The Book Challenge discussion

1. Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio, by Derf Backderf. Wow. I knew this was going to be good. I've read Trashed and My Friend Dahmer, both excellent reads I recommend to anyone, and perfect examples that dispel the myth that graphic novels are merely "lit lite." But Kent State blew even my high expectations out of the water. There is just so much detail in the story itself, and do check out the footnotes at the end for more information, and to appreciate the meticulous research and effort that went into this. But the quality doesn't end with the research. Kent State also packs an emotional punch as well. I nearly cried at the end, even though I knew what was coming. In addition, I thought Backderf did a commendable job with balancing the story from multiple viewpoints. No punches are pulled over the many, many mistakes and misinformation that led to this tragedy and plague Kent State and students in general, even decades later. I can't recommend this one enough.

2. Educated, by Tara Westover. Actually started Educated last year.This one took a while to read because there were several times I had to put the book down and absorb what I've read. Westover's autobiography on her life growing up in rural Idaho, with parents who did not believe in public schooling, felt that taking government assistance in any form was akin to selling your soul to the devil and that modern medicine was evil, left me slack-jawed at times. Westover's story is by turns tragic and inspiring. Tragic because there were so, so many moments where someone could have- and should have- interceded, but did not. However, despite the many, many hurdles from her family life, including not starting formal education until she was 17 (when she actually went straight to college- yes, college), she managed to put herself through school and wound up earning a PhD. All through self-studying from her brother's old textbooks. Yes, she had mentors and people who stepped in when she most needed it, but it was her determination to push through that got her where she is. Westover paints a nuanced picture of her family- she includes the good times, the loving times, as well as the warts and many, many problems. I found it interesting that of the seven siblings (Westover was the youngest), three would go on to earn PhDs, but the other four never even earned a high school diploma. Talk about extremes.

Currently reading: Stamped from the Beginning, by Ibram X. Kendi. Almost done, less than 100 pages to go!

3. Stamped from the Beginning, by Ibram X. Kendi. There's a meme going around that states that "if studying history always makes you proud and happy, you probably aren't studying history." If anyone is looking for a challenging read that might make you squirm, this is the book for you. It is uncomfortable reading at times, and I admit if I'd read this even a couple of years ago I might have dismissed it as being too extreme. But after the events of last year, Kendi's well-researched book on history we seldom if ever hear about cannot be ignored. He does a commendable job connecting the dots in the history of racial relations, dots which often get ignored or glossed over. In addition, he argues convincingly why past remedies to racist thought and policy -- like uplift suasion and greater education — fail and will continue to fail. Kendi outlines the traps that even the most well-intentioned can fall into when it comes to assumptions about other people.

The chronicles of this country's long history of racism is told through several prominent Americans, including Thomas Jefferson, Cotton Mather, W.E.B. DuBois and Angela Davis. The section of W.E.B. DuBois is the most fleshed out, and it was interesting reading about how his own opinions and stands would change over time.

There are some minor flaws that, while they do not impact the overall message, stuck out. In general, the information is well-cited but I wish there had been more sources quoted about the 2000 and 2004 election issues he mentions. His reference to the late singer Michael Jackson and the "rumors" about his bleaching his skin and undergoing plastic surgery without context or explanation came off as a cheap shot. I'm not a fan of Jackson, but he had vitiligo (which at least partially explains why his skin became lighter), and he incurred serious burns while filming a commercial. There was another section where the dinner between Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt was mentioned. Roosevelt knew, at least somewhat, the implications of sending that invite. Also, more critically, not all Black people were happy about this invitation; there were close friends and family members who pleaded with Washington to turn down the invite because they feared the fallout (for more on this, I recommend Guest of Honor by Deborah Davis).

Despite these minor imperfections, I'd still recommend reading this. It shows the history of the United States from a different angle, and the book forces the reader to rethink its historic figures, both Black and white. There are no easy ways to resolve the racial divide and combating racism, especially when the most powerful benefit from the division. I was astounded and the lengths some have gone to for justifying racist thoughts and beliefs, and how those ideas have morphed over time. Moving to a true postracial society will be a Herculean effort. That Kendi makes clear. But it is possible, with a good deal of time and effort. The best antidotes, as outlined here, are removing the financial incentives and changing the structures that allow racism to flourish (such as the criminal justice system).

