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1LMHTWB
After some thought, I have decided to leave my goal as 50. I probably could do 60 or even 75, especially if I read short or easy books, but I have another challenge and I do want to read more taxing books this year. So, 50 is the goal.
Here's the what I would like to read:
15 review books -- 9 to go
10 nonfiction books -- 3 to go
10 fiction books - over by 2
15 cat books -- 13 to go
Here's the what I would like to read:
15 review books -- 9 to go
10 nonfiction books -- 3 to go
10 fiction books - over by 2
15 cat books -- 13 to go
4brochettes
Thank you , and best of luck with your goals as well! And a happy 2013 of course!
5LMHTWB
1.) The Hindu-Arabic Numerals by David Eugene Smith
Everything you always wanted to know about where the numbers we used came from. It is a very scholarly book with lots of footnotes, many in Latin, French, and German. Unfortunately, the origins are obscure, but Smith does do a splendid job linking what is know together to show the probably origins. The other unfortunate thing about this book is it was published originally in 1911, which makes me really wonder about any developments since then.
Everything you always wanted to know about where the numbers we used came from. It is a very scholarly book with lots of footnotes, many in Latin, French, and German. Unfortunately, the origins are obscure, but Smith does do a splendid job linking what is know together to show the probably origins. The other unfortunate thing about this book is it was published originally in 1911, which makes me really wonder about any developments since then.
7LMHTWB
>6 rocketjk: Thanks!
9LMHTWB
I'm in Yucca Valley, just north of Palm Springs. Too bad you're not closer -- I can't resist used bookstores! So are you doing a 50 book challenge?
10rocketjk
Yes, I'll be doing a 50-book challenge, as I've done for the last 5 years or so! I love seeing the yearly list grow one book at a time. However, I'm starting this year with a continuation of a recently begun annual tradition, re-reading one of Joseph Conrad's major novels. This year the novel is the lengthy Nostromo, so it will be probably another week before I have a book finished to start a challenge thread with.
If you ever get up north, do come see the store!
If you ever get up north, do come see the store!
11LMHTWB
2.) Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander
This is a children's book to help children in grades 2-5 see the connections between various polygons and a circle. The properties of each polygon are used in the story. Adults will enjoy the plethora of puns. As a high school math teacher, I do use this book to both reinforce the properties and to show students a good example of a math book for children (and then I assign them the project to make their own story book on a math topic). My only complaint is the colors in the illustrations is a bit too wild -- tone down some of the contrasts would help the appearance.
3.) Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander
This children's book focuses on pi (3.14159...) and it's relationship with circles. I was rather disappointed in it because I so liked the previous book in the series. The book lacked a lot of the puns, the illustrations were less jarring to the point of bland on pages, and while the relationship of diameter to circumference and hence pi is stressed, it really is the only math concept given relating to pi. What about areas of circles?
This is a children's book to help children in grades 2-5 see the connections between various polygons and a circle. The properties of each polygon are used in the story. Adults will enjoy the plethora of puns. As a high school math teacher, I do use this book to both reinforce the properties and to show students a good example of a math book for children (and then I assign them the project to make their own story book on a math topic). My only complaint is the colors in the illustrations is a bit too wild -- tone down some of the contrasts would help the appearance.
3.) Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander
This children's book focuses on pi (3.14159...) and it's relationship with circles. I was rather disappointed in it because I so liked the previous book in the series. The book lacked a lot of the puns, the illustrations were less jarring to the point of bland on pages, and while the relationship of diameter to circumference and hence pi is stressed, it really is the only math concept given relating to pi. What about areas of circles?
12LMHTWB
4.) The Square Root of Murder by Ada Madison
A nice little cozy mystery where the amateur murder investigator is a college math professor. I must confess, I was very disappointed in that the math played a very minor to non-existent role in the story. (I know, 99% of the population would not understand any of the math if it was there, but I was hoping...) Other than this 'problem', the story was well written with very real characters and a surprising ending. Overall, a nice relaxing read and I'll move on to #2 in the series.
A nice little cozy mystery where the amateur murder investigator is a college math professor. I must confess, I was very disappointed in that the math played a very minor to non-existent role in the story. (I know, 99% of the population would not understand any of the math if it was there, but I was hoping...) Other than this 'problem', the story was well written with very real characters and a surprising ending. Overall, a nice relaxing read and I'll move on to #2 in the series.
