Papermate

This is a fascinating look into the world of professional tennis.  I don't follow a lot of sport, but Andre Agassi has always interested me as a man of surprises, The title of the book - OPEN - is a description of the way the story is told - Agassi certainly seems to hold nothing back, telling the story of his childhood  dominated by an obsessed father up to the time of his retirement.  He does not try to portray himself as any sort of saint, confessing to all the times that he let himself and others down.  He comes across as sincere and likeable.   For me, a few too many ball-by-ball records of tennis matches, and who-beat-who-when, but still, a very good read.

My Mum tried to get me to read Elizabeth Goudge when I was in  my twenties.   Nothing doing - they were far too slow-moving and innocent.  Fifty years later I tried again, and yes, they ARE slow-moving and innocent - but also lyrical, magical and uplifting.   Sorry Mum, you were right.

QUIET - The Power of Introverts in a World that Cannot Stop Talking - by Susan Cain

i cannot rate this book too highly. it has changed my perception of myself and others, especially my own family. there is something in it for everyone, and Cain's style is informal enough to sidestep the psycho-babble without in any way diminishing the excellent research on which the book is based.

A friend mentioned the book, and the moment i heard the title - Quiet - i knew I had to read it. People keep telling me to wear ear plugs - but my ears are the least of it! the bombardment of my brain circuitry by noise, clamour and hyperactivity is the problem. This book taught me that I am not shy, or abnormal, or anti-social; I am an introvert who enjoys having her brain-space to herself in a quiet environment. 

No matter where one is on the introvert/extrovert scaleeveryone can benefit from this delightfully accessible book about a very serious topic.

Review by my book-friend Anne,  but I endorse her views.

My street will never be the same to me again.

Alexandra Horowitz  realises that she, and the average person, experiences only a small fraction of what is going on in the world around us. We are not sufficiently knowledgeable or observant to pick up the tiny clues that an expert sees.   So she walks her New York block with people whose eyes are sharpened to clues from different disciplines and interests, with her own toddler, and lastly, with her dog.  

Fascinating stuff!