4. Ghosting the News, by Margaret Sullivan. The former editor of The Buffalo News and current columnist for The Washington Post packs a good deal in 95 pages, plus notes. I've read quite a few books on the depressing struggles newspapers have had to endure for the past 20 years, but the focus on this one is on the loss to the communities and the consequences to the cities that face diminishing or even no news coverage. Decreased democracy and information. Greater corruption. Higher community costs, and not just with the intangible loss of a watchdog over government and business but tangible hits to the wallet. Sullivan gives examples of the harm done, and where the local newspaper prevented greater damage. She also goes into the alternatives that are springing up, outlining the successes and the drawbacks. This is not a positive read; Sullivan paints a bleak, if honest, picture of the future of newspapers and strong local coverage. A strong point is the need to move thought away of thinking of the newspaper as a product, and thinking of it as a public service, and considering options such as government subsidies to keep the industry alive. Anyone who cares about the future of local news should read this.

Currently reading: To Live Woke, by Rupert Nacoste.

5. Hamnet, by Maggie O'Farrell. This was the February pick for the book club I'm in. I finished it pretty quickly, it was hard to put down. It's a historical fiction take on Shakespeare's family, with the focus mostly on Shakespeare, his wife and his children, mostly Hamnet. Hamnet died at age 11, possibly of the plague, but little is known about him beyond that. The views from wife Agnes were especially fascinating. The time jumps were a bit disconcerting, especially at first, but that's my only nit. The story skillfully weaves historical fact, speculation and setting into an enjoyable tale.

Currently reading: To Live Woke, by Rupert Nacoste.

6. To Live Woke, by Rupert Nacoste. Any time calls for recommendations on bridging divides comes up, Taking on Diversity by Nacoste is always the first book I recommend. This will be another I will start recommending. He does a fantastic job parsing out the whys of the past decade, why certain things have happened, why people feel the way they do, and how to best bridge gaps and embrace the neo-diverse world. This is what White Fragility tried and failed miserably to be. This is how it is done. This book is how you educate people about embracing the differences we may encounter. Point to both the successes as well as the missteps. Show the tactics and steps that work. Those wanting to learn how to navigate and embrace neodiversity should purchase this and Taking on Diversity.

Currently reading: Parable of the Sower, by Octavia E. Butler.

7. Parable of the Sower, by Octavia E. Spencer. A choice by my book club. I've read a lot of dystopian fiction. This is the most haunting and chilling, mostly because I can see it happening, can see glimpses of a future like this even now. The main protagonist is Lauren, who lives in a "safe" walled neighborhood with her family. Life in the neighborhood is a constant struggle, but far better than life outside the walls. The country has been broken by water loss, climate change, rampant corruption and lack of true leadership. When Lauren is forced to flee with two others to the north, for what they hope will be a better life, the confront the ugliness they had been more or less sheltered from. However, they also grow closer and unite with others along their journey, and Lauren shares her personal philosophies in the growing hope of spreading the seeds of growth and change. The ending is a little bittersweet but not entirely unexpected. I do want to read the second book in this series. Fair warning: this is not an easy read, it's an emotional challenge. Have a comic chaser for after. But it's worth it. Yes, there's a lot of darkness and despair, but there are seeds of hope, even amid the chaos.

Currently reading: Literary Journalism, edited by Norman Sims and Mark Kramer.

8. Why Fish Don't Exist, by Lulu Miller. There's a lot of story and food for thought in Miller's short novel (195 pages, not including notes, etc.). It's a different sort of nonfiction tale, with chapters alternating between Miller's story and information on David Starr Jordon, a taxonomist and scientist with many claims to fame, not all good. I had never heard of him, so the 180-degree tone shift in the book about halfway through took me completely by surprise. For those who are not familiar with him, I won't elaborate. It's highly philosophical, with Miller weighing the advantages and disadvantages of various schools of thought as she does a deep dive into the life of Jordon. And yes, the odd title is explained towards the end, and the rationale was really mind-blowing. The debates surrounding this point alone would be fun to listen to.

9. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, by Ntozake Shange. This play has been on my want-to-read list for some time. It's a challenge to get into the rhythm of it, but it's worth the effort. For Colored Girls is a series of poems and monologues told by seven women, each identified by a color, each with a distinct story and personality. I loved the lyric flow of the words and would love to see this staged. The stories and feelings related are beautiful and heart-rending by turns.

Currently reading: Literary Journalism, by Norman Sims and Mark Kramer, and The Professor and the Madman, by Simon Winchester.

10. Literary Journalism, by Norman Sims and Mark Kramer, editors. This is a worthwhile read for journalists, prospective journalists and writers. It's a form of writing that's almost like a nonfiction novella, with detail usually found more in nonfiction magazines. They are all worthwhile reads for those interested in this writing style. A couple stories are kind of dry and were a bit too long and delved too much in the minutia, but most I enjoyed, such as The Mountains of Pi, The American Man, and The Road is Very Unfair. That last one especially struck a chord and serves as a reminder as to why making lasting change is so difficult.

