Books for February

The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson by Adrienne Koch and William Peden

Review

In this interesting look at the life and letters of Thomas Jefferson, one of our country's founding fathers, you will find some great insights into what Jefferson thought about the years before and after the war. There's all sort of fun stories in here, from a gruesome grave-robbing by doctors to Jefferson's notes on the beginning of the French Revolution. You also have to take the points Jefferson makes in the context of the time, as there are some things in here about African Americans and women which would not stand today. Mostly, however, Jefferson's views hold up pretty well. While the book started well, with Jefferson's autobiography and notes on various subjects, once it got to the letters section, which comprises most of the book, it began to bog down. I think a better selection of letters would have enabled me to enjoy the book more and get more out of it, but that's just my personal opinion. All in all, a good read if you want to get an insight into the mind of Thomas Jefferson.

Collapse by Jared Diamond

Review

In this fascinating book about rise and fall of cultures past, present and future, Jared Diamond looks at the factors that have led to civilizations succeeding and failing. It starts off with two farms in Greenland, looking at the factors that led to one's demise and the other's success. It then branches out to cultures all over the world, from the famous Easter Island people to the Anasazi in the Americas. Throughout the book, the same sorts of mistakes come up again and again: overpopulation, resource depletion, and not being willing to adapt. Modern cultures are also discussed, from the terrible situation in Rwanda to the United States. It isn't all doom and gloom, however. Some cultures discussed are ones that managed to succeed by efficiently managing their population size and natural resources. Lastly, the book finishes with a warning of what may be to come. The world cannot support the current population forever, and something may happen soon unless we start making difficult choices. An excellent read.

-- JackW - 01 Feb 2011