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"Napoleon's Buttons" by Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson

1/31/2013

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Title: Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History
Author: Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson
Genre: General Non-Fiction
# of Pages: 384

Date Published: May 24, 2004
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars



Napoleon’s Buttons is a compilation of 17 short chapters about groups of molecules that changed the course of human history. The book is actually a really quick read despite the length, because the chapters are broken up with chemical diagrams and pictures that vividly illustrate the points the authors make. The authors’ connections between chemistry and history are actually really interesting; they come from the premise that instead of looking at things economically or socially, if you look at the chemistry and molecules that drove the African slave trade or the feminist movement, i.e., you will find an underlying chemical explanation. The book’s title comes from the anecdote that Napoleon’s Army wore buttons made from a tin compound, which is known to become brittle at low temperatures such as those found in frigid Russian winters. The authors cite the degradation of the Army’s buttons as one of the main contributing factors to the hypothermia that wiped out Napoleon’s Grand Army and stopped the expansion of the Napoleonic Empire. At points, the relatedness of science and happenstance appear to be a bit far-fetched, but nonetheless, each assertion is supported with sound historical evidence.

I think that this book is a must read for chemistry and biochemistry majors; it puts what you learn in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry into an understandable and worldly context. The authors are constantly name-dropping some of the greatest chemists, showing that many of their discoveries were just accidents or byproducts of reactions and molecules they did not understand at the time. By putting chemistry in the context of history, not only does it become one hundred times more interesting, but it also seems more relevant to the future and to our lives.

Another aspect of the book that I think would interest a lot of people is the numerous ‘party facts’ that are listed throughout the book. For example, the residue and film that develops when you swirl a glass of wine is due to the presence of glycerol molecules in the wine itself. In the chapter on oleic acid and olive oil, the authors explain the differences between both saturated and un-, and mono- and poly-saturated fats. By explaining the health consequences of these chemical structures the authors show us the daily relevance of what we learn in chemistry classes. Because the book is so scientifically based, I think that people who have taken chemistry classes would get the most out of it. This does not mean, however, that less scientifically inclined pupils would deny the book’s entertainment value. In fact, they might find this is finally the right book to help them survive that dreaded science core requirement.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. The science behind history has always been an interesting subject, and there really aren’t many books that break it up and organize it as well as Napoleon’s Buttons does.



Review by Special Contributor, Chris McLaughlin, A&S '13

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Double Review! "The Casual Vacancy" by J.K. Rowling

1/28/2013

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Title: The Casual Vacancy
Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: General Fiction
Number of Pages: 503
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



*Scroll down to see the second review!

It was a big deal when J.K. Rowling announced that she had written another book, and more specifically, a book that wasn’t part of her established Harry Potter series. Expectations were very high given the fact that she had already written what is arguably the most popular book series in the world. Though people expected another fantasy novel, The Casual Vacancy is completely different from HP in so many ways, which is probably the most important thing all should realize before picking it up. If you start this book expecting spells, Hogwarts or Quidditch matches, you will end up disappointed. On the other hand, if you go into it with an open mind, the experience will render itself much more enjoyable.

The Casual Vacancy is a character-driven book that follows the lives of various citizens of a British town called Pagford. One of the members on the Pagford Council dies of a sudden brain aneurysm, which causes a great deal of sadness in the town. Even so, the sudden death leaves an open seat on the council, which, for many townspeople, presents an even larger dilemma. The book follows the lives of the characters – from young rebellious teenagers to snobby old-time Pagfordians – and even documents those citizens new to the town. The Casual Vacancy provides an entertaining story of character interaction, the daily struggle of life, and electoral issues present in today’s world.

Though the book is overall a good one, the characters are so plentiful that at the beginning it can be very difficult to keep track of them and the ways in which they are all related. As a result, immediate engagement is difficult to reach with this novel. However, once you know all the characters, everything suddenly becomes much more interesting. Another thing to bear in mind is that The Casual Vacancy is targeted towards adults, and possibly older teens, due to the mature and disturbing nature of some of Rowling’s major themes. Overall, fans of J.K. Rowling might like to see this new side of her writing, yet even those who were previously not fans of her previous works  might enjoy this take on the British middle class and its resultant society.

Review by Caitlin Mason, A&S '16



Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

When J.K. Rowling announced she was publishing a new book, Harry Potter fans everywhere rejoiced. However, The Casual Vacancy was not exactly what many Potterheads were hoping for. Rowling completely changed genres – going from fantasy to reality. Many of the same people who enjoyed Harry Potter may not like this book, just because it is not the same genre. But there are certainly exceptions to the rule. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and I loved The Casual Vacancy. It is the perfect book for the Harry Potter fans that have completed their adolescence and are ready to experience a more mature novel. The book got a lot of hate because it is just not Harry Potter; it is completely different. J.K. Rowling tackled something close to home, as Casual Vacancy in some ways is almost an expose on how she herself was brought up.

The Casual Vacancy takes place in a tiny English town called Pagford. The plot revolves around the death of Barry Fairbrother and the townspeople’s search for a candidate to take over his position on the town council. Although there are a lot of characters, J.K. Rowling does a good job of fully developing her cast. All the characters have a connection to someone running for council, which allows the reader to see why each candidate potentially deserves the position from all perspectives. These characters are three-dimensional; they have flaws and are not always very likable, but this makes them even more complex, real, and relatable. The book recounts each character’s struggles with family, school, and teenage rebellion – even romance. Rowling also tackles serious issues like drug and child abuse.

