Review by Sam Swicord
Review by Jacob Jensen
Review by Jacob Jensen
I agree with Future Man!
Review by Jacob Jensen
Def not up to par with his previous works.
Review by David Czuba
I'm sorry that I just couldn't get into this book. It speaks of breaking down barriers to learning, such as by teachers unionizing. However, it lacks the structure and guidance to make immediate use possible. I may return to this book in the future, as the future of education will look much different than the way students learn in 2013...
Review by David Czuba
Gleick made his mark with this intense book. Well conceived and written in lay language, Gleick profiles researchers who work literally on the fringes of science: where empirical scientific laws governing the movement of material break down into non-deterministic ways. We lose the ability to predict the behavior, say, of clouds, even though the properties of gas and water vapor are understood very well. Investigators looking into the dynamics of systems try to piece together rules out the seemingly random noise. This book sets the tone for much of Gleick's later work.
Review by Future Man
This is an amazing collection, attempting to begin conversation about the work and the roles of black science fiction writers. There are many different pieces, both short stories as well as excerpts from longer novels. Many of the authors are unknown to me, and I guess that's the editor's whole point in compiling these pieces together in an anthology. The work of black writers is often ignored within the academic circles which define what we deep important or canonical reading, the work of black writers in the realms of speculative fiction are particularly subject to this. The end of the book collects essays analyzing the roles of black writers in science fiction, which I believe is also all from black writers, and helps to provide a context to view the rest of the contributions.
Review by salishianantihero@riseup.net
The story of 'Ecotopia' (Cascadia) leaves out no element of the human condition; be it love, hate, violence, sex, sustainability or destruction, this tale has it all. The detailed accounts of Ecotopia's workings are juxtaposed with that of the narrator's cynical (though evolving) judgements and comparisons with the 'civilized' world. An excellent entry read into the philosophy of deep-ecology and definitely amongst the pioneers of bioregionalistic writings.
Review by Zach Sylvester
I don't really know how to review this book. If the day ever comes when the Alt Lib suddenly goes up in flames this may be the first thing I reach for. And if I get trapped in the building I'll sit down and begin reading it, perhaps out loud. And through the smoke, in those last few moments, I'll give my voice to the pages. May the fire burn as long as it wishes to.
Review by Sonny Bedia
Another great Crimethinc creation. I was reading this to a new roommate; and I realized that I dont like her as much anymore. Some folks can't handle the gritty truth of capitalism. Some folks want to hear only good things about capitalism. My roommate especially didnt like it when I told her Capitalism is an equivalent to rape. Well it is. Fabulous book with a great understanding of all sides of the story. I read this book before going to work; and it helped me get through the day.
Review by Sam Swicord
One of the better summaries of Foucault's thought.
Review by Jasmine (Jammys) Chang
This story is significantly darker than Percy Gloom and Rugrats, though it is told with Malkasian's signature good natured humor, fairy tale-esque magic and wonder. Temperance deals with themes of truth, propaganda, and the way which war or a common enemy can unite a community, even when that war is fabricated out of thin air. Every character in the story is soaked in symbolism, and therefore the story itself almost becomes a poem. Super amazing and intense stuff.
Review by Zach Sylvester
Review by Sam Swicord
Does a great job of explaining Marx's economic theory in great detail. My one criticism it focuses much more on certain issues in Marxian economic theory more than others.
Review by Sam Swicord
Review by Sam Swicord
A great book on sense perception.
Review by Jasmine (Jammys) Chang
I haven't read a scifi novel of my own free will, like, ever before. But I figured it was about time to, so I started with this book, and I certainly am glad I did. Atwood's style includes super vivid imagery and bizarre metaphors, and she brings a lot of perspective to our reality through crafting her own. She's got a way of weaving together words and tackling the essence of human nature head-on that's pretty intriguing. She's also a poet, and that definitely shows in her prose. Even though it's a scifi novel, the story is pretty character-heavy, which is appealing to me..however, the characters are sort of simplistic (and hence a bit unrealistic). There are certain aspects of the story that could have perhaps been expanded upon. However, she has some pretty powerful points to make about civilization, sex, science, and humanity as a whole.
Review by David Zhang
This book is quite useful for anyone who is a community organizer, volunteer coordinator, or lives in a community house. At times, I've been all of the above. What was particularly useful for me was the chapter on how to deal with problematic people in a compassionate and effective manner. Way to go Starhawk
Review by Rocky Coastlines (NEED PHONE)
If you want to learn more about sex work, or the sex industry, read this well-edited anthology!
It highlights the diversity of things sex work can be, how differently each sex worker relates to their job, and how essential it is to be an ally for folks who do sex work.
I learned tons about my brothers, sisters, and others also in the profession, and was empowered by their diversity and fierceness.
xo. -Rock
Review by Rocky Coastlines (NEED PHONE)
As a transgender identified person, I am always seeking resources for how to introduce my interested cisgender (non-transgender) friends to understanding my identity and collective trans history.
This book is the first I recommend. As a semi-autobiographical novel, it illustrates the struggle, heartache, and joys the protagonist Jess experiences with blunt honesty. It's historical span pre-and-post Stonewall teaches a piece of resistance history, drawing many important intersections with queer struggle, class, and race. It also accessibly illuminates the complexity of the fracturing of minority groups against one another.
Stone Butch Blues is also a non-academic Gender Studies 101 class, teaching concepts about gender variance: the absurdity of the gender binary, the differences between sex and gender, the necessity of building a culture that celebrates all identities.
This is such an important book in my life. As a young queer kid, growing up in suburban North Carolina, I had no idea there were others who had similar feelings as myself. This book was my first exposure to the realization that I wasn't alone, and it was like a homecoming.
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I really hope everyone with an interest in learning more about transgender and queer history -- by which I mean, everyone interested in building a healthy culture, embracing of all people and identities! -- will read this book.
xoxo. -Rock