Libraries are a blessing. This year I took up and gave up about tens of books. Imagine the expense and guilt-trip if I did buy them. Also, this year I had nothing in mind to read. Nothing noteworthy seemed to be around. So I guessed I could explore picking something up with no set mind. Read books I do not want to read. See how it goes. In process I left many half-read. Brought a bunch of Art books and browsed through before returning to library. But here are some I finished and felt good about it.
Fascinating. Being a fan of Madam Secretary, I wanted to read Mad Albright bio books to extend the binge. This book in first person narrative talks about her early years, start of her career, many diplomatic meetings. I was thrilled to read about the gift of Horse by Mongolia, which appeared in MS (S3Ep11) but no mention if the scandal shown in the show really happened. The common theme through them are the various brooch pins she wore through them. There is also a chapter dedicated to talking about value of ornaments and bauble in various royalty, societies and America. Good quality color pics enhances the reading. Hence makes for a quick reading.
She used pin to convey moods or convey her approach before any diplomatic meeting. Pins became her signature. There are thousands of pins captured in this book and stories around them. Its really fascinating.
The Panem Companion - Unofficial guide to Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games - From Mellark Bakery to Mockingjays - By V Arrow
So I am a Hunger Games Trilogy fan and find them flawless. I have read the 3 books more than thrice. So this time, instead of going through them again, decided to pursue other related books. One of them is this one.
The introduction and first few chapters felt like drudgery and bunch of dense words. But soome its picks up steam with some interesting chapter ideas and content.
Got to know some scandalizing theories coming from internet fandom (which I haven't explored) and I find them incredible, but hmm possible and I never thought of.
Loved the chapter on root of character names.
Disappointed that the book did not draw any parallel with East Europe situation in 80s. That's what I have seen on TV all the while, even Emil's book.
Becoming Odyssa - By Jennifer Pharr Davis
Last year I read her book on the Appalachian Trail Record endevour where she became the record holder for fastest thru-hiker. This book is on her first steps in hiking and those adventure. Again a lovely read to immerse myself in a jungle.
Read My Pins - Madeleine Albright
Fascinating. Being a fan of Madam Secretary, I wanted to read Mad Albright bio books to extend the binge. This book in first person narrative talks about her early years, start of her career, many diplomatic meetings. I was thrilled to read about the gift of Horse by Mongolia, which appeared in MS (S3Ep11) but no mention if the scandal shown in the show really happened. The common theme through them are the various brooch pins she wore through them. There is also a chapter dedicated to talking about value of ornaments and bauble in various royalty, societies and America. Good quality color pics enhances the reading. Hence makes for a quick reading.
She used pin to convey moods or convey her approach before any diplomatic meeting. Pins became her signature. There are thousands of pins captured in this book and stories around them. Its really fascinating.
The Marathon Made Easier - Cliff Temple
Published in 80s or before I think. Very simplistic when read now. All Run magazines and online articles seem to have built on each of the chapters and tips from this book.
Hal Higdons - Masters Running - A Guide to Running and Staying Fit after 40
Highly recommended book for those continuing/starting to run in their 40s. Detailed book which covers many aspects.
Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes - by Elyse Kopecky and Shalane Flanagan
First off Congratulations to Shalane Flanagan for wining the NYC Marathon ! Yeah !
She is a reputed Olympian runner and I have followed her races and this one is so much deserved. Its a sight to see her cross the finish line - her stride, her thrill and there was no competition around her - she was the only leader finishing. Beautiful.
I got to know of this book via her social media. Good recipe book for new ideas, very good quality pictures.
Hidden Figures
I read & saw Hidden Figures book & movie this year.
The genius of the 3 ladies (computer) and the whole group they worked with, shows through. Not just 3 but 100s of ladies were experts in Math and Science; so much so that computing was associated with ladies. So, how did the skill gap happen and demographics change between 60s & 90s Tech boom ?
Samething in India. I remember my early 90s CompSci batch was viewed as ladies branch vs manly Mech. Now there are news articles of male programmers bullying female ones. How the flow changes in a few generations !
In USA, bullying/teasing middle school girls who excel in or are interested in STEM and gently goading them towards makeup, looks, baking and crafts has reaped its rewards.
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