I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong

I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong

In general, microbes are not something I spend much time thinking about. I wash my hands to hopefully keep away germs, take my probiotic pill, and that's about it. I'm not one of those people who carry around a can of Lysol, which apparently can be a good thing. "So, here’s the irony: toilets that are cleaned too often are more likely to be covered in faecal bacteria." I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong made me think about the vast array of microbes in our world - helpful, harmful, and ones that can be both or neither. Yong touches on the evolution of microbes; the history of microbiology; symbiotic relationships among microbes; symbiosis between microbes and higher organisms; dysbiosis (unbalanced microbiomes that harm their hosts); how scientists study and identify microbiomes; research studies aimed at seeding hospitals and buildings with 'good microbes'; and much more. He writes in an entertaining, easy to understand way. He makes microbes fun. My family is probably...
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On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

My Kindle needed re-charged last night, so even though I really wanted to finish my current read - I'm ready to be done with it, I had to pick up something else. I'd been planning on reading On Tyranny soon, so I grabbed it off my shelf and settled in. It's a quick read, more of an essay than a full-fledged book, but full of good nuggets. Snyder opens the book with “History does not repeat, but it does instruct,” and goes on to give us 20 mini-lessons we can learn from history, most notably from the Hitler, but also from Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and Putin’s Russia. The warnings and lessons are well-presented, easy to read and understand and they're important. Some quotes I want to share: "Take responsibility for what you communicate with others. (72)"  "Since in the age of the internet we are all publishers, each of us bears some private responsibility for the public's sense of truth. If we...
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On Our Way to Oyster Bay by Monica Kulling

Good points: Excellent introduction to Mother Jones and her cause. To be honest, I had never heard of her before and found her fascinating. Told from a kid's point of view, allowing children to relate Takes others' problems, like child labor, and reminds us that Americans have dealt with the same issues Very good artwork, detailed and added to the story Includes factual information for parents/adults at the end Gives a call to action encouraging children that they can make a difference in the world Negative points: I can't see this one being any kids favorite. It's good and historical, just not engrossing. May need some explanations, depending. Some kids may not be familiar with the sewing machinery terms, some may not even be familiar with what a strike is. It's disappointing that the kids don't actually get to meet President Roosevelt. Overall: A good one to borrow from the library. A must-buy for an elementary school classroom library.  ...
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Empire of Sin: A Story of Sex, Jazz, Murder, and the Battle for Modern New Orleans by Gary Krist

Empire of Sin focuses on New Orleans, 1890-1920. It's a compelling look at the politics, crime, and culture of the city. The mayhem starts with the killing of Police Chief Hennessy. The acquittal of the killers ignited mob violence that just astounded me. Around the same time, the vice-district Storyville was established. This era saw the birth of jazz, music that made some of the upper class in the city nervous. Jim Crow laws were established in the city, which, until this time, had been relatively tolerant of integration. We see New Orleans during WW 1 and prohibition. A lot happened in those years and the book is filled with names I was familiar with, especially the first generations of jazzmen. I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but books like this make me wonder why not. The people in these pages are as fascinating, absurd, outrageous and inventive as any fictional characters. The things they do, from lynchings to shootouts to somehow keeping...
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A Hot Glue Gun Mess by Mr. Kate

Maybe I'm too old or maybe I'm just not cool enough, but A Hot Glue Gun Mess didn't really inspire me. There are a couple of cute projects that I may try, like the heels with bows or the mercury glass vase, but I really don't need a feather crown or pom-pom cushion. The photos are all well-done and the layout is nice. It's kind of a memoir meets DIY book. The book is full of short stories from Kate's privileged life, each followed by a craft project that may or may not be related. Most of her stories are from her childhood/teen/college years and though some were amusing, eventually I just didn't care. She drops names and shares more than I really want to know. Actually, I quit reading them and just looked at the pretty pictures. I enjoy crafts and there are a few here I'd like to try.  Maybe I'll just photocopy those pages and send this book...
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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Of course, I had heard about The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up before I picked it up. I knew she emphasized only keeping what brings you joy and that sounds simple enough, but there actually is more to the book than that. She gives you an order to de-clutter, starting with your clothes. She also talks about how to store things after you only have what you truly want. I'll grant you, some things are a little odd, like talking to your stuff and thanking you house. I'm going to talk to my things, but it does remind you to appreciate them and to let them go when they're job has been fulfilled, whatever that job may be. I'm not exactly following her method to a T. I did start with my clothes but didn't spread them all out all over the living room. I don't have that kind of time or space. :) I did start with my drawers though, and...
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