'How to Change Your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics' by Michael Pollan

How to Change Your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics, Michael Pollan (3.5)

There were quite a few things I enjoyed about this book, but as with the other Pollan book I have read, I felt it was too long. Specifically, I thought the gist of the book could have been covered in ¾ of the time. I appreciate Mr. Pollan’s research, both theoretical and practical, though I got a little bored with what came across as repetitive sections. The book gives a thoughtful support to the relatively recent renewal of research into psychedelics and their possible effects on depression, addiction and other medical and psychological issues. He covers the history of psychedelics, leading up to their becoming illegal and the social stigmas associated with their use. In addition, he describes in detail his experiences with various psychedelics under very specific regiments. I found the most compelling potential use of these drugs was with terminal cancer patients. Anything that can give mental comfort during that process seems to be worth pursuing.

'Red Sparrow' by Jason Matthews

Red Sparrow, Jason Matthews (3.0)

It’s rare to enjoy a movie more than the book it is based on. In this case, I was split. I enjoyed the details and some of the mysticism of the book, but ultimately I preferred the movie’s ending. Mr. Matthews’ experience in the CIA adds credibility to the details of this spy novel. The main character begins as a ballerina in Russia. After an unfortunate serious of events, she is ‘recruited’ to a spy program by her uncle, who has questionable motivations. We follow her through assignments and politics, which bring her quickly into the sights of a young CIA agent, with whom she develops a relationship. Luckily Dominika is strong and not at all gullible – so she protects herself in most situations. Jennifer Lawrence portrays this well in the movie and the lack of inner monologue keeps the audience confident in her abilities, but not sure of her allegiances, a compelling combination missing from the book.

'The Tao of Pooh' by Benjamin Hoff

The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff (3.0)

I bought and read this book many years ago. After seeing the new movie, ‘Christopher Robin’, my love of all things Pooh was rekindled and I found the book on my shelves. I am really torn about this book – I really love Pooh’s Taoisms, but upon rereading it, I realize the author has some strong (and sometimes frankly offensive) views. When he sticks to the words of the Taos masters and A.A. Milne’s corresponding Pooh-isms, the book is delightful. It makes one want to read the original stories to relish in the simple views and delights of the little bear. Unfortunately about two-thirds of the way through the book, the author inserts some very blatant views on capitalism, exploration and intellectualism. Basically you should not want for anything (knowledge or cleverness as embodied in Owl and Rabbit are scorned). I have read some Tao teachings and, while the gist of this is true, I found Hoff’s treatment to be too blunt and simplistic. This is a very short book – so worth reading if you are a fan of Pooh – just don’t take the author’s heavy-handedness too seriously.

'Not if I See You First' by Eric Lindstrom

Not if I See You First, Eric Lindstrom (3.0)

Do you remember ‘afterschool specials’? Light, frothy young adult fare filled with high school angst? This book would make a good afterschool special. It has all the features: a damaged protagonist, great (and often unappreciated) friends, and most importantly - unrequited love. The protagonist in this case has two tragedies befall her prior to the start of the book – she has lost her sight and her mom in a car crash and more recently her dad died. While that could be very heavy for a YA novel, her ability to handle her blindness is admirable. My favorite thing about this book is the clear sense of how she copes and specifically what she has to do to deal with daily issues. It felt very real. Since it is a YA novel at heart – the plot is relatively predictable and written very much like a screen play – ok for a summer read, but not award winning literature.

'Coroner's Lunch' by Colin Cotteril

Coroner’s Lunch, Colin Cotteril (3.5)

I enjoy a detective story low on gore and high on mystery and humor and this story met that criteria and added a nice dose of culture. While not being very familiar with Laotian history, the mysticism of the Hmong people was known to me due to the relocation of many Hmong into the Midwest after the revolution in Laos in the 70’s. The protagonist of this series (with the unfortunate name of Siri) is Laotian, but part of the story revolves around the Hmong mysticism. Dr. Siri is at the end of his career and has been reluctantly assigned as only coroner in town. While not a practiced coroner, he has the advantage of being visited in his dreams by the recent dead. The clues they give him lead him to understand their deaths and help detect possible murderers. I enjoyed Siri’s tolerance of the Laotian communist system. He is frustrated by the inefficiencies, but appreciates how it could be worst. It’s not common to read unbiased versions of communism and this one is refreshing.