Maintaining posivity while always thinking about the next thing that can kill you. Chris Hadfield exudes humility alongside extreme competence gained from a lifetime of hard work and continuous learning. Read in May 2023.
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.
The Ocean at the End of The Lane
I think all grans have a bit of magic in them. The Ocean at the End of The Lane was a delight from Neil Gaiman. Read in February 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.
Children of Ruin
Childen of Ruin: sci-fi horror from Adrian Tchaikovsky. Read in December 2022.
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.