The Monster’s Bones: The Discovery of T. rex and How It Shook Our World
David R. Randall
“The T. rex, the king of our prehistoric world, played an outsized role in the making of the modern one…Rather than a mirror into the past, the creature proved to reflect the concerns of the present.”
With the discovery of the first fossilized dinosaur in 1824, it was up to hardy explorers (backed by wealthy patrons) to crawl across deserts, climb mountains, and trek through forests looking for the telltale signs of bones. In 1902, a young man desperate to escape his upbringing and recent tragedies uncovered something in the mountains of Montana: a 66-million year old predator that would change history, science, and culture forever.
This topic makes it almost too easy to make jokes — nothing’s more American than dudes fighting over who’s got the biggest bone, amirite? But it’s wild how much the discovery of dinosaurs, T. rex in particular, impacted the world. Some used it to justify racist and classist beliefs, while others used it as an opportunity to question the origins — and potential future — of life itself. Randall does an excellent job of balancing the minutiae of fossil search/recovery with the larger stories of Barnum Brown and Henry Fairfield Osborn, two men whose divergent backgrounds made them surprisingly similar.
Perfect for dino nerds and history buffs looking to make new connections between science and culture.
Gilead
Marilynne Robinson
“There is more beauty than our eyes can bear, precious things have been put into our hands and to do nothing to honor them is to do great harm.”
The Reverend John Ames did not expect a second chance at happiness, or the joy of becoming a father. Well versed in the precariousness of life, he has decided to write for his son a series of letters detailing his family’s history — from his grandfather’s extremism to his own father’s rebellion. Through these letters Ames explores his own life and does his best to share lessons on family, life, and faith.
This was a tough read for me. The combination of epistolary and stream-of-consciousness style made it hard for me to stay engaged. Add to that the extensive discussions about personal vs. church faith and predestination and you’ve got the perfect recipe for my lack of enthusiasm. I don’t read a lot of what I call “quiet novels” because they often feel too slow and indulgent on the part of the author (“Look how deep my thoughts are!”). Gilead won a Pulitzer in 2005, so I’m chalking this up to a me problem, rather than the novel itself.
A good choice if you like exploring faith and family in a “quiet” way.
Pathogenesis: A History of the World in Eight Plagues
Jonathan Kennedy
DNF
“…it has been estimated that viruses account for 30 percent of all genetic mutations since our species’ divergence from chimpanzees.”
Much ado has been made of prehistoric man’s use of brains and brawn to conquer the world. But in Pathogenesis, author Jonathan Kennedy proposes the unassuming microbe as the ultimate catalyst for humanity’s success. Most people know about the impressive killers of Medieval times, but viruses and bacteria were impacting humanity long before (and now after).
More science, more bonkers connections! Why did homo sapiens survive and Neanderthals die out? How did ancient plagues contribute to the rise of Christianity? This book is well done and interesting, but I think I picked it up at the wrong time. I finished Cat Bohannon’s Eve about two weeks ago, and Kennedy’s book suffers by comparison. I also picked this up in the days preceding and just following a medical procedure, so I’ve got some less-than-great associations with it. I picked this up from my local library, so I may return it and try it again sometime.
This could be a good read for you if you like really old history, reading about diseases, and are interested in seeing how the two intersect.
Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America’s Gutsiest Troublemakers
Nick Offerman
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
After attaining widespread fame as the curmudgeonly Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, actor Nick Offerman has spent the last several years being known for lauding hard work and living to your values. His second book is a peek at 21 historical figures, idealists, and creators who have inspired him and others with their gumption — what Offerman defines in part as “…a willingness, even a hunger, for one’s mettle to be challenged.”
I admit to not starting this book with the highest of hopes — oh look, a book about inspirational American figures where George Washington is first on the list and there’s only three women/people of color. But as Offerman acknowledges, early America was shitty and it made it harder for anyone except white dudes to contribute. Later chapters focus on authors and craftsmen with whom I’m less familiar, and give the reader interesting insights into Offerman’s view of the world. I was surprised, although I shouldn’t have been, to get a strong Stoicism vibe.