13LMHTWB
Me bad... I've not been keeping up with what I have read...
5.) The Probability of Murder by Ada Madison
6.) A Function of Murder by Ada Madison
Two cozy mysteries -- both okay but nothing spectacular. The characters were more fleshed out, but once again, the math was none existent.
7.) The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
Wow! This is the second in her MaddAddam trilogy. while it started off a bit slower than Oryx and Crake, it ended superbly! Many of the characters are new but they are interwoven with the events and characters of the previous book. I usually find second books in trilogies to be lacking, but this was not.
8.) Love Saves the Day by Gwen Cooper
A wonderful cat story told from the perspective of the cat. Gwen Cooper has the cat's tone and character perfect -- it's a real cat that can write and talk. A great Early Review win!
9.) The Anti-Breast Cancer Cookbook by Julia Greer
A pretty good cookbook with good recipes using normal ingredients. The recipes are fine as written -- maybe a few tweaks here and there, but definitely eatable! The recipes include many vegetarian and vegan ones -- all clearly labelled. The first part of the book discusses, rationally, the role of diet in breast cancer prevention. While the author obviously believes there is a link, she does not preach. Very refreshing! A good Early Review book!
10.) Polygons Galore! by Dana Johnson
This is a elementary school unit on polygons and some polyhedra (2- and 3-dimensional shapes in math). It includes pre- and post-test plus numerous exercises. It's well thought through and mathematically sound. While I can't use it directly with my high school geometry classes, some of the ideas are good enough to spend time rewriting them for older students. The book could also be used in middle and high school special education math classes or where remediation is required. Another good Early Review book!
5.) The Probability of Murder by Ada Madison
6.) A Function of Murder by Ada Madison
Two cozy mysteries -- both okay but nothing spectacular. The characters were more fleshed out, but once again, the math was none existent.
7.) The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
Wow! This is the second in her MaddAddam trilogy. while it started off a bit slower than Oryx and Crake, it ended superbly! Many of the characters are new but they are interwoven with the events and characters of the previous book. I usually find second books in trilogies to be lacking, but this was not.
8.) Love Saves the Day by Gwen Cooper
A wonderful cat story told from the perspective of the cat. Gwen Cooper has the cat's tone and character perfect -- it's a real cat that can write and talk. A great Early Review win!
9.) The Anti-Breast Cancer Cookbook by Julia Greer
A pretty good cookbook with good recipes using normal ingredients. The recipes are fine as written -- maybe a few tweaks here and there, but definitely eatable! The recipes include many vegetarian and vegan ones -- all clearly labelled. The first part of the book discusses, rationally, the role of diet in breast cancer prevention. While the author obviously believes there is a link, she does not preach. Very refreshing! A good Early Review book!
10.) Polygons Galore! by Dana Johnson
This is a elementary school unit on polygons and some polyhedra (2- and 3-dimensional shapes in math). It includes pre- and post-test plus numerous exercises. It's well thought through and mathematically sound. While I can't use it directly with my high school geometry classes, some of the ideas are good enough to spend time rewriting them for older students. The book could also be used in middle and high school special education math classes or where remediation is required. Another good Early Review book!
14LMHTWB
11.) Zone One by Colson Whitehead
Extremely disappointed to the point that I quit reading the book. This is only the second time in 2 years I have quit on a book. This was supposedly a zombie book for intelligent readers, except it was barely about zombies (other than they want to eat you) and the writing was pretentious. If that wasn't bad enough, the characters were flat and I never could find the plot.
Bad, very bad...
Extremely disappointed to the point that I quit reading the book. This is only the second time in 2 years I have quit on a book. This was supposedly a zombie book for intelligent readers, except it was barely about zombies (other than they want to eat you) and the writing was pretentious. If that wasn't bad enough, the characters were flat and I never could find the plot.
Bad, very bad...
15LMHTWB
12.) Spindown by George Wright Padgett
Had this book not been an ER book, I would have quit after chapter 4 or 5. The prologue was terrific and then it was downhill after that. The characters were flat, the plot was boring, and the message/meaning was trivial and blatant.
Two bad books in a row....groan
Had this book not been an ER book, I would have quit after chapter 4 or 5. The prologue was terrific and then it was downhill after that. The characters were flat, the plot was boring, and the message/meaning was trivial and blatant.
