While minding my own business, I saw the cover of Crow Planet and picked it up. This is the book I just finished reading a few minutes ago. After I browsed for a short while through the book and realized that the author lives in Seattle, I couldn't help myself. It's a very interesting book about the proliferation of crows in our urban environment, exploring the reasons why they are increasing while other species are declining. She's written a very provocative book, and I recommend it if you want to know more about how to find our place in what she calls the zoöpolis, where humans and animals live together.
I also couldn't resist a used book by Jodi Picoult, House Rules, about a boy with Asperger's Syndrome. I recently finished my first book by Picoult and enjoyed it, so I figured I would enjoy this one as well. She's a good writer.
Oh, and just as I was leaving the bookstore, another book leapt out and grabbed me: How to Live: A Search for Wisdom from Old People. How could I resist a book with a title like that, which they were practically GIVING AWAY for just a few dollars? It's a book wherein Publisher's Weekly says the author (Henry Alford) "recognizes that the elderly have been through more in their lives than the rest of us, and figures it might be a good idea to talk to some of them and see if they have any meaningful advice to impart."
So I'm good for at least a week or two, with books to challenge, entertain, and ponder. There ya go, SquirrelQueen!
:-)
Great! I still have two books on my Kindle to finish reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Squiirel Queen for being so curious and asking what books you came home with. Good readers always pick other good readers minds for what to read. I'm sure if I looked I could find some site that shares good books to read.
ReplyDeleteThey all sound interesting! And I do love crows. We have a population of them in Moorhead where I used to live before moving across the river to Fargo. I loved seeing them when I was out walking. Sometimes they'd follow me for blocks and I loved that. I always wondered why.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are really enjoying these! :)
Thanks to you and Squirrel Queen. I am always looking for more books. Sadly. I really don't have room for them, but it doesn't stop me.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you scored some really great reads on your trip to the bookstore DJan. Crow Planet sounds like one I would really enjoy. How to Live sounds interesting too, through my genealogy hobby I have learned we should always listen to the stories and wisdom of our elders.
ReplyDeleteEven though I have a knee high stack of books waiting to be read I am always curious about what everyone else is reading. Thanks for sharing.
house rules is great...i actually use it when i am working with aspie families...did bot realise the still alice lady had another, loved it, will check it out...thanks for sharing your finds...
ReplyDeleteGood on Squirrel Queen for asking. I currently have a stack to read, hoping to do some serious reading as soon as the family goes back to Colorado.
ReplyDeleteI should probably read Crow Planet because I have noticed the same increase in my forest. Coexisting with the animals is always a concern while trying to maintain a balance between their needs and human needs. I don't mind the animals so much as much as the deer ticks that they carry. I have to spray a lot of repellent on my clothes to walk outside my house.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good choice of books, DJan. I'll add them to my list for winter, that's when I do most of my reading.
ReplyDeleteNative Americans believe crows are messengers and their presence should be honored. I used to have very few at my place, they have definitely increased in number this summer. Mmmm.
ReplyDeleteThanks for informing us of these books. When I finish this comment I'll be off to Anazon in search of "Left Neglected". I read "House Rules" and it was great. I'll also look into the crow book. I love crows. They're full of personality.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the book titles! I am very curious about the one about the brain injury, and about learning from older folks, well, also about the crows! I read House Rules, and probably everything Jodie Picoult has written. It was a fascinating book and I also helpful as a teacher of students with Asperger's. It seems I have one every year, and while they are all unique, there are similarities and the book did a good job of depicting authentic behaviors. Enjoy your reading time!
ReplyDeleteI've still got four books to read on my Nook, but now have a long list of stuff to buy!
ReplyDeleteI've seen Crow Planet a few times, but now I'll have to grab it the next time it presents itself to me. I loved Left Neglected, and would read anything by Lisa Genova - would in fact love to hear her speak.
ReplyDeleteIt's always great to find new book titles.
I really like your new profile pic.
Zoopolis. Now that got my attention. I wish we had such a neat farmers market nearby. Am getting sick of all the weeding this summer. The weeds love all the rain. :)
ReplyDeleteGood for a week or two? I'll say.
ReplyDeleteHow do you find time for all your other activities as well? Are your days longer than 24 hours?
Crows are so darn smart. I'm sure they are taking over the world.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading more lately-I opted to duck away from the computer and all for a bit. This gives me a few new ones to try. I have all of Jodi Picoult's books. I love them as they make me think about things in a different way, force me to step back and evaluate the why's. There are a few that have stuck with me more than others, probably due to my own personal history. 19 Minutes was particularly striking, probably because I was a senior in high school the year that the Columbine shootings happened.
ReplyDeleteI just read The Help which was pretty good. I had trouble putting it down. It certainly got my mind working. It wasn't at all what I expected based on the movie previews.