A Short History of Nearly Everything- Bill Bryson

If you're looking to tap into your inner science geek, this is the book for you. It's actually a short history of nearly everything "scientific." Bryson has done an amazing job putting the most complex scientific topics in layman's terms. In fact, if you're someone who never really got what science is all about, then this is a good book for you as well. I found it incredibly mentally stimulating and entertaining at the same time.

Bryson adds personality to well-known and unknown scientists of all disciplines by including anecdotes and personality quirks. My only bone of contention would be that each chapter seems to cover a topic (i.e., geology, astro-physics) almost entirely independent of the others. To his credit Bryson did create some linkages between the topics, but more than once I would be reading something I was positive contradicted something else I'd read earlier (i.e., how long ago earth was created). Then again, for all the information we know/have in science, there's nearly just as much we don't so maybe the contradictions are the reality rather than an oversight by the author.

Be Honest- You're Not That Into Him Either- Ian Kerner

First and foremost, I am completely embarrassed to be including this title in my list of reviews next to books like The Great Gatsby, but since I read it, I guess I feel obliged. I think the pink cover sucked me in. Believe it or not, there is some substance in this book beyond fluffy confidence boosters for women with no self-esteem. Kerner describes, in detail, the chemical processes at work in both males and females as they relate to sex and relationships. Girls, next time you feel psycho over a guy, you can rest easy. You're not actually psycho, you've just got too much oxytocin in your system (incidentally, it's released during orgasm so quit sleeping around). He also includes a brief history on the sexual revolution of women.

I disliked the "wrap-up" sections at the end of each chapter; "'Be Honest' functions as a two A.M. phone call from your best friend, the voice of reality. 'Raise and Reach,' provides some ideas on how to raise your standards and reach for the love you deserve." Yeah, umm, both sections were the fluff I was talking about and a total waste of time. If you read nothing else, girls, do yourself a favor and read the Conclusion (at the end of the book obviously) written by the author's wife. It's hilarious.