Nick Schenkel Book Reviews

Nick Schenkel Book Reviews


Latest Episodes

Book Review: A Better Man
April 30, 2021

"Be a man!" This is what I think right before I fearfully write the copy for these book reviews. But what does it really mean to "be a man?" The Book A Better Man is a memoir / advice-book / letter from the author to his son. It discusses masculinity and

Book Review: The Source of Self-Regard
April 23, 2021

The Source of Self-Regard is a collection of essays, speeches and meditations by the prolific writer Toni Morrison. Morrison's many famous novels and writings have captivated millions and earned her high recognition (including a Nobel Prize). The Source

Book Review: Poems to See by
April 17, 2021

Gosh , I wish poems had pictures! Ever think that? Well, guess what, poems can have pictures. Poems to See By is a collection of 24 classic poems with fantastic illustrations to accompany them. In honor of National Poetry Month, West Lafayette Public

Book Review: You Can't Always Get Where You Want
April 03, 2021

Do you know much about Guinea? No not the Papua version, but the small country on the Western coast of Africa? No? Well, you have a lot to learn. In You Can't Always Get Where You Want, Nicholas DeMassi discusses the interesting culture he experienced

Book Review: The American Agent
March 27, 2021

The American Agent is a mystery that mixes history with fiction. It's set in 1940s London, England - a period driven by fear. This is right at the cusp of what is referred to as "the Blitz" where Nazi Germany unleashed bombs upon the British Isles. This

Book Review: Popol Vuh
March 19, 2021

Some of the most interesting stories in the world come from ancient mythological beliefs. Popol Vuh is one such treasure which retells the Maya myth of creation. 2600 B.C may seem like a long time ago, but at the end of the day we haven't changed much

Book Review: Ocean Anatomy
March 12, 2021

Do you want to take a "deep-dive" into studying the ocean? Tired of "fishing" through oceanic books for fun facts? Hate ocean-related puns? Well, Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman may feed your oceanic curiosity, but will it have any bad puns? Maybe West

Book Review: The Disappearing Spoon
March 05, 2021

What is your relationship to the periodic table? Were you one of the many unlucky ones who had to tediously memorize its contents? Has this strained your relationship with the table? Consider this book couple's counseling. Sam Kean's The Disappearing

Book Review: Driving While Black
February 26, 2021

History is full of moments where the mobility of African Americans was limited. Whether it be the shackles on their feet or the Jim Crow laws for public transport, they have lacked the complete freedom of travel. In Driving While Black, esteemed historian

Book Review: Solutions and Other Problems
February 19, 2021

Adult books with pictures. A rare breed. This book is one unlike any other. It's a humorous book filled with deep topics and great artwork. Allie Brosh is a pretty famous author at this point. Is the hype overblown? West Lafayette Public Library Director