Working backwards

With Henry, the holidays, and Rome, my reading has slowed. So I thought I could work backwards and offer some mini-reviews of books I've read pre-blog.

Since August 2008:
Good Good Pig - Non-fiction selection from my friends' book club. Life lessons from a pig. Not great, so I'll summarize: savor life.

Happiest Baby on the Block - This is the most-recommended newborn book among our friends - because the 5-S technique (swaddling, shushing, sucking, swinging, side) works.

Stumbling on Happiness - A Harvard psych prof on how the human mind makes decisions and and how these processes can lead to happy/unhappy outcomes. Fascinating. The kids-make-you-unhappy section makes for interesting conversation.

Team of Rivals - DKG's biography of Lincoln and his cabinet. Much in the news these days since Obama has cited its influence. One of the best biographies I've ever read.

Handmaid's Tale - While this feels somewhat dated to its early 80s influences (Iranian Revolution, abortion wars, rise of the religious right), it is a good read. Thought the post-script didn't fit at all.

Killer Angels - The classic fictionalized version of the Gettysburg battle. (E & I visited Gettysburg a couple years ago when we attended a friend's nearby wedding, and I got into the Civil War.) This is book is a page-turner that really involves you in the battle. Team of Rivals provided some of the larger historical/political/military context that is lacking from this.

(Then The Sparrow, etc.)