At first the book was difficult to get into; the beginning was slow and mostly consisted of introducing all the characters. Once I got into it, the last 300 pages or so went very quickly. I enjoyed getting the insight to how small town governments in England work as it is very different from America. I loved the classic Rowling style – she doesn’t fail to integrate her humor within the pages. Some readers have complained about the vulgar language in this book, which is probably the reason it is tagged as “J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults,” but that language is an effective way to portray real life and the culture of the characters.

As she did with the Harry Potter series, Rowling triggers emotions and knows how to open up a reader’s heart to otherwise unlovable characters. I definitely recommend this brilliant book and I am looking forward to whatever other worlds Rowling has up her creative sleeve.



Review by Colleen Brady, A&S '16
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"The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton

1/28/2013

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Title: The Forgotten Garden
Author: Kate Morton
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Date Published: 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

It is a ship set to sail from London to Brisbane in 1913 that spurs the entangled, enticing story of The Forgotten Garden. But, luckily for us, we need neither months aboard a vessel nor the ability to time travel to unravel this mystery. Instead, we must only look to Kate Morton, whose encapsulating voice carries us across continents and centuries with her story centered around a foster child named Nell. At first, Nell’s world is shattered when her father informs her that she was adopted. After her father’s death in 1975, Nell hoped to travel back to England from Australia to discover her true origins, but her granddaughter Cassandra’s unexpected, elongated stay kept her from continuing her search. In 2005, with Nell on her deathbed, Cassandra continues her grandmother’s journey, determined to piece together the puzzle that is their family history.

Coming in at a hefty 552 pages, The Forgotten Garden is no light read – but it is a quick one. The chapters seep with mystery, and each question answered only raises new complications. Every time I thought I had the mystery solved, a new revelation would force me to reconsider and read on. Despite the many hours of sleep sacrificed, I finished the novel in a matter of days.



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Part of what compelled me to continue flipping the pages was Morton’s ability to create sympathy for her characters. I related to each and every character, whether she lived in 2005 or during the 1800s. I wanted desperately to fill in the dark patches of history that influenced Nell, Cassandra, and everyone else involved in the familial search.

Though Morton waits until the very last page to fully enlighten her readers, the journey that gets us there is well worth it. Morton is a master storyteller in both her descriptions that drive the main plot and in the gems of original fairy tales that are sprinkled throughout the novel. While reading, I was often conflicted between a subconscious desire to admire the genius of her writing and my need to know what would happen next. With The Forgotten Garden, Morton creates a beautiful homage to the institution of storytelling.

I recommend this book, or any Kate Morton novel for that matter, to everyone. The Forgotten Garden has earned a distinction in my head I previously thought impossible to win: favorite book. As far as I’m concerned, this book has everything: mystery, beauty, compelling characters, prodigious prose. And while I’ve read - and loved - all of Morton’s other books, The Forgotten Garden is unquestionably the best.

Review by Laura Baumgartner, A&S '16     Illustration by Kayla D'Ambrosio, A&S '14
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"Natural Born Charmer" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

1/20/2013

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Title: “Natural Born Charmer”
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Genre: Romantic Fiction

Number of Pages: 400
Rating: 4.25 stars       

            Who wouldn’t adore a novel about the America’s most attractive wide receiver falling in love with a young woman dressed in nothing but a simple beaver suit?  The star, Dean, unhappy with his life, sets off on a cross-country trip that will hopefully help him identify what has gone wrong. When he hits a lonely stretch of Colorado highway, he spies Blue Bailey – aka: beaver suit girl. Dean offers her a lift, she begrudgingly agrees, and it is here that their peculiar romance blossoms. 

As the summer progresses, Blue, a wandering portrait artist, and Dean play a high-stakes game, fighting themselves and each other for a chance to have it all. One cannot help but love the old-ball couple and their deeply real romantic courtship.  

"Natural Born Charmer" is for anyone who loves an easy yet thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read. Susan Phillips has a way of drawing you in and carrying you through the great story of Blue and Dean. 


Review by Morgan Healy, LSOE '13

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"The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz  Zafón

1/20/2013

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Title: The Shadow of the Wind
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Genre: Mystery
Number of Pages: 487
Date Published: 2005
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

            The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a novel for those who love books.  This mystery unfolds in post-World War II Barcelona, when the owner of an antiquarian bookshop introduces his son Daniel to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.  This concept is sure to enrapture any booklover: a library full of all the books that have fallen out of the public eye and are waiting to be rediscovered.  Daniel is allowed to choose one book from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, so he deliberates carefully. But even after much thought, he could never have imagined that his choice of Julián Carax’s Shadow of the Wind would lead to such an unforgettable adventure.  After reading and quickly falling in love with this novel, Daniel is eager to learn more about its author.  He soon discovers that Carax’s life has been enshrouded in mystery: an enigmatic character has systematically destroyed all of Carax’s novels, with the sole exception of Daniel’s copy of Shadow of the Wind.  What happened to Carax?  Where is he now? Why is someone determined to erase him from history?  Daniel sets off to find out, encountering colorful characters and discovering shocking conclusions along the way.

          I would highly recommend this book for a number of reasons.  The unraveling of Carax’s mystery as Daniel comes closer and closer to finding answers is enough to keep any reader captivated.  The various characters are quirky and lovable, allowing the reader to feel personally attached as if he or she were one of the gang. Their frequent encounters with danger raise anxiety, while also piquing interest. All of this combined with the 1950s Spanish backdrop and heavy Gothic atmosphere created by Zafón make for great escapist literature.  While I can admit that Zafón’s thick use of imagery and excessively literary attempts can be a bit overdone (every page is filled with fleeting shadows, haunted mansions, flickering candles, and the like), I still think it makes for a read that is pure fun. 


Review by Maria Peroni, A&S '16

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