Part of understanding what is happening in Ukraine right now, obviously involves understanding the shared and heavily intertwined history of Ukraine with Russia over time. After reading Sheila Fitzpatricks's great catch-up book, The Shortest History of the Soviet Union, I went back in time to the Russian Revolution, October (see below) followed by another shortest … Continue reading Understanding Ukraine Mini Reviews
There are lots of ways to start a story, but this begins with a chicken. One of the many strings to Risbridger's bow, is food writer. She has written a children's book, edited a poetry anthology as well as numerous other journalistic efforts, but food writing seems to be the things she keeps going back … Continue reading Midnight Chicken | Ella Risbridger #GBRnonfiction
Marie Curie is one of my personal heroes. Ever since my Year 12 science depth-study on her, (which incidentally helped me to top the class and receive my one and only first-in-class medal) I have been constantly drawn to her story. As part of my depth-study research, I read Ève Curie's bio about her mother, … Continue reading Marie Curie & Her Daughters | Imogen & Isobel Greenberg
Humankind: A Hopeful History is more than just a popular science book that hits the right note during this unsettling time in our human history. For starters, Bregman uses a LOT more footnotes than one usually finds in a popular science book. He has obviously spent a lot of time researching, questioning and thinking about … Continue reading Humankind: A Hopeful History | Rutger Bregman #NLDnonfiction
Fathoms: The World in the Whale was a recent binge read. The weather had turned suddenly cold and it was bleak outside. Curling up on the lounge with a throw rug and a good book was the only logical response. Rebecca Giggs was the perfect companion for such a session - engaging, personable and … Continue reading Fathoms: The World in the Whale | Rebecca Giggs #AWWnonfiction
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo is one of those books of the moment, and one that I have actually managed to read during it's moment! And I can see why so much buzz has attached itself to this book.It's about sex, desire and what it means to be a woman, told from the perspective of … Continue reading Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Week 4: (Nov. 19 to 23) – Reads Like Fiction with Rennie @ What’s Nonfiction.Nonfiction books often get praised for how they stack up to fiction. Does it matter to you whether nonfiction reads like a novel? If it does, what gives it that fiction-like feeling? Does it depend on the topic, the writing, the use of certain … Continue reading Non-Fiction November – Week 4
I never thought I would find myself regaling my family and friends with tales of apple seeds, tulip mania and the merits of marijuana around the dinner table.I never thought I would chat with friends over a glass of wine about Prohibition, cider production and Johnny Appleseed.The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the … Continue reading The Botany of Desire | Michael Pollan
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