Sunday, June 21, 2026

Mapmatics by Paulina Rowinska

     A book about maps of all sorts and the math behind them. About projections such as Mercator (a calligrapher, btw). Surveying, topology, politics, voting, epidemiology, neuroanatomy, core of the Earth, every kind of map. Features the London tube as well. Interesting read with excellent explanations.

Perfect Tuba by Sam Quinones

     Lots of interesting tuba facts and personalities but way too much about south Texas high school bands.

When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill Manning

(read aloud)

    The story of ASE (Armed Services Editions), small books sent by the millions to servicemen in WWII. Twists and turns and controversies but overall extremely appreciated. A very successful and valuable program. A very detailed account.

The Laws of Our Fathers by Scott Turow

    A long book about a crime, a group of people who grew up together in turbulent times in the 60's and 70's. Now older and changed. There is a courtroom drama and much soul-searching and secrets and lies and old loves rekindled. Book is well-written but a bit long. 

An Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman

(listened on road trip to Arizona March 2026)

    Good book, interesting, too many characters to keep up with while driving. Narrator excellent, but I missed things due to road noise.

The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson

        Very interesting book. Enjoyed the translation a lot. Introduction was extremely helpful. The action of the gods explains all. All the elements of drama and story are here. All the emotions, all the hopes and dreams. Humanity on display.

Around the World Submerged by Edward L. Beach

     Magellan's voyage redone under water. A great submarine book. Surprisingly exciting for a peacetime account. Excellent author.