11. The Professor and the Madman, by Simon Winchester. Who would have thought the creation of a dictionary would have so much history and drama? While there had been attempts, more on the lesser side of successful, in creating a volume about words and their definition, the Oxford English Dictionary was groundbreaking. It's funny now to think of a time when there was no dictionary, but the OED has only been around since post Civil War, and it took decades to put together. The editor most credited with its compilation, Prof. James Murray, sought volunteers to search for words, write definitions, and find quotes and examples of the words in use. An especially prolific volunteer was American Civil War veteran Dr. W.C. Minor, who submitted more than 10,000. When Murray went to personally thank him, he made an interesting and unsettling discovery- he was also a longtime inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane, committed there after he murdered a man. This was a fascinating read, and I love how each chapter begins with a word from the OED. Nice touch. It not only gets into the history of the dictionary, but in the stories of Murray and Minor. Minor's story especially is heartbreaking. He was highly intelligent but suffered from a serious mental illness that, for most of his life, really had no name, much less any effective treatment.

12. Slave Play, by Jeremy O. Harris. The play revolves around several couples and two counselors in a very different sort of couples therapy/research setup. The result is a raw look at race, sexuality and identity. There's a phrase about how good art afflicts the comfortable and comforts the afflicted. That's the perfect way to describe Slave Play- it will make you squirm, but it will also make you think.

Currently reading: Insane: America's Criminal Treatment of Mental Illness, by Alisa Roth.

I would recommend reading both of the following books together. They show a pretty complete picture of just how broken our criminal justice system is, particularly for those who have historically been marginalized.

13. Are Prisons Obsolete, by Angela V. Davis. The question posed in the book title is a provocative one. Can we truly dismantle and demolish our prison system? Personally, I don't think so; no matter how many protections we put in place, how quality our mental health programs become, how much we sever the for-profit motivations for incarceration, and how much we create a more equal society, there will be a small handful of people who should never be let out into the community because they pose too great a danger. However, Davis does make a powerful case that not only could we drastically reduce our reliance on prisons, but the way our criminal justice system is set up, this country is actually feeding the pipelines and creating the situations that throw so many behind bars, particularly people of color. This is a short read, just a little more than 100 pages, but it was definitely an eye-opener. I think the biggest shock for me is just how much corporations have a vested interest in full prisons, from owning shares in for-profit to marketing items for the prison population, to using prison labor to cut costs. One horrifying story was from a researcher who came into a prison and described how he only saw acres of skin he could experiment on (experiments are now banned, by the way). I'm not even going to get into the abomination that is for profit, private prisons, a concept that should have never seen the light of day. I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to learn how and where the United States has gone wrong with our criminal justice system, and how to at least partially remedy the issues.

14. Insane: America's Criminal Treatment of Mental Illness, by Alisa Roth. I finished this book this afternoon (for my book club), and still trying to absorb everything. Roth's book is fairly short, but packs a heck of a punch in terms of exposing at so many levels how poorly this country handles mental health issues, especially when it comes to incarceration. We do so many things in this country that actually fuel the various prison pipelines, and those who have a mental illness especially get caught up in a vicious cycle of imprisonment and release because resources are so scant and scattered. One story, for example, relates how one person awaiting sentencing waited four months for a psychiatric evaluation. Basically, everything from what is criminalized, to solitary confinement, to bail issues, to how prisons are set up, how law enforcement often has as much — if not more — of a voice when it comes to deciding who gets care in what environment (and this is something the vast majority of corrections officers or police officers really don't have the training for) — it sets out most vulnerable up for failure. Not to mention the lack of training (or incentive) for deescalating a situation, and having trained mental health providers on site at prisons and hospital facilities. Roth does show some bright spots by illustrating promising programs that seem to be working at reducing the numbers of mentally ill who spend time in a prison, and how many go back to prison, such as the Restoration Center in San Antonio and CIT training for police. But obviously, much still needs to be done on many fronts. Roth includes numerous interviews with those who have mental illness who have gone through the criminal justice system, as well as their families.

The only nit I have is that the book goes into how a lot of medical personnel working a prisons are later found to have rap sheets themselves. However, it is not addressed whether they were effective at their jobs. If they were doing a good job, I'd say they probably had qualifications that made them well-suited to helping out prisoners, especially since there is a paucity of professionals willing to go into this field. Later in the book, it goes into the difficulties that those with a record- particularly those with a mental illness- have in finding housing and jobs. How nearly impossible it is to get a second chance. I found it an odd condemnation for a book that seeks to bring empathy for the incarcerated and formerly imprisoned. If there were issues in general, that's one thing, but to say a medical professional was a problem because he or she had a record (and not go into job performance, save in one case where it did seem to be an issue) was a small fumble. Aside from this, I highly recommend this for anyone interested in how deeply flawed our criminal justice system is.

