I’ve had a run of non-fiction reviews posted at Shiny New Books, so for those who’ve not seen them, here’s a capsule paragraph on each with links to my full reviews.
The Future of Energy by Richard Black
One of the latest additions to Melville House’s ‘Futures’ series is Richard Black’s book on The Future of Energy. Black, a former BBC science & environment correspondent, now part of a European energy think tank gives us a thought-provoking look at where we are, and how the five key non-fossil fuel energy sources (wind, solar, batteries, heat pumps and hydrogen (for limited uses)) can provide all we need. He tells it with good humour, remaining positive that we can do it if we try.
Read my full review HERE.
Richard Black, The Future of Energy, Melville House, 183 pp., flapped paperback.
BUY at Blackwell’s via my affiliate link (free UK P&P)
It’s a Gas by Mark Miodownik
As a trained materials scientist, I now rely on popular science books to maintain the illusion that I remember it all. This is the third of Miodownik’s states of matter series and to use the immortal words of Jagger, ‘It’s a gas, gas, gas’. Miodownik is a skilled communicator, and he takes us through the world of gases in a mixture of their history – which is fascinating in itself – alongside the science, and many anecdotes about him (and sometimes his family) illustrating the lives of these elusive elements and compounds – some of which will surprise you. Brilliant stuff.
Read my full review HERE.
Mark Miodownik, It’s a Gas, Viking, hardback, 288 pp..
BUY at Blackwell’s via my affiliate link (free UK P&P)
The Blues Brothers by Daniel De Visé
The Blues Brothers movie isn’t the main act in this book. As its subtitle suggests, its coverage is far wider, encompassing the whole early careers of its stars, John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, climaxing in the movie, and winding down with their lives afterwards. However, De Visé begins the book with the birth of the Blues Brothers – their first appearance on Saturday Night Live, April 1978 as the musical introduction to the show, before returning to look at how Belushi and Ackroyd met. And the rest is history… The Blues Brothers is one of my favourite films ever, and I couldn’t resist!
Read my full review HERE.
Daniel De Visé, The Blues Brothers, White Rabbit, 386 pp., incl notes, index, hardback.
BUY at Blackwell’s via my affiliate link (free UK P&P)
I might have to have a Saturday night rewatch of The Blues Brothers!
You won’t regret it, especially if you rejoice in the music! Forget the Nazis, although there is a certain resonance with current US politics – the Republicans going ‘Fight, fight, fight’ felt too close for comfort.
I love the music but had forgotten that scene. I’m going to give it ago!
We watched THe Blues Brothers again earlier this year with the twins and they absolutely loved it. It is still a real blast.
Some bits never date, and the music is still the best!
A great set of reviews – I really enjoyed them.
Thanks Liz. Much appreciated.