The World Is Flat

The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman (2006 expanded ed) 600 pgs. More required reading for teachers or anybody else needing a primer on globalization and the future (perhaps already present) marketplace. I'd heard so much about this book on NPR etc., it was as if I'd already read it. But it was insightful as it is a brief history of the dot com phenom and its consequences. BTW there is now a new edition out; and somebody told me that Friedman now declares that the World is Round? Regardless of the poor theme, this read definately is a stark warning to the American way of life.

Soul Mountain

Soul Mountain, by Gao Xingjian, (1st American Ed. 2000) 528 pgs. Okay, the Nobel Prize was probably fitting, as I've never come across a book like this: written in first and in contrast second person narrative as well. It was difficult and ambivalent to say the least, but left some great impressions of Chinese culture and landscape. I certainily did not give it the depth of study that the work deserves. I think that I was "Lost in Translation" (from Chinese to English) as well... maybe some other time I'll be able to follow it.

The Omnivore's Dilemma

The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals,
by Michael Pollan (2006) 464 pgs.

With this book you are fed a history and dialogue about the suprisingly important and relevant personal topic of what you eat. Topics include the prevalance of genetically modified corn in everything we consume and its underlying petrol addiction, a review of the popular yet mass produced industrial oreganic foods, the locally produced option, and the art of hunting wild boar as well as a quality chanterelle or morel in Northern California. The premise of the author/journalist's perspective is "America's Eating Disorder." Unlike many books that crack the nut of mass conspiracy in our food production, this take on its marketing and consumption, produces a generally unbiased and a very readable text that is truly insightful.

Armadillo

Armadillo by William Boyd (2000) 352 pages. This novel takes place in modern day urban London with a protagonist that is caught up in the world of insurance loss adjustment complicated by sleep disorder and the complexities of social dysfunction. A "thinking person's thriller."

Gecko Tails: A Journey Through Cambodia

Gecko Tails: A Journey Through Cambodia, by Carol Livingston, (1997) 256 pgs. This is a wannabe Journalist's book of a variety of her experiences in Cambodia during the United Nations Transitional Authority c. early to mid nineties. She covers a lot of the post Khmer Rouge history with little emotion, but captures some of the quirks of the country with some humor and a journalist inspiration to get a story.

A Short History of Nearly Everything

A Short History of Nearly Everything, by Bill Bryson, (2005) 624 pgs... Okay, this was like a refresher course of a lot of basic science but with a context and framework of Bryson's casual approach, and reasoned disposition. Really helped me wrap the stuff around my mind. I kept putting it down, exclaiming "no way" and then re-reading the previous chapter. Why wasn't all this important stuff explained to me this way when in school! Although, not a scientist himself, Bryson would have been or is? a terrific professor.

The God of Small Things

The God of Small Things, by Arundhati Roy, 1998, 336 pgs. This novel has been compared to some Jazz songs because the composition is so deconstructionist in seemingly mismatched fragments; it probably should be read twice to appreciate its tune. Its beautiful how everything is tied up at the end, but a lot of work with details to get there. The writing reminds me of Gabrial Garcia Marquez at times, but can be even more sensuous. Definately material to throw at a Literature class.