Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime

Book 28 of 2018 is Forensics: What Bugs, Burns, Prints, DNA and More Tell Us About Crime by Val McDermid.

She isn't Mary Roach but she does tell her story in a way that makes me want to change professions.

This was an interesting look at crime, rather than the police. That surprised and pleased me. She talks about what they did and how they were spotted. She talks about how they avoided being caught and then were caught. It is VERY cool.

The thing I really liked was that she didn't make it glam. It's a scientific job that I can imagine going in to. That's cool.

4 imperfect crimes out of 5.

Should I read this? Every scientist should.
What did I learn? I need to know more about wet sciences.

Radical Candor

Book 27 of 2018 is Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott.

I read this for my work book club. It used to be a book club for all the managers but it is open to the whole tech crew now. I like that.

This appealed to me in that it gave me permission to not hold back and speak the truth in a caring way.

It appalled me in that she is in a position of power to change things when most of us can not.

Rather than introducing new things, she gave me permission to do what I thought was right. That is major. Major and appreciated.

2 honest moments out of 5.

Should I read this? Only if you need validation. Us women got this.
What did I learn? Obvious. So obvious.

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging

Book 24 of 2018 is Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger.

He talks about ancient cultures and primal cultures and current native cultures. He talks about how they have support and lack high rates of suicide because of support. The idea that the tribe and building a tribe is the way humans are meant to live.

Although I come from a modern tribal culture and the idea of building your clan, I disagree with the modern and ancient culture of total acceptance of who you. I can name many things like homosexuality, refusal to breed and wanting to leave the group as reasons why traditional tribes are not perfect.

He doesn't use data but instead make declarative statements about how the world should be and how a group of people you conform to makes that better.

There were some great ideas. We do need people. We do need acceptance or at least the place to voice who we are. We do need belonging.

My challenge is that it isn't as easy as finding a group to belong to. I belong to may groups and they satisfy a lot of my needs and wants. It's not black and white.

3 white defects to native American tribes out of 5.

Should I read this? Only with the intention to expand your philosophical views. Otherwise, nay.
What did I learn? We build our networks. They do not pick us.

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

Book 15 of 2018 is Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities by Amy Stewart.

Non-fiction is always much more terrifying to me than fiction ever could be. It's real. This is real. This book has me terrified of ever going out in the wilderness again.

Australia has the most painful stinging tree... that is no surprise. The surprise is that people have attempted to kill themselves to escape the pain.

The Nightshade family of plants has me scared of ever eating tomatoes or their relatives again.

Here I was thinking Venus Fly Traps were icky. There are much more devastating plants out there and they feel no remorse.

The structure of the book means you could break it up over time and read it while reading other books. I read it in a couple of sittings because it was fascinating.

4 deaths by plant out of 5.

Should I read this? If you are interested in plants that kill you then yes.
What did I learn? We are not safe anywhere!

When the Air Hits Your Brain

Book 11 of 2018 is When the Air Hits Your Brain by Frank Vertosick, Jr. MD.

This was an odd book to read in this #metoo time. It lacked the entitlement and megalomania that I expected from a surgeon. Maybe I've just dated the wrong surgeons.

This author said brain surgery isn't brain surgery and I find that interesting. A lot of people want to make their professions seem impossible to enter, exclusive or next to godliness. He didn't make it out that way.

The anecdotes were interesting and told perfectly. The only thing I'd change is the self pity. You're a neurosurgeon, I don't feel sorry for you.

4 barbaric scull drilling tools out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes, it was fascinating.
What did I learn? Every profession is a life of learning but not everyone dies.

Consider the Fork

Book 8 of 2018 is Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat by Bee Wilson.

This genre of well written non-fiction based on epic deep diving in to a specific subject is becoming a favourite of mine.

I got this as an audio book and enjoyed both the facts, the pace and the narrator. It needed to be broken up over a few days to not be too much information at once but it was quite enjoyable.

 If you like to cook and have wondered why we do things in certain ways or use certain tools then this is the book for you.

4 saucepans out of 5.

Should I read this? For the home cook, yes.
What did I learn? Too much to list here. I did love hearing about the history of clay pots.

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind - and Keep - Love

Book 2 of 2018 is Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind - and Keep - Love by Amir Levine.

A friend insisted I read this... multiple times. So, of course I did. Only in agreement that we would book club over it. That will happen soon.

Although I am an outspoken critic of evolutionary psychology since I don't believe it a science due to its inability to demonstrate scientific method behind its hypotheses, this was not so bad. It at least did what I like with therapy type approaches and offered solid skills and tools to learn to deal with the perceptions it presents.

There are a few tests in the book. I'm a Secure type with some Anxious tendencies. Very much not an Avoidant type. None of this surprised me too much.

One thing I did like was that this is the first time someone has said that sure, happiness is intrinsic but not when you are so closely connected to another person. In fact, you become biologically connected to people who you love. Their happiness does effect yours.