15. 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables, by Bob Welch. Really enjoyed this quick, easy to digest read, which combines lessons from Les Miserables, which I consider one of the most spiritual novels (and musicals) in existence, and scripture from the Christian Bible. Welch concentrates mostly on Hugo's novel but does include information and material from the hit musical (which is one of my favorites) and even from a couple of the movies. Using Hugo's work and the Bible, Welch outlines several lessons- about the importance of humility, the need for forgiveness, the perils of selfishness and greed, and, perhaps most importantly, about compassion and giving. I am a deist at best but found a lot of takeaways in this. Also, it was a nice refresher on the novel itself, which I read more than 20 years ago.

16. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman. Where do I begin with this fantastic book? I got the impression this was going to be a quirky rom-com, but it really isn't. It starts out as what looks to be a typical "fish out of water" story centering on our heroine Eleanor. In the story, she starts emerging from her constructed shell after a chance after work encounter with a co-worker and a stranger who has a medical emergency. Eleanor and Raymond wind up visiting the man, Sammy, at the hospital. This is the first step in Eleanor's gradual change. The second is her falling head over heals for a singer in a local band. To say she is set in her ways and a bit clueless about conventional society is an understatement. Some of the funniest moments are when she observes how civility and decorum are so lacking, either right before or right after she does something eyebrow-raising herself. Still, the power of this book is that Eleanor is not just a one-note character. Bit by bit, you slowly find out why she is the way she is. Without getting into spoilers, her past is tragic. I've seen other reviewers refer to this as "hilarious and heart-breaking." That's the best summary I've seen.

17. Wolves and Flax, by Kenneth Clarke. I really enjoyed this slice of local history, which was written by a direct descendent of the Prior family, the first family in what used to be known as Northampton Township. It was neat realizing why some of the streets and developments were named what they were. The family kept a lot of the letters and artifacts from the pioneering Priors, and I really liked the details on how challenging it was for the family to come here in the early 1800s.

18. Be Well, Be Whole, Be Free, by Rachel Pollack. This autobiography covers Pollack's struggles with eating disorders, which started when she was young. She goes into why it was hard for her to seek treatment, why it was a struggle for her to overcome her own inner voice and listen to the advice of her therapists, and her aha! moments when she realized that the inner voice she had followed was a liar. It's an honest story, well written and easy to follow. I'd recommend it for those who also might be struggling with eating disorders.

Currently reading: Driven to Learn, by Albin Weiler, and A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman.

19. Informing the News, by Thomas E. Patterson. This was both an excellent and insightful read- and extremely depressing. The author outlines where covering the news went wrong, why, and some possible myths behind what audiences are looking for (although I do wonder if parts of that research would hold today, this was published in 2013). I've realized myself, as a working journalist, that more specialists in various topics are needed, even before reading this. Patterson puts it in better terms than I could articulate. One phrase that stuck with me is that we are at a unique disadvantage in that our profession relies so heavily on other professionals to get information to write about- but without always fully understanding the situation. At best this can lead to vital topics being oversimplified. At worst, it could lead to scenarios where professionals with an agenda could outright lie, and we don't know enough to catch on to that until it's too late. I don't disagree, Patterson is right. However, is this realistic? Maybe in the 2010s, when this was being compiled. Maybe. But now? The hard reality is if you want journalists with true expertise in a field (medicine, science, and math are three that immediately spring to mind), you need to start paying at least double, and possibly triple, what journalists are being paid now. I realize not having expertise is costly, but smaller, news outlets don't have the budgets, and the larger corporately owned news industries don't have the interest (quite the contrary, but that's another topic for another day). Parts of this were a needed gut check, personally, but it made me think of my job and how I might improve. That's a good thing. What I really like is the list of journalism resources towards the back. Also, Patterson focuses on journalism in general, but especially newspapers and television. So yes, this is a worthwhile read, no doubt. But it's not an easy read, especially for those who care about the field.

Currently reading: Democracy Without Journalism? by Victor Pickard, and A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman.

20. Award-Winning Fashions of Edith Head Paper Dolls, by Tom Tierney. Fashion history is one of my interests. I collect Tierney's paper doll books, both for their beauty and craftsmanship, and as reference and inspiration. This one did not disappoint, including a good cross-section of actors in the costumes Edith Head created. Head was one of the best and most awarded costume designer in the history of movies; she would have certainly garnered more awards had the category for costuming been introduced earlier. Her costume designs can be seen in Samson and Delilah (1949), Rear Window, All About Eve, She Done Him Wrong, The Court Jester, and White Christmas.