Read this if you want to learn about interesting people and are fond of Nick Offerman.
A Most Agreeable Murder
Julia Seales
“I hope all that cake you’ve been eating was worth sacrificing your entire married future and sending us all to our deaths.”
Being a lady isn’t easy for Beatrice Steele. She cannot sew or sing, and her artwork frightens everyone. The only thing she seems to be good at is murder (solving, not committing), but of course that’s hard to come by in Swampshire. Until the night of the Annual Autumnal Ball, when a guest drops dead from poisoning. Now it’s up to Beatrice to unmask the killer — preferably without being deemed a “morbid creep” and disgracing her family so badly she must move to mime-infested France.
There I was, having blithely picked up what I assumed would be a semi-cozy “Regency” murder mystery/romance, when I came across this sentence referencing the family never entering Mary Steele’s bedroom: “…there was always a smell of raw meat emanating from within, and everything inside was covered by an unexplained layer of fur.” Believe it or not, it only gets wackier from there. This book is a fabulous combination of traditional “Regency” novel themes, a well-crafted murder mystery, and absolutely off-the-wall satire that kept me nearly snorting my beverage out my nose.
Give this a try if you like an author who pokes fun at the genre while still clearly respecting it, and you’re looking to have a little fun.
How to Sell a Haunted House
Grady Hendrix
“ ‘Strange noises, bad vibes, your mom and dad recently passed— Your house is haunted and I’m not selling it until you deal with that.’ ”
Single mother Louise has returned to Charleston with trepidation. Not only does she have to deal with a house full of stuff — her father’s academic work and her mother’s extensive puppet collection — she also has to deal with her surly brother Mark. All they need to do is be polite to each other long enough to get the house on the market. Unfortunately the house, or maybe something inside it, isn’t interested in being sold.
It wasn’t until I was looking up details for this review that I realized Grady Hendrix is the author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. Suddenly my mixed feelings made sense, because they were the same for both novels. I enjoyed the themes and general idea; I didn’t love the direction the story took but it was at least interesting; I think there’s a “mushy middle” problem that meant it needed more editing. There were a couple gasp-out-loud moments, one scene I had to skim otherwise I’d have been sick, plus some sassy old Southern ladies.
Add this to your TBR if you liked Hendrix’s other stories, enjoy a spooky read, and don’t have any friends who collect dolls.
How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines
Thomas C. Foster
“We all learn from each other when we read and discuss literature, and our readings change based on those discussions.”
The great, and frustrating, thing about reading is that every book is actually two: the story itself and the literary codes (symbols, patterns, archetypes, etc.) that connect the story to our larger human experience. This book is Thomas Foster’s attempt to educate readers on the “language of reading” that professors use to understand, discuss, and teach literature to their students. Knowing these basics, and the questions to ask yourself and while in discussion with others, can deepen our understanding and appreciation for literature and storytelling.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read literary fiction, mainly because it requires a lot of brain power. I find the surface-level stories weird or boring, and I don’t want to expend the energy required to uncover the deeper levels and hidden meanings — especially when I have no one to discuss them with. I picked up Foster’s book hoping it would light a little fire in me to read better, even if no one would call what I’m reading “literature.” And I think it has! Foster explains the “cheat codes” I as a reader can use to better understand and enjoy what I read. I’m planning to put some of the bigger topics on a note card so I can reference them as I go.
Pick up a copy of this if you’d like to take your reading to the next level.
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line
Deepa Anappara
“ ‘If this is how the new year starts, imagine how it will end,’ someone says. I had even forgotten it was new year.”
Nine-year-old Jai lives in the shadows of the luxury apartments owned by the rich and famous, but it might as well be the dark side of the moon. The basti is bursting at the seams with people, stray dogs, stalls selling tea and sweets, smog, and refuse. When a classmate goes missing Jai believes it’s up to him and his closest friends to uncover the truth, just like the cops on his favorite TV shows. But their lighthearted efforts turn serious as they are forced to contend with indifferent police, terrified parents, and an outraged populace. Jai wants to find his friends and be a hero, but his investigation will force him to confront hard truths about life beyond childhood and the basti.