It never sat well with me that I was to blame for all sadness I have felt in life. Sometimes, I'm said because you are. Or someone leaves and it breaks my heart. Be it a break-up, death or a friend moving to another city.

This book will help me to build on my ability to identify what drives people and to be a better friend. It also gives me permission to say certain behaviours are not ok and to voice what I need. Those are all good things. Massive massive things.

5 secure boundaries out of 5.

Should I read this? If you are open to being a better person and face your challenges then yes. If not, go do something else.
What did I learn? I'm not intolerant. I just know my boundaries.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Book 1 of 2018 is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

This is my life and my mother's life and my sister's life but in another country.

I said to a friend that this resonated with me and she asked if it was hope. I luckily didn't scoff out loud. Non-whites don't need hope. We are not hoping for white acceptance.

This book empowered me. It encouraged my strength built through adversity, rejection and overt discrimination. It articulated why I don't fall down or crawl away when someone from the ruling class kicks me.

I don't need to. I'm more robust than they will ever be. I see your ignorance, fear and awkwardness and continue being the lioness.

Everyone who does not identify as white must read this. I am so sorry I waited so long.

5 children's roars out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes. Just everyone. Read it please.
What did I learn? Australia doesn't have any idea about the plight of our Indigenous people.

Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon

Book 78 is Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon by Bronwen Dickey.

My last book of 2017 and one of the most moving.

I started fearing dogs and exited trusting what I grew up with. Dogs have rules and signals just like people and I have to respect that.

Tonight (7th of January, 2018), I patted a Rottweiler X who was the sweetest bitch I've ever met. I didn't act afraid of her. I respected her strength and assumed her good will.

This book has made me reconsider my approach to both "aggressive" dogs and all people.

4 puppies out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes please. It is for all the people who love animals.
What did I learn? My fear is manufactured and not based in reality. Don't discriminate.

Golden Son

Book 76 is Golden Son which is book 2 of The Red Rising series by Pierce Brown.

This series continues to challenge what I think is right and what is reality. I'd like to think I'd handle things better but I'm not sure if Darrow does what we all would: A mix of right and what must be done.

Still one of the best series to come true in the last few years. Coloured people, politics and entitlement all mixed in modern relevance.

4 betrayals out of 5.

Should I read this? If you want some philosophically challenging science fiction.
What did I learn? I would never be a revolutionary.

LEGO: I Love That Minifigure

Book 71 is LEGO: I Love That Minifigure by DK Publishing.

This was a must read for me since I collect female Lego minifigures.

There is so much information about rare minifigures, cool collections and reasons behind why certain characters were chosen.

A great reference book for Lego collectors and fans.

4 Minifigures out of 5.

Should I read this? For the Lego collectors and fans, for sure.
What did I learn? Lego gets very very expensive when rare.

The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple

Book 70 is The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff Guinn.

After Helter Skelter, I have been seeking similar styles of books which give insights in to famous situations. This is the first I've found that was as interesting. It is not as well written but it is hard to put down.

This book takes you through Jones' life from his childhood with his disturbed delusional mother on to his marriage and building of the church to the final Kool-Aid (it wasn't that brand actually) mass suicide in French Guiana.

The Jonestown Mass Suicide

It was not so hard to see why people followed him. He just wanted to be followed and sold a left leaning charitable view of his church which seemed to help people. He then isolated and controlled his flock.

We look back and wonder why governments would let this happen but I'm sure no one expects Jonestown. I wouldn't have.

4 miraculous fake healings out of 5.

Should I read this? It's interesting. So, yeah.
What did I learn? I always thought the mass suicide took place in the US. Now I know it was South America.

Wishful Drinking

Book 68 is Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher.

Having just read everything about her after her detail last year, I knew most of the stories she had to tell. The Paul Simon stories and song were new and very light. I may have to read a biography of his to get the gritty details... if I ever feel I want them.

This is a very light book. Short and sweet. Very much written to make money but not much value to the reader.

Maybe Postcards from teh Edge will be better.

2 princesses out of 5.

Should I read this? Don't. There are many better autobiographies.
What did I learn? I love Carrie Fisher's characters but I'm not sure I love her character.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Book 63 is Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

So many great facts. Much angst against the anti-science crew. Absolutely worth the time.

I listened to the audio book, read by the author and he had me glued through the whole book. Usually I will listen and do other things but I stopped for this book.

You don't need a science background. You only need a mind craving discovery.

4 spaces between galaxies out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes. No buts about it.
What did I learn? I miss the science I studied. Must read more and in more depth.

A Short Guide to a Happy Life

Book 54 is A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen.

I go through self-help book phases during the year and the one problem that brings is that you can read something amazing next to something less amazing and falls short.

So, I must ask: Does it fall short because something else read so recently was better?

Not in this case. A lot of this is fairly obvious stuff that you'd see posted on facebook as an image with a background of the Grand Canyon. I see why it would be good for a speech given to youngens starting out in their lives and careers but all I got was validation.

Maybe validation is enough. You're doing it right. Keep doing that good thing.

