Brave New World

 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, 268 pages.

The titular brave new world comes at the end of industrialization. Society has been totally restructured to remove pain, suffering, and instability; as well as art, religion, and scientific exploration. The population is happy and, above all else, stable. The novel follows the rare few who are unsatisfied with their easy and totally challengeless life, as well as an even rarer outsider who finds this new society profoundly empty when introduced to it.

I had never read this classic novel before, and I'm really glad I finally got around to it. The book gives you a lot to think about, but very few clear answers. It feels in many ways more conversational than many classic novels. Although there is fairly little plot to speak of, I still found this an engaging little book. 

Heating & Cooling

Heating & Cooling: 52 micro-memoirs / Beth Ann Fennelly, 111 pages.

These micro-memoirs vary in length from a sentence to a few pages.  They include childhood memories, stories of her children, her husband and friends.  When described this way, it seems like this is the same as every memoir, but somehow it isn't the same.  These short pieces are all part of a puzzle that doesn't really explain who the author is but gives you a hint.  With that hint, you get to figure out the answer yourself. 

Fennelly is one of those writers who can say a lot with a few words.  It is a trait I continue to admire.

Not sure if this is your thing?  Never fear, it is short and sweet and I encourage you to take a chance on it.