Mar 04 08:15

Nonfiction

By: thomas Tags:


Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs : the making of a surgeon by Michael Collins

Michael Collins was working in concrete construction to pay off his college loans from Notre Dame. An older co-worker urges him to think about a long-term career, and although he was an English major, Michael decides to become a doctor. He will need to take undergraduate classes in chemistry and biology before he can even apply to medical school. The descriptions of his large Chicago Irish family, his co-workers and his fellow students have you cheering for Michael the whole way to his graduation. --MM
 

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Mar 05 08:07

Nonfiction

By: thomas Tags:


Origins of the Specious: myths and misconceptions of the English language by Patricia O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman

For those who love wordplay and etymology, Pat O’Conner is always a treat. Here she tackles the history of the uses (and mis-understandings about the uses) of ain’t, hopefully and an assortment of phrase and Anglo-Saxon four-letter words not suitable for the library’s website.--MM
 

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Oct 12 14:25

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
That’s So Annoying: An Etiquette Expert on the World’s Most Irritating Habits and What You Can Do About Them by
Cynthia W. Lett

We all have our own pet peeves and irritations and this book offers solutions to handling these situations. It is a fun book but I was a little disappointed in the lack of creativity. For several issues the author simply says we have to live with it, including screaming children in public places and people who use express checkout lanes with too many items. I expected this book to have more unique ways to handle difficult issues. It is a fun to look through but not all that insightful. --KH
October 12, 2009

 

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Oct 12 14:13

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
Making of the fittest: DNA and the ultimate forensic record of evolution by Sean Carroll
Carroll, a University of Wisconsin professor, looks at how DNA demonstrates the evolutionary process. In a readable manner, he uses monkeys, dolphins, and microbes to demonstrate evolution and DNA. Picks up where scientist Richard Dawkins has left off. A complex subject explained for the non-scientist. --SB
October 12, 2009

 

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Oct 09 08:32

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
Horsing Around in Wisconsin: The state’s best stables, barns and trails for lessons and training by Anne M. Connor

Everything you wanted to know about horsing in the state. The book is divided into four quadrants: Southwest, Southeast (covers Winnebago Co.), Northwest, and Northeast. Each section provides a listing of stables and barns, and riding trails. Some stables/barns and trails are covered in depth and others have a short description. All have location and contact information. List of Wisconsin horse associations and selected tack shops can be found at the end of the book. Since I knew there were great horse trails at the Wildcat Mountain State Park, I checked to see what they said about them. They were mentioned as being some of the most popular trails in the state. Another exceptional book from the publisher, Trail Books, based out of Black Earth, Wisconsin. –SS
October 9, 2009

 

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Oct 09 08:28

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:

Ghost hunters: William James and the search for scientific proof of life after death by Deborah Blum
At the turn of the twentieth century, a group of well-known intellectuals formed the Society for Psychical Research in America. William James may have been the most recognized name in the group, but there were also psychologists, philosophers, and two future Nobel Prize winners. Much of the society’s efforts were devoted to exposing frauds, but even the hard-core scientists were baffled by medium Leonora Piper. A fascinating book, for both believers and nonbelievers.  SB

October 9, 2009

 

 

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Oct 09 08:24

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
Motorcycling Across Wisconsin by William Murphy

I’m not a motorcycle owner or rider, but still picked up this book out of curiosity. The book consists of many motorcycle tours throughout the state. Each tour is provided with a map, detailed directions, background information on the area, what will be seen along the route, and the mileage of the route. Tours include around Lake Winnebago, Kickapoo Valley (very scenic), a Superior ride, Great Lakes rides and Door Peninsula. Appendices include Wis. Motorcycle Operation Laws, Hotel & Motel contact information and motorcycle dealers and repair shops. A definite recommendation for riders who like to enjoy the ride, attractions and scenic views along the way. --SS
October 9, 2009

 

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Oct 09 08:20

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:

Every creeping thing: true tales of faintly repugnant wildlife by Richard Conniff
An enlightening and amusing look at some of the “least huggable members of the animal world.” Coniff, a science journalist, examines 16 different beasts, including snapping turtles, bats, sharks, and porcupines.  --SB

October 9, 2009

 

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Oct 05 09:04

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink

by Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson is the owner of the Sea Tramp Tattoo Company in Portland, Oregon and has spent years tattooing and learning about the tattoo industry. Johnson tells humorous and interesting stories of the people that have been in his tattoo shop and in his life. Although not the best writing style, fans of TV shows like Miami Ink and L.A. Ink will love this glimpse into the mind of a tattoo artist. --KH

October 5, 2009

 

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Oct 05 08:57

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:

Plenty: one man, one woman and a raucous year of eating locally by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon
Can two apartment dwellers eat nothing but locally grown food for an entire year? The authors, who live in British Columbia, spent a year locating food and wine grown within 100 miles of their home. They attempt to grown their own vegetables and herbs and preserve seasonal produce. Their quest is made easier because they live in the northwest, with abundant seafood and orchards. Is the energy spent looking for food saved because the food is not trucked great distances? Do you think you can take the challenge?  --SB

October 5, 2009

 

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