January’s Books in 25 Words

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari

The beginning section on early humans was fascinating, but then I became increasingly irritated by the author’s opinions being presented as facts without supporting arguments.

The Cartographers – Peng Shepher

I enjoyed the concept and plot line of this but the clunky writing and apparently super-intelligent characters who made many stupid decisions bought it down.

The Rock – Aaron Smith

An outsider’s experience of life in the Torres Strait with a confronting reflection on the injustices, both current and historical, experienced by the indigenous peoples.

The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern

A fascinating concept that was executed brilliantly. Interesting, well-written characters and switching between times and perspectives slowly and cleverly revealed the secrets of the circus.

Effortless: Make it Easier to do What Matters Most

Not many new-to-me ideas, but loved instructions for napping, the description of distractions as “cataracts for the mind,” and removing steps that don’t add value.

A Deadly Education (The Scholomance, #1) – Naomi Novik

El studies at a deadly school of magic. Loved the story, the sarcastic El and clueless Orion, but found the extended stream of consciousness tiresome.

Call of the Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture – A New Earth – by Charles Massy

Balancing theory with regenerative farming case studies, Massey presents a hopeful vision of farming that repairs and protects the health of our country and ourselves.