who is apparently the age of … Continue reading “Book Review: Going Tiny”
Book Report: Remember Me Like This
First, thanks for the good wishes after the flying debris episode yesterday. I still have a mighty headache and a sore neck, but I’m staying home from work, taking ibuprofen, and have a convenient chiropractor appointment already scheduled for tomorrow. I’m not supposed to be looking at screens, so I am typing but not looking … Continue reading “Book Report: Remember Me Like This”
Book Report: Darwin Comes to Town
This month’s book club book is so sad I had to take a long break from it, and discovering this book made that WAY easier. I think I just spotted Darwin Comes to Town: How the Urban Jungle Drives Evolution, by Menno Schilthuizen in the new nature books section on Amazon. I loved the cover … Continue reading “Book Report: Darwin Comes to Town”
People and Dogs: Doing Some Reading
I’m very thankful that I have some brilliant people among my Facebook friends and that many of them share what they’ve been reading. In the past couple of days, I’ve read and shared a few articles that I want to talk about today. You might like them, too. Dogs One article was on how we … Continue reading “People and Dogs: Doing Some Reading”
I Deserve an Award
This whole unpacking of boxes in the garage and general removing unnecessary stuff from my house thing is not becoming easier for me. However, I am still doing it! Yes! And that’s why I honestly think someone should give me a gold star or something. So, I made myself an award on Bitmoji. I’m very … Continue reading “I Deserve an Award”
Book Report: A Place for Us
Our little neighborhood book group met last night to discuss A Place for Us, by Fatima Farheen Mirza. This is her first novel, which makes it an even more amazing book. I’m glad we chose it! And look, a convenient way to buy it: This month, we met at Maria’s house. We all enjoy inspecting … Continue reading “Book Report: A Place for Us”
Gone Viral? With Dignity, of Course!
Here’s a nice story! Yesterday, I was checking my blog statistics, like I do once or twice a day to see what posts go over well, and I noticed a big spike in hits. What? And wait, they are all coming from Twitter? Why are they all linked to my book review of Dignity (which … Continue reading “Gone Viral? With Dignity, of Course!”
Book Review: Dignity
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America, by Chris Arnade, may not be the most well-crafted book I ever read, but it made a huge impact on me, and I am very grateful to have had the chance to read it. It helped me understand some of the issues in Cameron as well as why … Continue reading “Book Review: Dignity”
Book Report: The Secret Wisdom of Nature
Yay! It’s time for another naturalist-centered book report. This book, which IS about the entire earth, has the extra-lengthy title of: The Secret Wisdom of Nature: Trees, Animals, and the Extraordinary Balance of All Living Things – Stories from Science and Observation Buy it here! It’s by Peter Wohlleben, the German forester who wrote The … Continue reading “Book Report: The Secret Wisdom of Nature”
Book Report: The Biohistory of Alachua County, Florida
Note: this post is about the history of a single county in north Florida. I am quite aware that there were civilizations, settlements, and migrations throughout North America long before events I talk about here. In fact, my own ancestors were in Florida long, long before Alachua County was settled. While we were visiting Gainesville, … Continue reading “Book Report: The Biohistory of Alachua County, Florida”
Book Report: Educated: A Memoir
I’ve just plowed through the latest North Cat Villas book club selection in record time. If there’s one thing I can say about this book, it’s that you have a hard time putting down Educated: a Memoir, by Tara Westover. Anita and I were just discussing the cover, and we decided it’s a winner. I … Continue reading “Book Report: Educated: A Memoir”
Book Report: The Inner Life of Animals
Back to my old habits of reading nonfiction about nature, I just finished this book: The Inner Life of Animals: Love, Grief, and Compassion―Surprising Observations of a Hidden World, by Peter Wohlleben. The author is a caretaker for a forest in Germany, which gives him lots of time to observe the habits of the animals … Continue reading “Book Report: The Inner Life of Animals”
Book Report: Where the Crawdads Sing
Spoiler: Master Naturalists will LOVE it. Suna Kendall Here’s one of those quirky facts about me that I’m not sure where it came from: I strongly resist jumping on the bandwagon of the latest “popular item,” whether it’s music, types of cars, clothing fads (no one has ever seen my bare midriff in public) decorating … Continue reading “Book Report: Where the Crawdads Sing”
Finished the Bug Book
Not much going on here, because I was busy researching the history of our Cameron properties for a blog post yesterday. I’m learning a lot about the church and the houses around it. I’ll share links to other posts on this topic, in case folks are interested. Here’s my favorite aerial shot of the neighborhood … Continue reading “Finished the Bug Book”
Book Report Time
Ever since I joined the neighborhood book club, I’ve been reading more books that other people might consider reading. (Usually, I read really dry nonfiction that mostly only I would care about.) But, today I will share the past couple of weeks’ worth of reading. It’s better than ranting about Facebook and the internet, but … Continue reading “Book Report Time”
Let’s Read Nonfiction
You might not be surprised to learn that I mostly read nonfiction (when not reading my many magazine subscriptions). I do this, because I really love to learn new things, especially how the natural world works and what makes living organisms tick. For example, two of my past favorite books were an excellent history of … Continue reading “Let’s Read Nonfiction”
