Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes by Barnaby Phillips

 

This is really more of a history of the relationship of Benin and Britain, and it was so, so interesting.

Between Freedom and Equality by Barbara Boyle Torrey and Clara Myrick Green

 

This was amazing. A fascinating mix of family history and big-picture history.

Delicious: The Evolution of Flavor and How It Made Us Human by Rob Dunn and Monica Sanchez

Kind of vacillated between dull and fascinating.

Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago by Eric Klinenberg

 

Fascinating in so many ways.

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

 

So while reading this, I found it a bit frustrating because it was confusing, but the payoff was excellent. Highly recommended.

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

 

Not quite as good as the first one, but still fun.

The Secret Lives of Introverts by Jenn Granneman

 

This was lame. You should read Susan Cain's book instead.

Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children's Literature As an Adult by Bruce Handy

 

This was so funny and and so interesting, not to mention a trip down memory lane.

The Nine of Us by Jean Kennedy Smith

 

So, clearly hagiography, but still kind of interesting.

Progress by Johan Norberg

 

While I agree that in general things are getting better in most ways, I thought the author played fast and loose with some of the specifics here.

The Happiest Kids in the World by Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison

 

 This was super-interesting -- always fascinating to see what is "normal" in other cultural contexts.

The Sum of Small Things by Elizabeth Currid-Halkett

 

 Very interesting reflections on class distinctions in the US.

Ninety Percent of Everything: Inside Shipping, the Invisible Industry That Puts Clothes on Your Back, Gas in Your Car, and Food on Your Plate by Rose George

 

 Kind of dull.

Forhed in War by R. David Lankes

 

 Some interesting background, but a lot of this went beyond war . . . maybe a different title would have helped set expectations.

Before the Storm by Rick Perlstein

 

I usually love Perlstein, but this was kind of boring.

Smarter Than You Think by Clive Thompson

 

Interesting, but also already seems a bit dated.

The Ever-Changing Past by James M. Banner

 

Super interesting -- a really important book with great stories.

Land by Simon Winchester

This was a very intriguing book -- sort of stream of consciousness, but some interesting stories.

Mom Genes by Abigail Tucker

 

Fascinating content in a hilarious book. Highly recommended.

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

 

This is a super-fun, light, predictable beach read.