Some Wilder scholars say the author's work shouldn't be downplayed.
The Thread's Must-Read
"Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History"by Bill Schutt
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Have you eaten your lunch yet?
Good.
Because the book I’m about to recommend is not what you would call appetizing — though it is deliciously detailed.
Bill Schutt takes a topic usually confined to the realm of horror movies and nightmares, and brings it into the light of science. The topic? Cannibalism.
At the risk of never being invited to a dinner party ever again, I will say that cannibalism is more fascinating — and more common — than I ever knew before I dove into this book. Schutt goes everywhere from tadpoles’ intestinal tracts to little-known moments in human history, tracing the practice and its root causes. This is not a gory, Hannibal Lecter-endorsed book, but rather a thoughtful and often funny exploration of what causes different species to look at their brethren and think: Food.
Plus, the Donner Party finally gets the full examination they deserve — all in a chapter aptly titled "The Worst Party Ever."
I will also heartily recommend the book to anyone who travels on public transit. I’ve had my bus seat to myself all week.
-Tracy Mumford
"Little House" on the controversy: Laura Ingalls Wilder's name removed from book award The Association for Library Service to Children voted unanimously to strike Wilder's name from a major children's lit award over concerns about how the author referred to Native Americans and blacks.
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The medical conspiracy that fooled Silicon Valley "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup" by John Carreyrou
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Elizabeth Holmes, founder of the supposedly revolutionary blood-testing company Theranos, has been indicted for wire fraud and conspiracy. Reporter John Carreyrou tells the story in his new book.
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"A powerful story, simply told": When children marched "Let the Children March" by Monica Clark-Robinson
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Bookseller Lia Lent recommends a picture book that tells the story of the 1963 Children's Crusade in Birmingham, Ala.
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Harlan Ellison, award-winning science fiction author, dies at 84 The famous — and famously cantankerous — science fiction writer Harlan Ellison has died. Over a six-decade career, he won multiple awards for his fiction and television writing.
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When an academic adventure goes awry "Confessions of the Fox" by Jordy Rosenberg
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Jordy Rosenberg's debut novel is a speculative retelling of "The Threepenny Opera" as a queer love story.
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David Lynch's memoir charms — but doesn't demystify "Room to Dream" by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna
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The book — which David Lynch wrote with journalist Kristine McKenna — is intimate and honest about the filmmaker's quirks and flaws, but doesn't dislodge the air of mystery that's settled around his work.
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