The Great Cat Massacre

The Great Cat Massacre and Other Episodes in French Cultural History. by Robert Darnton (1984). Published by Vintage Books (New York, 1985). 298 pgs (263 text). $14 U.S.

Read it for class. Darnton is a cultural historian par excellence. Interesting exegetical assessment of folktales. His subsequent chapters take a new postmod approach to events and places, suggesting everything is a text that we can interpret to understand a culture of France in the ancien regime. A very interesting and enjoyable read in some respects. If you want to get a firm grasp on cultural history, it is the premier text that exemplifies it.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Tuesdays with Morrie. by Mitch Albom. (publication info in process).

Following the Einstein heady read, I decided to read a book that has been often recommended to me. In short, I really enjoyed. Quasi-philosophical, definitely more accessible than Lightman's novel. The development of the relationship between Albom and his old psychology professor reminds me of the very reason I aspire to teach. I wish to develop relationships with my future students in the hopes of not only teaching them about my academic field, but also to teach them about life and how such an academic discipline relates to life. If you have read it or will be reading it soo, feel free to engage in dialogue with me about this book and its themes.

Einstein's Dreams

Einstein's Dreams; a novel. By Alan Lightman (1993). Published by Vintage Contemporaries (New York, 2004). 140 pgs. $12 U.S.

I just read this book over holiday break. Lightman compiles the dreams of Einstein into diary-style entries. The text provides a window into the metaphysical as well as ethical issues expressed by Einstein in his wrestling with his theory of relativity. I am not too familiar with the theory. I would like to research it more to enrich this text, or vice versa. It is a bit heady, but an easy read and enjoyable. The narrative aids in handling the text. If you get a chance, pick up a copy and read over it.