The Physics of Everyday Things by James Kakalios

This book takes the reader through a person's day and explains the workings of everyday machines and electronics, from a toaster to a OLED flat panel television. The author's goal is to explain the basic physics underlying the technology a person uses on a daily basis.

If you already have a little knowledge of physics and general science or have a great interest in this area this book would be for you. Not having physics in high school or college, I felt I did not really understand a lot of the concepts and the terminology or maybe it was it didn't grab my interest.  For example, the author explains that to understand how a toaster converts electrical energy into heat and light requires an understanding of thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. He does explain those concepts but I had a hard time making sense of it all.  

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood

In this contemporary re-telling of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest", Felix is the artistic director of a Theatre Festival. He finds himself out  of a job when his assistant Tony manages to undermine him and is appointed as director in his place. Unemployed and grieving the loss of his daughter, Felix finds work in teaching a theater course and directing a production of "The Tempest" in the unlikeliest of all places, a prison.

In this tale of loss, revenge and retribution, there are many surprises and beautiful moments along the way. There also is hope and some redemption as well. A host of interesting and outlandish characters makes this an enjoyable read. What is also helpful is a summary of the original "The Tempest" in the back of the book.

I received this book from "Blogging for Books" for this review.

Gone: A Girl, A Violin, A Life Unstrung by Min Kym

This is a moving memoir of a young woman and her love affair with her violin. As a child prodigy, Min Kym becomes a world class violinist as an adult. She purchases a Stradivarius violin which becomes a part of herself. She describes the violin as her existence.

The unthinkable happens when her violin is stolen. Her grief that she experiences is heart wrenching and the effect it has on her art is devastating. This book is a glimpse into what it is like to grow up in a Korean family, the burdens and blessings of being a child prodigy and the devotion to music and her violin. This is a fascinating book and I would recommend it.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.