I have read a total of four books this summer (it's technically still summer)... I know. Pathetic, right? But for some reason, I just haven't had the urge to read a lot. It could be the stress of applying to jobs and medical school, or it could be a residue of my college "leisure-reading-less" mindset. Regardless of the reason (**cough, cough** medical school **cough**), the fact remains that only four books were read.
Near the end of June, I finished reading The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. I had a tough time finishing it because the writing was pretty
dense. I will admit that it could have been from the translation, but I'm not going to learn Italian to see. It was also challenging to finish because my interest took a sinusoidal path throughout the
book, even to the very end. It was a very difficult read, and although I probably didn't get all the subtitles of the book had to offer, I doubt I will read it again.
Near the end of July, I finished The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Micheal Chabon which was awesome! It was honestly the best book I've read in a while. It had a bunch of different aspects that could appeal to a wide range of people. The story follows two Jewish cousins as they create a comic book empire. When I put it like this, it reminds me of Brothers, but it's a lot better. Of the books I've read in the past year, this is the one I encourage everyone to read.
Now onto the book I just finished. It was an interesting read called The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande. He is a general surgeon and a professor at Harvard Medical School. While I know this is not a book for everyone, I hope I can convince some of my readers to pick it up. Gawande is promoting the use of simple checklists in operating rooms and beyond to limit complications caused by forgetfulness. The problems he often mentions are infections and repeat surgeries. He makes a terrific case that I hope others will try to institute. I have to mention that I don't typically read nonfiction, but this was superbly written. The writing was succinct and kept me fascinated. If you want to include a bit of medical nonfiction into your repertoire, I suggest reading this or one of his other books.
Near the end of June, I finished reading The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. I had a tough time finishing it because the writing was pretty
dense. I will admit that it could have been from the translation, but I'm not going to learn Italian to see. It was also challenging to finish because my interest took a sinusoidal path throughout the
book, even to the very end. It was a very difficult read, and although I probably didn't get all the subtitles of the book had to offer, I doubt I will read it again.Near the end of July, I finished The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Micheal Chabon which was awesome! It was honestly the best book I've read in a while. It had a bunch of different aspects that could appeal to a wide range of people. The story follows two Jewish cousins as they create a comic book empire. When I put it like this, it reminds me of Brothers, but it's a lot better. Of the books I've read in the past year, this is the one I encourage everyone to read.
Now onto the book I just finished. It was an interesting read called The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande. He is a general surgeon and a professor at Harvard Medical School. While I know this is not a book for everyone, I hope I can convince some of my readers to pick it up. Gawande is promoting the use of simple checklists in operating rooms and beyond to limit complications caused by forgetfulness. The problems he often mentions are infections and repeat surgeries. He makes a terrific case that I hope others will try to institute. I have to mention that I don't typically read nonfiction, but this was superbly written. The writing was succinct and kept me fascinated. If you want to include a bit of medical nonfiction into your repertoire, I suggest reading this or one of his other books.