I'm joining Kat and the Unravelers today with some progress on a sock. I was knitting along quite quickly and even dug out another skein of self-striping yarn from my stash. You know, just in case the knitting elves stopped by and finished this pair for me. It was a bit premature as I haven't even completed one sock of this current pair. But knitters' hopes spring eternal, so I will continue with the current socks and hope to cast on for a new Hitchhiker this afternoon.
I finished two average three-star books this week. Every Tom, Dick & Harry was a
complete bit of fluff, with much of it bordering on preposterous. Emma
Lewis takes over her parents' estate sale business and moves into their
house when they retire; her high-school math teacher rents a room in the
house; she ends up running the estate sale at a former B&B/"house
of ill repute" in her hometown, and there is a tiny bit of a mystery
thrown into the plot. But this book was entertaining enough that it
provided a welcome diversion from the terrible current affairs, and for
that I gave it an extra half star.
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green is an
interesting, if at times meandering, exploration of how tuberculosis has
shaped human history, literature, and public health. As always, Green’s
writing is deeply personal, blending his curiosity with poignant
reflection. He has a gift for making even the most niche subjects feel
engaging, and his trademark footnotes and asides add to the narrative.
That said, the book sometimes struggles with cohesion. The essay-style structure occasionally feels disjointed here, with some chapters delving deeply into historical case studies while others feel more like personal musings with only a loose connection to the central theme. Readers looking for a more structured historical or deeper scientific analysis might find it lacking.
Still, Green’s passion for the subject is evident, and his ability to weave together cultural criticism, medical history, and personal anecdotes makes for an insightful (if slightly uneven) read. The book serves as a good reminder that tuberculosis is not a disease of the past, and we would do well to pay attention now and spend the necessary money on treatment so we don't end up with a greater number of cases that are multi-drug-resistant. Fans of his previous nonfiction work will likely enjoy it, but those expecting a more traditional deep dive into tuberculosis may want to supplement it with other sources. He does helpfully provide suggested books for further reading.
That said, the book sometimes struggles with cohesion. The essay-style structure occasionally feels disjointed here, with some chapters delving deeply into historical case studies while others feel more like personal musings with only a loose connection to the central theme. Readers looking for a more structured historical or deeper scientific analysis might find it lacking.
Still, Green’s passion for the subject is evident, and his ability to weave together cultural criticism, medical history, and personal anecdotes makes for an insightful (if slightly uneven) read. The book serves as a good reminder that tuberculosis is not a disease of the past, and we would do well to pay attention now and spend the necessary money on treatment so we don't end up with a greater number of cases that are multi-drug-resistant. Fans of his previous nonfiction work will likely enjoy it, but those expecting a more traditional deep dive into tuberculosis may want to supplement it with other sources. He does helpfully provide suggested books for further reading.
I'm up visiting John's sister and her husband (the one who had open heart surgery) so I won't be posting for a few days. Instead I'll be helping with transport to cardiac rehab., urging a ten-year-old to do his homework before we play Animal Crossing, and maybe doing a bit of cooking. I'll be back sometime next week.
What are you making and reading this week?
That sock is moving right along! (and I like your idea of casting on a new Hitchhiker this afternoon!) Enjoy your time with your family!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great-looking sock! I hope you have a nice visit with your brother- and sister-in-law.
ReplyDeleteThat is one mighty fine looking sock Bonny! And yay for a possible Hitchhiker cast on (I can't wait to see those saturated Wollmeise colors fly off your needles!!). I've never read anything by Elinor Lipman, but an "easy" read might just be the ticket. I think I'll skip the book on TB though....
ReplyDeleteOh, I could say so much about this post, Bonny! But I am verbose in comments too often, so I will just say a few things. I worked at a Chest Disease Hospital for many years, and I was in charge of about 80 patients, many of which were drug resistant TB patients. It was a memorable learning experience, and if anyone thinks that TB is something that we should ignore, they are flirting with a public health disaster. But then again, using the measles outbreak as an example, many seem to like doing that. I love the sock. You_must_finish_them, says the lady who has had a sock languishing on the needles for a few years. I hope you have a fabulous trip, and give your BIL a hug from me. He is a superstar with grit and good humor. And lastly, I want you know that I have adopted a mixed breed terrier named Boomer that has become a treasured member of my family in only 2 days. I am talking his ears off, and he is keeping me on my toes. I thought his name might have been an omen. :)
ReplyDeleteHope that 10yo cooperates without much sass!! haha. Enjoy your visit.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a nice visit and it's great you are helping out for them! I love your sock colorway.
ReplyDeleteThat's some great sock progress! I just ordered John Green's book for Libby, both ebook and audiobook versions, because the holds list is getting long. I hope your visit with your family goes well. I love playing Animal Crossings with Jackie so I do hope you get some quality time with that and the 10 year old.
ReplyDeleteLove the stripes in your sock! Really nice colors that work so well together. Enjoy your time with family! XO
ReplyDeleteI love that colorway! I just finished reading an article about the tuberculosis book where they were tying modern fashion trends to the disease. A bit horrifying.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying how fast the self-striping yarn seems to be knitting up. Fashion trends tied to TB are indeed horrifying!
DeleteThat John Green book sounds like one I won't be picking up. Glad you're able to be with John's family ... sounds like your visit will be much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteElinor Lipman does provide some nice light reading. The sock looks great. I hope you did cast on another hitchhiker. You choose the best yarns for that pattern. I hope all goes well during your family visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sock. How supportive of you to go help family. Enjoy your time, maybe you can get the 10 year old interested in knitting?
ReplyDeleteI've actually tried to show him before but he wasn't very interested. Maybe he will be after I show him a second time!
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