Wednesday, October 3, 2007

The Best American Science Writing (2002) edited by Matt Ridley

Read most of these and enjoyed them, especially the Soft Science of Dietary Fat, Rethinking the Brain, Pirate Utopia, Code Red for the Web.

The Thanatos Syndrome by Walker Percy

A novel that makes you think with themes and undercurrents that are engaging and profound. The knowledge of the self and the flaws that make us unique and human explored with insight, compassion, and without shrinking from our illnesses.

The Language of Mathematics by Keith Devlin

An interesting survey with useful discussion of sets and groups and non-euclidean geometry and topology. The knot section was accessible as was the section on simple probability. His section on Chomsky and section on relativity were less well done.

Then and Now in Kenya Colony by Willis R. Hotchkiss

Copyright 1937. This book is from another era, about an Africa that no longer exists. But looking past the dated attitudes, a deep faith and awesome strength of purpose shines through. These men and women were giants and many died so the gospel could reach these tribes. This is a unique look at Africa at the period of its most rapid change.

The Power and the Glory by Graham Green

The story of a "whiskey priest" in a state of Mexico that was executing priests. This priest is conflicted, knowing he is unworthy, having committed a mortal sin and fathered a child who he loves but barely knows. And yet unworthy as he is, he still is the only priest around and is unable to run away from his duty. Hardly a saint, hardly a martyr, lustful and intemperate, he represents something greater than himself and he gives hope to poor believers who overlook his flaws, needing what he can give, confession and the sacraments.

Bryson City Tales by Walt Larimore

Wonderful stories with a message of a well-trained zealous young doctor in "our own" Byson City. Resonated a lot with some of my Lebanon experiences.

Bryson City Tales by Walt Larimore

Wonderful stories with a message of a well-trained zealous young doctor in "our own" Byson City. Resonated a lot with some of my Lebanon experiences.

Gödel's Proof by Ernest Nagel and James R. Newman

A little beyond me but I understood the basic scheme of the argument. Undoubtedly a wonderful exposition of one of the most important scientific papers ever written.

Gödel's Proof by Ernest Nagel and James R. Newman

A little beyond me but I understood the basic scheme of the argument. Undoubtedly a wonderful exposition of one of the most important scientific papers ever written.

Arabian Sands by Wilfred Thesiger

Written in 1959 about travels in the Empty Quarter, the last desert to be explored by Europeans. Thesiger, who grew up in the Middle East, traveled with the Bedu and earned their trust and protection. Suffering severe trials and escaping death from thirst, hunger, and most of all, Arabs who hated the "Christian," he traveled across the desert from well to lifesaving well. His insights on the tribes, Islam, camels and culture are well-written in fact and tone. A very rewarding travel story in the mid 40's about a culture from the past centuries now lost forever.

The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien

What can I say, could this be one of the best books ever?!

The Mind and the Brain by Jeffrey M. Schwartz

Very good presentation of mind with a convincing presentation of evidence for adult neuroplasticity. The discussion of quantum mechanics is interesting but seems to be a materialist explanation nonetheless. The main impetus is a moral argument. The author is a Buddhist and does a good job of focusing on mental states. The last chapter is a good summary of the entire argument.

Reversible Errors by Scott Turow

Interesting plot with several "reversals." Good characters, intruding sex scenes.