'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee and 'Impossible Monsters' by Michael Taylor

 Pachinko, Min Jin Lee (4.0)

The title of this family saga is a little misleading. While the Pachinko parlors of Japan play a part towards the last third of the book, much of it is focused on several generations of a Korean family before, during and after the Japanese occupation and the Korean war in both Korea and Japan. The story gives an impression of how Korean’s were treated by the Japanese, what their choices were (few) and how interwoven the lives of both North and South Koreans were before the separation. The author portrays how hard it was for families who wanted to integrate into Japanese society and how that was essentially impossible. I found the characters interesting, mostly compelling and appreciated this history covered.

 

Impossible Monsters: Dinosaurs, Darwin and the Battle Between Science and Religion, Michael Taylor (4.0)

The first half of this book was very similar to ‘Dinosaurs at the Dinner Table’ – a review of how in the early 1800’s in Britian fossils were being discovered and interpreted. Where this book adds value is in the second half. The author dives into the struggle those finding the fossils were having with their world view up to that time. The evidence in front of them did not gel with their religious beliefs of a 6k year old world. Some found comfort in thinking that time worked in a different way. Some agreed with the idea of evolution – but not for humans (we were made in God’s image, right?). While it is understandable to have that crisis of thought in the 19^th century, this book makes one shocked that there are still a large number of people who reject the obvious science of our past.

'Adulthood Rites & Imago' by Octavia Butler; 'The Secret Book Society' by Madeline Martin

 Adulthood rites and Imago, Octavia Butler (3)

These are second and third books in Butler’s Xenogenesis series. Like the first, they both continue the journey of Lillith’s family as they meld more with the alien race that has come to ‘save’ the earth. There are less mind-blowing concepts in these books, but the thought-provoking question of how far we would go to exist if what we know of as humanity is unalterably changed continues.

 

The Secret Book Society, Madeline Martin (2.5)

I was surprised this book has gotten such good reviews. It’s not bad, but the writing was a bit ‘meh’ for me and the plot seemed to hang too much on stereotypes. While I’m aware women had few rights in the Victorian age, having every woman abused and about to be carted off to the asylum seems like a heavy-handed way to make one’s point. I guess any book about women prevented from reading will always get an audience – particularly in our current age where we are holding on tight to our rights.

'Zorg: A Tale of Greed and Murder that Inspired the Abolition of Slavery' by Siddarth Kara

 Zorg: A Tale of Greed and Murder that Inspired the Abolition of Slavery, Siddarth Kara (4.0)

I found this historical review of the events surrounding the slave ship, Zorg, well researched, clearly written and interesting. While many have heard of the tragedy, Kara looked at how the events likely unfolded and the circumstances that led to the trial and publicity which ultimately led to Britain abolishing slavery. He spent most time on areas that could be researched, didn’t make a lot of assumptions, and clearly stated his reasoning which I appreciated. As with many huge societal changes, this one came about from an indirect source – publicity from an insurance trial. Did the insurance have to pay for the loss of slaves if they were thrown overboard? In today’s society, that sounds absurd, but in 1700’s England it was a business question that ultimately defined ‘property’ and necessary acts.

'Misery' by Stephen King

 Misery, Stephen King (4.0)

While I cannot say reading this book was enjoyable, I can appreciate the value of the writing and storytelling. Mr. King does an amazing job of bringing characters to life amidst page-turning plots. Here a famous author wakes up in a strange home in the Colorado mountains realizing that he’s been in a terrible accident. He was taken in by a woman who turns out to be ‘his biggest fan’. He quickly realizes the strangeness of the situation and how Annie Wilkes may not be the Florence Nightengale she purports to be. A good writer makes the reader think: what would I do in this situation? Then quickly turn the pages to see how that turns out. I made the mistake of reading it just before going to bed one night. Didn’t do that again!

'My Friends' by Fredrik Backman and 'We'll Prescribe You a Cat' by Syou Ishida

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, Syou Ishida (4.0)

I can understand why this book has been translated into many languages – it is delightful. Some of us know that a cat can cure many ills, but now everyone can ‘read’ it in action. Depressed? Overworked? Watch the bond between human and cat work it’s magic. Ishida-san has not veered from true cat behavior in her examples which makes the stories all the more believable.

 

My Friends, Fredrik Backman (5.0)

I’ve enjoyed reading a few of Mr. Backman’s books, but this is my favorite. In it he has perfectly captured the voices of ‘lost’ teens – the angst, ennui and frustration of the time between childhood and adulthood, made tougher for the teens in this book as they all come from troubled homes. The touching story starts with a painting whose backstory is told in flashbacks to understand the artist, his friends and their choices. There is laughter, tears and surprises– all a great book needs. I don’t want to say more as the journey through this book is part of the pleasure. Enjoy.

 Open Socrates, Agnes Callard (3.5)

Not an easy book to read, but the author makes some interesting points about what Socrates and the Socratic method really represent. She uses the dialogues written by various peers and students to describe his motivations and where many people have possibly gotten things wrong. The main point I took away was that the method was not asking questions in order to get the student to the correct answer on their own. It’s to learn and grow together through dialogue and questioning – the key being together. He believed that thinking happens out loud with conversation. And that you need to have the right kind of conversations to learn. I also liked the idea that we often think of questions as solving a problem, but answering a question is a quest not removing a barrier.