As part of her journalism career, author Deepa Anappara experienced firsthand the resilience, bravery, and humor of many of India’s poorest people — including children. Her novel made me feel like I was right there in the basti, and my heart ached for Jai as I saw his innocence leached away by the unfairness and harshness of life. I think there may have been a few too many characters, and wouldn’t characterize this as a “fun” read, but it was well done.
Worth a read if you like darker mysteries, atmospheric settings, and are looking for stories based in India.
Lone Women
Victor LaValle
“There are two kinds of people in this world: those who live with shame, and those who die from it.”
It’s 1915, and Adelaide Henry is on her way to Montana with a single bag and a heavy trunk that she always keeps padlocked. There aren’t many opportunities for a woman, especially a woman of color, to make her own way in the world — if she can keep a productive homestead, the government will let her keep the land. But the wide-open prairie makes it hard to keep secrets, and the very thing of which Adelaide is most ashamed may be the key to her survival…or her undoing.
I knew I’d love this book as soon as the author showed the character reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Brontë’s novel is about strong women who are willing to do whatever it takes to gain their independence; change the setting, diversify the characters, add a hefty dose of the supernatural, and you’ve got Lone Women. While the mundane and magical story lines didn’t zip together perfectly, I loved the overall story and its historical tie-ins.
Pick this up if you like magical suspense rooted in history and strong female characters.
The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning
A.J. Jacobs
“Some ideas from the past are worth reviving…the emphasis on the common good, the quest to control one’s rage, the slow thinking, the experimental mindset, the distaste for aristocracy, and the awe at being able to cast a vote.”
America’s Constitution is only four pages long, but arguments about those pages have been ongoing since it was signed in 1787. In his 8th book, author A.J. Jacobs does his best to get into the minds of the Founding Fathers by living as closely as he can to the original meaning of the Constitution. After acquiring a tricorn hat, feather quill and parchment paper, and a 1700s musket, Jacobs realizes this effort may be more difficult than he planned. Does the First Amendment really allow completely free speech? If administrative groups like the EPA and FDA aren’t Constitutional, how can he consume food or water that hasn’t passed through their regulations (and does he want to)? Is the Constitution a sacred and untouchable document, or should it be re-written from scratch?
In case you weren’t aware, American politics can be quite wild — and the more I learn about history, the more I realize it’s always been that way. Only now we have 237 years of geopolitical, cultural, and technological change to contend with. Jacobs’ anecdotes and personal experiences were fun, but what I found most insightful was how he dug into the Originalism vs. Living Constitutionalism debate; it brought context to some of the things I read about in the news. A quick read, but one I’ll be talking and thinking about for a long time.
This could be your next great read if you love Constitutional minutiae explained well, with a solid sense of appreciation, curiosity, and humor.
The Twyford Code
Janice Hallett
“To be who you want to be. Who you should a been. It’s just, I know don’t I (. . .) when you get what you want, you lose what you have.”
The books penned by Edith Twyford in the years around World War II were never considered fine literature; now their patronizing tone and clunky structure have rendered them nearly unreadable. But Steven Smith is determined to uncover the secrets encoded in their pages — secrets that he knows led to the disappearance of his English teacher on an (unauthorized) field trip. His memories of that day are fuzzy, so he must reconnect with his former classmates. While Steven is armed with an old phone he uses to record his interviews and investigations, there are others who are just as interested in cracking the code — and are willing to kill to do it.
I finished this book a few days ago and am still thinking about it, generally a good sign even though I wouldn’t consider it a favorite. And of course I can’t talk about why I didn’t love it because spoilers. I’ll just stick to saying that although the story was interesting, it struck me as illogical without making a good enough case as to why I should go with and be satisfied by it. I enjoyed The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels much more — similar vibe, better storytelling.
Give this a try if you like the mixed media style, acrostics, and cerebral mysteries.
Photo by Nikolett Emmert on Unsplash
