NON-FICTION | Review: Inheritance: How Our Genes Change Our Lives and Our Lives Change Our Genes

A week ago, I didn't think I would be doing another Non-Fiction week for April. The only NF I had read was more David Sedaris, and I had talked about him enough.

Then just a few days ago, I stumbled across Inheritance. I have read few science books for pleasure (The Emperor of All Maladies being the only other one attempted). My high school biology class left me never wanting to broach the subject with a 10-foot pole. But when it comes to genetics, I can't help but be intrigued by it's implications. 

Title: Inheritance: How Our Genes Change Our Lives and Our Lives Change Our Genes
Author: Sharon Moalem
Genre: Non-Fiction > Science
Pages: 272
Release date: April 15th, 2014
Links: Amazon | Goodreads

My rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

DESCRIPTION (courtesy of Goodreads):

"Conventional wisdom dictates that our genetic destiny is fixed at conception. But Dr. Moalem's groundbreaking book shows us that the human genome is far more fluid and fascinating than your ninth grade biology teacher ever imagined. By bringing us to the bedside of his unique and complex patients, he masterfully demonstrates what rare genetic conditions can teach us all about our own health and well-being.

In this trailblazing book, Dr. Moalem employs his wide-ranging and entertaining interdisciplinary approach to science and medicine-- explaining how art, history, superheroes, sex workers, and sports stars all help us understand the impact of our lives on our genes, and our genes on our lives. INHERITANCE will profoundly alter how you view your genes, your health--and your life."

COMICS | Book Rave: The Complete Persepolis

I apologize for the small unexpected break I took for the last week. Hopefully I can get back into the rhythm and stay there more consistently.

But, that aside, this week will be another Comics week, starting with a book rave on Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel The Complete Persepolis.


**ALL MY BOOK REVIEWS ARE SPOILER FREE

Title: The Complete Persepolis
Author: Marjane Satrapi
Genre: Graphic Novels > Memoir
Pages: 341
Release date: October 30, 2007 (Pantheon)
Links: Amazon | Goodreads

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars


BOOK DESCRIPTION (courtesy of Goodreads):

"Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up."

FANTASY & SCI-FI | Book Review: The Night Circus

I'm pretty late on reading this one.
I purchased The Night Circus, written by Erin Morgenstern, about two years ago when it was rising in popularity, and it has spent those last two years gathering dust on my book shelf. It wasn't until three weeks ago that the book suddenly caught my attention and I knew the time had finally come to read it.

***ALL MY BOOK REVIEWS ARE SPOILER-FREE

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Fantasy > Magical Realism > Romance
Pages: 387
Released: January 1st, 2010
Links: Amazon | Goodreads

My rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars


GOODREADS DESCRIPTION:

"The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance."

Book Haul [Library Edition]: March/April 2014

A library book haul!
I like doing these because I don't think the majority of people know just how much you can find at your local library branch. I put most of these books on hold (because they are often not available at my closest location). But if I'm the first to do so, it will usually arrive within a few days. The only books you have to wait great lengths for are recent bestsellers.

Since these are a mix of some I picked up towards the end of March and ones I just picked up this morning, I've already finished a couple of these (you might remember them in my March Reading Update).

My favorite thing to do, once I pick up a bunch, is go home and read the first page of each. From there, I decide what will be reading first and what may be read simultaneously.

Today's post will feature quite a selection, including science fiction, fantasy, contemporary, and more. 

Stay tuned to find out what I checked out from my local library. I hope it inspires you to check out your own!