Author Archives: smellincoffee

About smellincoffee

Citizen, librarian, reader with a boundless wonder for the world and a curiosity about all the beings inside it.

Spaceman

Posted on July 16, 2021 by smellincoffee

Spaceman: An Astronaut’s Unlikely Journey© 2016 Mike Massimino336 pages All his life, Mike Massimino wanted to be an astronaut. He was six when he saw Neil Armstrong’s famous small step, and he wanted to be out there with the men … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Wisdom Wednesday: The choice is yours

Posted on July 14, 2021 by smellincoffee

As a human being, you have no choice about the fact that you need a philosophy. Your only choice is whether you define your philosophy by a conscious, rational, disciplined process of thought and scrupulously logical deliberation—or let your subconscious … Continue reading →

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Space Camp!

Posted on July 13, 2021 by smellincoffee

It’s been ages since I went on a proper astronaut spree (Deke!, 2016), and lately I’ve been feeling the itch. With the Moon landing anniversary right around the corner (literally — it’s a week from today), why not have some … Continue reading →

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The Virtue of Selfishness

Posted on July 8, 2021 by smellincoffee

The Virtue of Selfishness© 1964 Ayn Rand174 pages How many books and movies have moved audiences by portraying a character who, struggling with persistent unhappiness, is pushed by their despair through to the realization that they’ve been living their life … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion and Philosophy, Reviews | Tagged , | 10 Comments

The Eagle’s Claw

Posted on July 8, 2021 by smellincoffee

© 2021 Jeff Shaara352 pages Lastly, The Eagle’s Claw, a novel of historical fiction about the Battle of Midway.   Midway was one of the battles of WW2, the turning point of the Pacific War that, six months following Pearl Harbor, announced to Dai … Continue reading →

Posted in historical fiction, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of literature

Posted on July 7, 2021 by smellincoffee

My reading in the last week celebrated or at least observed the memory of, the American Revolution, though the books I picked this year proved to be a mildly disappointing lot. First up was The Return of George Washington, an … Continue reading →

Posted in historical fiction, history, Reviews | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Wisdom Wednesday: Memento mori

Posted on July 7, 2021 by smellincoffee
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Top Ten Tuesday: A Reader’s Manifesto

Posted on July 6, 2021 by smellincoffee

Today’s top ten Tuesday is more of an invitation to reflect —  Jana asks us why we like to read.  For me, that answer begins with my parents – not only were my siblings and I feted with books growing … Continue reading →

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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Posted on July 4, 2021 by smellincoffee
Posted in General | 3 Comments

June 2021: Midyear

Posted on July 1, 2021 by smellincoffee

Halfway through the year,  my literary ambitions are doing moderately well. I’m on track to reach the usual 150, my science survey is keeping pace with the year, and reaching 20 classics before the year is out is still a plausible goal.   I’m mostly behaving myself … Continue reading →

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