Two bad books in a row....groan
16LMHTWB
13.) Step on a Crack by James Patterson
Entertaining and very moving in spots. The main story is a kidnapping of a number of high-profile people during a state funeral and a detective's struggle to figure out who was doing this and why. A subplot was the detective's struggle with emotions concerning his terminally ill wife. This was the unabridged audio CD version.
14.) The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life by Steve Leveen
An excellent book that I really hate! This book encourages the reader to create a plan for his/her reading so that the time is productive. The author gives many simple suggestions -- everything from creating the "to read" list to listening to audio books, as well as writing in books. I get the impression he wouldn't be a fan of my cozy cat mysteries... And he has a point. And this point hits me where it hurts -- I need to be reading better books -- I know it and I'm going to try. I read the print version and listened to the CD version also -- interesting to do both at once.
Entertaining and very moving in spots. The main story is a kidnapping of a number of high-profile people during a state funeral and a detective's struggle to figure out who was doing this and why. A subplot was the detective's struggle with emotions concerning his terminally ill wife. This was the unabridged audio CD version.
14.) The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life by Steve Leveen
An excellent book that I really hate! This book encourages the reader to create a plan for his/her reading so that the time is productive. The author gives many simple suggestions -- everything from creating the "to read" list to listening to audio books, as well as writing in books. I get the impression he wouldn't be a fan of my cozy cat mysteries... And he has a point. And this point hits me where it hurts -- I need to be reading better books -- I know it and I'm going to try. I read the print version and listened to the CD version also -- interesting to do both at once.
17LMHTWB
15.) A Certain Ambiguity by Gaurav Suri
This book reads like two math geeks got together and tried to write a book. As an explanation of infinity, certainty, and proofs, it is great -- the explanations are clear and easy to follow even for non-mathematically inclined people. As a novel,.... it doesn't work well. The characters are flat, the plot is contrived, and the dialog is predictable.
I'm still waiting for the great American math novel!
This book reads like two math geeks got together and tried to write a book. As an explanation of infinity, certainty, and proofs, it is great -- the explanations are clear and easy to follow even for non-mathematically inclined people. As a novel,.... it doesn't work well. The characters are flat, the plot is contrived, and the dialog is predictable.
I'm still waiting for the great American math novel!
18LMHTWB
16.) A Sophisticate's Primer of Relativity by P. W. Bridgeman
I was VERY disappointed in this book. I should have realized it was from the 1960's by a physicist who still questioned much of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity. His writing style was strange (perhaps because the book was edited after he died), some of his arguments were unsupported, and at times he waxed way to philosophical for my tastes.
17.) Longitude by Dava Sobel
Interesting book on how the measurement of longitude was finally solved. Overall, it was good. There were two things that drove me nuts. First and foremost, Sobel never included any photos of the clocks he was talking about, except on the cover. (I had seen them, but it's been 20 years!) Second, he could have explained a bit more in detail about the mathematics involved, even if he put it in an appendix.
I was VERY disappointed in this book. I should have realized it was from the 1960's by a physicist who still questioned much of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity. His writing style was strange (perhaps because the book was edited after he died), some of his arguments were unsupported, and at times he waxed way to philosophical for my tastes.
17.) Longitude by Dava Sobel
Interesting book on how the measurement of longitude was finally solved. Overall, it was good. There were two things that drove me nuts. First and foremost, Sobel never included any photos of the clocks he was talking about, except on the cover. (I had seen them, but it's been 20 years!) Second, he could have explained a bit more in detail about the mathematics involved, even if he put it in an appendix.
19LMHTWB
I'm having lots of problems getting things read right now because, well, my life is a mess. I can't seem to concentrate, I don't seem to have the desire to read anything, and I have a million things to do but no energy to do any of them. Hopefully, when a few things get resolved, I'll get back to enjoying life and reading, but until then, I'll plod on. I started this challenge feeling very confident about reaching at least 50 and adding to another challenge, but now I hope I can make my 50 this year!
18.) Take, Burn, or Destroy by S. Thomas Russell
This was an ER book and the third in his Napoleonic era naval novels. And like the previous two, it's different from many other Age of Sail series because, while there is some on-ship descriptions and a few action scenes, a lot of the book is not about either. In this book, the author spends probably 1/3 of it focused on the captain's fiance back in England. While I enjoyed the previous books because they were a nice mixture of on-board and on-land interactions, I enjoyed this one less because even I felt he spent far too much time away from the ship. I get the feeling he wrote this one only to set up the next book, which then left this one a bit lacking.
