What We Are Reading Today: ‘King Tyrant’ by Mark P. Witton

What We Are Reading Today: ‘King Tyrant’ by Mark P. Witton
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Updated 17 October 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘King Tyrant’ by Mark P. Witton

What We Are Reading Today: ‘King Tyrant’ by Mark P. Witton

Tyrannosaurus rex is the world’s favorite dinosaur, adored by the public and the subject of intense study and debate by paleontologists.

This stunningly illustrated book brings together everything we have learned about T. rex—the “King of the Tyrant Lizards”—since it was first given its famous name in 1905.

It presents these creatures as science knows them rather than the version portrayed in movies, revealing them to be dramatically different, and far more amazing, than ever imagined.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Promised Lands’ by Jonathan Parry

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Promised Lands’ by Jonathan Parry
Updated 13 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Promised Lands’ by Jonathan Parry

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Promised Lands’ by Jonathan Parry

Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in 1798 showed how vulnerable India was to attack by France and Russia. It forced the British Empire to try to secure the two routes that a European might use to reach the subcontinent—through Egypt and the Red Sea, and through Baghdad and the Arabian Gulf. “Promised Lands” is a panoramic history of this vibrant and explosive age.

Charting the development of Britain’s political interest in the Middle East from the Napoleonic Wars to the Crimean War in the 1850s, Jonathan Parry examines the various strategies employed by British and Indian officials, describing how they sought influence with local Arabs, Mamluks, Kurds, Christians, and Jews. 


Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector
Updated 12 December 2024
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Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

“The Hour of the Star” is a profound novella, published in 1977, which was Clarice Lispector’s final work before her death. 

This slim but powerful book, originally titled “A Hora da Estrela” in Portuguese, has become one of Brazil’s most significant literary works. 

The narrative follows Macabea, a poor, malnourished typist from northeast Brazil who lives in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.

She is 19, orphaned, and works as a typist despite making constant errors. Macabea’s life is marked by simple pleasures and an almost complete unawareness of her own marginalization.

Through her story, the writer explores poverty, identity and existential questioning themes. 

As the story unfolds, we witness Macabea’s simple existence through the lens of a male narrator, Rodrigo S.M., who serves as both storyteller and character. The narrative structure is unconventional, frequently interrupted by the narrator’s musings and metaphysical digressions.

The narrator struggles with telling Macabea’s story, constantly questioning his ability to represent a poor, uneducated woman from his privileged male perspective. 

His presence adds layers of complexity to the narrative as he grapples with his own role in the story and his responsibility to his subject.

Rodrigo S.M.’s self-conscious narration and failed attempts at emotional distance highlight broader issues of power, representation and authenticity in storytelling. 

The book challenges readers to consider how stories of marginalized people are told, who has the right to tell them, and what it means to truly see and understand another human being. 

The novella is notable for its experimental structure, its mix of social commentary and metaphysical reflection, and its unique approach to character development.

Lispector is considered one of Brazil’s greatest writers, known for works that blend philosophical insight with psychological depth. 

Her other notable works include “Near to the Wild Heart” and “The Passion According to G.H.”


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bugwatching’ by Eric R. Eaton

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bugwatching’ by Eric R. Eaton
Updated 12 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bugwatching’ by Eric R. Eaton

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bugwatching’ by Eric R. Eaton

Insects are the most abundant wildlife on the planet—but also the least observed. 

This incisive field companion highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all of our senses, covers some best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and shares tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden. 

With wonderful illustrations by Samantha Gallagher, “Bugwatching” explains why this rewarding activity is for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, level of affluence, ability, or disability.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Choosing Schools’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Choosing Schools’
Updated 11 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Choosing Schools’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Choosing Schools’

Authors: Mark Schneider, Paul Teske and Melissa Marschall

School choice seeks to create a competitive arena in which public schools will attain academic excellence, encourage individual student performance, and achieve social balance.

In debating the feasibility of this market approach to improving school systems, analysts have focused primarily on schools as suppliers of education, but an important question remains: Will parents be able to function as “smart consumers” on behalf of their children?

Here a highly respected team of social scientists provides extensive empirical evidence on how parents currently do make these choices. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘A Course in Complex Analysis’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘A Course in Complex Analysis’
Updated 11 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘A Course in Complex Analysis’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘A Course in Complex Analysis’

Author: Saeed Zakeri 

“A Course in Complex Analysis” explores a central branch of mathematical analysis, with broad applications in mathematics and other fields such as physics and engineering.

Ideally designed for a year-long graduate course on complex analysis and based on nearly 20 years of classroom lectures, this modern and comprehensive textbook is equally suited for independent study or as a reference for more experienced scholars.

Saeed Zakeri guides the reader through a journey that highlights the topological and geometric themes of complex analysis.