The Book Blog

I don’t necessarily care for the romance genre, but I do love a good love story. I’m talking about a slow burn, an epic romance, or a historical fiction page-turner with a charismatic couple on a never-ending adventure. After reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I also recently realized that I love a complicated, unconventional love story. 

This book has been getting a lot of hype since its release in 2017. It has been resting comfortably on my TBR list until recently, when I noticed a couple of close friends praising it online. My curiosity is always peaked when a reviewer says, “this book has really impacted me,” or “I can’t wait for others to read this so we can talk about it.” And having finished the book, I can concur- you can’t really talk about it too much without spoiling it, but it leaves you REALLY WANTING TO TALK ABOUT IT! 

This book left me with a lot of complicated feelings. I found the overall sentiment to be quite beautiful. It truly captures the complexity of human emotion throughout a life and how the interactions and relationships of one person can create connections that we can never imagine. I loved the unpredictability of this story. Throughout the book, the author does a fantastic job of developing the main character, Evelyn Hugo. It’s hard to believe that she was a fictional character and not an old Hollywood icon. 

The most impactful thing about this book was the reminder that true love can come in many different forms. And that one person can truly love in multiple capacities throughout their lifetime. The acts of love in this story know no boundaries, and it was a delight to be reminded of the many beautiful ways love can take form. Be prepared to become emotionally invested and maybe shed a tear as you read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. 

“Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”
― Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

“That is the fastest way to ruin a woman’s reputation, after all—to imply that she has not adequately threaded the needle that is being sexually satisfying without ever appearing to desire sexual satisfaction.”
― Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Call Number: Palatka Popular Fiction PS3618.E5478 S48 2017

ISBN: 9781501139239

Publication Date: 2017-06-13

"Riveting, heart-wrenching, and full of Old Hollywood glamour, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of the most captivating reads of 2017." --BuzzFeed "The epic adventures Evelyn creates over the course of a lifetime will leave every reader mesmerized. This wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet and her tumultuous Tinseltown journey comes with unexpected twists and the most satisfying of drama." --PopSugar In this entrancing novel "that speaks to the Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor in us all" (Kirkus Reviews), a legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine. Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career. Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn's story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways. "Heartbreaking, yet beautiful" (Jamie Blynn, Us Weekly), The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is "Tinseltown drama at its finest" (Redbook): a mesmerizing journey through the splendor of old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means--and what it costs--to face the truth.

 

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Call Number: Orange Park Popular Fiction PS3618.E5478 M35 2021

ISBN: 9781524798659

Publication Date: 2021-06-01

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Read with Jenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today * From the author of Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo . . . ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, Time, Marie Claire, PopSugar, Parade, Teen Vogue, Self, She Reads * "Irresistible . . . High drama at the beach, starring four sexy, surfing siblings and their deadbeat, famous-crooner dad."--People Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, the family drama that ensues will change their lives will change forever. Malibu: August 1983. It's the day of Nina Riva's annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over--especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva. The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud--because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he's been inseparable since birth. Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can't stop thinking about promised she'll be there. And Kit has a couple secrets of her own--including a guest she invited without consulting anyone. By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family's generations will all come rising to the surface. Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . . . and what they will leave behind.

One genre I want to explore further is the autobiography. In the past I had resisted reading them because I felt they were nothing more than ego-centric projects that were nothing more than self-promotion. As I have branched out, I realized this thought process was flawed. Being able to read how someone describes their own life and career provides valuable insight into one’s mind and personality since they are making specific choices about how they frame their story.

One of my favorite autobiographies is Miles Davis: The Autobiography. Miles Davis was one of the leading trumpeters and band leaders in American jazz music. His career spanned from the 1940s until his death in 1991 in which he constantly pushed the boundaries of what was musically possible. While musically creative, Davis’ personality was famously abrasive and confrontational; many musicians and others in his orbit found him insufferable and arrogant.

