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.
Thinking Inside the Box by Adrienne Raphel
Why I have it: spotted during Nonfiction November.
Summary: The history of the crossword puzzle, and an examination of its popularity – why has it become a fixture of breakfast tables and commutes, given rise to competitive crossword tournaments, and even been the theme of a cruise?
I’m thinking: No – interesting but I think I prefer doing crosswords rather than reading about them.
You May Also Like by Tom Vanderbilt
Why I have it: spotted during Nonfiction November.
Summary: Everyone knows their favorite color and the foods they most enjoy. Everyone has favourite songs, movies and television shows. But what does it really mean when we like something? How do we decide what’s good? Vanderbilt delves into psychology, marketing, and neuroscience to answer these complex and fascinating questions.
I’m thinking: Yes
Why the Germans Do it Better by John Kampfner
Why I have it: spotted on Lizzy’s Goodreads shelf.
Summary: Kampfner considers how Germany’s modern history – half of which has been a tale of horror, war and dictatorship, and half of which has been ‘atonement, stability, and maturity’ – has shaped the country.
I’m thinking: Yes (ignore the presumptuous and, I suspect, poorly chosen title).