Classic science-fiction. The exploration of a philosophical dilemma through a crazy hypothetical premise. Here the main character’s dreams alter reality, retroactively. With this premise Le Guin probes our ability to change the world, coming out against those who seek power, and those who want to rid themselves of the responsibility to act. As with her other books, I find a deep connection to the themes Le Guin illustrates.

I’ve been working on this book a long while, not because it’s difficult to read, but because the copy I own fits in my pocket. And since so much goes on in the story I can consume it in small bites and still feel I’ve finished something. This makes it a perfect lunch-break book, and I might have finished it and the other three books in this series if I hadn’t been so unemployed recently.

The plot is somewhat thin, but on par for most horror movies. And I really didn’t miss the story. The visual style carries the movie well. And like most Japanese horror, I didn’t find it very horrifying. But that’s a cultural thing I suppose.

Oy, what would have happened if The Ramones had developed musically? You would have ended up with The Undertones. And develop is the key word here. This album clearly demonstrates the band’s developing artistry. With a career nearly as old as me, and musical references reaching even farther back, I almost feel like I’m listening to a history of rock and roll’s soft underbelly.

Finished the first four (skipping Tales from Earthsea for now.) The series gets better as it develops. I’m hoping this book will be as intriguing as the others, but I’ve only now started.

Having read a few of Dr. Kuhl’s papers describing her brilliant research in early language acquisition, I decided to check this book out from the library. Written with her husband, Dr. Meltzoff and another cognitive scientist, this book has exceeded my expectations. The writing is not overly scientific, but the methods and conclusions described are rigorous and well-founded. This book explains in detail what is now known about what children start off knowing, what and how they learn in order to comprehend the complex physical and social landscape they’re born into, and what their caregivers do instinctively to help them along. A must read for parents and those interested in cognitive science.

Of all of Murakami’s books, this one has a special appeal. Here he deals heavily in metaphors. Part hard-boiled detective novel, part cyberfiction, part fantasy… pure Murakami. One of his most structured fugues into the human psyche.

The most “normal” of Murakami’s work. But not quite what you’d expect from normal. Norwegian Wood is a tragic romance - or a romantic tragedy - which echoes the mystery and longing expressed in the Beatles’ song from which it takes its name. This is the title I give out when I want to introduce a friend to Murakami.

Ah, the lessons learned herein are all too familiar to me. Yes, it’s almost impossible to earn a living wage in the lower echelons of the job market. This book makes an excellent introduction to the problems facing the working class in America: high rents, low wages, hard work, long hours, and a corporate culture which dehumanizes and demoralizes its workforce. Ehrenreich has found a compelling approach to illustrate this growing threat to America’s prosperity. I will definitely be passing this book on to friends.

This book has surprised me. I expected the author to write from the corporate mindset, explaining how his particular snake oil will maximize profits and minimize risk. But, there seems to be a broader message to the text. Based on hard data and person-on-the-street interviews, Michael J. Weiss sets out to prove that while there is no “average” American, there are some quantifiable differences. Just into the first chapter this book has begun to reshape the way I view my community.