21. Small Mouth Sounds, by Bess Wohl. A newer play with a cast of seven, including one character we never see, but whose voice can be heard. It takes place at a retreat, where the six characters try to seek enlightenment from their teacher. The six students aren't supposed to talk, so must resort to silent communication, with more or less success. They have each come to try to shed their personal baggage, but it's arguable whether they succeed. Even the teacher can't retain her cool. The script was highly readable and easy to follow. I'd like to see this staged, there's a good mix of comedy and some pathos.

22. The Expanding News Desert: 2018 Report, by Penelope Muse Abernathy. A quick but sobering read on the state of local journalism. This book includes numerous charts and maps showing how many newspapers have shut down in the past decade, plus the top holders of newspaper companies then (this is a bit dated with the merger of Gannett and GateHouse Media in November 2019.) It includes examples where things went wrong and why, but also offers stories of some hope. Abernathy's report shows the correlation of the loss of newspapers with more government spending and less civic activity, to name just two daunting issues. Unfortunately, many of the possible solutions, such as all-digital independents, have fallen far short of being able to fill those news deserts. It also presents some possible solutions. The charts and graphs are probably the best highlight because they, at a glance, show the issues clearly. Worth reading and keeping up with.

23. Democracy Without Journalism, by Victor Pickard. This is a good book to read along with The Expanding News Desert and Losing the News. Pickard's book was published in 2020. I recently did a presentation on journalism history and local journalism, and while I was only 2/3 done with this book at that time I wound up using this as a reference. Pickard outlines the issues with the for-profit system of news coverage, pointing out issues I'd never considered. One thing that struck me is this is the first book I've read where the author advocates for scrapping the for-profit model entirely. I do agree more models need supported and that model, and even a not-for-profit model, have flaws that mean that we need to look at what works in other countries. A really good book, particularly the sections about the positives and negatives on possible new ways to support local journalism.

24. A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. This was such a charming story, and now I want to check out the movie. The book follows Ove, an older man who prefers keeping to himself. His relationships with his neighbors range from barely tolerant to outright hostile. Ove is the stereotypical "get off my lawn!" type who lives for enforcing the homeowner association's rules. Through flashbacks, the reader sees what has made Ove the way he is. But when new neighbors move in, including the outgoing and assertive Parvaneh, Ove finds himself dragged from his existence and into living. It's neat to see how Ove changes, how his thoughts about his neighbors and his nicknames for them (almost all unflattering) change into thinking of his neighbors and others by their actual names. There were a couple moments where I was laughing so hard I had to put the book down. There also were some bittersweet moments as well, and the ending was just spot-on.

Currently reading: Beyond the Grave, by Troy Taylor.

25. Beyond the Grave, by Troy Taylor. Mixed feelings about this one. For the most part I'd recommend it. It's an easy and entertaining read, and with good information and lore. Taylor does a good job on trying to separate what could be true and what is probably urban legend. I like the mix of history and the possible supernatural connected with the various cemeteries in the nation. There are a few issues, though. One, the intro is a bit long and melodramatic. Two, there are lot, and I mean a LOT, of typos. Also, there was one story concerning a housing development that was possibly built over a slave cemetery, but excavation was supposed to be impossible because it would have been illegal. That sounded weird and I wish this were better explained. Generally, if bones are found somewhere, including on private property, there are going to be investigations and there will be digging. If anything, the laws require this. Still, if you are a fan of historic supernatural, especially as we get close to October, this is a good book to pick up. The stories are good, and my favorite tale is one of the funniest ghost stories I've ever heard.

Currently reading: Punched, Kicked, Spat On... and Sometimes Thanked, by Paul Orlousky.

26. Buy Jupiter and Other Short Stories, by Isaac Asimov. I haven't read any Asimov in a while. Reading this short story collection was like looking at a time capsule of what was believed possible then. I'm mostly familiar with his Foundation books and Robot stories, so this was different. In this collection, you see a quirkier, funnier side of Asimov. His stories have a twist, either comic or ironic, at the end, and he loves puns. Not saying which story but one tale was written around the title, which in and of itself was a pun. All of the stories were enjoyable, for different reasons. Also, all of the stories are very short, averaging 3 to 5 pages, with Asimov's personal notes included after each one. Those were as engaging to read as the stories. If you are a fan of Asimov's writing, I highly recommend this.

