Hard Neighbors: The Scotch-Irish Invasion of Native America and the Making of an American Identity (Colin G. Callaway)

The Scotch-Irish have had a prominent role in American and British history. Originating in Scotland and the border regions of Northern England, this ethnic group migrated to Northern Ireland in the 17th Century. Many subsequently then came to America in various waves, often settling in rural areas and being a driving force in American expansion in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The migration of the Scotch-Irish from Pennsylvania through the Appalachians to Tennessee and subsequently Texas helped drive much of the United States’ growth as they drove Native American populations out of the areas they settled.

In Hard Neighbors: The Scotch-Irish Invasion of North America and the Making of an American Identity, author Colin G. Calloway explores the history of the Scotch-Irish through the late 19th Century. This immigrant group was often marginalized by leaders in the colonies and early United States for its rural and uncivilized behavior. Their behavior was also often violent, such as in the Paxton Massacre of 1763 and the Whiskey Rebellion in the mid 1790’s. Hating both established governments (for not protecting them and their interests) and “the other” (Native Americans, mostly, in the early days of the country), the Scotch-Irish became an insular, often resentful, demographic in the United States. Several of them became battle-tested veterans of the War of 1812 and one of them, Andrew Jackson, became their voice and was elected President in 1828 and 1832. Jackson’s policies towards Native Americans were the culmination of Scotch-Irish desires put into official government action. Despite these actions, some Scotch-Irish and Native Americans co-existed peacefully and intermarried. Like any history of a country (and many family stories), the reality and story can be complicated.

Calloway’s book is a fair, even assessment of a group of people who shaped much of American history despite not often being in the leading role of it.

MY RATING: 4.5

The Language of Mathematics: The Stories Behind the Symbols (Raul Rojas)

In The Language of Mathematics: The Stories Behind the Symbols, author Raul Rojas explores complex ideas by tracing their origins and evolution. Rojas demonstrates how seemingly abstract concepts, such as numbers, geometry, and calculus, arose from practical needs and philosophical inquiries. He effectively illustrates the interconnectedness of mathematical disciplines, showcasing how advancements in one area often pave the way for breakthroughs in others. Some of these breakthroughs are systematic and incremental, Rojas notes, and others are accidental.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to highlight the human element behind mathematical discoveries. Rojas introduces readers to the brilliant minds that contributed to the field, emphasizing their struggles, insights, and the cultural contexts that influenced their work. This approach transforms mathematics from a collection of formulas and theorems into a quasi-language of its own. 

Rojas also connects mathematical concepts to real-world applications, showcasing their relevance in various fields, including computer science, engineering, and even art. Math is everywhere among us, even if we don’t want to admit as much, and The Language of Mathematics effectively explores the application of math to real life.

Because some aspects of mathematics can be difficult and complex, concepts that underpin calculus and more advanced math may bog down what is otherwise a very enjoyable book. Rojas does a decent job of helping explain some of these concepts; however, for those who hit the math wall in geometry or algebra, some of the more advanced equations that get discussed may leave you scratching your head or having a bad flashback to your secondary school math classes. But these concepts are only a small section of a fast-reading and mostly enjoyable 

MY RATING: 4

Enough is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell (Gabe Henry)

English is a complex language and many of the letters that make up its alphabet carry different sounds. For countless centuries, attempts at reforming English to make it easier to spell have tried to gain traction. Gabe Henry's Enough is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell takes a potentially academic subject—the history of English spelling reform—and transforms it into a thoroughly entertaining and insightful read about the long and often comical history of attempts to simplify the notoriously inconsistent English language.

Henry expertly weaves humor into the narrative, making the history of linguistic endeavors surprisingly engaging. He explores the efforts of various figures, from well-known individuals like Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain to other linguistic reformers such as Noah Webster and Melvil Dewey, highlighting their often-passionate and sometimes eccentric approaches. Enough is Enuf not only chronicles past attempts at simplification but also examines the underlying reasons for the complexities of English spelling. It provides a historical context for the irregularities we encounter daily, offering a deeper understanding of how our language has evolved.

Furthermore, Henry brings the discussion into the present day, exploring how modern technology, such as texting and social media, contributes to gradual simplification and evolution of language. Some could even credit Prince and other musicians 4 starting modern efforts 2 bring simplification and even symbolism 2 u.

Enough is Enuf is a cleverly written book that will appeal to anyone with an interest in language, history, or simply having a good laugh. Henry's witty style and engaging storytelling make this a delightful and informative exploration of a fascinating topic.

MY RATING: 4.5

Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's (Charles Piller)

The field of medical research has been subject to increased scrutiny from a number of places. Whether that scrutiny comes from other researchers or from journalists, medical theories that are heralded originally as “breakthroughs” are increasingly turning out to not be real or are seriously flawed. Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s by Charles Piller is a deeply unsettling and meticulously researched exposé that casts a harsh light on the integrity of Alzheimer's disease research. 

