Book review: The Nature of Life and Death, by Patricia Wiltshire (Amazon / Book Depository) Patricia Wiltshire is a botanist, forensic ecologist, and palynologist -- what she defines as "one who studies pollen and other palynomorphs." She works with the police in the United Kingdom, drawing on decades of experience and meticulous microscopic examinations to... Continue Reading →
English with Style and Humor: Random House’s Chief Copy Editor on Lessons Learned
Book review: Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer (Amazon / Book Depository) Never thought you were the type to stay up late reading a grammar and style guide, dissolving in laughter every few pages? I thought I wasn't either. Allow this book to prove you wrong like it... Continue Reading →
The America Hiding in Plain Sight
Book review: Hidden America, by Jeanne Marie Laskas (Amazon / Book Depository) I discovered this book through the excellent New York Times Match Book column. If you're not already familiar, people write asking for specific book recommendations based on previous favorites or highly specific genres. This one was mentioned in a social issues-themed reading list.... Continue Reading →
How the Message Got Made in Obama’s White House
Book review: West Winging It, by Pat Cunnane (Amazon / Book Depository) This year and last have seen a wave of newly published memoirs from former Obama staffers. I read speechwriter David Litt's wonderful, charming Thanks, Obama last year, so after that I was on board with the genre. West Winging It begins with a similar premise - young... Continue Reading →