Aleta's Book Report

by Robin Sloan This fun science fiction novel brings together computing, engineering, robotics,...and of all things, sourdough. Mr. Sloan has a delightful way with words, and had me laughing at the visualizations he developed. Our protagonist, Lois, has "lost" herself to her job, as many teachers have done. Lois "inherited" a sourdough starter, and is determined to keep it from dying, so she does what all good students do - she reads a book. She joins a local "Lois" group (you have to read it to meet the ladies in the group), she makes bread, and integrates robotics. All in all, this is a very easy read, maybe two hours on a rainy day to yourself (if you have such an endangered species). Get lost in the fun. You'll be glad you did.

What a fun story based on history! The plot winds around the animosity between paleontologists Marsh and Cope, as told by a fictional member of the dig party. We are taken (in the form of our protagonist, William Johnson) to the Badlands, Deadwood, into Indian raids, labeled as a traitor, attacked on all sides by all kinds of people, and then we get home a changed young man. If you know history, you will enjoy they way Crichton weaves momentous events and remarkable historical persons into the story. You will find yourself thinking "I know what's coming," because you do, if you know anything about the WEST in the 1870's, or know some of the background with Marsh and Cope. I listened to this story as a traveled each week, getting about 2 hours of the book on each trip. After each two hours, I wanted more, but I forced myself to wait for the next week. I was sad to be finished with it yesterday.

Just like most of you, I read Eva Curie's biography of her mother when I was around 10 or 11 years old (mine was is the Reader's Digest for Young Adults). I was, like you, inspired. Recently, I saw the reenactment of Marie Curie by Susan Marie Frontczak, produced on film by Jen Myronuk. The presentation was AMAZING! I really did feel as if Marie Curie was telling her story just to me. MSTA will be discussing sponsoring this presentation at a conference in the future. Susan Marie Frontczak talked with the audience via Skype after the presentation. She told us that she had read Eva Curie's biography in her preparation, but she relyied on the Susan Quinn biography for much of her research and dialogue. I knew I had to read this book, so I downloaded it to my Kindle that very day! The book is, of course, enlightening. I just happened to be reading about Marie's viewing the total eclipse the night before our total eclipse in August. I stopped so I could read th

This book is exactly what it promises - bits of information delivered quickly and primarily for entertaining purposes. Being published by the Bathroom Readers Institute, you will appreciate its delivery and humor. Strange History by Bathroom Readers' Institute Printers Row Publishing Group Portable Press

Hardcover, 576 pages Published May 19th 2015 by Oxford University Press, USA (first published April 3rd 2015) ISBN 0199334412 (ISBN13: 9780199334414) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WOW! This is a MUST READ for biology teachers. I had only heard snippets of this story, and they seem to have been related to me incorrectly. I am so glad I have read (listened) to this book. Jacobs does a great job with his early life, and that of his parents. She addresses the controversy of the killed vs. weakened vaccine, Salk vs. Sabin, and other stories. Jacobs gives us real insight as to the founding of the NFIP (National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis) which started the March of Dimes. The beginning of this is amazing, and gave rise to Salk's idea that the people of the nation own the vaccine, as they provided the funds for its development. Again, I say, READ THIS BOOK. It is really long, but all really good books are!

Patient H.M. A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets by Luke Dittrich Random House Publishing Group - Random House Random House Nonfiction (Adult), Science Pub Date 09 Aug 2016 I was enchanted with the details and the history of neurosurgery in this book. The author, being the grandson of the doctor in focus, provides a great insight into the life of that grandfather and the development of his surgical skills. Another aspect is the history of the lobotomy: surgical, via accident, or medication. The author reviewed the stories of Broca and Tan, as well as Phineas Gage and the sister of JFK, in a compelling, storytelling way which will appeal to high school and college students. I recommend this book for teachers and students who are interested in studying the brain, accidents involving the brain, and surgery.