The Histories   Herodotus

Herodotus’ (484-414 BCE) histories of Persia, Egypt, and Ionia covering religion, social traditions, politics, geography, and wars, especially the Persian empire that dominated the period. Really the first work in what we in the western world consider history. Divided into nine sections named for the muses. MacAulay’s translation, though from the 19^th Century, is clear and readable. An important and impressive work, and not just because it may originally have been presented orally. Trying to fill in another gap in my education.

Thin Air   Richard K. Morgan

Complex mystery novel that takes place on a far-future, colonized Mars. Murder everywhere, intricate political intrigue, staggering violence and brutality, and a very well developed future described in great and convincing detail. The technology is impressively thought out and believable. Became completely immersed in it, a very enjoyable distraction. Didn’t want it to end.

Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes   Paul Strathern

Very short introduction to Schopenhauer, though not much about his actual philosophy. Primarily covers his life, his bitter relationship with his mother, and his many affairs. Too bad, his ideas influenced Nietzsche, Wagner, Freud, and Wittgenstein, among others. While I enjoyed it well enough, and I learned about Schopenhauer’s life, I don’t understand the elements of his thought any better. One good thing about the book is that it really did take only 90 minutes to read.

Ship Breaker   Paolo Bacigalupi

Young Adult novel about a dystopian America caused by the effects of global warming. Nailer is a ship breaker who gets involved with a swank girl and the corporate intrigue of her family. The same world of Bacigalupi’s adult novels, which I loved, and like them very well written, enjoyed it well enough. Disappointed that the two following novels focus on a different character. Not a bad read at all.

The Maples Stories   John Updike

A one-volume collection of all eighteen stories about Richard and Joan Maples Updike wrote throughout his career. As always with Updike, he explores the rich emotional complexity and nuances of a relationship in highly intelligent, luminous, exquisite prose. Humorous, and at times, deeply moving. I really miss Updike’s writing, wish he were still alive. Loved every word.