To Davis’ credit, he does not try to sanitize his personality for the book. Davis collaborated with journalist Quincy Troupe who captured the jazz trumpeter’s authentic voice. The result is the work feels like an informal interview or a casual conversation. Davis’ voice, which was frequently insensitive and littered with curses, is preserved as he reminisces about his life and career. He provides valuable insight on the American jazz scene and the personalities involved. Many of his views on race and gender are reprehensible by today’s standards, but it is important to understand the assumptions and attitudes of his time. While these rough edges give the account stylistic authenticity, it is not for the faint of heart.

While an engaging and fast read, it is still worth asking whether autobiographies are reliable sources. It is tempting to hang onto every anecdote, every observation as objective truth, but autobiographies are seldom written to present a factual account. They are written to show the subject in the best possible light, to promote a brand, and to make money. In Davis’ case, he wanted to make a case about where he stood among the jazz greats and popular music – he was never above self-promotion.

With that said, it does not mean autobiographies have little value and are all cynical endeavors. Readers will not be able to find the types of personal insights and recollections found in an autobiography anywhere else.

Miles by Miles Davis

Call Number: ML419.D39 A3 2011

ISBN: 9781451643183

Publication Date: 2011-09-20

Universally acclaimed as a musical genius, Miles Davis was one of the most important and influential musicians in the world. Here, Miles speaks out about his extraordinary life. Miles: The Autobiography, like Miles himself, holds nothing back. He speaks frankly and openly about his drug problem and how he overcame it. He condemns the racism he encountered in the music business and in American society generally. And he discusses the women in his life. But above all, Miles talks about music and musicians, including the legends he has played with over the years: Bird, Dizzy, Monk, Trane, Mingus, and many others. The man who gave us some of the most exciting music of the twentieth century here gives us a compelling and fascinating autobiography, featuring a concise discography and thirty-two pages of photographs.

I can’t lie to you, dear readers. I really didn’t have a ton of knowledge about His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu before reading this book. And to be even more transparent, my understanding of these men is still limited even after reading the book. I’ve realized since reading the book that all you really need to understand is a general sense of the struggles and adversities that they’ve individually faced. That shaped them into who they’ve become and what they represent. But this book isn’t about them. This book is about joy.

Going into this book was overwhelming because I couldn’t really define what joy is. Not only that, but how will I know when I have it? The idea of being joyful is complicated. Do we all want to be joyful? Yes, probably. But that seems easier said than done in a world seemingly always on the brink of chaos and tragedy. There were a few key things I hoped to find answers to by reading this book: 1) What is joy? 2) What can I do to find joy in my everyday life? 3) How can I bring joy to others without involving material things (i.e., gifts)? And to be clear, I went into this looking for concrete answers to these questions. I didn’t want anything too abstract or philosophical. Make this real for me, guys!

I don’t want to give too much away if you decide to read it, but yes, the book answered my three questions. It was refreshing to see an entire section dedicated to “Joy Practices.” This section was seemingly written with my second and third critical needs in mind. It was refreshing to see actual activities that I could do to bring joy into my life rather than just an abstract discussion of the idea of joy. The activities are given context by explaining how it relates directly to the principles of joy discussed by His Holiness and the Archbishop.

I want to leave you with a few quotes from the book that I found moving, and I hope these words inspire you to take the time to read this book. Reading the comments of these two leaders was an act of joy for me, and I hope you find some peace and comfort from their thoughts on joy.

• Page 3: “Joy is much bigger than happiness. While happiness is often seen as being dependent on external circumstances, joy is not.”
• Page 212: “So many people,” the Dalai Lama said, “seem to struggle with being kind to themselves. This is really sad. You see, if you don’t have genuine love and kindness toward yourself, how can you extend these to others? We must remind people, as the Archbishop has said, that basic human nature is good, is positive, so this can give us some courage and self-confidence. As we said, too much focus on yourself leads to fear, insecurity, and anxiety. Remember, you are not alone. You are part of a whole generation that is the future of humanity. Then you will get a sense of courage and purpose in life.”

