Books matching: conversational tone in writing
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- #1
Save:Billions & Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium by Carl Sagan is a collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics, from science and environmental crises to ethics, nuclear war, and personal reflections. Sagan's writing style is described as accessible, informative, and thought-provoking, with a focus on making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience. The book includes a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and scientific insights that aim to inspire curiosity and interest in topics like astronomy, physics, and the importance of science in our lives.
Three hundred million years ago the Earth was covered by vast swamps. When the ferns, horsetails, and club mosses died, they were buried in muck. Ages passed; the remains were carried down underground... - #2
Save:'A Short History of Drunkenness' by Mark Forsyth is a humorous and informative exploration of how alcohol has been used and regarded throughout history and across different cultures. The book covers topics such as the origins of alcohol consumption, the role of alcohol in religious ceremonies, the impact of alcohol on societies, and the history of popular alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and gin. The writing style is witty, irreverent, and conversational, making the historical information engaging and entertaining for readers. Forsyth's humorous tone and amusing anecdotes provide a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and alcohol over time.
Before we were human, we were drinkers. Alcohol occurs naturally and always has. When life began four-billion-and-something years ago there were single-cell microbes happily swimming around in the pri... - #3
Save:Brent Jeffs gives a harrowing account of his experience growing up in and later leaving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). His recollection of events that took place in his polygamous family provided insight into the struggles a household with more than one wife might face. Brent also explains why boys, even those from privileged FLDS families, are not guaranteed a spot in church leadership and that many are kicked out of the church and abandoned by their families, only to become lost boys. Brent tells his story with the assistance of Maia Szalavitz, and her style makes the book compelling to read and easy to follow. The book details Brent's upbringing in the FLDS, the sexual abuse he suffered as a child, and his struggles with addiction and leaving the church.
E very child believes he’s special. But when you are number ten of twenty, with three “sister-mothers”—two of whom are full-blooded sisters—and a grandfather whom thousands of people believe speaks di... 'How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind' by Pema Chodron is a comprehensive guide to meditation, focusing on facing reality, transforming negative emotions, and developing a personal meditation practice. Pema Chodron's writing style is described as practical, understandable, and peaceful, making complex concepts accessible to readers. covers various meditation techniques such as Tonglen, Shamatha meditation, and transforming afflictions into wisdom, providing exercises and practices that can be incorporated into daily life.
There are very few things you need in order to begin a meditation practice. In fact, all you need is you. Sometimes people think they need to sign up for a retreat or buy tons of meditation-room suppl...- #5
Save:"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty is a memoir about the author's experiences working in the funeral industry, specifically at a crematorium. Doughty delves into the cultural views and practices surrounding death, providing an eye-opening look into how different societies deal with mortality. Her writing style is described as humorous, enlightening, and thought-provoking, as she shares her journey of confronting fears and misconceptions about death.
Doughty's book offers a candid exploration of the funeral industry, demystifying the process of caring for the deceased and shedding light on the often taboo topic of death. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of mortality and embrace the inevitability of death as a natural part of life. The book combines informative insights with a touch of dark humor, making it an engaging and educational read for those curious about death practices and the human experience.
My second day at Westwind I met Padma. It wasn’t that Padma was gross. “Gross” is such a simple word, with simple connotations. Padma was more like a creature from a horror film, cast in the lead role... 'The Myth of Choice: Personal Responsibility in a World of Limits' by Kent Greenfield explores the concept of choice and personal responsibility in a world where various factors limit our decisions. Greenfield delves into the complexities of choice, discussing how our decisions are influenced by biology, culture, economics, and more. He provides suggestions on how individuals can gain more control over their choices and how public policy could assist in this endeavor. The book combines insights from psychology, philosophy, and legal thought to offer a thought-provoking analysis of the constraints on our choices and how to navigate them.
- #7
Save:Caitlin Moran's autobiographical discussion of feminism and womanhood in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century is a blend of humor, honesty, and important insights. Through her own life experiences, Moran explores the meaning and expectations of womanhood, using her unique writing style to tackle issues such as body image, love, pop culture, childbirth, and feminism. The book combines personal anecdotes with thought-provoking commentary, making it a funny and illuminating read that initiates conversations about women's place in society.
I’m running from The Yobs in the playground by our house. It is a typical playground of Britain in the late eighties. There’s no such thing as safety surfaces, ergonomic design or, indeed, slats on th... Richard P. Feynman's 'QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter' is a book that delves into the realm of quantum electrodynamics, presenting complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner. Feynman, known for his brilliant explanations, covers the interactions between light and electrons, using diagrams and illustrations to aid in understanding. The book is based on four lectures given by Feynman, aiming to make quantum physics accessible to a non-technical audience while exploring the strange and mysterious nature of the quantum world.
The photon is the most visible of all elementary particles: place yourself in a dusty room with one small window open on a sunny day and watch a multitude of the little buggers hurrying across the roo...- #9
Save:'My Life in France' by Julia Child and Alex Prud'homme is a memoir that delves into Julia Child's experiences living in France, her passion for French cuisine, and her journey to becoming a renowned chef. The book captures Julia's love for France, food, and her husband, Paul, while providing insights into her culinary career evolution and her zest for life. Readers are taken on a delightful journey through Julia's life, filled with charming anecdotes, vivid descriptions of French culture, and the joys of cooking.
Julia Child's autobiography paints a vivid picture of her bohemian lifestyle, culinary adventures, and personal growth as she discovers her love for French cooking in her late 30s. Through her exuberant prose and distinctive voice, readers are treated to a heartwarming narrative that celebrates Julia's resilience, determination, and passion for food. The book not only offers a glimpse into Julia's personal life but also showcases her witty humor, keen observations, and enduring legacy as a culinary icon.
AT FIVE-FORTY-FIVE in the morning, Paul and I rousted ourselves from our warm bunk and peered out of the small porthole in our cabin aboard the SS America. Neither of us had slept very well that night... - #10
Save:'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Diaz is a novel that weaves together the history of the Dominican Republic, particularly the Trujillo regime, with the story of the Cabral DeLeon family. The narrative follows the life of Oscar Wao, an awkward and overweight Dominican American sci-fi enthusiast, as he navigates love, tragedy, and the haunting effects of the dictatorship on the Dominican diaspora. Through a mix of colloquial language, footnotes, and vivid characters, the author paints a complex picture of a family's struggles and resilience in the face of oppressive circumstances.
The book is praised for its energetic and inventive storytelling, blending elements of postmodern narrative with a deep dive into Dominican history and culture. Readers are drawn into the emotional journey of Oscar and his family, experiencing moments of humor, heartbreak, and truth as they confront their past and present in both the Dominican Republic and the United States. Diaz's writing style, filled with references to sci-fi, Dominican mythology, and Spanish slang, creates a unique and immersive reading experience that resonates with themes of love, hope, and the search for identity.
Our hero was not one of those Dominican cats everybody’s always going on about — he wasn’t no home-run hitter or a fly bachatero, not a playboy with a million hots on his jock. And except for one peri...
