Category Archives: Reviews

Book reviews, as well as Reads to Reels

Our Chosen Faith

Posted on September 29, 2009 by smellincoffee

Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism© 1989 John A. Buehrens and the now late F. Forrester Church195 pages I’ve long been aware of the Unitarian Universalist church, ever since I read of a character in California Diaries mentioned … Continue reading →

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The Wisdom of Harry Potter

Posted on September 27, 2009 by smellincoffee

The Wisdom of Harry Potter: What Our Fvorite Hero Teaches Us about Moral Choices © 2003 Edmund M. Kern 296 pages including notes and index. Although I’m interested in the transmission of philosophy through literature or similar means, I’m still … Continue reading →

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Fates Worse than Death

Posted on September 25, 2009 by smellincoffee

Fates Worse than Death © 1990 Kurt Vonnegut 240 pages Kurt Vonnegut’s Fates Worse than Death is a collection of semi-autobiographical essays that function as reflections of portions of Vonnegut’s life. The essay texts come chiefly from lectures given by … Continue reading →

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This Week at the Library (24/9)

Posted on September 23, 2009 by smellincoffee

Books this Update: Constantinople: the Forgotten Empire, Isaac Asimov In Praise of Slowness, Carl Honoré Rubicon, Steven Saylor Barrel Fever, David Sedaris I began the week with a little history by Asimov. This was the first time I’ve read any … Continue reading →

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Barrel Fever

Posted on September 23, 2009 by smellincoffee

Barrel Fever: Stories and Essays© 1995 David Sedaris208 pages Three years ago I heard David Sedaris talk about his experience living in Paris and was immediately taken by his style of humor. I don’t know how to articulate the Sedaris … Continue reading →

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Rubicon

Posted on September 20, 2009 by smellincoffee

Rubicon © 1999 Steven Saylor 276 pages “Alea iacta est.”/”The die is cast.” / “Let the game begin!” – Julius Caesar “The most honest man in Rome! No wonder nobody likes you.” (Pompey, to Gordianus.) Murder on the Appian Way … Continue reading →

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In Praise of Slowness

Posted on September 19, 2009 by smellincoffee

In Praise of Slowness: How a Worldwide Movement is Challenging the Cult of Speed © Carl Honoré 2004 310 pages I have been living philosophically for over a year now, and as time passes I am attracted more and more … Continue reading →

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Constantinople: the Forgotten Empire

Posted on September 19, 2009 by smellincoffee

Constantinople: the Forgotten Empire © Isaac Asimov 1970 289 pages The history of the eastern Roman empire, ruled from Constantinople, has long been a weak point in my own historical literacy. When I spotted a book on its history by … Continue reading →

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This Week at the Library (16/9)

Posted on September 17, 2009 by smellincoffee

Books this Update: Death by Black Hole, Neil deGrass Tyson Murder on the Appian Way, Steven Saylor Waiter Rant, “The Waiter” Taming the Mind, Thubten Chodron Pebble in the Sky, Isaac Asimov Dark Force Rising, Timothy Zahn The Philosophy of … Continue reading →

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The Philosophy of Humanism

Posted on September 16, 2009 by smellincoffee

The Philosophy of Humanism© 1990 Corliss Lamont326 pages This is very straightforward book on the obvious subject, giving a history, description, and promotion of contemporary humanism. Author Corliss Lamont once headed the American Humanist Association, although he is perhaps better … Continue reading →

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