Bad Blood: Freedom and Death in the White Mountains

For those who enjoy reading true crime drama, Casey Sherman's Bad Blood: Freedom and Death in the White Mountains is a fair, but gritty account of events that took place in May 2007 here in New Hampshire.

When three very different men came together on a country road in Franconia a violent series of events played out leaving two men dead, one a policeman, the other a young man from a well known local family.  Both men knew each other and were part of the same community.

The third man involved in the violence, who was exonerated of charges by the Attorney General the following day, turned out to be a "loose cannon" by anyone's definition.  He often threatened to shoot people.  One of his favorite sayings was he'd give you a "third eye."  At the crime scene, he bragged about how many people he'd killed in his life, threatened early by-standers who came to see what was happening, and had to be told several times by the first police officer on the scene to drop the gun he held.  It was later learned he was taking over 20 prescription drugs at the time.

Sherman gives the reader all sides of the story as well as the reaction of the community.  The account of this unfortunate event is both disturbing and compelling in its insight into human nature.  Adult content and some inappropriate language in quotations.

-Jennifer

The Lexicographer's Dilemma

The Lexicographer's Dilemma by Jack Lynch is a readable and informative work on the evolution of the English language and the age-old feud between prescriptavist grammarians --  those who argue that there is a correct and proper form of the language that should be upheld as the standard -- and the descriptivist grammarians -- those who believe language is constantly shifting in form and style and thus reject the concept of a "proper" English. Lynch is squarely in the latter camp, and argues his case effectively. In the process, he takes the reader through a lively survey of the evolution of the English language and the history of lexicography.

I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the history of the English language.

-Paul

206 Bones

I just finished Kathy Reichs's new book - 206 Bones.  I always enjoy her mysteries.  Kathy Reichs is one of the few forensic anthropologists in the country and she does a wonderful job of blending her actual work experience into the plots of her stories.  

When the novel's protagonist -- forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan -- regains consciousness she finds herself bound and confined in a tomb-like space. The novel then alternates between Brennan's current predicament and her recollection of the three murder cases that lead her there.

In addition to the murder mystery, the author addresses the issue of quality lab work. When justice depends on the forensic evidence, what happens when labs do inferior work?

Reich's books are so popular that the television show "Bones" is based on their main character.

-Natalie

The Greatest Show on Earth: Evidence for Evolution

Richard Dawkins' most recent work The Greatest Show on Earth: the Evidence for Evolution is an engaging and clearly written walk through the scientific evidence supporting evolution. Dawkins is an insightful scientist and a superbly entertaining writer -- a rare combination indeed. Highly recommended.

When the Game Was Ours

I am an occasional sports fan (think Olympics, World Series, and the Kentucky Derby if I am home and remember it).  However, I find stories about sportsmen (and women) very compelling.  I found When the Game Was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin Magic Johnson, and Jackie MacMullan to be compulsive reading and a darn tootin' good story! 

Unlike even the most casual of basketball fans I did not know that Larry and Magic had their first battle not on the famous Boston parquet floor but in 1979 at the Finals of the NCAA tournament. Magic and his Michigan State team prevailed over Larry and Indiana State. In When the Game was Ours we really hear what Larry and Magic think about the glorious game of basketball, their teams, the rivalry they have had over the years, and the abiding friendship that did indeed develop between them. The important stuff is here. We hear about Larry's intense drive and his demands on his teammates. The devastating news that Magic had the HIV virus and how his fellow players reacted is touched on.

For me the pinnacle is the 1992 Olympic Dream Team experience, which were the last games Larry played.  There is (for the more sports-minded readers) descriptions of plays and games that both men found memorable. We are also given a glimpse of life for both of them after their playing days were over.  There are two sections of pictures that go through the years with the two players - the back cover picture of a grinning Magic decked out in a Celtics t-shirt at Bird's retirement event is my favorite.

We are reminded in this book that these two players were instrumental in raising public enthusiasm for NBA basketball, and creating the environment for Michael Jordan to come in and create the absolute frenzy that was basketball fever in the 1990's.  We are also reminded that Larry and Magic were something that does not seem to be as important to many players in the NBA in this era - team members, who were smart, talented, and driven always for their team to win, not just concerned with ratcheting up points for their personal statistics.

-Vicki

Where Men Win Glory

In Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman, Jon Krakauer shows a great deal of respect for his subject, while exposing the heartbreaking mistakes of the U.S. military that led to Tillman’s death. The book is similar to Krakauer’s Into the Wild in its account of an idealistic young man who met a tragic end because he was inspired to make a huge life change motivated by pure intentions.  Krakauer is clearly intrigued by these men’s paths and therefore wants to probe their personalities.  As evidenced by Into the Wild, the author handles such a story exceptionally well.

Pat Tillman’s character is fully fleshed out here. Jolted by the events of 9-11, Tillman gave up a successful career in the NFL—walking away from millions of dollars—to help eradicate terrorism by serving in the Army Rangers.  This was not a decision that Tillman took lightly; he was a thoughtful, passionate, and intricate person.  The author’s sources include Tillman’s diary entries and interviews with family members.  Krakauer also spent time in Afghanistan amidst U.S. forces. The book is not a straight biography, since the narrative switches between the life of Tillman and the developments of the war in Afghanistan.  Krakauer covers the history of the conflict as well as military maneuvering prior to the incident that took Tillman’s life.

Readers who liked the author’s previous books will probably appreciate this one as well.  It should also appeal to those who are interested in history and current events.  This is a well-written book that educates the reader and evokes a range of emotions.

-Elizabeth

Remember Me?

If you're looking for something light, fun and fast, I just finished Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella.  It was a fun read. The main character wakes up with amnesia and discovers that she doesn't remember the past three years of her life. She can't imagine how her life has evolved the way it has. At first glance she thinks her life is wonderful, but after digging deeper she realizes how much she is missing and needs to rediscover herself.  I  enjoyed the author's sentiment "be true to yourself".

-Natalie