Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.
The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth by Thomas Morris
Why I have it: Who doesn’t love a medical curiosity…?
Summary: A collection of stories about strange historical medical cases and weird remedies (from using crow’s vomit to port-wine enemas).
I’m thinking: No. A few stories for novelty value perhaps but not compelled to read a whole book.
Berlin 1936: Sixteen Days in August by Oliver Hilmes
Why I have it: Came across it when I was doing some Berlin research last year (and also, isn’t that cover superb?).
Summary: Examines the sixteen days in August 1936 when the Olympic Games were staged in Berlin, and when Nazi oppression was temporarily lifted. A skilled PR exercise?
I’m thinking: Yes, I like these sorts of ‘up close’ examinations of history.
Smile or Die by Barbara Ehrenreich
Why I have it: Not sure.
Summary: How positive thinking has fooled the world.
I’m thinking: Yes, have been interested in research around ‘optimism’ for a while.
The Ehrenreich is terrific — so cutting. I bought the Morris with a birthday book voucher last year and kept it as a bedside book, reading one or two vignettes per night. A few cases are intriguing and funny, but mostly I found his sense of humour puerile.
The last two sound interesting. I love the cover of the Hilmes!
The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth does sound really interesting, but also like it could be too much information to retain if it’s one of those that covers a ton of stories. Smile or Die sounds great!
An intriguing selection, thanks!
I must see if I can find Berlin 1936. I really enjoyed Boys in the Boat, which was a story of that Olympics.
I have Boys in the Boat in the TBR stack, on your recommendation 😊
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