Piller's investigative journalism pulls back the layers of scientific fraud, manipulated data, and entrenched biases that have permeated one particular hypothesis. Doctored focuses on the history of "amyloid hypothesis," a dominant part of Alzheimer's research, and reveals how potentially falsified data has propped up this hypothesis for years. Piller skillfully weaves together a narrative that exposes some self-serving interests (private sector forces wanting money), academic pressures (universities wanting grants to do research), and institutional failures that have been a part of some areas of Alzheimer's research. He highlights the crucial work of whistleblowers who dared to challenge the established narrative, often at great personal and professional risk.

Beyond a tale of scientific malpractice, Doctored offers a review of the systems that govern scientific research. Piller raises vital questions about the influence of funding, the role of prestigious journals, and the accountability of researchers. The book serves as a stark reminder that even in the most noble of pursuits, human fallibility and systemic flaws can have devastating consequences.

Doctored is essential reading for anyone concerned about the reliability of medical scientific research. It serves as a healthy and needed reminder that science can be respected but also needs some level of grounded and factual skepticism to help ensure that good research is taking place.

MY RATING: 5

Employment Is Dead: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work (Deborah Perry Piscione and Josh Drean)

The evolution of technology and the pace of change are increasing rapidly. Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, to name two technologies, are rapidly changing the way companies operate and the way many people live. Adapting to technological evolution is harder to do given the pace and scale of these changes, but it is necessary for companies who want to grow and maintain their success.

In Employment Is Dead: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work, authors Deborah Perry Piscione and Josh Drean offer a refreshing and compelling take on tbe changing relationship between workers and companies. They advocate for a decentralized workforce where workers have more control over decision-making and operating their companies, for the flexibility of gig work, and the ability to work wherever, whenever. Flexible work arrangements may be a tougher nut to crack given larger corporations are slowly lassoing their workforces back into the office four to five days per week. However, Piscione and Drean both believe that such flexibility is helpful for worker engagement and performance.

Employment Is Dead argues that a less hierarchical, more agile company which empowers its workers to perform and embrace AI and other innovative technologies will likely have better chances to be successful in the decades to come. Given the “return to office” movement is picking up steam, this book is a strong counter to the current pulling unhappy workers back in.

MY RATING: 4.5

Eating and Being: A History of Ideas About Our Food and Ourselves (Steven Shapin)

In Eating and Being: A History of Ideas About Our Food and Ourselves, author Steven Shapin explores how food and dining have shaped Western social identity. It's less a cookbook or  culinary history and more a deep dive into the cultural anthropology of eating. Shapin meticulously traces the evolution of the human diet and how it is reflected upon and promoted, from ancient symposiums to modern restaurant culture, demonstrating how these rituals have reflected and reinforced social hierarchies, notions of civility, and even scientific understanding. 

Shapin deftly analyzes how the concept of "taste," both literal and metaphorical, has served as a marker of social distinction. He highlights the history of various dining styles and the impact of technological advancements on our relationship with food. He emphasizes that eating is never merely a biological necessity, but a profoundly social act, imbued with meaning and symbolism. The evolution of the philosophy of the human diet from “You are what you eat” to the various strains of Keto, Atkins, and other fad diets gets reasonable, if technical, amounts of discussion. A bit more context about the technical side of this book, it can be a challenging read at times because of its academic-oriented writing style. While the book excels at analyzing the historical context of diets and eating, it occasionally can feel detached and very scientific.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Eating and Being is a valuable contribution to the study of food culture. It offers a thought-provoking and insightful perspective on how our eating habits have shaped, and continue to shape, our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. For those willing to engage with its intellectual demands, Shapin's book provides a rich and rewarding exploration of the social significance of food.

MY RATING: 4

Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World (Dorian Lynskey)

Dorian Lynskey’s Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World explores humanity's enduring fascination with the apocalypse. Lynskey writes about the various ways in which we have imagined the end of the world, from religious prophecies to zombies, and examines the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped these visions.

Lynskey’s book draws on a wide array of sources, from ancient myths to contemporary films. Lynskey also incorporates insights from history, philosophy, and psychology to provide a nuanced understanding of our apocalyptic anxieties. Lynskey’s writing style is engaging and the book is fast-paced and entertaining. He also peppers the text with interesting anecdotes and trivia, which adds to the book's overall appeal.

Everything Must Go is informative, providing valuable insights into our collective imagination of the end times and humanity’s demise. Those with an interest in history, culture, or science fiction will likely find it a rewarding and enjoyable read.

MY RATING: 5