Animal Wise by Virginia Morell

Fantastic book, informative and poignant. The animal studies that are described give the reader such an incredible sense of the cognition and emotions of various animals. I wish everyone would read this book because many animal species are going extinct and I think if people started thinking about animals as creatures with intelligence and emotions, maybe we could curtail the terrible extinctions that are currently galloping forward.

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

An incredible story both personal and professional of a Plant Scientist that opens up the usually hidden world of scientific research and scholarship. Fascinating descriptions of data collection and experiments were interwoven with revelations about the acute difficulties scientists face securing the funding necessary to develop and complete vital projects. An inspiring story of a young girl from rural Northern Minnesota who helps her father in his research lab, and loving that rarefied world pursues the education that qualifies her to eventually set up her own labs. Also, wonderful story of her long time collaboration with a friend and colleague that adds a delightful humor to this absorbing memoir and paean to the Scientific life. Recommended.

Arthur and Sherlock by Michael Sims

An interesting examination of the introduction and development of the detective novel, and more specifically, the development of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into a mystery author. I read every Sherlock Holmes Story with great enjoyment when I was in High School. Definitely interesting to read about the author.

The Emotional Lives of Animals by Marc Bekoff

Lots of food for thought, somewhat repetitive, but definitely worth reading.

Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen

A lovely story about a photographer whose career has plateaued. Money is very scarce as she struggles to support her elderly parents and help out her adult son. She rents out her expensive New York City apartment and retreats to a run down house in a small rural community. As new experiences fuel some creative camera work, an unexpected relationship with a roofer many years younger chips away at a long term loneliness and dispiritedness that had enveloped her life.