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.