Book Review: Life of the Party: A Political Press Tart Bares All by Lisa Baron

Life of the Party: A Political Press Tart Bares All by Lisa Baron
Genre: Politics, Memoirs
Pages: 272
Acquired: 08/23/11
Book of Your Shelf? No
Why I read it: Review Copy
Series: None

Lisa explores her life as a spokeswoman for several politicians, namely the head of the Christian Coalition. Her voice is humorous and insightful, immersing the reader in the chaotic life she led. But as scandal rocks the organization she is forced to realize that her mentor may not be as honest as she thinks he is. When a series of bad decisions attracts bad press like a magnet, Lisa's skills are put to the test.

A great and entertaining read full of very memorable quotes.

4/5

Book Review: Through the Dark Woods by Joanna Swinney

Through the Dark Woods: A Young Woman's Journey Out of Depression


This is the story of a woman's battle with depression. It started when she was in school and carried into her adult life. She has many wonderful stories of the people that helped, the people that hurt, and how she's emerged a happier person. Many of the things she said made so much sense I'm amazed that everyone didn't already know them. The tips she offers for people suffering from depression and well as well as the ones trying help that with depression, are wonderful. The only down side of this book for me was the constant references to Christianity. I know these may help many people, but as someone that doesn't practice any particular religion, they seemed a bit forced at time. Still a book a would recommend to anyone with depression or anyone that knows someone with depression.

4/5

Book Review: Bhagavad-Gita translated by Barbara Stoler Miller

Bhagavad Gita

I picked this up because it is one of the essential texts of Hindu culture and I enjoy learning the history of culture and religions. This particular text is a series of conversations between the Arjuna (a warrior/prince) and the god Krishna. There are some interesting sections on what is the basis of action is and how we should approach it mentally and overcome our physical desires.

I don't like to rate books that can be viewed as religious texts, so I give them all 3 stars as a rule.

3/5

Book Review: The Link by Colin Tudge

In interesting look at a spectacular fossil found at a dig site in Germany called the Messel Pit. The fossil is believed to be one of the "missing links" in the evolution of humans. While it would have been nice to hear more in the book about the fossil itself, the book did give a wonderful history of a period in ancient history called the Eocene. It explored several different theories of evolution branches that could have potentially lead to humans.


Overall a very informative book. My only complaint was the lack of more information on the fossil, Ida, herself.

3.5/5

Alexander the Great by John Gunther

This is an old school book that I acquired from my grandparents (I think). While it introduces the history of Alexander the Great in a wonderful young adult novel fashion, I was suprised at the moral lessons that included. The book clear state that certain personality traits were "evil" or "wrong" and others were "ideal", In one instance they even pointed out that drunk people have boring conversation. Not only did I learn a little about Alexander's life, I had a few chuckles along the way.


3/5

Book Review: Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King

Brunelleshi's Dome: How A Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture

In interesting look at the Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi. A man who was known for his temper, holding grudges, and his wonderful and imaginative designs not only in architecture but ways to make the building of them easier. It was interesting to read how designs were selected and plans carried out "way back then". I can't fully comprehend how anything ever got done. The storyline tended to meaner a bit, which through me off a bit and made it a bit more difficult to follow.


3.5/5

Book Review: Dear Mr. Unibomber by Ray Cavanaugh

I requested this book from the Members Giveaway program because I thought it would be more about the history of the Unabomber. It is a series of letters written to him after he was imprisoned. However, most of the letters center around the author and his lack of faith in the system and life itself. While mildly entertaining, it was not what I had been expecting at all.


2/5

Book Review: The Message of the Sphinx by: Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval

This is the second book on Egypt that I have read by Robert Bauval. I would recommend reading the first, The Orion Mystery, before starting this as it occassionally references back to topics written there, and I found it very helpful to have the background on the pyramids discussed in The Orion Mystry.

The Message of the Sphinx moves away from the Great Pyramids a bit and centers on the meaning, purpose and age of the Great Sphinx. Newer theories (1996) suggest that the Sphinx is much older than originally thought and also suggest a new purpose for the anciet monument. These discoveries are based in science and lead to a very compelling argument for the writers' theories.

If you are interested in Egyptology, this book should be on your must read book. Even if we choose not to believe the authors' theories, it shows a new picture of the ancients that helps piece together how and when they lived, specifically their religion and funeral rites. The writing gets a littel overly scientific for easy reading so I've been picking it up on and off all year.

4/5

Songbird in My Heart by Mark Steven Rhoads

The first thing that struck me about the book was the pictures. I must say that they are amazing. The author pairs these pictures with words, many times poems, that help you learn to stop and enjoy the right now instead of constantly living the past or present. A wonderful book to read on a lazy day, just like he promises.

3/5

This review needs more, because there is reason it did not receive more than 3 stars (which what I rate average). I just can't quite seem to put what I want into words. If I ever figure it out, I'll go back and update it.

One Good Turn: A Natural History of the Screwdriver and Screw by Witold Rybczynski

I'm not quite sure where this book came from. I reached into a box while unpacking, looked down and though "Now why would I ever have this?" I still don't know, it's one of the few mystery books that have shown up over the years. It is a short book, less than 150 pages, with several well drawn diagrams and even a picture glossary of tools to refer to as you read.

I was surpisingly drawn into it, considering its about tools, and I don't have much of a fit-it-up bone in my body. I'm more of the tear it down and look pleadingly at my boyfried to put it back together type.

The author starts by giving us a reason why he felt compelled to research the screw and screwdriver of all things. He then walks us through a good chunk of his research as he looks for the origins (which was suprisingly tricky). Finally, he walks us backwards through time through all the various stages and uses of the screw(driver). I would have prefered to start at the beginning and work our way to modern times, so it was a bit confusing for me jumping backwards but I can understand why he wrote that way.

An interesting book to keep me occupied for an afternoon...lovely sketches throughout as well.

3/5 stars