As I get ready to turn in for the evening, reflecting on September 11, 2001, that's where my mind and heart is. How did this change us? Has it changed us so much that we've forgotten where we came from? How we got here? Where we were trying to go?
This is a very long, rambly post in which I discuss the recent NYT op-ed from an anonymous White House official. Spoiler: I don't like it.
(5/5 stars) This is an exploration of shame as a punishment, as a fundamental human impulse, as a force for good and bad. Ronson goes into a little bit of the history of how shame has been used in the past, but focuses especially on how shame functions in our internet-based society today. To wit, he explores several contemporary case studies in shaming. This book functions in some ways as a collection of essays rather than a structured exploration of ideas. As such, there are points where he pursues aspects of shame that seem to be a digression from the core theme, for example the parts about Radical Truth and humiliation paraphilia. Those parts don't make the book less interesting, but readers should be warned: you probably won't come away with any strong conclusions about what can be done about internet lynch mobs. In sum, this book is funny and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it.
Rumor's of Facebook's death are greatly exaggerated... but in some ways I hope they aren't.
What do people actually mean when they talk about free will or volition? I don't have any answers to that question, but I think about it from time to time and I thought this time I would jot down some of my thoughts.
I'm way behind on my book reviews again, so here's catching up. Also, a special announcement regarding future reviews on this site.
Appetizers - Pineapple-Ginger-Jalapeño Margaritas - Avocado Shrimp Salsa - Tostones - Magic Green Sauce Mains - Carne Asada - Mexican Grilled Corn Desserts - Mexican Chocolate Ice-Cream - Dulce de Leche Ice-cream - Churro bowls
(5/5 stars) I'm not sure where I heard of Akata Witch; it was probably one of my podcasts. I was just excited to read a fantasy novel based on a magic system from a non-European mythology. I did not know it was a YA novel, though, and I was very delightfully surprised by what I found. The story structure and plot aren't exceptionally different from other stories of this sort: a young outsider learns that she has a destiny and finds camaraderie in a community of other outcasts. But the characters are fun and interesting. The culture is lush and fascinating. And the magic system is scary and fascinating. Overall, I really enjoyed this book quite a lot.
(2/5 stars) Strange, inconsistent characterization in the main character combined with an extremely predictable plot made this a distinctly un-entertaining read for me. You can pretty much guess everything about this book from the summary on Amazon: A decade in the future, humanity thrives in the absence of sickness and disease. We owe our good health to a humble parasite -- a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the Intestinal Bodyguard worm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system -- even secretes designer drugs. It's been successful beyond the scientists' wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them. But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives . . . and will do anything to get them. If you want a book about parasites taking people over, I would recommend The Girl with All the Gifts instead. And in my parasite hobbyist's opinion, I think the chosen parasite in The Girl with All the Gifts makes more sense than a genetically modified tapeworm.