18.) Take, Burn, or Destroy by S. Thomas Russell
This was an ER book and the third in his Napoleonic era naval novels. And like the previous two, it's different from many other Age of Sail series because, while there is some on-ship descriptions and a few action scenes, a lot of the book is not about either. In this book, the author spends probably 1/3 of it focused on the captain's fiance back in England. While I enjoyed the previous books because they were a nice mixture of on-board and on-land interactions, I enjoyed this one less because even I felt he spent far too much time away from the ship. I get the feeling he wrote this one only to set up the next book, which then left this one a bit lacking.
20eclecticdodo
sorry to hear things are difficult. I hope you get your life sorted out. Don't get in a knot about the 50 books target. The important thing is to enjoy what you're reading.
21LMHTWB
19.) The Artist and the Mathematician by Amir D. Aczel
I was really looking forward to reading this book -- I'd read other books by Aczel and enjoyed them, I wanted to know more about the fictional mathematician Nicolas Bourbaki, and the title intrigued me. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in this book for many reasons. The two main reasons are (1) there are sections that seem totally unedited and (2) I still have no clear idea what Bourbaki did for the math world. I hate it when a book leaves me frustrated!!!
I was really looking forward to reading this book -- I'd read other books by Aczel and enjoyed them, I wanted to know more about the fictional mathematician Nicolas Bourbaki, and the title intrigued me. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in this book for many reasons. The two main reasons are (1) there are sections that seem totally unedited and (2) I still have no clear idea what Bourbaki did for the math world. I hate it when a book leaves me frustrated!!!
22LMHTWB
20.) The Judas Strain by James Rollins
I had read some Rollins books years ago and remember them as entertaining -- nothing difficult, nothing gruesome, just kind escapist. Yah. I started this one, got about 200 pages into it, and quit. There were some pretty horrific descriptions which were upsetting. The characters were not likable nor believable. And the whole plot was so far divorced from reality that it was laughable. No, I want entertainment and this was not entertaining to me!
I had read some Rollins books years ago and remember them as entertaining -- nothing difficult, nothing gruesome, just kind escapist. Yah. I started this one, got about 200 pages into it, and quit. There were some pretty horrific descriptions which were upsetting. The characters were not likable nor believable. And the whole plot was so far divorced from reality that it was laughable. No, I want entertainment and this was not entertaining to me!
23LMHTWB
21.) Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs
Kathy Reichs is back to writing her Temperance Brennan like she used -- characters are interesting and focused but with enough 'other' material to make them real, the plot moves along, the technical material is explained when needed without lecturing, and most importantly, Birdie, the cat, is in the story! I still miss Det. Ryan, Tempe's ex-boyfriend, but the new characters were a great addition and filled the void in the story if not her love life.
Kathy Reichs is back to writing her Temperance Brennan like she used -- characters are interesting and focused but with enough 'other' material to make them real, the plot moves along, the technical material is explained when needed without lecturing, and most importantly, Birdie, the cat, is in the story! I still miss Det. Ryan, Tempe's ex-boyfriend, but the new characters were a great addition and filled the void in the story if not her love life.
24LMHTWB
22.) Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Wonderful science fiction book! Well written, but the story -- WOW!
Wonderful science fiction book! Well written, but the story -- WOW!
25LMHTWB
23.) The Code Book by Simon Singh
Well written book on the history of cryptography and cryptanalysis. Singh begins with the simple codes and ciphers and continues through history to the present day internet security. One chapter detours into deciphering lost languages, such as linear B and, of course, Egyptian hieroglyphs. The last chapter deals with quantum computing and quantum cryptography. Throughout the book, the writing is clear and well presented. Some technical topics are placed in appendices so the non-math person can easily read the text. When the book was originally published, there was a prize given for the first decryption of 10 different codes. Unfortunately, the prize has already been awarded, but the fun of cracking a code remains.
My only complaint is I felt the book lacked depth. I'm not sure how to explain it and I'm not sure it is a fair assessment, but the book left me wanting to know more especially about the pre-WWI codes.
