Book Review: Second Nature

This is another occasion when I wish we could do half stars, because this book wasn't *quite* a five, but it was better than a four. It makes me long for spring and the opportunities to improve my garden, get rid of more grass, and just stick my fingers into the dirt. It makes me want an old farm house on some acreage. I love the way the book is written, his descriptive passages and turns of phrase, and the interweaving of literature, philosophy, history, politics & art as they touch on nature a...more Second Nature: A Gardener's Education is a book Michael Pollan wrote in the early '90's. I'm very grateful to the friend who recommended it, because I really enjoyed it. It makes me long for spring and the opportunities to improve my garden, get rid of more grass, and just stick my fingers into the dirt. It makes me almost want an old farm house on some acreage.

I love the way the book is written, his descriptive passages and turns of phrase, and the interweaving of literature, philosophy, history, politics and art as they touch on nature and man's relationship to it.

Book Review: One Second After

One Second After

One Second After by William Forstchen left me feeling overwhelmed. A work of what Newt Gingrich calls possible "future history," it looks at what might happen in America in the wake of an EMP. It was an engrossing story that makes me wish for acreage, a well, some chickens, and a cow.

Book Review: The Speed of Dark

The Speed of Dark
This was an incredible book. It's about, Lou Arrendale, an autistic man, in the not-too-distant future, who has the opportunity to have a procedure done that could make him "normal." The character is well-developed and the story is engrossing. The book delves into questions about identity, good and evil, and societal expectations. You will find yourself rooting for Lou and at the same time questioning his decisions.

Book Review: The New Frugality

This was an adequate book on frugality, but he almost lost me at the beginning by connecting frugality and a greener lifestyle with global warming. He lost credibility and it automatically made me question everything else he had to say. This is definitely a book for those who have resources and want to use them more frugally. It isn't for those who NEED to live frugally because they have no choice. I have read many books on frugality and didn't get any new ideas from this one.

We're off!

I managed to finish my partially-done Ruth Rendell novel this morning. Then I picked up what proved to be a quick read for my first book of the year:
Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges

Byron Pitts is a correspondent for 60 Minutes who was functionally illiterate as a young teen and stuttered into his college years. It is an inspirational story about the power of family, hard work and determination. It is also a story about the importance of faith. I enjoyed it and will enjoy seeing Pitts' work in the future because of the book.