Travels with Charley

John Steinbeck’s description of the protests over school integration in New Orleans in 1960 were chilling – “The little girl did not look at the howling crowd but from the side the whites of her eyes showed like those of a frightened fawn.” Read in April 2023.

What do You Care what Other People Think?

Part 2 of Richard Feynman’s bio. Excellent description of the Presidential Commission investigation into the Challenger explosion. Also a very moving account of his wife’s death when he worked at Los Alamos. Read in February 2023.

False Value

Magic and policing in London from Ben Aaronovitch. Was in the City of London with work when I read this in January 2023.

The Power of Geography

Just finished The Power of Geography from Tim Marshall. Great read – interesting insights on the Sahel and Horn of Africa. Recommend. Read in November 2022.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Borrowed a well thumbed copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to read for the first time. Very enjoyable – interesting to see the differences to the movie depiction. Read in September 2022.

East of Eden

Good & Evil. Forgiveness and Redemption. John Steinbeck wasn’t afraid to tackle timeless themes. East of Eden is an incredible book. Read in August 2022.

Monkey

Monkey magic, dragons, deities, and a long journey into the west. 16th century literature from China. Read in July 2022.

The Trial

The Trial. Paranoia, confusion, inability to control one’s own fate. Published almost a century ago but still resonates today. Incredible Kafka. Read in June 2022.