How to Bake π by Eugenia Cheng

     An introduction to category theory. The study of abstractions of abstractions and the mathematics of logic and groups and topology. I am sure it is an amazing field, but seems too difficult for me. This book is good and interesting. Each chapter starts with a recipe. She is trying to make mathematics friendly and she succeeds but I would need three more books between this one and The Joy of Abstraction which really get into the math.

Thereby Hangs a Tail

(for book group)

    A 'Chet' book, funny and exciting. Kidnapping, murder, show dogs, a count and countessa. Good plot. Author still hasn't run out of ways to make the dog narrator fun and loveable.

Manner of Death by Robin Cook

     Mindless fun, poor writing but enjoyable, entirely predictable plot.

Malady of the Mind by Jeffrey A. Lieberman, M.D.

     A comprehensive discussion of schizophrenia, by an expert with impeccable credentials. The main takeaway is that the treatment should begin immediately, almost as an emergency, and not be interrupted if at all possible. Active psychosis exacerbation damages the brain. Currently treatment should include Clozaril if possible. Our nation's committal policies should be completely revised. Treatment should be a team concept with living support.

The Resistance Man by Martin Walker

 (read aloud for book group)

    An earlier episode, quite clever. Sad revelation about relationship with Isabelle. Balzac is a puppy. Fun with food and friends. Usual mix of local police work and EU intrigue. Notes of the Resistance but not developed in full.

The Writing of the Gods: The Race to Decode the Rosetta Stone by Edward Dolnick

     How the Rosetta Stone led to the deciphering of hieroglyphs. Very interesting and well-written, with interesting diversions into alphabets and linguistics. The two towering characters Young and Champollion were so different and intriguing. An amazing puzzle solved by brilliance, persistence, and a little luck.

The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli

(read aloud)

   An amazingly prescient book, which vividly explains Putin through the eyes of a fictitious advisor. Underneath the story looms the Russia of the ages, not western, not fully eastern. The musings about authority, persuasion, and the future of machines and robots and artificial intelligence are sobering. The Ukraine conflict seems entirely caused by the west.