Buddha's Orphans - Samrat Upadhyay

Buddha's Orphans was a very nice read. The book is about a lower class Nepali woman who finds a baby in a town market and cares for him until a richer family comes along and pulls some strings to adopt him because the mother is crazy and needs a son. A few reasons why this book is interesting: How many people in the west are familiar with Nepal? Not too many. This story was also a multi generational look at the consequences of people's actions, which I find interesting. It also took a look at the impact of an even in a family (in this case the orphan's mother's suicide) impacts generations at a time. The book was familiar in a way that neighboring cultures are. It seems familiar but a few things are definitely different. One more interesting thing to note: For a country so close to the heart of pessimism in writing, the author of this book is notably absent of the pathos that rules Indian writing. The themes in this book are not easy ones, but are approached with a very Zen Buddha philosophy. 

Verdict: Read it. Even if you don't care about learning about Nepal, there's still plenty to be taken from this book and contemplated on.

Sh*t My Dad Says - Justin Halpern

I picked up this book because A, it looked funny, and B, it was well recommended. I was definitely not disappointed.This was the kind of book that had me laughing so hard at my daughter's soccer practice that I was getting odd looks from the other parents - one of the funniest I have ever read. I'm sure the humor isn't for everyone (if you have an aversion to swearing or blunt talk, this isn't for you). I find it so hilarious because this is the blunt manner that I love (without the swearing for the kiddos!) but cannot break out very often. Along with being hilariously blunt, the father in this story really does care for his son in his own way and the book gets down right touching towards the end.
Verdict: Not for everyone, but worth a shot if you like telling it like it is.

March of the microbes : sighting the unseen - John L. Ingraham

Another fabulous book. This book is like a candy store for anyone who likes looking into the world too tiny to be seen with eyes. The book is about both interesting and unusual microbes and the processes that they help facilitate. Going along with the new bacteria that was found growing on arsenic, the book detailed the nitrogen cycle on the planet and how vital microbes were to keeping a balance through different chemical reactions in their metabolism. A little heavy on the chemical and biological reactions between microbes and their surroundings, it is nonetheless fascinating to contemplate how many things microbes are capable of and how life would be impossible without them.

Verdict: May be a little difficult to understand at times, but very well worth it.

Iconoclast : a neuroscientist reveals how to think differently - Gregory Berns

This book was fascinating. A little heavy on the neurology, this book takes an in depth look at those who buck convention (iconoclasts) and are very successful because of  it. It turns out, there are physical reasons for this. Some people are born this way, others can change the way they think to become more like that.

Verdict: This is a fabulous book for anyone who enjoys thinking and doing things differently and their own way. A little heavy on the physiological reasons for thinking, it can be a slow read, but totally worth it.

I Know I Am, But What Are You? - Samantha Bee

I picked up this book because I am a huge fan of the daily show and enjoy the bits done by Samantha Bee.

I found the book completely unexpected. To be sure it was funny, as intended, but was really drew me in was the autobiographical nature of the book and how I wouldn't have imagined that Samantha Bee would have had a childhood like she did.

Verdict: Read it if you know who Samantha Bee is and enjoy her brand of humor.

The fever : how malaria has ruled humankind for 500,000 years - Sonia Shah

This book was an interesting read, just from the point of view that someone from the west doesn't really think about how malaria has shaped the history of the world. There was a lot of mood swing type changes in the book between hope and tired resignation that malaria has and probably will continue to outwit any drugs that are developed to control it. The author touched a bit on the pathology of the malaria organisms and how they affect the human body. The author also touched on some of the cultural and personal reasons why people don't follow the directions that they get from aid organizations and doctors. Some advice is impractical, some destined to fail even if it is a good idea. The implications of how malaria shaped certain countries and regions is pretty interesting too.

Verdict: This is a great read to understand the malaria organism more and why it's still around. Don't expect many answers on fixing the problem, this is more of a study of the past, as the title mentions.

To hellholes and back : bribes, lies, and the art of extreme tourism - Chuck Thompson

This book was a surprise. I picked it up thinking it would be a cheeky look at how to get away with illicit behaviors in exotic places. It had nothing to do with that, but did not disappoint anyhow. The author (whom I had no previous experience with, but is supposedly famous) decided to challenge himself and travel to places that he never wanted to go. Africa, India, Mexico, and Disney World. As a travel writer, who consequently travels for a living, there weren't too many places that he wouldn't want to go. I enjoyed both his choices, with the exception of Disney World - lame, and his premise of challenging himself. As with most travel writers, there was the requisite philosophical admonition that traveling, especially to places you would be uncomfortable with, is good for you. I happen to agree. The African section of the book was the longest, and I found it the most interesting and informative as I have little experience with Africa and plenty of preconceived notions. Most of the sections on India and Mexico were pretty expected, but only because I am comfortable with both places.

Verdict: A great look on places not commonly visited. Read it.