A Brief Summary: Abbreviated book reviews for summer reading recommendations.
- “What Did Dinosaurs Think About?” by Jean Le Loeuff: this book was initially on the 14 day loan display, but I renewed it 3 times because I liked it that much that I kept re-reading portions of the book! Please note that the author of this opus is a world renowned paleontologist and museum director, which is to say that this is not written by a dimwitted Guardian columnist “science communicator” – and while this book is written at an accessible reading level, it does presuppose the reader has some basic knowledge regarding dinosaurs and their unique biology. One of the better takeaways that I got from this book was that the encephelation quotient of the triceratops was commensurate to that of a dolphin, making triceratops the smartest (best) dinosaur. Educational & Entertaining, 5/5 Stars
- “Magic in Islam” by Michael M. Knight: I have apparently been tricked into reading a book on Islam by a white American, Allahumma irhamni. Oh look a degree from Harvard, that's not suspicious at all! Now if I'm done with the ad hominem, we can go back to reviewing books. The most salient points in this book are made towards the beginning by examining the cultural frameworks going back to Alexander The Great's employ of Babylonian magos (priests) for celestial navigation, and the heuristics of applying the label of “magic” to any system not properly understood. The book goes on to explain the linear cultural history of Islam, the tautology of it's theology, and accounting for cultural exchanges. This book is okay beginners material for new converts to Islam, but contains very little information about actual sorcery; useful source material for disproving stupid Wicca & Thelema. 2/5 Stars
- “The Vanishing Church” by Ryan Burge: I often recommend the book “Bowling Alone” to people, because it was written about 20yrs prior to everything it predicted coming to fruition. Mr. Burge's book is written in a similar vein, examining the weaponization of Christendom by the political class, trends in declining membership attendance, statistical extrapolations and potential solutions to the problems. Refreshingly objective and absent of superstition. Useful for intel re: church planting . 4/5 Stars
- “Letters To The Human Race...From The Cat” by Vicky Hall: there needed to be a fun book on this list. The author, Ms. Halls, is a veterinary nurse and feline specialist belonging to the Association of Pet Behavior Counsellors, and has published a surfeit of books on caring for cats. However, this book is not a thick tome of interpreting the nuances of kittens – it's a series of missives written 'in-character' from the perspective of cats, and their waxing philosophies thereof. It's also got cute cartoons in there! I read fun stuff too. It's cheery and whimsical. 5/5 Stars