Cluster Critiques

NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman

One of the better books about autism if you are new to the topic, or want to know much more about autism than anyone within a hundred-mile radius. 

August in Paris: And Other Travel Misadventures By Marion Winik

Former Austinite takes her surly teens and deceased husband’s despicable mother to Paris and other exotic destinations, and makes us pee our pants laughing at all the craziness that ensues, and at Winik’s no-holds-barred story telling.

Hope: Entertainer of the Century by Richard Zoglin

I’m sort of sorry I read this book because Bob Hope is such a beloved comedian. Now I know he was also a serial adulterer, rude, grumpy, a horrible skinflint and mean. Oh, and he was an incredibly savvy businessman. Well done, just icky.

Shock Value by Jason Zinoman

This is a rollicking fun and well written history of the 1970-80s horror movies period and the players and the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants trajectory that really ended up being hugely successful, changing the genre forever – exit Frankenstein, enter Freddy Kruger.

Stuff Matters by Mark Miodownik

This is a fascinating book about the science, history and physical nature of the random everyday things that litter our lives – steel, silicon chips, elastic, etc. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you not to read this unless you have an insatiable hunger for science trivia.

Wayfaring Stranger by James Lee Burke

Dear Mr. Burke:

Please do not ever try to write another romance novel.

Thank you.

SueAnn