Lynness: Some recent reads

"Predictably Irrational: The hidden forces that shape our decisions"- Interesting and well written.  I'm sure I would fall prey to most of the same biases presented, but I'm pretty sure some of them (monetary related ones, especially) I would not (because of my scrooge-like nature).

"Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking"- Not as engaging as I had hoped, but enough interesting stuff to keep me going.  Learned a few things about myself and how to deal with other people.  Nathan is reading it too.  (How many of you on this book group are also introverts?)

"Unaccountable: What hospitals won't tell you and how transparency can revolutionize health care"- WOW.  I picked this up off the New Arrivals shelf along with another book or two, and ate it up.  Many people might find it tedious, but as a nurse, I found it fascinating.  I could really see myself getting into this field at some point- combines health, business, politics.  Not that I'm at all interested in politics, but I do believe that a lot of the ills of the health care system could be remedied with these ideas, including better patient outcomes, better revenue, better policy.

"Next: The future just happened"- It was ok.  Interesting case studies about how society at large and individuals and the internet interact, a bit dated now- would be interested to see an updated edition or follow-up book.

"The Long Earth" - Interesting idea and enjoyable, but at the end, you're left with, "That's all?  So...what?  Oh, well...next book."

"American Wasteland"- Makes you think a lot about food waste- industrial and commercial and in your own kitchen.  Makes you want to be a little greener, but it's such a huge problem.  I am comforted to realize that, while our family in particular probably wastes more food than we think we do (like most), we waste much less than most (compared to other Americans, anyway).  We regularly have "smorgasbord" (i.e. all the leftovers in the fridge) nights and I use up those half sweet potatoes, etc. by pureeing them and putting them in soups, etc.  I buy food at grocery salvage stores regularly and use things past expiration dates by trusting my senses rather than packaging.