For me, I'm not reading self-help books to fix anything but more to constantly improve as a human being. To be a better person to myself and to others. This book did not give me more tools and I am sure that is why I didn't rate it. Others may love it.

2 warm hearted quotes out of 5.

Should I read this? No. I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone at all.
What did I learn? There are too many self-help books sprouting nothing helpful. It's as though validating someone's life is enough. That's not helpful to me

Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It

Book 49 is Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It by Kamal Ravikant.

I wanted to love his book like I love myself but it felt like a sales pitch.

Kamal did sound sincere and vulnerable but he also sounded like he was selling an inflatable version of self confidence. Not the fake self confidence but truly believing in yourself.

As a disciple of cognitive behavioural therapy, I know you can reset your pathways and think differently. He didn't even touch the science around that. It was more of a "I got dumped and now someone loves me" chant. I wanted to hear that he was OK alone, not that he was OK in a relationship.

Disappointed at every turn, all I can agree with is something I've always told people myself: Give yourself oxygen before you help others.

There are many better books on this subject. Don't waste a couple of hours on this.

2 sales pitches of 5.

Should I read this? Sadly, no. Grab Brene Brown or Trevor Noah. There are many better ways to the same destination.

What did I learn? No one else can complete you. Being able to fall in love and be loved back does not define you. Standing alone is done alone and then others may join. He failed to express this.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

Book 48 is The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson.

I've seen this book on best seller lists, in bookstores and did want to read it but it took my upcoming trip to Chicago to push me into reading it now and quickly.

This is a thick book so I wasn't confident in finishing it within the week I had before leaving for for my long weekend in that city.

I'm glad I started it. I'm glad I had no idea that it was non-fiction until about halfway through when I googled it and found out it was based in truth... actual truth.

As I head to that city hoping I shan't meet a serial killer, I'm excited to see the city that hosted the 1893 World's Fair. The city with soggy ground, enclaves, a huge mix of different people, high standards in food and a history.

Mostly, that history.

5 dead wives of 5.

Should I read this? One of the best books I have read in a while and absolutely the best historical non-fiction I've read in a decade.
What did I learn? No Air BNBs.

Girl Walks Out of a Bar

Book 46 is Girl Walks Out of a Bar by Lisa F. Smith.

This book is the kind of autobiography that makes you sad, angry and shocked.

Sad because she was set up to fail from childhood and through genetics.
Angry because no one else saw it and people actually encouraged it.
Shocked because you'd think someone would die before getting this far.

Maybe addicts are just people who haven't managed to kill themselves yet because their bodies have a high tolerance for abuse. That makes me sad.

4 bottles of wine out of 5.

Should I read this? If you enjoy rubbernecking then yes. I do so it was finished within the same day I started it.
What did I learn? There are high functioning addicts out there and you may never guess it. Disturbing and sad.

What Happened

Book 44 of 2017 is What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton.

It is rare that I read a book right after it is released but having stood in the middle of the storm that was the 2016 US elections as an outsider watching it unfold, I wanted to look behind the curtain.

There are two sides if not twenty to what happened in November 2016 but this was the one I wanted to understand. How did someone so qualified for the job lose to someone who wasn't? It made no sense to me.

On reading this, I have had some major realisations.

I respect Hillary Rodham Clinton for the strong woman she is and the inroads she has made for women all around the world.

Her politics are still too conservative for me but I put that down to her generation and age. She was born in a different time and a more conservative world than most people in America today. I have no doubt that was one reason people could not connect with her.

And lastly, women are losing well before they even start. To be the first at anything or the only woman in the race is harder than anyone can imagine. You are not judged equally because there are no women to compare you to. So instead, you are judged as not being a man. She articulates this much better than me.

The reason I recommend people read this book is because she gives hope where others use fear. She tries to stand back and work out what she owns in this journey but does not take all the blame. She gets angry and punches out and although it's not ladylike, it's awesome to see. Why must women bow out quietly when they weren't treated fairly in the situation.

You should read it.

4 insights out of 5.

Should I read this? If you lived through the election that Trump won and see it as the election that Hillary lost then yes, yes you should read this.
What did I learn? So much American political history from both sides of the fight.

The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry

Book 42 of 2017 is The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson.

Having always said that medicine is not much of a science, the corollary for me has always been that psychiatry is random classification to justify shitty behaviour.

Don't get me wrong, I recommend CBT to everyone.

My problem with amateur psychology is that there is a push for people to belong and be normal. Having a label to associate yourself with makes whatever you are going through normal.

Normal is something I abhor. It is a control word. It is the essence of conformity. It is the way to strip someone of their individuality and say that's all ok.

People do need awareness. They need care. They need to know how to avoid bad influences.

This book made me challenge my normal idea that classification is the answer.

Read it. He is a story teller who makes non-fiction less of an effort to endure.

4 disorders out of 5.

Should I read this? If you are an amateur psychologist like me then yeah.
What did I learn? I need to challenge what I know more but not like a conspiracy theorist.