The Germ Code by Jason Tetro

You ever pick up a book that you think is just meant for you and it turns out to kinda be the opposite? That was sadly the case with The Germ Code by Jason Tetro, which I thought I would absolutely adore cause it was supposed to be all about the microbes we find around us and how awesome they are and how we can learning to "how to stop worrying and love the microbes".  For somebody without a scientific background, this provides some decent information about germs, where they are found, and the history of the human battle against them.

Unfortunately, I have a scientific background, and as a result I found The Germ Code a bit simplistic at times. I was also frustrated that Tetro didn't include any references, even at the back of the book. He writes that he does it to make the book more approachable, but I don't think a list at the back of the book would hurt anyone, and it would be useful for further reading. I also was really hoping for more information about how microbes can be useful, but despite claiming that there are plenty, the emphasis is really on the dangerous ones.

Another issue I had with The Germ Code was I often felt like Tetro got 3/4 of the way towards sharing something cool and then didn't actually go into it further. At times, some of the historical information feels more like a list of names. That said, I do think The Germ Code is probably a good starting place for a reader looking to learn a little more about microbes in an easy and accessible way, unfortunately it just doesn't quite deliver on what it promises.

Release Date: November 5th 2013 Pages: 272  Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher  Publisher: Doubleday Canada  Buy It: Book Depository

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

I read Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott last year when I was looking for some writing inspiration, and also because it had been recommended again and again as a must-read book for writers (which I like to dabble in sometimes, although not so much over the last year! Perhaps I should be rereading this...)

In terms of how I felt about this book... well I would have been better off telling you a year ago. However, I can say that although it was an interesting and good book to read, I wasn't the hugest fan of her voice in some instances and probably wouldn't pick up any of her other work. There was also something about this just didn't feel as exciting and innovative, but that may just be because it has been referred to and shared so much over the years. I guess I wanted to be really inspired by this book, but I have always been more inspired by reading other writer's stories than by reading about writing.

That said, Bird by Bird is full of advice that is good to remember and to know that you're not alone in those struggles. It's not a book I was blown away by like I expected to be, but it is definitely one I may pick up again in the future for a little motivation.