If you like the backstories of the Olympics, then this is the book for you. Arranged by categories (History, Legends, etc.), this collection of vignettes takes the reader comfortably through centuries of Olympic happenings. It's all there--upsets, heartwarmers, and the athletes who just wouldn't quit. People who beat the odds and some who just couldn't. The ultimate for armchair athletes, this read will have you wishing you were (or glad you aren't) an Olympian.
Holy moly. The cover specifies an assertion by the New York Times that this is "Waugh's finest achievement." Thank you, New York Times for saving me from ever reading one of his other, lesser achievements. It's not that the guy can't write, because he's, you know, Evelyn Waugh. It's just that I didn't care about any of the characters. Not a one. And then there was the naming. Julia, Cordelia, Celia, Cara--I was alternately confused by them and dismissive of them, because none of them seemed at all plausible. Mix up lifetimes of selfishness with the occasional sprinkle of religious fervor, and there you have it. Sorry, Dude, just not feeling it.
Two friends of different political ilks founded a podcast called "Pantsuit Politics" to show that it is, in fact, possible to discuss differing political views in a rational way. For those of us who are weary of the venom often spewed when discussing all things political these days, this book provides a calm, step by step plan for launching those political discussions you've been avoiding. Or botching. Spoiler alert: gotta give up the desire to "win" and focus on bridging those gaps. They found that they often have very similar goals, but just different ideas of how those goals should be reached. While controversy and contention make for good tv/radio ratings, those don't translate to peace and sustained friendships. For the truly determined, this book will help you grow up, speak up, and reach out.
