The Icepick Surgeon: Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and Other Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of Science by Sam Kean The only time I remember enjoying a book about science history this much was when I read Sam Kean’s other book, The Disappearing Spoon, which is full of exciting tales from the periodic table. I …
Tag: slavery
Dec 03
Book Review: Empire of Ivory
Empire of Ivory by Naomi Novik I really enjoyed this book, but I do think that in some ways it’s a bit weaker. It feels more like the middle episode of a long series than a complete story the way the first two books were. Still, it’s a ripping yarn. It starts out with our …
Jul 03
Book Review: White Trash. The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America
White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg This was a hard book to read (listen to). It’s one of those books where you’re glad to have read it, but you don’t really enjoy the journey. I started it over a month ago, but I had to take it in …
Jul 01
Book Review: Waking Giant
Waking Giant: America in the Age of Jackson by David S. Reynolds If you want a general overview of life in the early 19th century in America, this is a good book for you. Comprehensive and informative, it covers a broad swath of subjects, from politics to religion to health and medicine. Reynolds also includes …