What scientists were, and to some degree still are, figuring out is that constant emails and texts appeal to a primitive part of the brain which is on constant lookout for a change in the environment because it might be important.
The book follows Reagan from his youth, his Hollywood career, his presidency (which gets the lion share of the book of course) and to his death.
As a fan of history, I really enjoy the small, intimate stories which give a most excellent background to world events, and this book is filled with them. It was wonderful to read about the friendship, intimacy, companionship and service the staff provides the families who are on a world stage and sometimes can feel lonely and battered.
Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination is a well-researched biography which doesn’t put Disney on a pedestal, or takes his side on several issues
The novel read as if the author had access to old KGB files (maybe he did) deciphering the bureaucratic code used to hide atrocities and turn it into an amazing, gripping tale. Another outstanding work from an outstanding scholar which is well worth reading.
Argo: How the CIA and Hollywood Pulled Off the Most Audacious Rescue in History tells the of the story of the Iranian hostage rescue, the audaciousity of it all
Most of all The Martian celebrates human inventiveness to survive. An adventure book celebrating intelligence, done with intellect, wit and full of suspense.
The story of a young boy, having a difficult life, turning to Superman is engrossing, troublesome, touching and haunting all at the same time. The ending is very powerful and will stay with you for a long time.
The author manages to touch on many subjects interrelated to society and science, as well as ask many tough questions about how we treat the less fortunate of our society and the state of healthcare in the pre AHA days. There are no good answers to these questions, there are no rights or wrongs, the Skoots felt they have been cheated by John Hopkins Medical Center, scientists believed they acted according to ethical standards of the time.
This is one of those rare books which are intelligent, informative and entreating. Mr. Sidransky is an excellent author and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work.
