Day: March 9, 2005

Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World

Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World

by Mark Kurlansky

This book complements “Salt” and is really quite an enjoyable read. Again, it has world-building and ecological applications (not to mention culinary implications).

Further Readings

Further Readings

Not everything I’ve been reading is research. I’ve also recently read:

“The Stupidest Angel : A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror” by Christopher Moore

“We’ll Always Have Parrots” by Donna Andrews

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink is quite an interesting book. I’m not alone in thinking this as it’s currently #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list for non-fiction. Gladwell’s style is very good and easy to read and his concept quite interesting.

“Collapse: Why societies choose to succed or fail” by Jared Diamond

“Collapse: Why societies choose to succed or fail” by Jared Diamond

Jared Diamond has already won acclaim with his “Guns, Germs, and Steel” which looked at the fundamental reasons for the rise of particular civiliations — the various fertile crescents — and now is looking at things from the other end: why civilizations collapse.

It’s an interesting and depressing exploration. I can sum it up in a single (simple and inaccurate) statement: Cut down all the trees, die.

The book is not only great reading for anyone interested in world-building but also thought-provoking for anyone hoping to live on the one world we currently possess.

I recommend David Brin’s lengthier review, which can be found here.