Friday 20 August 2010

What the dog saw - Malcolm Gladwell

Firstly, I'm not entirely sure who this book is aimed at?  If it's for Malcolm Gladwell fans in the States then they've more likely than not read most of it already (it's a collection of articles from his time at a staff writer with The New York Tiimes), if it's fans in the UK then it's of interest but I found many of the articles weren't really of interest or assumed a knowledge of American culture/politics that I just don't have.

So, perhaps it's for those who don't know his work?  But then for me it's not a good representation of his writing.  Where Gladwell shines for me is when he really gets his teeth into an issue or idea, as in his books 'Blink' or 'Outliers'.

Subjects here range from the fall of Enron to the dangers (or not) of pitbull type dogs.....quite an eclectic mix. 

It took me some time to read, and if I'm honest I did give up on some of the articles.  I have this in hard back, and much as I was looking forward to it (actually excited at the idea of a new Gladwell book!), I'm very pleased that I didn't pay full hard back price for it.

If you've not read anything by Gladwell, don't start here; if you've read his other work you'll probably enjoy this one - or at least parts of it!

Bought on Green Metropolis
May/June/July 2010

Wednesday 11 August 2010

And now on Radio 4 - Simon Elmes

A Celebration of the World's Best Radio Station

I was bound to enjoy this book, as I'm a big fan of Radio 4 - when I'm at home there are various radios around the house tuned in (even if this does mean a strange affect from the delay of DAB radios).  I started listening in about 2002, I'd just finished university my partner at the time was a Radio 4 devotee, and along with reading The Guardian newspaper (which I also do, but did before too) it was the thing that archaeologists do.

Over the years since I've learnt so much from the station - I get my news, my current affairs, my knowledge and my entertainment from this station.  I don't have a television, so Radio 4 really is my window on the world.  So, this book gave me a history of the station that accompanies my every day.

Little stories from different presenters (particularly funny are the stories from Charlotte Green, who I've heard get the giggles on a number of memorable occasions), the programmes that have been on but didn't make it, the different controllers and the changes they've made to the running order and the programmes themselves - all add some depth and history to the programmes I listen to.

I've learnt how the schedule has changed substantially since the station began in 1967, how when it began there was a lot of music (now there is very little - as I write this I'm listening to Mozart on one of the few programmes which has been there since the beginning and still contains music - Desert Island Discs), how the wars in the Falklands and Iraq changed the face of the station (more news), and settling down of the schedule to what I know today.

I particularly enjoyed reading about The Archers (a guilty pleasure but not one I'm a slave to!), and my absolute favourite bit of the station (which I don't hear often) - The Shipping Forecast.

For anyone who enjoys listening to Radio 4 this programme is a must - I've already got a copy for Liz, might get one for Colin for his birthday.

Bought on Green Metropolis
August 2010