The Truth Matters by Bruce Bartlett. Finished 9-2-18, 4/5 stars, current affairs/reference, pub. 2017.
It’s only 136 pages and reads fast. I assumed by the title that this was about Trump and his loose grasp of the truth so I was surprised when I realized it was written by a Republican who had worked for both Reagan and the first Bush. This is a nonpartisan book and it was good. He touches on many things…why the traditional media no longer serves our needs, differences between primary and secondary sources, trusting academic sources, using your local libraries, numbers must be put into context, polling, using Wikipedia, fake news, and more.
“President Trump has used the term (fake news) as an accusation against news organizations reporting accurate news that he doesn’t like.” (emphasis mine) The book isn’t about Trump, but he is mentioned when talking about his obsession with what he calls fake news. Bartlett gives a list of credible sources and gives you tips on how to not fall for the lies.
“In the end, the best defenses against fake news are critical thinking; taking in news from a variety of sources, including those that don’t confirm your own biases; being skeptical about information that sounds too good (or bad) to be true; and other self-defenses.” page 126
I think everyone should read this book. It’s short enough and provides great historical context and sources. If in doubt, go to your library. They can show you what resources they have to help you.
Scandikitchen:The Essence of Hygge by Bronte Aurell. Finished 9-3-18, 4/5 stars, culture, pub. 2017
I chose this as I was browsing library books for short books (this one clocks in at 160) and saw that it was about something that I was completely clueless about. It’s a Scandinavian term that suddenly hit the mainstream in the past few years. It’s all about being present in the moment, a perfect companion to my love of mindfulness. It included great quotes from the likes of Gandhi, Epicurus, and Julia Child. It is beautifully done with quality paper and gorgeous photographs. The recipes she included look so yummy I’m to try a few (gluten & dairy free adapted, of course). The small square size makes it a perfect book to give as a gift – maybe even to yourself! I have at least one person in mind who will be getting it for Christmas 🙂 It’s about something real and important and inspiring.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher. Finished 9-5-18, 5/5 stars, memoir, 163 pages, pub. 2008
What a hoot! I loved her snark and stories and our shared love of Cary Grant. This is a memoir, complete with pictures of her life growing up with famous parents (she calls them the Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston of their day). Considering that she also married someone famous, expect lots of people you know. I won’t say name dropping, because this just felt like her life and it all seemed relevant. I know she also wrote novels and I may have to add them to my reading list because I enjoy her writing and sense of humor so much.
Cookie Monster’s Guide to Life. Finished 9-5-18, 2/5 stars, humor, pub. 2018
Today after school Gage and I read a book together. I found Cookie Monster’s Guide to Life The Joy of Cookies in the 818 section of the library. Really? The high ratings on Goodreads make me think I missed something, but as I page back through the 160 pages of Cookie Monster screaming about cookies, I think maybe they got it wrong. Well, anyway, G laughed a lot when I did the Cookie Monster voice and he even tried it out himself when he read, but he’s a kid. This book was in the adult section. I don’t get it.
God: 48 Famous and Fascinating Minds Talk About God by Jennifer Berne. Finished 9-10-18, 3/5 stars, pub. 2017
Quite a mix of believers in math and science mixed in with those who embrace the unknowable. I returned the book to the library this morning or I’d offer a few quotes. Illustrations for every quote.
Cleveland A-Z by John J Grabowski. Finished 9-7-18, 5/5 stars, local history, pub.2017
Perfect for new Clevelanders and old. A fun pictorial history lesson for the storied city of Cleveland.
Stacy's Books 
The Truth Matters sounds like something everyone should read. I might get Carl a copy for Christmas.
All new to me Stacy. Truth Matters sounds good.
Some great choices. I did like the Carrie Fisher book.
Truth Matters looks good. I read the Death of Truth: Notes on Falsehood in the Age of Trump by Michiko Kakutani. It was in a similar vein as this one and one that was quick and timely for right now.
Maybe the Cookie Monster book was for adults who grew up on cookie monster and needed to be reminded about the philosophy Cookie Monster taught? Who knows! Glad Gage enjoyed it.
I’ve been meaning to read Fisher’s book for awhile now. She had such an interesting and tough life.