Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara [Bookshop.org/Audible]
Loved this book. Started reading in visual mode, then switched to Audible to get it done. Too much commute time, not enough sitting on the couch reading time.
I love this philosophy of being over the top in serving customers. I’m looking forward to figuring out how to integrate that into my work.
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global by Laura Spinney (Audible)
This came up on Audible as I was listening to The History of the Bible, and given my recent fascination with that history and the languages included along with my recent foray into learning Toki Pona (a book log post to come), I gave this a whirl. And I don’t regret it.
This chronicles what we’ve figured out about the evolution of the proto-Indo-European languages based on the sciences of linguistics, genetcis and anthropology. Laura Spinney does a wonderful job of laying out the interplay between the disciplines and stitching together the stories they tell.
Like The History of the Bible, I should have read the text version, so I’m going to want to go back and re-read some sections visually. ‘Cause I missed bits.
Non-fiction audio just doesn’t play nice with my brain so much.
A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths by John Barton [Kindle/Audible]
I “read” most of this book listening to Audible, though I wish I had had the opportunity to read it on the Kindle. I don’t absorb as much audibly.
But this is a fascinating book… very clear presentation of the state of the known history of the composition of the bible(s). I may go back and read a few chapters again, to catch some bits I missed.
I have been on a kick to learn about this history for a while, after I started seeing the Data over Dogma guy on Tiktok and then on podcast. They clever ways they can tease out the history through forensic and linguistic analysis is very cool.
Life Hacks for a Little Alien – by Alice Franklin (Nowhere Books – Fantastic Stranglings Book of the Month)
A delightful coming of age story of sorts about a girl who sees herself as an alien. Uses an innovative pseudo-second person POV. Also, I learned a bit about the Voynich Manuscript.
Very engaging and well-written first novel by Alice Franklin.
Boo by Neil Smith [paperback, gift]
This was recommended by my youngest kid, and it did not disappoint. Our protagonist is dead at the beginning of the book, and ends up in a heaven-of-sorts for 13 year olds. Kids who end up there stay in that level of heaven for 50 years, and then disappear, presumably to wherever the next stage of the afterlife is.
There is tremendous worldbuilding and unveiling of the story behind the protagonist’s death in a school shooting. The book tackles some serious topics with a somewhat whimsical tone while managing not to be disrespectful.
Heartily recommend.
Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England’s Kings and Queens by David Mitchell [Hardback, borrowed from Curt H.]
I know little of English history, but this book by British Comedian David Mitchel (Peep Show), tells a hilarious tale of the monarchy’s eccentricities. Super enjoyable, makes a topic I was lukewarm about at best and draws me in hook, line and sinker.
I read it on and off for several months, only because of time. It’s an amazing read, each page packed full of witty description, making the line of royalty and their exploits very entertaining. Highly recommend.
Casket Case by Lauren Evans [paperback, Little Shop of Stories]
Rom-Com that I picked up at Little Shop of Stories as a Blind Date with a Book (book wrapped in paper to hide what it was). The only info was the excerpted line: “‘Thank you for calling Death,’ a perky voice announces through the car speakers.”
A fine quick read. It had hints of Christopher Moore, but perhaps more grounded. A woman who works in a small town funeral home meets a man who works as sort of a death concierge.
The Bee Sting <i>by Paul Murray</i> – Hardback, Little Shop of Stories (via Bookshop.org)
This is a masterpiece. The variety of styles incorporated to capture the various narrator’s voices are pitch perfect. It’s a winding, intriguing tale jumping back and forth in time and between narrators. Heartily recommend.
This is a tale of a prosperous family in a downward spiral in a small town, told from the point of view of each family member, each chapter peeling the onion a little bit more.
If I’m completely honest I did not enjoy the last couple pages. But in this case the journey was worth the destination.
I’ve once again fallen behind in my documenting of my book reading. And as a result, I have repurchased books I’ve already read. Darn my memory.
For this catchup, if I’ve read enough to have liked or loved the book, I’m adding links to the bookshop.org site where you can get them. Bookshop.org allows you to purchase books online on behalf of your favorite local bookshop (mine is Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia).
Completed:
Actively In Progress:
Stalled In Progress:
On Deck
Abandoned
Read for my company’s book club.
Fun time travel convention with somewhat engaging short stories in Japanese culture. 6/10, probably won’t read the sequels.