ABAW: Quick Hits in Early April

A Book A Week Rambles on with four quickies.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

 Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1962, 1973 (personal copy)

I first read this when I was in third grade. I did not remember it very well. I have the sense that I enjoyed it, but was puzzled by some parts. The Sonars and I finished reading it aloud last week. There is a kind of honest sweetness to the story. I was still a bit puzzled by Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, as well as by the references to god. And though I found Charles Wallace irritating, Meg’s floundering uncertainty touched me. The ending feels abrupt, but I would go back to the series for the chance to travel the universe with Calvin.

Chuck Norris Cannot Be Stopped by Ian Spector

Gotham Books, 2010 (library copy)

This is a mildly entertaining little book, full of Chuck Norris-isms, but I quickly tired of all the raping and pronging. My favorites:

“Chuck Norris can squeeze apple juice out of a banana.”

“Jesus can walk on water, but Chuck Norris can swim through land.”

1001 Facts That Will Scare the S#*t Out of You: the Ultimate Bathroom Reader by Cary McNeal

Adams Media 2010 (library copy)

Another trifle, packed full of facts, and good for the sort of short perusals that some find appropriate for the bathroom. I have it on the desk for internet wait times. Gross or disturbing facts are delivered in short bursts with a little joke. Full citations for all sources are provided in case you want to check out any information further. Example:

FACT: Almost 60 percent of Americans know The Three Stooges by name, but just 17 percents are able to name three U.S. Supreme Court justices. Luckily, three of the justices are the Stooges. “Television & Health: Television Statistics,” Compiled by TV-Free America, www.csun.edu.

No Sneakers at the Office: A Practical Handbook for the Business World by Adam T. Scholl

LandMarc Press, 2010 (library copy)

A blurb quote on the cover led me to believe that this book teaches the rules to prospective corporate workers so that individuals can know better when to circumvent the rules to get ahead in creative ways. That is not this book at all. That said, this is a concise, easy-to-read, handbook for corporate dress, behavior, and communication in general circumstances. It would make a good guide and gift for interns and college graduates, or anyone looking to polish themselves up for business advancement. I particularly like Scholl’s emphasis on the difference between a job and a career (long-term thinking is better), having the right attitude for every situation, maintaining professionalism, and building goals. Scholl also continually emphasizes that people are complex and that being positive and building empathy can help make you more successful in communicating and working with people throughout your career.