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Tyrannosaurus rex is the world’s favorite dinosaur, adored by the public and the subject of intense study and debate by paleontologists.
This stunningly illustrated book brings together everything we have learned about T. rex—the “King of the Tyrant Lizards”—since it was first given its famous name in 1905.
It presents these creatures as science knows them rather than the version portrayed in movies, revealing them to be dramatically different, and far more amazing, than ever imagined.
Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” is a powerful and evocative exploration of women navigating the complexities of personal and societal challenges.
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the novel captures the essence of female resilience, friendship, and the bonds that connect women across generations.
Initially, the plot didn’t grab me. I was intrigued by the premise of women serving as nurses during the Vietnam War, but I wasn’t overly excited to dive in.
However, once I started reading, I found myself completely captivated — a testament to Hannah’s exceptional storytelling.
The novel introduces us to a compelling main character from an affluent family whose older brother volunteers for the military and heads to Vietnam.
This sets the stage for her internal conflict: Torn between societal expectations and her own desires, she decides to follow him by enlisting as a nurse.
This choice thrusts her directly into the heart of the war, allowing readers to witness not just her experiences but also the broader challenges faced by women in such roles during that tumultuous time.
Hannah’s vivid portrayal of the wartime environment struck me. Her descriptions of the sights, sounds, and even smells of Vietnam made the setting incredibly real.
I felt immersed in the oppressive heat and distant sounds of conflict; it was as if I were experiencing the war alongside the characters.
As I progressed through the book, I realized it felt like three distinct parts, each evoking different reactions.
The first part, set in Vietnam, was intense and gripping. The character development was exceptional; each nurse had a unique voice, making them relatable and memorable.
The second part deals with the main character’s return to the US. This transition is portrayed with sensitivity, capturing the struggles of veterans adjusting to civilian life after the horrors of war.
Many readers, especially those with military experience, will find that this section resonates with them. The contrast between the chaos of the battlefield and the mundanity of daily life highlights the inner turmoil facing returning soldiers and the societal indifference they often encounter.
In the third section, toward the end of the novel, the character has completed her journey.
She has learned a lot, and she has begun to recover, as has America, from the war. The reader is shown the life that she has established for herself, and it left me wanting more.
Hannah skillfully depicts the political climate surrounding the Vietnam War, including the protests and shifting public opinions.
This adds another layer, highlighting how changing attitudes affected both soldiers and the women who supported them.
“The Women” is a beautifully crafted narrative that transcends its initial premise to explore profound themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of war.
Hannah’s powerful storytelling and deep character development make this a must-read, transforming what began for me as a lukewarm interest into an unforgettable literary experience.
This book not only tells the story of women in war but also invites readers to reflect on the lasting impact of conflict on individuals and society. I wholeheartedly recommend it. This story will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Author: Maria LaMonaca Wisdom
Mentoring is integral to how academics are formed and what trajectories their careers will take. Yet until recently, no one was trained to do it, and many academics have ingrained assumptions about mentorship that no longer fit the lives, needs, and aspirations of mentees.
“How to Mentor Anyone in Academia” shares proven techniques for the professional development of junior faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in today’s rapidly changing academic landscape.
Author: Naomi Shihab Nye
Palestinian American poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s book “Words Under the Words” is a moving and deeply personal collection of poetry that seamlessly weaves together themes and threads of identity, displacement and the resiliency of the human spirit.
Born to a Palestinian father and American mother, Nye often uses her upbringing as inspiration for her poems.
“The Traveling Onion,” is perhaps my favorite poem in the book. She uses a quote from “Better Living Cookbook” to set the stage. She writes: “When I think how far the onion has traveled just to enter my stew today, I could kneel and praise all small, forgotten miracles, crackly paper peeling on the drainboard, pearly layers in smooth agreement, the way knife enters onion, and onion falls apart on the chopping block, a history revealed.”
She then writes: “And I would never scold the onion for causing tears … how at meal, we sit and eat, commenting on texture of meat or herbal aroma but never on the translucence of onion, now limp, now divided, or its traditionally honorable career: for the sake of others, disappear.”
The poem about the onion is not just about an onion, it is about much more. Many of her other poems offer the same food for thought, although not always when exploring cuisine or culture.
Her poetry often touches on themes of family, memory, displacement and finding common ground in different worlds. Known for her crisp, clear and evocative language, Nye captures the beauty of everyday life and the emotional nuances within personal and cultural histories. “Words Under the Words” is a powerful exploration of identity and seeking community connection.
Her language is simple but not too simplified. She makes everyday moments and objects feel significant and special while allowing us all to look into her life as we collectively cut a slice of life and devour the deeper philosophical and political issues that still ring true today, nearly 30 years after she published the book in 1995.
The collection stands out for its emotional honesty and its ability to connect personal experiences with the broader social and political contexts — especially around themes of exile and belonging. It is still relevant today.
The woman on the cover is Nye’s grandmother, who was a lively and significant figure in her work.
Author: ANTHONY ZEE
Could any discovery be more unexpected and shocking than the realization that the reality we were born into is but an approximation of an underlying quantum world that is barely within our grasp? This is just one of the foundational pillars of theoretical physics that Zee discusses in this book.
Join him as he presents his Top Ten List of the biggest, most breathtaking ideas in physics — the ones that have fundamentally transformed our understanding of the universe.
Authors: Satyan L. Devadoss and Joseph O’rourke
“Discrete and Computational Geometry” bridges the theoretical world of discrete geometry with the applications-driven realm of computational geometry, offering a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to this cutting-edge frontier of mathematics and computer science.
Now fully updated and expanded, this richly illustrated textbook is an invaluable learning tool for students in mathematics, computer science, engineering, and physics.
