Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime is a memoir about growing up in Apartheid South Africa and his youth after Apartheid ended. Noah discusses his close relationship with his Xhosa mother and how his existence was essentially illegal. His mother being Xhosa/Black and his father being White/Swiss was a crime that was highly punishable. He grew up having to pretend his mother wasn't his mother and that his father wasn't his father, learning to be alone often.
Many may underestimate their importance in history, but it can be said that no other animal has contributed to the rise of human civilization as much as horses. From being a source of food to a power that could determine the victor of a battle, horses have long been prized possessions of common folk and emperors alike for millennia. David Chaffetz’s Raiders, Rulers, and Traders takes the reader on a journey to learn about many ancient civilizations and how power was exchanged through the importance of horses.
Hyperspace by Michio Kaku explores the concept of higher dimensions and how they could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Kaku explains how string theory, which relies on multiple dimensions beyond the familiar three, might unify the laws of physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics. He discusses historical and modern theories about extra dimensions, their potential role in black holes, time travel and parallel universes, and how they could explain fundamental forces like gravity.
Ashley C. Ford writes a stunningly beautiful memoir about her childhood experiences, and, most importantly, her relationship with her parents. For as long as she can remember, her dad has always been in prison for a crime that she wasn’t allowed to know of, and her emotionally distant mother formed new relationships with other men. Ashley recounts her experiences with her absent father and her strained relationship with her mother, who is trying to recover from heartbreak and the stress of being the sole provider for Ashley.
Bill Bryson's The Body: A Guide for Occupants offers an engaging and accessible exploration of the human body, revealing the intricate and often astonishing systems that sustain us. From the microscopic world of cells to the complexities of the brain and immune system, Bryson navigates the marvels of human anatomy and physiology with his characteristic wit and clarity. He delves into evolutionary history, the delicate balance of our internal ecosystems and the myriad ways things can go awry.
Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything is a captivating and accessible exploration of the universe and our place within it. Bryson tackles complex scientific concepts, from the Big Bang to the intricacies of human biology, with wit and an infectious curiosity that makes even the most daunting topics understandable and engaging. While the book is undeniably entertaining, it's more than just a collection of fascinating facts.
The Falafel Cookbook is a fun and lighthearted cookbook with unique recipes and healthy alternatives. Heather Thomas has written many other food specific cookbooks, but her recipes for Falafel are especially tasty. She successfully integrates healthy ingredients with fulfilling meals, creating salads, appetizers, bowls, and sandwiches all from falafel. This cookbook is beautifully designed, with inspiring photos and enticing meals.
What Happened to You? is an insightful book about human behavior and why we make decisions. Bruce Perry is a renowned psychiatrist and behavioral scientist, discussing the brain science behind the actions we make, and how our past impacts our present. This book talks about understanding behavior, trauma, and emotions, better helping people understand their behavioral patterns. The book is written like a discussion between Winfrey and Perry, as they discuss people, trauma, and their impact on each other.
Spare Parts by Joshua Davis is a true story based on four illegal Mexican immigrants - Oscar, Luis, Cristian, and Lorenzo. Upon journeys across the border, they settle into Carl Hayden High School in Arizona. They find themselves hungry to learn and experience a different life from what they had in Mexico. Joined by two enthusiastic teachers, the squad embarks on a mission to build an underwater robot and compete against top-tier colleges such as MIT, despite their lack of finances and available resources.
This historical biography encapsulates the life story of a boy, Joe Rantz, who joins the University of Washington rowing team in order to get his life back together in the midst of an economic depression. Boys in the Boat not only illustrates the physical and emotional toll being a rower at a high-level program has on an individual, but also how competing in such a taxing sport can be so rewarding and fulfill voids that are missing in one’s life.
