Monday, May 5, 2014

April Books

Full 2014 list is here

A nervous splendour by Frederick Morton
A nervous splendour

Book didn't work for me despite being about a really interesting period and revolving around a fabulous story. Dashing, reform-mided prince in fin-de-siecle Vienna is stymied by an autocratic father, kills himself and his 17 year old lover in a murder suicide pact that the palace tries to hide from the public. Dull writing and a disjointed attempt to interweave the lives of other prominent Viennese (Freud, Mahler, Brahms, Klimt) into parallel storyline keep me from recommending the book, but do do look into the life and times of Prince Rudolf. 

Fire in the Hole by Elmore Leonard

Fire in the Hole 

Got this to read the story that inspired Justified, a show I'd been mildly enjoying until Netflix discovered I'm in Serbia. Pilot was surprisingly faithful to the story, and the others are just as cracking. Leonard made writing and storytelling look incredibly easy, both of which are deceptively difficult.



8793836Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate

Clear, if somewhat dull look at energy alternatives and the prospect for transition from coal and oil. Apparently the replacement of oil with switchgrass is going to take longer and do less than its champions would have you believe.


3360940

Stop Me If You've Heard This: A History and Philosophy of Jokes

Short, very readable book. Didn't say much, but historical examination of humor was fun.



18463137Deep Sea and Foreign Going: Inside Shipping, the Invisible Industry That Brings You 90% of Everything


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