Well written book on the history of cryptography and cryptanalysis. Singh begins with the simple codes and ciphers and continues through history to the present day internet security. One chapter detours into deciphering lost languages, such as linear B and, of course, Egyptian hieroglyphs. The last chapter deals with quantum computing and quantum cryptography. Throughout the book, the writing is clear and well presented. Some technical topics are placed in appendices so the non-math person can easily read the text. When the book was originally published, there was a prize given for the first decryption of 10 different codes. Unfortunately, the prize has already been awarded, but the fun of cracking a code remains.
My only complaint is I felt the book lacked depth. I'm not sure how to explain it and I'm not sure it is a fair assessment, but the book left me wanting to know more especially about the pre-WWI codes.
26LMHTWB
24.) Nelson: The Sword of Albion by John Sugden
Simply outstanding! This second part of Lord Nelson's biography cover his life from 1797 to 1805. The writing is flawless. Sugden presents both Nelson's personal and professional life with clarity. The research is well presented and documented without becoming a liability to the flow of the book. And in fact, his meticulous research is to be applauded. He relied on what he could find in public records, and not in semi-fictional biographies of Lord Nelson.
Highly recommended!!!
Simply outstanding! This second part of Lord Nelson's biography cover his life from 1797 to 1805. The writing is flawless. Sugden presents both Nelson's personal and professional life with clarity. The research is well presented and documented without becoming a liability to the flow of the book. And in fact, his meticulous research is to be applauded. He relied on what he could find in public records, and not in semi-fictional biographies of Lord Nelson.
Highly recommended!!!
27LMHTWB
25.) The Cat, The Mill and The Murder by Leann Sweeney
A nice cat cozy mystery! In this installment Jillian must solve two murders -- one decades old and one only hours old. While the story was good (plot moved nicely, ending interesting, some character development), her real cats were sadly absent for the most part and replaced by a ghost. Not sure what I think about that!
26.) Out of Circulation by Miranda James
Another cat cozy mystery -- perhaps a bit flat overall. The whole plot was interesting and the ending a bit of a surprise, but the characters didn't develop much, except for the housekeeper. And Diesel, the cat, was there to be petted and that was about it.
I read these 'cat' cozy mysteries in part because I like cats. I like descriptions of cats. I like cats doing things. I like cats interacting with people. These two cozies have cat in them, but they also have cars in them -- and both are about equally as important to the story! Come on writers -- if you are going to have a cat mystery, then, well, the cat should do something other than be petted!
Rant of a crazy cat lady
A nice cat cozy mystery! In this installment Jillian must solve two murders -- one decades old and one only hours old. While the story was good (plot moved nicely, ending interesting, some character development), her real cats were sadly absent for the most part and replaced by a ghost. Not sure what I think about that!
26.) Out of Circulation by Miranda James
Another cat cozy mystery -- perhaps a bit flat overall. The whole plot was interesting and the ending a bit of a surprise, but the characters didn't develop much, except for the housekeeper. And Diesel, the cat, was there to be petted and that was about it.
I read these 'cat' cozy mysteries in part because I like cats. I like descriptions of cats. I like cats doing things. I like cats interacting with people. These two cozies have cat in them, but they also have cars in them -- and both are about equally as important to the story! Come on writers -- if you are going to have a cat mystery, then, well, the cat should do something other than be petted!
Rant of a crazy cat lady
28LMHTWB
27.) Battle of Wits by Stephen Budiansky
Great book on the Allies codebreaking efforts before and during World War 2. The author explains in a fair amount of detail how the codes were cracked along with the rivalries between various groups and countries. The writing itself was, well, a bit different too. Rather than follow a strict chronological order, the book begins in the early stages of WWII and then continues with several chapter-length digressions. In fact, the author digresses numerous places in the book, but it works. Perhaps the only part missing in this book is an appendix or two with some of the actual messages -- both in code and translated with detailed step-by-step how it was broken.
Great book on the Allies codebreaking efforts before and during World War 2. The author explains in a fair amount of detail how the codes were cracked along with the rivalries between various groups and countries. The writing itself was, well, a bit different too. Rather than follow a strict chronological order, the book begins in the early stages of WWII and then continues with several chapter-length digressions. In fact, the author digresses numerous places in the book, but it works. Perhaps the only part missing in this book is an appendix or two with some of the actual messages -- both in code and translated with detailed step-by-step how it was broken.