Currently reading: Punched, Kicked, Spat On, and Sometimes Thanked: Memoirs of a Cleveland TV News Reporter, by Paul Orlousky

I realized shortly after my last entry that I forgot a couple of short stories:

27. A School Story, by M.R. James. It starts out with two adults talking about students and their quaint ghost stories. But one of the adults has, possibly, a haunting tale of his own while he was at school. James is picturesque in his settings, so it's easy to capture in the mind's eye the locations, and the slow buildup of this short tale is excellent. It's creepy but not too gory. If you are looking for good spooky stories for grade school, this one would be a good tale to share- just enough shivers without too much fright.

28. Count Magnus, by M.R. James. I really liked this one. There are some undertones of Bram Stoker's Dracula, especially in the beginning, but the tale diverges enough to not be called a copy. I do wonder at the name "Count Magnus," if this tale was perhaps a bit of an inspiration for Vampire Hunter D? At any rate, the narrator of the story has come across the papers of a man who had traveled to Sweden to do a travelogue/narrative journalism piece- and got more than he had bargained for! I haven't read much by James (yet) but so far this one is far and away my favorite.

29. The Mezzotint, by M.R. James. Really, really loving his short stories. They are delightfully spooky without being gory or violent. Also, this one was actually pretty darn funny at times- how often do you find yourself laughing at a horror story that isn't a spoof? In this short story, the narrator tells about an acquaintance who has been sent a mezzotint for possible purchase for a museum. At first, it seems ordinary, even subpar. But as time goes on, this print shows to be more than it seems.

30. Casting the Runes, by M.R. James. Another good creepy short story. I had a lot of fun reading this one as part of my reading series. The story is more or less centered around a man who had rejected an author's paper on alchemy. Unfortunately for him, this author does not take rejection well, and the man finds out what happens to the last person who had criticized the author's work. There was a lot of comedy woven into this- indeed, if I had a nit there was one moment I thought may have been a bit too tongue in cheek, which damped the creep factor. But all in all, I enjoyed the story.

Currently reading: The Poisoner's Handbook, by Deborah Blum. Really enjoying this one so far, more than halfway through. Want to check out some of her other books now.

31. The Poisoner's Handbook, by Deborah Blum. I really, really enjoyed this one. Forensics history, true crime, weird and true tales- what's not to love? Blum's book covers a span of history from right before Prohibition to before World War II, for the most part. It centers on Charles Norris, New York City's first scientifically trained medical examiner, and Alexander Gettler, the city's chief toxicologist. These two men would turn the coroner's occupation and forensics in general from a bad joke to an esteemed and formidable science. Before Norris, the coroner position in NYC (and most areas) was a patronage position- you didn't even need a medical degree to get the position, and Norris' predecessor was notorious for being a roaring drunk, even on the job. Reading a book like this, I have to wonder how humanity survived the Industrial Revolution. One, a lot of chemicals, such as radium, arsenic, mercury, and thallium were regularly used in household products and even in medicines. In addition, it was difficult to prove murders by poison. Before the work of Norris and Gettler, poisoners often walked away from prison sentences and the electric chair because of scant knowledge and shoddy forensics practices. There were three people who confessed to murder by poison who ultimately walked away due to lack of proof. Norris and Gettler changed that, and many poisoners faced justice because of their work (some innocents also were acquitted because of their work as well). If you are interested in history, true crime, and chemistry, I cannot recommend this enough. I want to check out some of Blum's other books now.

32. Mr. Humphreys and His Inheritance, by M.R. James. This is a "spooky light" story. I can see this being turned into a family-friendly creepy story to enjoy on Halloween. It's a lot of fun. The story centers on Mr. Humphreys, who has found himself the beneficiary of a large estate from an uncle he never met. It seems like a fantastic inheritance. The house is lovely, the people kind and hard-working, and the grounds spectacular. But of particular interest is a strange maze, which doesn't behave like mazes should.

33. The Ash-tree, by M.R. James. I really enjoyed this tale, which includes dark history, possible witches and creepy-crawlies. It starts out when a respected man accuses a neighbor of witchcraft. Problems start through the generations, until things finally come to a head.

34. The Fall of the House of Usher, by Edgar Allan Poe. I've actually read this story before. It's one of my favorite short stories, and I read this one out loud as a part of my Spooky Stories readings. Here, a school friend visits a friend who has been ill. The friend, Usher, lives in a historic family manse that, like the family, has seen better days. The feeling of gloom eventually settles on the friend as well.

Currently reading: Matrix, by Lauren Groff.

35. Lost Hearts, by M.R. James. A young boy is taken into a sprawling manse, which includes a horrible secret. An enjoyably creepy short story, reminded me more of the style of Poe.

36. The Masque of the Red Death, by Edgar Allan Poe. A re-read. I've read a lot of Poe's works as a preteen, including this one, and there's an annual event where this story is the theme. Another Poe gem, atmospheric, colorful and scary, especially in COVID times.

37. Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad, by M.R. James. Wow! I'm still debating which James story is creepier- this one, or Count Magnus. These two stories tie for first for me. Whistle starts the creep fairly early on, and it keeps snowballing. Here, a professor, on holiday, finds an odd whistle. This leads to all sorts of increasingly terrifying events.

38. The Rose Garden, by M.R. James. A nice little chiller for Halloween. Here, a couple living at an estate has been doing renovations- but take it too far when they try to overhaul a rose garden on their property. The couple finds out about a more sinister side of the history of their dwelling.

Currently reading: Matrix, by Lauren Groff. Almost halfway done, pretty good read

39. Matrix, by Lauren Groff. The author bases this story loosely around a real person, Marie de France, a Frenchwoman sent to be a prioress at an English abbey. In the story, Marie is sent away from the posh French court by Queen Eleanor (yes, that Eleanor) at age 17. She is Henry II's illegitimate half sister, which connects her to royalty, but her tall, imposing stature and homely looks dampen her marriage prospects. At first, Marie is upset and frustrated to be cast out of the court and even tries to win her way back in. But after her efforts fail, Marie, who was sent as a prioress, soon adapts to her surroundings and even learns to thrive.

She is not the only one to thrive. The abbey she was exiled to was falling apart, with its occupants dying of starvation and disease due to years of neglect and inept leadership. Marie's more worldly and pragmatic view turn the abbey from a miserable scene of death and misery to a thriving and vibrant haven for women.

It's hard to know how much is fact and how much is fiction (or how much if it is realistic), but the story itself is engaging. Marie in an interesting character, shown warts and all. Her strengths build the abbey but her weakness, mainly her pride, threaten its success at times.

40. Driven to Learn, by Albin Weiler. Written by a local author and a veteran bus driver. Weiler relates his adventures, and occasional misadventures, in his duties in transporting school children to and from school and home. He has a gentle, sometimes wry, humor. As well as his anecdotes, he includes information on bus safety, what it takes to be a bus driver, information on school busing and even artwork from a few students. A charming book, and useful for parents, older students and those involved with schools in general. Or for anyone curious about the day-to-day life of a bus driver.

Did not finish: Blur, by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel. I got to Chapter 2 before giving up. It's well written, and the points and advice would have sounded good eight to 10 years ago (this was published in 2010). The issue is the views are just too rose-tinted. Part of it is the authors started compiling this book more than a decade ago, and so much as changed the media landscape in the past six years that what sounded reasonable 10 years ago just sounds like it came straight from the mouth of a Pollyanna today. This is not the fault of the authors, just this book did not age well.

Currently reading: Cast, by Isabel Wilkerson, and Punched, Kicked, Spat On, and Sometimes Thanked, by Paul Orlousky.

41. Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson. Wow. What can I say? I knew Caste would be good even before I started. I read Wilkerson's Warmth of Other Suns a few years ago and was blown away, so I had high expectations. Those expectations, too, were blown away. Wilkerson has a talent for connecting dots for readers and making good comparisons. In her book, she compares the American South (mostly antebellum to today), Nazi Germany, and the caste system in India, and she points out the similarities in each country. Make no mistake, this book is going to make people squirm. I know there were a couple times I had to put the book down to digest what I read. One was a point she brings up about how there were things America did to its Black residents that even the Nazis considered too extreme. The other was a sad incident in the 1950s that took place near Youngstown, less than two hours from where I live and involved a swimming pool that barred a little boy, who was Black, from even entering the park while his white peers got to swim and picnic. I knew about the laws forbidding Black people from swimming in white swimming pools but hearing why outlined just made my blood boil at the stupidity of it. Caste is going to join my list of books that I will recommend to people who want to learn more about the more problematic aspects of American history and race relations.

Currently reading: Punched, Kicked, Spat On, and Sometimes Thanked, by Paul Orlousky, and The Sinking of the Eastland, by Jay Bonansinga.

