Reading Journal
 | The Smartest Money Book You'll Ever Read by Daniel R. Solin Finished on Oct 6, 2024 Non-Fiction. Copyright 2012, 289 pages. A clear and simple guide to personal finances. The format is rigid and consistent, which makes it a good reference book despite the ubiquitous advertisements for Mint. 3/5 stars. |
 | Why Nations Fail: The Origins Of Power, Prosperity and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson Finished on Sep 29, 2024 Non-Fiction. Copyright 2012, 529 pages. Although an interesting thesis; that countries fail because of exclusive politics and not geography, culture or ignorant leadership. I think all of those things have some input, but the weighting will vary. This book had no good answer to the real question of how to correct the damaged and dysfunctional countries and cultures in Africa and elsewhere. 4/5 stars. |
 | The Big Four by Agatha Christie Finished on Sep 29, 2024 Mystery. Copyright 1927, 198 pages. A Hercule Pirot mystery about the four secret crime leaders of the world. A bit of a scattered story that takes place over an extended time period. Not a very concise story. 2/5 stars. |
 | Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman Finished on Sep 26, 2024 Poetry. Copyright 2021. 228 pages. Bought for the unforgettable poem read during the inauguration of the 46th President. The book also explores other themes of identity, grief, and memory while carrying a message of hope and healing post pandemic. 4/5 stars. |
 | Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr Finished on Aug 26, 2024 Fiction. Copyright 2021, 626 pages. An odd story with multiple characters in the past, present, and future bound by a story from an ancient tapestry. 3/5 stars. |
 | Skirmishes by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Finished on Aug 6, 2024 Science Fiction. Copyright 2013, 326 pages. Part #4 of the Diving Universe. As the Boss begins the exploration of the Boneyard, the crew of the Ivoire are called upon to defend the Nine Planets Alliance from the Enterran Empire. 4/5 stars. |
 | Becalmed by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Finished on Jul 25, 2024 Science Fiction. Copyright 2012, 110 pages. A novella in the Diving Universe. The story of the failed mission to Ukhanda that lead to the Ivoire's encounter with the Quurzod and their disasterous escape into foldscape. 4/5 stars. |
 | The Application Of Hope by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Finished on Jul 24, 2024 Science Fiction. Copyright 2014. 122 pages. A novella in the Diving Universe. The story of the search for the missing Ivoire after it enters foldspace and does not return. 3/5 stars. |
 | The Testaments by Margaret Atwood Finished on Jun 20, 2024 Science Fiction. Copyright 2019. 422 pages. Sequel to "The Handmaid's Tale". The continuation of the Gilead story from the testaments of three female narrators. Also further expands on the back history and direction of the false Utopia. 3/5 stars. |
 | Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson Finished on May 20, 2024 Non-Fiction. Copyright 2019. 304 pages. A look at how the world population is peaking and will now steadily decline. The causes are women's rights increasing world-wide along with industrialization. The author seems to think this a a crisis but I see it as a solution to many issues. For capitalism and the paradigm of constant growth it will be a serious issue. 3/5 stars. |
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