Gregory Mone

"Embrace the cosmic perspective!"

I actually managed to learn some stuff from this, though I do already read quite a bit on the subject. I loved the chapter on 'Between the Galaxies' that explored dwarf galaxies, runaway stars, faint blue galaxies, vacuum energy, etc. Vacuum energy is particularly intriguing.

Einstein's infamous cosmological constant is now known as dark energy.

"Recently, one group of scientists discovered a new planet surrounded by titanium dioxide." (I need to investigate, but meanwhile I have this image of a giant sphere coated in sunscreen.

"Sixty-five million years ago, an asteroid the size of Mount Everest collided with Earth, vaporizing on impact, and eventually killing every land creature larger than a carry-on suitcase."… (more)

Surprisingly wonderful. Some was a bit cliched or awkward, but a lot of details were original and creative. I loved the characters, too, even though it's mainly a mystery-adventure. I didn't love it quite enough to be interested in the sequels, though.

But this alone made it worth the read, and I hope you read this and take it to heart (especially this current election season):

"... the key to developing a strong argument is understanding your weak points. In this case, my siblings were right about the logical side of my proposal. There was not much sense to what I'd suggested. So I would appeal to their hearts instead of their heads."… (more)

Not a simplified version of the wonderful original, but a self-help guide. For the right kid it might make all the difference. But Cain does assume that everyone has at least a couple of close friends, or can easily find them, and that is just not true. Not even in middle or high school, where there are presumably lots of opportunities.

I skimmed, and I just don't think this would have helped me when I was young.

But I do like the reminder that a library can be someone's 'restorative niche.'

Dec. 2023… (more)