I'm back! I could write a whole column about why I have been absent. Weather - season- gingerbread-
writer's block - procrastination or whatever. But anyway, let's take a quick look at several of the books that came out this year. Today we check out 5 nonfiction books that came across my desk. BENEATH THE SANDS OF EGYPT (Morrow, 978-0--06-17282-9) by Donald P. Ryan; THE WILDER LIFE ( Riverhead Books, 978-1-59448-780-4) by Wendy McClure; HOW THE GOVERNMENT GOT IN YOUR BACKYARD (Timber Press, 978-1-6049-69-001-9) by Jeff Gillman and Eric Heberlig; THE PSYCHOPATH TEST (Riverhead Books, 978-1-59448-801-6) by Jon Ronson; LOOSE DIAMONDS 9 (Morrow, 978-0-06-195874-8) by Amy Ephron.Loose
LOOSE DIAMONDS is a collection o little gems, or essays,told with wryness and humor that chronicle the writers life and its ups and downs. As well as some of her musings about life and all that. Her life as involved some interesting characters (think Squeaky Fromme), the champagne swilling southern belle, as well as a vengeful woman at her son's school, and of course the tantalizing phrase in a shop window that offered loose diamonds for sale. the term loose diamonds led to conjectures of what loose diamonds were - actually.
The book also is a look at the relationship between the author and her alcoholic mother.I found her thoughts on the unpredictability of life and relationships witty and sound.
I found THE PSYCHOPATH TEST: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MADNESS INDUSTRY to be a disturbing book on several levels. When I started reading it I was not sure if the author was serious. But the more I read the odder it all became.The book is an eye opening look into the world of the tester, the psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health practitioners. And it is scary. There is a list of supposed traits of psychopaths that the author applies to some of the leaders of industry. Particularly one known for his ruthless decisions.As he learns, it seems that practically everyone exhibits some of these traits. Another disturbing facet is the desire for many of these professionals to want to label everyone. This brings into study the alarming trend of diagnosing very young children with psychiatric disorders and medicating them. It begins to look as if many of the professionals are indistinguishable from their patients. As a nation we tend to be quick to label and want people to conform and fit into a niche. And in many cases meds seem to be the approved solutions. I am still not sure how I feel about this book except to say that I will probably go over it again I think it reveals some frightening instances and provides a lot of food for thought and further reading and discussion. Incidentally, the author also wrote THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS and THEM.
Another book that touches on controversy is HOW THE GOVERNMENT GOT IN YOUR BACKYARD. This is an informative book that deals with both sides of hot button issues such nas weeds that have become herbicide resistant (superweeds); foods that have been loaded with additives and preservative; genetically altered foods, plants and animals' the way we treat lawns, and environmental issues.Alternative fuels are discussed as is biotechnology. The authors have tackled the politics, the science, and some of the folklore about many of these issues and presented it for use of the ordinary homeowner. It is a start to understanding what is good, feasible, far fetched or just plain wrong. I am quite fond of \Timber Press books.
And in a totally different vein, this book and its premise astounded me. THE WILDER LIFE is a title that suggests many things. Perhaps something daring, a biography of Thornton or Gene,but no. this is the story of a woman who is hooked, or maybe I should say obsessed, with THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and all things Wilder. And she is able to indulge her obsession by visiting and studying all things
Wilder.She really retraces the life of the Ingalls family through several states and through a lot of their history.
She, and I, learned that the books were not the complete story. She learned to cook and bake in the manner of the era and place and using the same ingredients when possible.. Even if you were not a fan of the books p\or the TV show, you will find this book amusing and fascinating. I think her husband must be a very understanding man to spend a lot of his time on the trek as well. The book is witty, amusing and very informative. I felt I ended up knowing more about the Wilders than was necessary, but I enjoyed learning it. The author really deserves kudos for her tenacity - as well as clever writing.
The last title. BENEATH THE SANDS OF EGYPT is aasomewhat informall look at several episodes in the life of an archaeologist who is able to make his work come alive. This book looks at the many digs, excavations, and finds that have occurred as Ryan explored in Egypt. He was able to relate his work to
that of the legendary Carter and to let the reader see how the methods and digs have changed over the years. Professionals have replaced professional amateurs and wealthy patrons are more apt to be foundations, universities, museums or governments. And methods are much refined, work is tedious, but small finds can change our view of history. I found it fascinating that Ryan spent a great deal of time studying the ropes found in different tombs. Each era had its types and ways of making ropes.. It was appalling to read of the way some of the graves were desecrated and contents scattered about. Some of the destruction was due to ignorance at the time, some by thieves and some was from natural disasters. The author is able to give the reader a tantalizing word picture of the splendor and the squalor of the setting. One can almost feel the atmosphere. If you enjoy reading about Egypt's past, I recommend this tale of many years of work and learning. Incidentally, the author as a young child was enthralled the exploits of Thor Heyerdahl and his adventures told of in Kon Tiki and other books. Ryan is affiliated with the Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma ,Washington. I would enjoy his classes.
