Last week I took a break from this task since I was on vacation. I did add a couple over the past couple of weeks for a total of 498 books at the beginning. So I’ve set my number generator to 498 and let’s get to it!

101

My Steve by Terri Irwin

Synopsis excerpt from goodreads: “Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, Aussie larrikin, the man who brought wildlife to the world-this is how we saw him. In My Steve, Terri Irwin portrays her husband as he really was-a devoted family man, a fervently dedicated environmentalist, a modest bloke who spoke to millions on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves.”

Verdict: Even looking at this book makes me sad. I positively adored Steve Irwin when I was younger. He’s partially responsible for my love of animals and my interest in conservation and environmental protection. I definitely do want to read this memoir by Terri eventually, so I’m keeping it.

KEEP

55

Debating Science: Deliberation, Values, and the Common Good, edited by Dane Scott and Blake Francis

Synopsis excerpt from goodreads: “In this work, accomplished scholars and noted experts focus on ethical deliberation and the larger moral context surrounding the controversies over scientific research and technological innovations. The insightful and accessible original works emphasize deliberation rather than adversarial debate—that is, they encourage the development of mental habits that enable stakeholders to work comprehensively and systematically through challenging issues with others.”

Verdict: I added this one during a time when I was at a peak at my interest in more technical scientific resources, and frankly I’m just not really in that place anymore. This one seems a little bit more hard-core than I’m prepared for so I’m going to remove it.

REMOVE

452

Searchers in Winter: A Novel of Napoleon’s Empire by Owen Pataki

Synopsis excerpt from goodreads: “The year is 1806, and a new French Empire is rising from the shadow of the Reign of Terror. The citizens who shouted “Death to Kings” now chant “Vive l’Empereur!” for Napoleon, who is seeking to consolidate his power. While the peace and prosperity he promised is decadently enjoyed in Paris, fear spreads across Europe, and a new coalition has united against him… Inspired by the mysterious origins of the famed Rothschild’s fortune, the bloody battles of the Napoleonic wars, the notorious gangs of nineteenth century Naples, and the real-life mistress who charmed Napoleon into granting Poland a nation-state, Searchers in Winter sets a cast of unforgettable characters—against epic historical events—into thrilling motion from the opening pages.”

Verdict: Hmm… this book was only published in May. It has an incredibly interesting premise, and I do love historical fiction. I have also read very little about this time period. It’s getting really good reviews so far, so I think I’ll leave this one for now and check back in with it later.

KEEP

71

Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

Synopsis from goodreads: “It’s been three years since the devastating accident… three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future – and each other. Told from Adam’s point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.”

Verdict: I did read the first book in this series. I remember it being incredibly sad but not a whole lot about it since it’s been several years since I read it. I think I’ll keep this to remind myself to pick up the sequel one day.

KEEP

379

The Corset by Laura Purcell

Synopsis from goodreads: “The new Victorian chiller from the author of Radio 2 Book Club pick, The Silent Companions. Is prisoner Ruth Butterham mad or a murderer? Victim or villain?
Dorothea and Ruth. Prison visitor and prisoner. Powerful and powerless. Dorothea Truelove is young, wealthy and beautiful. Ruth Butterham is young, poor and awaiting trial for murder.
When Dorothea’s charitable work leads her to Oakgate Prison, she is delighted with the chance to explore her fascination with phrenology and test her hypothesis that the shape of a person’s skull can cast a light on their darkest crimes. But when she meets teenage seamstress Ruth, she is faced with another theory: that it is possible to kill with a needle and thread. For Ruth attributes her crimes to a supernatural power inherent in her stitches.

The story Ruth has to tell of her deadly creations – of bitterness and betrayal, of death and dresses – will shake Dorothea’s belief in rationality and the power of redemption.

Can Ruth be trusted? Is she mad, or a murderer?”

Verdict: First of all, this author’s work was recommended to me by a friend, and all of her books have really great reviews. Also, it’s victorian and dark, and that’s my jam. Definitely keep.

KEEP

And there you have it! That’s all for this week. I only removed one, so that brings me to 497. See you next week when we do it all over again.