A book I'd love to talk about with my Dad (timber industry) and people from Michigan who grew up w/the auto industry. Fordlandia is the story of Henry Ford's attempt in the first of half of the 20th century to build an American-style company town in Brazil in order to produce rubber. In addition to the tales of the struggles and misfires of the managers and workers of Fordlandia, the book also provides an interesting examination of Henry Ford in his later years. The epilogue very nicely brings it all back to what is happening in the global industry today.
Genre: nonfiction
Good Plane or Waiting Around in Line Reading: Yes
Good Enough Reading to Keep You Distracted From Plane Movie/Obnoxious People on Plane: Mostly
Hey, I guess this is Different: I don't really know that much about Ford, so not sure why I was surprised, but the connection between him and the Tennessee Valley Authority was interesting. Also thought the Diego Rivera Detroit Murals section was interesting. Great thing about nonfiction--always new stuff to learn.
Can read when depressed and/or when winter: not recommended--wait until spring
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Manhood for Amateurs by Michael Chabon, 306 pages
In a series of essays, Chabon discusses fatherhood, marriage, divorce (from perspective of child and adult), Dr. Who, and the disturbing moment when you realize they are playing 80s music on oldies radio (sad in two ways--after all, where does the 1950s music then get shipped to?). These essays are enjoyable and as I read them I found myself wanting to get a copy for all the men in my life, particularly my brother. At the same time, I definitely need to go back and read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay (I know, I should turn in my book nerd membership card for not having gotten to that one yet) because it seems like it must be an amazing book.
Genre: nonfiction, of the amusing navel-gazing family/life essay variety (but in a good way)
Good Plane or Waiting Around in Line Reading: Yes
Good Enough Reading to Keep You Distracted From Plane Movie/Obnoxious People on Plane: Yes
Can read when depressed and/or when winter: Yes, mostly--"The Heartbreak Kid" and particulary, "The Hand on My Shoulder" are kind of sad.
Will Make You Seem Smart, Hip, or Sensitive at Parties: Who am I kidding? I've never known what will make someone cool at parties... this bit of criteria will probably be retired, unless it is something about the book I feel annoyed about.
Genre: nonfiction, of the amusing navel-gazing family/life essay variety (but in a good way)
Good Plane or Waiting Around in Line Reading: Yes
Good Enough Reading to Keep You Distracted From Plane Movie/Obnoxious People on Plane: Yes
Can read when depressed and/or when winter: Yes, mostly--"The Heartbreak Kid" and particulary, "The Hand on My Shoulder" are kind of sad.
Will Make You Seem Smart, Hip, or Sensitive at Parties: Who am I kidding? I've never known what will make someone cool at parties... this bit of criteria will probably be retired, unless it is something about the book I feel annoyed about.
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