AND THERE IS A MOVIE!

Mission: Joy is the documentary inspired by The Book of Joy which showcases the exchange between these two Nobel Peace Prize winners that led to that book. SJR State students, faculty, and staff can watch this inspiring film via our Alexander Street database.

https://search.alexanderstreet.com/view/work/bibliographic_entity%7Cvideo_work%7C5142120?account_id=45774&usage_group_id=43847

The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama; Desmond Tutu; Douglas Carlton Abrams

Call Number: Palatka Circulation BL65.H36 B78 2016

ISBN: 9780399185045

Publication Date: 2016-09-20

An instant New York Times bestseller Two spiritual giants. Five days. One timeless question.   Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships--or, as they would say, because of them--they are two of the most joyful people on the planet. In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering? They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. By the end of a week filled with laughter and punctuated with tears, these two global heroes had stared into the abyss and despair of our time and revealed how to live a life brimming with joy. This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecendented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye. We get to listen as they explore the Nature of True Joy and confront each of the Obstacles of Joy--from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. They then offer us the Eight Pillars of Joy, which provide the foundation for lasting happiness. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily Joy Practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives. The Archbishop has never claimed sainthood, and the Dalai Lama considers himself a simple monk. In this unique collaboration, they offer us the reflection of real lives filled with pain and turmoil in the midst of which they have been able to discover a level of peace, of courage, and of joy to which we can all aspire in our own lives.

 

The Dalai Lama by Alexander Norman

Call Number: Palatka Circulation BQ7935.B777 N67 2020

ISBN: 9780544416581

Publication Date: 2020-02-25

The first authoritative biography of the Dalai Lama--a story by turns inspiring and shocking--from an acclaimed Tibetan scholar with exceptional access to his subject.   The Dalai Lama's message of peace and compassion resonates with people of all faiths and none. Yet, for all his worldwide fame, he remains personally elusive.  At last Alexander Norman--acclaimed Oxford-trained scholar of the history of Tibet--delivers the definitive, unique, unforgettable biography.   The Dalai Lama recounts an astonishing odyssey from isolated Tibetan village to worldwide standing as spiritual and political leader of one of the world's most profound and complex cultural traditions. Norman reveals that, while the Dalai Lama has never been comfortable with his political position, he has been a canny player--at one time CIA-backed--who has maneuvered amidst pervasive violence, including placing himself at the center of a dangerous Buddhist schism. Yet even more surprising than the political, Norman convinces, is the Dalai Lama's astonishing spiritual practice, rooted in magic, vision, and prophecy--details of which are illuminated in this book for the first time.  A revelatory life story of one of today's most radical, charismatic, and beloved world leaders.

 

Emotional Awareness by Paul Ekman; Dalai Lama; Daniel Goleman (Foreword by)

Call Number: Palatka Circulation BF531 .E498 2008

ISBN: 9780805087123

Publication Date: 2008-09-16

Two leading thinkers engage in a landmark conversation about human emotions and the pursuit of psychological fulfillment At their first meeting, a remarkable bond was sparked between His Holiness the Dalai Lama, one of the world's most revered spiritual leaders, and the psychologist Paul Ekman, whose groundbreaking work helped to define the science of emotions. Now these two luminaries share their thinking about science and spirituality, the bonds between East and West, and the nature and quality of our emotional lives. In this unparalleled series of conversations, the Dalai Lama and Ekman prod and push toward answers to the central questions of emotional experience. What are the sources of hate and compassion? Should a person extend her compassion to a torturer--and would that even be biologically possible? What does science reveal about the benefits of Buddhist meditation, and can Buddhism improve through engagement with the scientific method? As they come to grips with these issues, they invite us to join them in an unfiltered view of two great traditions and two great minds. Accompanied by commentaries on the findings of emotion research and the teachings of Buddhism, their interplay--amusing, challenging, eye-opening, and moving--guides us on a transformative journey in the understanding of emotions.

