New Science Nonfiction Review: Blight

Summary: A fascinating book that is both informative and full of great stories.

Although humans have most recently experienced a viral pandemic, many of the diseases threatening our world right now are caused by fungi. Some of these fungal diseases have caused enough devastation that you’ve probably heard of them in the news. Victims of these pathogens include: North American bats and elm trees; white pine and bananas; and both salamanders and frogs in South America and Asia. Fungal diseases are also directly relevant to people, causing deadly illnesses in those who are immune compromised or post-antibiotic treatment.

Science Nonfiction Review: Meteorite

Summary: An interesting read, but overly dense with specialist terminology.

I read this book on the history of the universe through meteorites with my science nonfiction book club. I thought the organization of the book was quite good, moving generally forward in time from the beginning of the universe. It simultaneously moved through the history of our understanding of meteorites. The author also did a good job of shaping the information he shared into a narrative. I wouldn’t have guessed that was possible in a book that’s essentially about rocks!

Cozy Fantasy Review: Legends and Lattes

Summary: Too cozy for words! Just jump on the band wagon and read this gem of a novel.

I was intrigued by the description of Legends and Lattes as cozy fantasy, but finally picked it up because a friend insisted I borrow his copy. This delightful story of “high fantasy with low stakes” follows retiring bounty hunter, Viv. “The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.” (source)

Travelogue and History Review: The Border

I feel like I should have more substantive things to say about this than I do. However, my main takeaway from this book was how much I don’t know about the countries that border Russia! This book was compellingly readable, but also quite information dense. In terms of my enjoyment and how easily this read, it didn’t feel like a 600 page book. In terms of how much there was to learn, it felt even longer. Despite the incredible amount of info packed into this book, it was a lively travelogue that integrated history effortlessly.

An Interview How-To in Review: The Essential Questions

Summary: Following the advice in this book has led to some great conversations and helped me get to know my grandfather better.

This slim volume includes two introductory chapters on how to conduct interviews with older family members. The remainder of the book is composed of 13 chapters that begin with a page or two of suggested questions on a particular topic (childhood homes, rituals of growing up, etc). These chapters also give examples of answers to these questions from the author’s experience as a sociologist and from her students’ interviews with their elders. Then each chapter wraps up with a few pages for taking notes on the answers you get to these questions. Finally, there’s one last chapter on the importance of doing these interviews.

Russia Buddy Read in Review: Killer in the Kremlin

Summary: This was an approachable read, but the tone and lack of citations make me question its credibility.

This biography of Putin focuses on the violence he used to claim and maintain power. Author and BBC journalist John Sweeny includes his personal experiences reporting on Russia and with the ongoing war in Ukraine.