I need some suggestions on how to make a little extra cash this summer.
BEGIN!
***Update***
I just finished reading Mary Roach's Spook, and I must say that I am extremely dissappointed. I feel like this woman spent a weekend in a library compiling random facts about afterlife research, had a few cups of coffee, and then sat down to write a fun book about science... before bedazzling something.
She takes such a feminine approach to her subjects. She seems more concerned with the personal lives and shortcomings of the researchers than with the research itself. You could, of course, say that this "character study" says much about the results of the research discussed... but I just stopped caring about who was married to whom and who had a propensity for what.
What are the facts?
Where is the science?
To be fair, okay, sure, there's a little bit of science. But it's dumbed-down, watery science that leaves me feeling like I've watched an hour-long, mid-afternoon airing of a show about the paranormal. Many interesting theories are put forth, and then abandonned for other interesting theories... and OH! Look! Cows!*
The books is, at best, an anecdotal foray into afterlife research that is made tolerable only by Roach's adorable footnotes. She sums everything up by saying she doesn't know what to believe so... um... she's going to believe in... this thing over here! Yes! That's it!
If you like getting jerked around by mainstream non-fiction, by all means, check it out. It was entertaining and I can't say I disliked it. But if you enjoy reading books that cover their subjects deeply enough for you to have an informed opinion... books that aren't so neutral that you want to smack them... find yourself something written by a man. **
*There is a footnote about "considerable curiosity of cows" in which Roach says, "This is an experiement I urge you to repeat, simply for the giddy thrill of it. Go into a pasture where cows are grazing in the distance. Shout to get their attention, and then suddenly lie down. The moment you do, they will hurry over to investigate, encircling you and staring down at you with unmitigated bovine fascination."
I liked the bit about the cows.
** Have I mentioned that I don't typically enjoy female authors? I know I mentioned that her footnotes were adorable. I mean really- the cutest!
***/Update***
BEGIN!
***Update***
I just finished reading Mary Roach's Spook, and I must say that I am extremely dissappointed. I feel like this woman spent a weekend in a library compiling random facts about afterlife research, had a few cups of coffee, and then sat down to write a fun book about science... before bedazzling something.
She takes such a feminine approach to her subjects. She seems more concerned with the personal lives and shortcomings of the researchers than with the research itself. You could, of course, say that this "character study" says much about the results of the research discussed... but I just stopped caring about who was married to whom and who had a propensity for what.
What are the facts?
Where is the science?
To be fair, okay, sure, there's a little bit of science. But it's dumbed-down, watery science that leaves me feeling like I've watched an hour-long, mid-afternoon airing of a show about the paranormal. Many interesting theories are put forth, and then abandonned for other interesting theories... and OH! Look! Cows!*
The books is, at best, an anecdotal foray into afterlife research that is made tolerable only by Roach's adorable footnotes. She sums everything up by saying she doesn't know what to believe so... um... she's going to believe in... this thing over here! Yes! That's it!
If you like getting jerked around by mainstream non-fiction, by all means, check it out. It was entertaining and I can't say I disliked it. But if you enjoy reading books that cover their subjects deeply enough for you to have an informed opinion... books that aren't so neutral that you want to smack them... find yourself something written by a man. **
*There is a footnote about "considerable curiosity of cows" in which Roach says, "This is an experiement I urge you to repeat, simply for the giddy thrill of it. Go into a pasture where cows are grazing in the distance. Shout to get their attention, and then suddenly lie down. The moment you do, they will hurry over to investigate, encircling you and staring down at you with unmitigated bovine fascination."
I liked the bit about the cows.
** Have I mentioned that I don't typically enjoy female authors? I know I mentioned that her footnotes were adorable. I mean really- the cutest!
***/Update***
VIEW 11 of 11 COMMENTS
He went on a rant about how many different ways people (specifically the college lot in the army) can make money. His words were utter filth but rather rib-tickling and brain-slanting hence there shall be no advice coming from me.
Damaging...
Wait! Taxi-driving!
Hah, I knew I'd think of a scheme that didn't involve bodily functions or fluids.