What We Are Reading Today: ‘Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World’ by Klass-Douwe B. Dijkstra

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Updated 12 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World’ by Klass-Douwe B. Dijkstra

Airily dancing over rivers and ponds, the thousands of colorful dragonfly and damselfly species that cohabit our planet may seem of little importance.

Few life-forms, however, convey the condition of the most limiting resource on land and life’s most bountiful environment as well as they can: While the adults are exceptional aerial hunters, their nymphs are all confined to freshwater.

“Dragonflies and Damselflies of the World” showcases their beauty and diversity while shedding light on how they evolved into the vital symbols of planetary health we celebrate today.


Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

Updated 12 December 2024
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Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

“The Hour of the Star” is a profound novella, published in 1977, which was Clarice Lispector’s final work before her death. 

This slim but powerful book, originally titled “A Hora da Estrela” in Portuguese, has become one of Brazil’s most significant literary works. 

The narrative follows Macabea, a poor, malnourished typist from northeast Brazil who lives in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.

She is 19, orphaned, and works as a typist despite making constant errors. Macabea’s life is marked by simple pleasures and an almost complete unawareness of her own marginalization.

Through her story, the writer explores poverty, identity and existential questioning themes. 

As the story unfolds, we witness Macabea’s simple existence through the lens of a male narrator, Rodrigo S.M., who serves as both storyteller and character. The narrative structure is unconventional, frequently interrupted by the narrator’s musings and metaphysical digressions.

The narrator struggles with telling Macabea’s story, constantly questioning his ability to represent a poor, uneducated woman from his privileged male perspective. 

His presence adds layers of complexity to the narrative as he grapples with his own role in the story and his responsibility to his subject.

Rodrigo S.M.’s self-conscious narration and failed attempts at emotional distance highlight broader issues of power, representation and authenticity in storytelling. 

The book challenges readers to consider how stories of marginalized people are told, who has the right to tell them, and what it means to truly see and understand another human being. 

The novella is notable for its experimental structure, its mix of social commentary and metaphysical reflection, and its unique approach to character development.

Lispector is considered one of Brazil’s greatest writers, known for works that blend philosophical insight with psychological depth. 

Her other notable works include “Near to the Wild Heart” and “The Passion According to G.H.”


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bugwatching’ by Eric R. Eaton

Updated 12 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Bugwatching’ by Eric R. Eaton

Insects are the most abundant wildlife on the planet—but also the least observed. 

This incisive field companion highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all of our senses, covers some best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and shares tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden. 

With wonderful illustrations by Samantha Gallagher, “Bugwatching” explains why this rewarding activity is for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, level of affluence, ability, or disability.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Choosing Schools’

Updated 11 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Choosing Schools’

Authors: Mark Schneider, Paul Teske and Melissa Marschall

School choice seeks to create a competitive arena in which public schools will attain academic excellence, encourage individual student performance, and achieve social balance.

In debating the feasibility of this market approach to improving school systems, analysts have focused primarily on schools as suppliers of education, but an important question remains: Will parents be able to function as “smart consumers” on behalf of their children?

Here a highly respected team of social scientists provides extensive empirical evidence on how parents currently do make these choices. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘A Course in Complex Analysis’

Updated 11 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘A Course in Complex Analysis’

Author: Saeed Zakeri 

“A Course in Complex Analysis” explores a central branch of mathematical analysis, with broad applications in mathematics and other fields such as physics and engineering.

Ideally designed for a year-long graduate course on complex analysis and based on nearly 20 years of classroom lectures, this modern and comprehensive textbook is equally suited for independent study or as a reference for more experienced scholars.

Saeed Zakeri guides the reader through a journey that highlights the topological and geometric themes of complex analysis. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Following the Bend’ by Ellen Wohl

Updated 09 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Following the Bend’ by Ellen Wohl

When we look at a river, either up close or while flying over a river valley, what are we really seeing?

“Following the Bend” takes readers on a majestic journey by water to find answers, along the way shedding light on the key concepts of modern river science, from hydrology and water chemistry to stream and wetland ecology. 

In this accessible and uniquely personal book, Ellen Wohl explains how to “read” a river, blending the latest science with her own personal experiences as a geologist and naturalist who has worked on rivers for more than three decades.