 

Path of Wisdom, Path of Peace by Dalai Lama; Felizitas von Schorborn

Call Number: Palatka Circulation BQ7935.B777 A5 2005

ISBN: 0824523113

Publication Date: 2005-07-01

This is a unique book of the Dalai Lama's thought on how he sees himself, Buddhism, the world at war, the meaning of freedom, busy modern life, its challenges and how to master them. In his inimitable style of humorous simplicity His Holiness looks at everyday problems and puts them in a wider context, making clear their global significance. The book provides an excellent and wide-ranging introduction and overview to the Dalai Lama's philosophy of life, his thoughts and beliefs, and also gives food for thought on how all of us can live lives of greater wisdom and peace.

 

Toward a True Kinship of Faiths by Dalai Lama

Call Number: St. Augustine Circulation BL85 .B85 2010

ISBN: 9780385525053

Publication Date: 2010-05-11

‌No country, no culture, no person today is untouched by what happens in the rest of the world.  Technological innovation, environmental degradation, economic gain & loss, nuclear weapons, instant communication have all created unprecedented familiarity among the world's many cultures. With this historic development, the Dalai Lama understands that the essential task of humanity in the 21st Century is to cultivate peaceful coexistence.    Many believe in the inevitability of an escalating "clash of civilizations".  Peaceful coexistence has long been problematic with religion, and while previous conflicts over religious differences may have been significant and regrettable, they did not threaten the very survival of humanity. Now, when extremists can persuade followers with the immense emotional power of faith and have access to powerful technological resources, a single spark could ignite a powder keg of frightening proportions.   Yet the Dalai Lama shows how the challenges of globalization can also move us in another direction, to a deeper plane where nations, cultures, and individuals connect through their shared human nature.  All major religions confront the same perennial questions; each have distinct forms of expression. But this marvelous diversity of insight has the potential for inspiring dialogue which can enrich everyone's pursuit of wisdom.  All faith traditions turn to compassion as a guiding principle for living a good life. It is the task of all people with an aspiration to spiritual perfection to affirm the fundamental value of the compassion. In this way we can truly develop a deep recognition of the value of other faiths, and on that basis, we can cultivate genuine respect.   In Toward a True Kinship of Faiths, the Dalai Lama also explores where differences between religions can be genuinely appreciated without serving as a source of conflict. The establishment of genuine harmony is not dependent upon accepting that all religions are fundamentally the same or that they lead to the same place.  Many fear that recognizing the value of another faith is incompatible with having devotion to the truth of one's own.  Nevertheless, the Dalai Lama profoundly shows how a sincere believer can, with integrity, be a pluralist in relation to other religions without compromising commitment to the essence of the doctrinal teachings of their own faith.   An issue of central importance for the Dalai Lama personally and for the entire world in general, Toward a True Kinship of Faiths offers a hopeful yet realistic look at how humanity must step into the future.     

 

Desmond Tutu by Steven D. Gish

Call Number: Palatka Circulation BX5700.6.Z8 T8737 2004

ISBN: 0313328609

Publication Date: 2004-10-30

History will remember Desmond Tutu, who has been called South Africa's Martin Luther King, Jr., as a great leader in the struggle against apartheid. In this new biography, which includes original quotations from the author's interviews with Tutu, readers will follow the steady progress of a boy and man who has held an irrepressible faith in humankind and his God. They will learn about his family, schooling, important mentors, and extraordinary career trajectory in South Africa and abroad. Now retired, Tutu's accomplishments and contributions to the world can be fully appreciated. The clear explanation of the policy of apartheid, how it affected Tutu and his family, and how he helped to bring it crashing down will affect and inform students as no history alone can. They will marvel over his sparkling wit and effervescent personality, his nonviolent stance in the face of intense racial hatred and harassment, and his persistence against enormous odds. This will be an effortless, enjoyable, enlightening and inspiring read.

