Genesis - Edward O Wilson

 Sub-title: The Deep Origins of Socities

Wilson is another of my favorite authors, albeit on the non-fiction, science side.  I first met him when reading his book, The Ants (1994) and have enjoyed many of his titles since.  He weaves science and philosophy and a passion for the planet into instructive, lyrical, thought-provoking tales. Now in his 90's, he still provides meaningful, intelligent discussion on man and nature.  

p.s. He even wrote a book with a Bossert! (William H.)

Quotes:

"...concept of evolution of flexibility of genes....and the idea of group selection, in which advanced social evolution is driven by the hereditary traits of entire colonies, as opposed to individuals within colonies..."

"eusocial groups, defined as the high level of cooperation and division of labor in which some specialists reproduced less than others..  In other words, eusocial species are those practicing altruism."

"...the rule for the two levels of selection as follows: within groups, selfish individuals win against altruists, but groups of altruists beat groups of selfish individuals."

Published: 2019  Read: September 2021  Genre: Science, Philosophy 

A Long Petal of the Sea - Isabel Allende

 I've been a fan of Allende for years having read In the Midst of Winter and eight or nine other of her books.  This is the story of the impact of the Spanish Civil War on a group of people that escaped Franco and traveled to Chile for a new life.  The historical background captured my attention and the way the new immigrants rebuilt their lives through the subsequent uprising in Chile.  Allende weaves in historical characters, one of which was her uncle, one time President of Chile.  A wonderful story.

I also enjoyed the interview with her at the end of the book.  She begins a new book each January and works at it with strict discipline until that year's book is finished.  Persistence rewarded.

Published: 2020  Read: September 2021 Genre: Historical Fiction

Tiny Tales - Alexander McCall Smith

 I picked this up inside at the library, now that it is open again!  The author is well-known for his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency fiction series.  This book read like exercises in writing, little practice stories.  It was a quick, quiry bunch of cute stories.  

Quotes:

"...he felt that ultimately life was not entirely governed by the head and its doubts; there was the heart to consider, and the heart was not best by the same doubts."

"[he] thought about it...the work that kindness did in this world.  Everything was stacked against it, he thought, but it continued.  It never stopped.  It was there.  Always. In spite of everything." 

" She had looked at the gate and the buildings beyond.  Everything had that familiar, sparse look of army bass anywhere in the world.  Neatness. Order. Toughness. She hated all of it--it was so alien.  Men created such emotional deserts when they were left to their own devices." 

Published:  2020  Read: September 2021  Genre: Short Story