Book Review: A Short History of Nearly Everything

Today's review is of a nonfiction book, which, I have to admit, I haven't finished yet. However, it's not like there's going to be some twist ending, so I think it's okay for me to be writing this now.

This fall, I'll be starting high school, and half the time I'll be at a special school for nerds (not really, but since it's for people that are good at math and science, so it's basically the same thing). They assigned us this book to read over the summer, and so far I'm loving it. It's called A Short History of Nearly Everything, and it's by Bill Bryson. It really is exactly what it sounds like. So far (I'm almost half way done) it's covered everything from the beginning of the universe to the discovery of tectonic plates. Chemistry, physics, geology, and even a bit of alchemy! The best part is, it's not written by a scientist, so the only time it gets really technical and confusing is when he's quoting someone else (and it's usually to make a point about how technical and confusing their book/paper was). He explains everything assuming that you only have common knowledge, and he explains it so you can actually understand it. (The humorous and slightly sarcastic tone doesn't hurt, either!) If you have any interest at all in science, you should check out A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.

Have an awesome weekend, and I'll be back next week with another update!

Book Review: Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Because I'm totally lame, my first book review is actually a book teaser my English teacher asked me to write a couple months ago. So please forgive the slightly cheesy tone this is written in and try to focus on the book!

If you look around you, you can see people that all look completely different. In Tally Youngblood's world, every thing's different. When an "ugly" (that's anyone) turns 16, they receive an operation that makes them stunningly beautiful, and move to the glamorous New Pretty Town. However, not everyone wants the operation, and some uglies have started running away to "The Smoke." When one of Tally's friends decides to run, Tally is offered a deal that could change her life forever. Who are the agents of Special Circumstances, and what is the secret behind the operation? To find out, check out Uglies by Scott Westerfield. (If you like it, there are three more: Pretties, Specials, and Extras.)


I'll (probably) be back tomorrow with an update on Hugh. Talk to you then!