 

In 2013, I read a book that I haven't stopped thinking about since. That book was Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach. Seriously, I think about this book all the time. I recommend it several times each year to others with curious minds. I made a significant life choice about my human remains because of this book. I'm not kidding- it made an impact on me!

Stiff opened my eyes to death beyond what I mainly learned from mass media. She made it less scary by helping me understand what happens to the human body once we die. She opened my eyes to the vast possibilities of ways to honor my remains beyond the well-known burial and cremation options. In fact, one option from this book appealed to me so much that I committed to it. It's unconventional but appeals to my need to help others. Honestly, I had no idea that there were options!

Roach is a very remarkable author. She writes about science in a way that is approachable and understandable. She makes it gross. She makes it fun. She makes it interesting. She makes you think, and she leaves you wanting more. Mary doesn't just write about dead people's science. She also writes about sex science, space science, and ghost science, among other things. If you want to try nonfiction that's easy to read, I think Mary would be an excellent choice for you.

And, of course, Mary isn't the only author writing about death. Some of you might recognize Caitlin Doughty from her YouTube fame. She's made an entire career educating us about death and advocating for the positive death movement. She's a very remarkable woman, and I encourage you to read more about her. I've only had the opportunity to read one of her books Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? And other Questions about Dead Bodies, but I intend to get through all her books (if it kills me! Ha!).  

The SJR State Library has books from both authors. Give us a call to reserve a copy!

“Death. It doesn't have to be boring.”
― Mary Roach, Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

Call Number: Orange Park Circulation RA622.7.D68 A3 2015b

ISBN: 9781594138799

Publication Date: 2015-10-19

An Indie NextA #1 LibraryReads PickMost people want to avoid thinking about death, but Caitlin Doughty -- a twenty-something with a degree in medieval history and a flair for the macabre -- took a job at a crematory. Thrown into a profession of gallows humor and vivid characters, Caitlin learned to navigate the secretive culture of those who care for the dead. Her eye-opening, candid, and often hilarious story is like going on a journey with your bravest friend to the cemetery at midnight.

 

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? by Caitlin Doughty

Call Number: Orange Park Circulation HQ1073 .D68 2019

ISBN: 9780393652703

Publication Date: 2019-09-10

New York Times Bestseller Winner of the 2019 Goodreads Choice Award for Science & Technology Best-selling author and mortician Caitlin Doughty answers real questions from kids about death, dead bodies, and decomposition. Every day, funeral director Caitlin Doughty receives dozens of questions about death. The best questions come from kids. What would happen to an astronaut's body if it were pushed out of a space shuttle? Do people poop when they die? Can Grandma have a Viking funeral? In Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?, Doughty blends her mortician's knowledge of the body and the intriguing history behind common misconceptions about corpses to offer factual, hilarious, and candid answers to thirty-five distinctive questions posed by her youngest fans. In her inimitable voice, Doughty details lore and science of what happens to, and inside, our bodies after we die. Why do corpses groan? What causes bodies to turn colors during decomposition? And why do hair and nails appear longer after death? Readers will learn the best soil for mummifying your body, whether you can preserve your best friend's skull as a keepsake, and what happens when you die on a plane. Beautifully illustrated by Dianné Ruz, Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? shows us that death is science and art, and only by asking questions can we begin to embrace it.