42. The Sinking of the Eastland, by Joe Bonansinga. I knew a few things about the Eastland tragedy before reading this through an exhibit in Chicago that was a part of the touring Titanic exhibit, in 2000. I also read one or two other short accounts elsewhere, including a book I have on Great Lakes shipwrecks that I have. This is by far the most detailed accounts I've ever read. Bonansinga, in his notes, said he aimed to capture what it must have been like to have been there that fateful July day- mission accomplished. There were a few times I was moved to tears, especially during the scenes detailing the rescues and body recoveries. In some ways it's astounding this tragedy is not better known, but perhaps it is not so surprising. One, if you compare this with the Titanic disaster, that ship had some of the wealthiest people in the world on its passenger list. The Eastland's passengers were working and middle class families, many of them first and second generation residents, on their way to the annual company picnic. Also, the Titanic disaster spurred many changes, including requiring lifeboats for all passengers. The Eastland disaster resulted in one criminal conviction (and that was painfully ironic, not to mention pointless). Speaking of Titanic and lifeboats, that is my one complaint about the book. It's well-written, but the author calling the mandate to increase the number of lifeboats on all ships ill-thought out and a contributing factor to what happened on the Eastland left me slack jawed. One, the thought of not having enough lifeboats for a ship carrying people is just unthinkable. If a ship cannot accommodate the lifeboats, then the number of passengers must be slashed, and if that isn't feasible then the ship needs scrapped. Also, the Eastland was an exceedingly poorly designed ship. It was, as even the author pointed, notorious for being "tender," or prone to listing. It started listing badly even on the day it was christened. More than 800 people perished not because of too many lifeboats but because the Eastland wasn't suitably designed to be an excursion ship (not to mention rescue efforts were haphazard). Other than that point this is a good, solid book from what I can tell on one of the worst Great Lakes tragedies in history.

43. Punched, Kicked, Spat On & Sometimes Thanked, by Paul Orlousky. Longtime television reporter Paul Orlousky gives an account of his decades of experience in covering news, mostly in the Cleveland area. He shares some incredible stories, including his shining moments, not so stellar moments, humorous anecdotes and tragedies. The chapters are divided up by theme, and each of his tales is kept short, rather like his broadcasts. He details how he was able to catch a doctor who was running an illegal pill mill, and an E-Check attendant who was accepting bribes for a clean report, and police napping on the job, and so many more stories. A couple stories, such as his attempts at getting film of the singer Prince when he came into town, made me raise my eyebrows (Seriously? Was that whole escapade really necessary?) But all in all, I did like the human touch many of his stories had, and his honesty. An enjoyable read overall about a local newsman covering the local news.

Currently reading: Annihilation of Caste, by Bhimrao R. Ambedkar. My cousin recommended this book to me, and Ambedkar is quoted a good deal in Wilkerson's Caste.

44. Annihilation of Caste, by Bhimrao R. Ambedkar. My cousin recommended I read this, and those who have read Isabel Wilkerson's Caste may recognize Ambedkar's name because she quotes a lot of his writings. The book is actually a speech which he had planned to deliver at a conference aimed at liberal Hindus wanting to change India's pernicious caste system. That speech was never delivered, the conference was cancelled. I got the impression it was called off because the speech was considered that controversial. Which... yeah, I can see why it would have ruffled more than a few feathers from even the more open-minded. The book I have also includes a refutation from Mahatma Gandhi, and a response to Gandhi's writings from Ambedkar. I will confess I only know the bare bones basics of Hinduism and Indian culture in general, so some of the details Ambedkar described went over my head. But the general ideas anyone can grasp. Ambedkar in his speech carefully outlines the need to abolish the caste system, and why it's detrimental to ALL castes, including the highest castes. Back then I imagine this would have been polarizing but today, I think most people would agree (I say this as an American with, again, only a rudimentary knowledge of India's history and culture). He goes over why it would be advantageous to eliminate the caste system and embrace a merit-based structure. Again, not too hard to accept. He gives a couple ideas on how to break down caste, primarily through allowing inter-caste dining and inter-marrying, a contentious issue. However, his conclusion on the actions he ultimately felt were needed to eliminate caste I would think would raise eyebrows at the very least even today. The last quarter of his speech is probably why the conference was cancelled. His idea is, because the Hindu religion upholds and outlines the strict caste system, those tracts of the religion must be discredited. Ambedkar does say he believes that religion is important to a society but given his ideas for reining in Hinduism and eliminating the caste system (which would include licensing religious leaders through the government) that statement comes across as disingenuous. I've read elsewhere that around this time Ambedkar himself left Hinduism and eventually became a Buddhist. This was an interesting read and makes me want to learn more. I recommend it for those wanting to expand their worldview.

45. The Haunted Dolls' House, by M.R. James. This was a fun story, although not really that scary (this may have been creepier for those reading it when this tale was new). I can see this as a movie or play, and with some tweaking the story could truly be creepy. The premise is similar in The Mezzotint and was better done in that story. The plot is obvious from the title: an unsuspecting man buys a beautiful doll house from an antiques and curiosities dealer. When the man brings it home, he puts it in his bedroom. He wakes up in the middle of the night to see the little dolls inside enact a macabre scene, which he suspects may have happened. Minor spoiler, yes, what he saw reenacted by the dolls happened, which he discovers when he takes a seaside vacation to recover his health after that night.

Currently reading: Bonk, by Mary Roach.