What I've been reading

"House of Sand and Fog" by Andre Dubus III. Kathy Lazaro is a recovering drug addict whose house is auctioned off from under her due to a clerical error. The man who buys her house, Colonel Behrani, is an Iranian-American military man who fled Iran after the Shah was deposed and all his cronies were attacked and many killed. And Lester Burdon is the sheriff's deputy who helps Kathy move out of her house and becomes her white knight. All three are trying to do what's right, but each one has a flaw that means this situation will not be resolved without violence. It's very sad, but wonderfully written. I want to read more by Dubus now.

and

"Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes" by Maria Konnikova. This book combines two interests of mine: cognitive science and Sherlock Holmes, so how could I not love it? Konnikova talks about brain science and how to master critical thinking skills, using quotes and cases from Sherlock Holmes to illustrate the ideas and exericises. Highly recommended!

My full comment on both books here.