 

From Here to Eternity by Caitlin Doughty

Call Number: Orange Park Circulation RA622 .D68 2017

ISBN: 9780393249897

Publication Date: 2017-10-03

A New York Times and Los Angeles Times Bestseller The best-selling author of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes expands our sense of what it means to treat the dead with "dignity." Fascinated by our pervasive fear of dead bodies, mortician Caitlin Doughty set out to discover how other cultures care for the dead. From Here to Eternity is an immersive global journey that introduces compelling, powerful rituals almost entirely unknown in America. In rural Indonesia, she watches a man clean and dress his grandfather's mummified body, which has resided in the family home for two years. In La Paz, she meets Bolivian natitas (cigarette-smoking, wish-granting human skulls), and in Tokyo she encounters the Japanese kotsuage ceremony, in which relatives use chopsticks to pluck their loved-ones' bones from cremation ashes. With boundless curiosity and gallows humor, Doughty vividly describes decomposed bodies and investigates the world's funerary history. She introduces deathcare innovators researching body composting and green burial, and examines how varied traditions, from Mexico's Días de los Muertos to Zoroastrian sky burial help us see our own death customs in a new light. Doughty contends that the American funeral industry sells a particular--and, upon close inspection, peculiar--set of "respectful" rites: bodies are whisked to a mortuary, pumped full of chemicals, and entombed in concrete. She argues that our expensive, impersonal system fosters a corrosive fear of death that hinders our ability to cope and mourn. By comparing customs, she demonstrates that mourners everywhere respond best when they help care for the deceased, and have space to participate in the process. Exquisitely illustrated by artist Landis Blair, From Here to Eternity is an adventure into the morbid unknown, a story about the many fascinating ways people everywhere have confronted the very human challenge of mortality.

 

Stiff by Mary Roach

Call Number: Orange Park Circulation R853.H8 R635 2004

ISBN: 0393324826

Publication Date: 2004-05-17

"One of the funniest and most unusual books of the year....Gross, educational, and unexpectedly sidesplitting."--Entertainment Weekly Stiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. For two thousand years, cadavers--some willingly, some unwittingly--have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. In this fascinating account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuries and tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.

Packing for Mars by Mary Roach

Call Number: Palatka Circulation QH327 .R63 2010

ISBN: 9780393068474

Publication Date: 2010-08-02

The best-selling author of Stiff and Bonk explores the irresistibly strange universe of space travel and life without gravity. Space is a world devoid of the things we need to live and thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh produce, privacy, beer. Space exploration is in some ways an exploration of what it means to be human. How much can a person give up? How much weirdness can they take? What happens to you when you can't walk for a year? have sex? smell flowers? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk? Is it possible for the human body to survive a bailout at 17,000 miles per hour? To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations. As Mary Roach discovers, it's possible to preview space without ever leaving Earth. From the space shuttle training toilet to a crash test of NASA's new space capsule (cadaver filling in for astronaut), Roach takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth.

 

Fuzz by Mary Roach

Call Number: Palatka Circulation QL85 .R623 2021

ISBN: 9781324001935

Publication Date: 2021-09-14

What's to be done about a jaywalking moose? A bear caught breaking and entering? A murderous tree? Three hundred years ago, animals that broke the law would be assigned legal representation and put on trial. These days, as New York Times best-selling author Mary Roach discovers, the answers are best found not in jurisprudence but in science: the curious science of human-wildlife conflict, a discipline at the crossroads of human behavior and wildlife biology. Roach tags along with animal-attack forensics investigators, human-elephant conflict specialists, bear managers, and "danger tree" faller blasters. Intrepid as ever, she travels from leopard-terrorized hamlets in the Indian Himalaya to St. Peter's Square in the early hours before the pope arrives for Easter Mass, when vandal gulls swoop in to destroy the elaborate floral display. She taste-tests rat bait, learns how to install a vulture effigy, and gets mugged by a macaque. Combining little-known forensic science and conservation genetics with a motley cast of laser scarecrows, langur impersonators, and trespassing squirrels, Roach reveals as much about humanity as about nature's lawbreakers. When it comes to "problem" wildlife, she finds, humans are more often the problem--and the solution. Fascinating, witty, and humane, Fuzz offers hope for compassionate coexistence in our ever-expanding human habitat.