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.

The Fates Divide

Book 26 of 2018 is The Fates Divide by Veronica Roth.

This series excites and confuses me. She's so strong and still vulnerable. Her love is kind and confused. Same ol', same ol'. The thing is that you want more and that is where the parents come in. The dysfunctional family.

There are enough characters to keep me excited and not too many to Wheel of Time me.

I looked forward to every new chapter. The second book is better than the first.

4 journeys out of 5.

Should I read this? Only for people who can deal with the depths of human suffering and self journey.
What did I learn? I'm still searching for my place.

Artemis

Book 25 of 2018 is Artemis by Andy Weir.

I loved The Martian so much,. I laughed, I cried and I scienced. Despite and in honour of the poo jokes, I read this book.

It took me a few months to get through it, while reading other books. It was enjoyable the whole time.

The female protagonist is immature but relatable. Mars is alien but relatable. The whole book is challenging but relatable.

It is not The Martian but it's great. Just great.

I gave my copy of this book to a bartender who served the bar I sat at while reading this. Hope he likes it.

4 domes out of 5.

Should I read this? Yeah, she's a cool character who I'd hang out with.
What did I learn? Humans will survive in all situations. We just do.

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.

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.

Book 23 of 2018 is The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson.

Since Allison made me read Snow Crash, I have been craving every single thing he writes. It's always a loooong book with a great idea that I think I can't possibly finish but it ends up being a ravenous consumption of fiction.

The female lead is respectable, relatable and remarkable.

When science fiction, time travel and historical fiction mixes, you have a winner. At least when Stephenson writes it.

5 Neanderthals out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes. Yes. Yes!
What did I learn? History is much more interesting when you have context, any context.

Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death

Book 22 of 2018 is Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by M.C. Beaton.

I do love this series and this book did not disappoint. After months away from this series, this was a wonderful snap back.

Agatha is independent and in love with James but not changing her life for him. You go, girl!

This is a series you should read if you like Christie.

4 shoes in the mud out of 5.

Should I read this? Only if you like Agatha Christie.
What did I learn? Read ALL the things!