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.
Visitations is the story of a family that has been torn apart by family disputes, mental illness and religion. It is haunting and sad, but also sheds a hopeful light on children's ability to recover and heal. The author is the main character in this book, and it was told from his life experience. The novel details the traumatic experiences and relationships Corey had to endure through his mother's mental illness and devotion to Mormonism.
The Killer's Shadow is a true crime novel that covers the hunt for a notorious white supremacist serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin. Instead of traditional investigation tactics, the book delves into the behavioral analysis aspects of the FBI. It begins in the 1970’s, around the time of Franklin's first murders, and stretches until his capture almost 15 years later. The book not only covers Franklin's crimes, but the motive and reason behind them.
Cliff's Notes' summary of The Great Gatsby offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of Fitzgerald's masterpiece, proving a valuable tool for students pressed for time. It successfully hits the major plot points, outlining the tragic love story and the complexities of the characters' relationships. The summary does a commendable job of incorporating significant details, giving a solid foundation for understanding the narrative.
The House of My Mother by Shari Franke was an incredibly captivating book about the influence of family vlogging on Shari Franke and her siblings. Coming into this book, I had a lot of knowledge on this case as I grew up watching 8 Passengers. Like many of their fans, I also was incredibly shocked at hearing about the trauma and sadistic influence that Jodi Hildebrant and Ruby Franke had on the family.
