Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II   John W. Dower
Excellent, Pulitzer Prize-winning history of postwar Japan. Really liked the emphases on social and intellectual history, use of popular culture, such as, comedians, TV shows, magazines, songs, etc., and personal letters and diaries. Provides good insight into what life was like for individual Japanese. Very interesting details about the decision to keep the emperor in place, reflecting SCAP’s very conservative approach. Though I read this book about 10 years ago, it fit well with my current reading about Japan in the Pacific war. Very good book.

Confessions of an English Opium Eater   Thomas De Quincey
De Quincey’s idiosyncratic autobiographical sketches of his early life, as well as specific thoughts and reminiscences of the pleasures and pains of opium use, in his case laudanum. I was assigned to read this book in high school, but I didn’t, so, since I have always been interested in it, I finally got to it. I never would have been able to get through his prose back then, it was work enough now. The section on the pains of opium use was the most tedious, all his weird dreams, etc., but I enjoyed the book somewhat, and I’m really glad I finally got it done.

Sad Animal Facts   Brooke Barker
Imaginative, creative, delightful book of little-known facts about all kinds of animals. The drawings, though seemingly simple, convey the facts and emotions perfectly. A fun, quick read by the daughter of a good friend. Really enjoyed it.

Silence   Thomas Perry
Thriller about the attempt by Jack Till, a PI, to bring a woman back from hiding. Interesting narrative technique of focusing on two couples, Till and the woman he is returning, and the assassins hunting her. For me, too much interpersonal maneuvering. The whole thing got tedious, especially since Perry’s prose is only average. Nothing thrilling about it. Too bad.