Books matching: engaging and educational prose
53 result(s)
'The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion' by Jonathan Haidt delves into moral psychology from an evolutionary perspective, proposing a theory of Moral Foundations that underlie observable moral systems. Haidt's exploration of the drives behind people's feelings of right and wrong offers insight into actions driven by tribalism or politics. also provides copious data on experimental results, making it a thought-provoking read that sheds light on human behavior and the development of social manifestations of morality.
If you are like most of the well-educated people in my studies, you felt an initial flash of disgust, but you hesitated before saying the family had done anything morally wrong. After all, the dog was...'Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death' by Caitlin Doughty is a delightful and humorous exploration of death, answering children's curious questions with wit and informative anecdotes. The book presents a mix of macabre topics and lighthearted humor, providing readers with fascinating insights into the processes surrounding death while maintaining a respectful and engaging tone. Through a question and answer format, Doughty tackles a variety of subjects, from cremation to burial laws, all accompanied by quirky illustrations that add a fun touch to the morbid theme.
The writing style of Caitlin Doughty in 'Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?' is engaging, humorous, and educational, making the often taboo topic of death approachable for readers of all ages. Doughty's expertise as a mortician shines through as she addresses complex questions about death with clarity and sensitivity, offering a mix of factual information and entertaining stories. The book's format of answering children's inquiries about death results in a unique blend of curiosity, humor, and knowledge that keeps readers entertained and informed throughout.
- #3
Save:A Pedigree to Die For is the first book in the Melanie Travis mystery series by Laurien Berenson. The story follows Melanie Travis, a 30-year-old special needs teacher and single mother, as she gets entangled in a mystery surrounding her Uncle Max's death. Through her investigation, she forms new friendships, navigates family dynamics, and delves into the world of dog shows. Readers are taken on a journey filled with twists, interesting characters, and insights into the competitive world of dog competitions.
There’s a lot to be said for dying in the midst of something you love. But fond as Uncle Max was of his Poodles, I doubt that he’d ever envisioned himself being found dead on the cold, hard kennel flo... "Praetorian: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Imperial Bodyguard" by Guy de la Bedoyere is a meticulously documented account of the Praetorian Guard, tracing its history from 41 BCE to 325 CE. It delves into the political power wielded by the Guard, their loyalty (or lack thereof) to the emperors, and the significant role they played in the political landscape of the Roman Empire. The writing style is described as engaging, detailed, and educational, focusing on the Guard's influence throughout the centuries.
By the mid-first century BC it had become established practice for a Roman general to protect himself and demonstrate his prestige by appointing a bodyguard of troops. In the aftermath of Caesar’s ass...- #5Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity PaintBook 1 in the series:Danny Dunn
Save:'Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint' follows the adventures of young Danny Dunn who lives with his housekeeper mother in the home of the esteemed scientist Professor Bulfinch. In this particular novel, Danny discovers an anti-gravity paint which leads to the building of a spaceship. However, a mishap occurs when Danny accidentally launches the spaceship with Professor Bullfinch, Dr. Grimes, Joe, and himself onboard, and they struggle to find a way back home. The story combines elements of science, adventure, and imagination, set against the backdrop of 1950s America during the space race era.
The writing style of the book is described as engaging, imaginative, and educational. It introduces young readers to scientific concepts in a fun and accessible manner, sparking their interest in science and technology. The plot involves a mix of action, problem-solving, and character development, making it a compelling read for both children and adults alike.
At that instant one of the Jovian ships darted in close, her bow guns sparkling. Jets of power smashed against the side of the Revenge. She rocked and swung. Pilot Dunn was thrown from side to side, b... - #6
Save:'The Study of Language' by George Yule is a comprehensive textbook that serves as an introduction to linguistics. The book covers a wide range of topics in language studies, from phonetics and morphology to syntax and semantics, providing clear explanations and relatable examples for readers. Yule's writing style is praised for being easy to follow, making complex linguistic concepts understandable for beginners and students alike. The book is structured in short, digestible chapters, making it suitable for academic settings and self-study.
- #7
Save:The Story of Human Language by John McWhorter is a lecture series that delves into the fascinating world of linguistics. McWhorter presents a comprehensive overview of the history and evolution of human language, covering topics such as dialect formation, conceptual drift, pidgins, creoles, and the development of languages. Through engaging examples and accessible explanations, McWhorter explores the intricacies of language, making it an enjoyable and enlightening experience for both linguists and non-linguists alike. The author's writing style is described as clear, extensive, and knowledgeable, with a touch of humor and quirkiness that keeps the audience engaged throughout the series.
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Save:'Climbing Mount Improbable' by Richard Dawkins is an exploration of the probability of life evolving, showcasing how various complex systems such as wings, eyes, shell morphology, and body structures could have evolved through natural selection. Dawkins uses eloquent examples like spider webs, wings, and figs to demonstrate the plausibility of evolution and to refute the 'intelligent design' theory. The author presents clear explanations and computer simulations to illustrate how complex elements in nature could have developed step by step, ultimately reaching the peak of evolution.
I HAVE JUST LISTENED TO A LECTURE IN WHICH THE topic for discussion was the fig. Not a botanical lecture, a literary one. We got the fig in literature, the fig as metaphor, changing perceptions of the... - #9
Save:Rebel by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance set in post-Civil War New Orleans, focusing on a schoolteacher, Valinda, who faces challenges as she tries to educate freed slaves. The book delves into themes of racism, sexism, and violence, while also exploring the romantic relationship between Valinda and Drake LeVeq, a member of a wealthy family who aids her in rebuilding her school. Readers appreciate the historical and cultural details woven into the story, as well as the strong and appealing characters who navigate the complexities of the time period.
Twenty-eight-year-old Valinda Lacy greeted her fifteen students with a smile as they filed into her classroom. Due to New Orleans’s post-war chaos, she was teaching out of an old barn a few miles from... - #10
Save:"Pearl Harbor" by Donald M. Goldstein, Katherine V. Dillon, and Gordon W. Prange delves into the events leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Through meticulous analysis and detailed documentation, the authors explore the factors that contributed to the American failure to prepare for the attack, shedding light on the roles of key figures such as Admiral Husband E. Kimmel and General Walter C. Short. They present a comprehensive examination of the planning, training, and execution phases of the attack, ultimately aiming to uncover the reasons behind the tragedy that unfolded on that infamous day in history. is structured as an in-depth historical judgment on the responsibilities and shortcomings that led to the devastating loss of lives and destruction of the American fleet.
The narrative style of "Pearl Harbor" provides a thorough exploration of the misconceptions, blame games, and inquiries that followed the attack. The authors draw from transcripts of investigations conducted post-World War II, highlighting the conflicting agendas of different inquiries and the attempts to assign blame to various parties, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and senior government officials. Through a fair and detailed analysis, the book aims to educate readers on the complexities surrounding the Pearl Harbor disaster and the lessons to be learned from this pivotal moment in American history.
