#11, "World in Balance"

"World In The Balance: The Historic Quest for an Absolute System of Measurement"

Robert Crease

Very well-written, this was a mostly (I got a little lost in the final third) interesting book on the birth and history of the metric system. There's so much about measurements that we take for granted, that I never even thought had origins or stories--but do. Enjoyable.

I'm also doing an experiment this week of thinking in terms of the metric system, inspired by this book. It's a lot more exciting to go 108 kph than 65 mph. #whatIreadin2017

2017 Book #10: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

J.K. Rowling

I liked this book. It is much better than Chamber of Secrets, in story as well as in writing. The story began and wrapped quite nicely, and I enjoyed the final quarter of the book the best. The primary trio of heroes, Harry, Ron, and the implausibly named Hermione are mostly likable. Lupin, on other hand, is the best character in the series so far, and I very much hope and expect that he will make more appearances in the coming books. The circumstances surrounding the Time Turner are very convenient but I'll leave that point alone. I absolutely loved the truth behind Harry's petronus!

This was also the first book where Harry appeared to have any strong emotion other than anger. I think that feels right, in a way-- with his past, and indeed his present, he ought to have a great deal of anger in his heart. We will see if this is a considered effect by the author, and, if so, how Harry deals with it for good or bad, and how his emotional responses widen as he matures.

Goblet of Fire next! #whatIreadin2017

2017 Book #9: "Money Management Skills"

"Money Management Skills" 
Author: Michael Finke

I was expecting something like a Dave Ramsey style day to day guide to money, but it ended up being about investing and audits and marginal utility and 502c and why a variable annuity is bad while a fixed annuity is good. In short, almost nothing relevant to me right now. Although the chapters on education and home buying were good. #whatIreadin2017

2017 Book #7, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
J.K. Rowling

Despite my occasional confusion, thinking that some of the characters' actions are pointless (polyjuice potion), and believing that Hogwarts is a horrifically mismanaged, dangerous and backward institution, I am enjoying the series more and more. I am happy to know that threads I didn't even know were loose from SS were tied up, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the whole drama plays out. Fred and George are still my favorite characters, I think. #whatIreadin2017