Flash and Bones

Stars:5/5

Author: Kathy Reichs

Subjects: Murder, mystery, NASCAR, Charlotte, Anthropology, Bones, Forensics, Police, FBI, Right-Wing Extremists, cover up, conspiracy, bio hazards, suspense, science, Temperance Brennan, novel

ISBN: 978-1-4391-0241-1

Copyright Year: 2011

Other Comments: Kathy Reichs does it once again! This was an outstanding novel, complete with plot twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. We meet up again with the protagonist, forensic anthropologist, Dr. Temperance Brennan, in her hometown of Charlotte, NC just as race week is about to begin. Just as fans are filing in for the NASCAR event a body in unearthed in the landfill adjacent to the speedway. Sure enough, Tempe is called in to complete the autopsy. The discovery then leads to a complex investigation involving multiple bodies, the FBI, a disgraced ex-cop, extremists, and bio hazard scares that all keep the pages turning.

The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains

Stars: 5/5
Author: Nicholas Carr
Subjects: Neuropsychology, Internet--Physiological effect, Internet--Psychological aspects, science
ISBN: 9780393072228
Copyright Year: 2010
Other Comments: Nicholas Carr, in one of the most important books I've ever read, explains the physiological effect of the internet on our brains.  An avid internet user and consumer of digital technology, Nicholas isn't someone who is one-sided.  He did his research - from the effects of inventions of all sorts on society to the newest studies on the intricate workings of the brain, Carr explains how the internet is one huge distraction machine - and how it's training our brains to be unfocused.  I would encourage everyone to read this phenomenal and frightening book.  Especially teachers and professors who use technology in the classroom.

Sonnet - To Science

Stars: 4.5/5
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Subjects: science, mythology, folklore
ISBN: 1593080646 (B&N Classics collection)
Copyright Year: 1829 (poem), B&N Classics collection (2004)
Other Comments: "Sonnet - To Science" is a poem that accuses science of robbing the world of mythology, folklore, and art.  When I was reading it, I had no idea it was a sonnet - even when I read the title - but sure enough it was.  This is a good sign, that the rhyming is so subtle and natural, I didn't notice the structure.  Overall, it is an enjoyable poem that questions the stance of pure logic over artistic expression, myth, and folklore.