Read a Review or Read the Book?

Sometimes I feel that it would be fun to read every book that I hear about. For example, I listen to an interview with an author on the Diane Rehm show. As I'm listening 'Very interesting', I think, 'Sure would like to read it'. But I know that that would not happen because there is just not enough time in the day or night for that matter to read all those books.

What's the alternative? Find a book review and read it. Often times that is enough information about the book to satisfy my curosity. Or my interest is heighten and then take the book out of the library if that is possible.

Recently my Plymouth Library 'Meet the Author' email newsletter arrived which featured an interview with Barbara Ehrenreich. Her latest book "Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream" was reviewed. After reading the review I was satisfied. However if I wanted to read more reviews then I would put a Google search command in starting with the word review followed by the book title. Usually the first page of hits reveals some well written reviews with varied points of view.

To be sure, reading the book is the last word on knowing something about the work.

Caution Writing Emails

Some emails are sent in such haste and then after it's gone perhaps it could have been said with more thoughtfulness. Jane Goodall gives some good advice about taking advantage of the high speed technology of email.

Also what is a good thing to do is click on spell check.

New Blog: Citizens For Peace District 11

The Citizens For Peace District 11 blog is up and running. Colleen's posting today, November 17, 2005 outlines the group's accomplihments for the past two years. All of the members have done an excellent job to promote peace and the Department of Peace and Non-violence legislation.

Iraq: Risks in Leaving -Risks in Staying

Without a doubt the Iraq War is very complex. Whether we stay or go many lives will be lost. Two retired U.S. Army generals, Robert G. Gard Jr. Lt. Gen. U.S. Army (Ret.) and John H. Johns, Brig. Gen. U.S. Army (Ret.), have provided and excellent analysis in their essay "There are risks if the U.S. withdraws from Iraq. Are there greater risks in keeping them there?" .