Know Your Organism

Time, Love, Memory: 

A Great Biologist and 

His Quest for the 

Origins of Behavior 

by Jonathan Weiner

“To know your organism, you must eat it.’ Not just the flies: the pupae. And not just to horrify people, but to know.”
― Jonathan Weiner, Time, Love , Memory: A Great Biologist and His Quest for the Origins of Behavior

This book is a highly regarded examination of the state-of-the-art in genetics and its discoveries regarding the biological foundations of behavior. It won the 1999 American National Book Critics Circle Award for General Nonfiction, highlighting the life and contributions of pioneering scientist Seymour Benzer and his groundbreaking studies of fruit flies (*Drosophila*).

It serves as an engaging biography of Seymour Benzer, a gifted and somewhat eccentric scientist who invented the use of fruit flies to investigate behavior's genetic foundation. Weiner details eloquently Benzer's path from physics to phage genetics and finally to the study of *Drosophila*, demonstrating his distinct method of scientific investigation. The book focuses on the "Fly Rooms" at Caltech, where thousands of mutant fruit flies were carefully examined to learn how genes affect intricate behaviors like learning and recall (memory), courtship rituals (love), and circadian rhythms (time). Tiny creatures, with their relatively simple genetic makeup, became invaluable models for understanding fundamental biological processes that have counterparts in humans.

Beyond Benzer's individual story, "Time, Love, Memory" provides a broader historical context for the field of genetics, tracing its evolution from Gregor Mendel's pea plants to the revolutionary discoveries of DNA by Watson and Crick and the subsequent explosion of molecular biology. Weiner adeptly connects Benzer's work to these larger scientific narratives.

Weiner excels at humanizing the scientific process, offering "you-are-there" descriptions of lab life and portraying the personalities of the scientists involved. He reveals the humor, quirks, frustrations, and triumphs that are inherent to scientific discovery, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for a wide audience. He also weaves in allusions to philosophy, literature, and popular culture, enriching the narrative.

Raw and Unfiltered

The Air-Conditioned Nightmare 

by Henry Miller

“To be joyous is to be a madman in a world of sad ghosts.”
― Henry Miller








Henry Miller's The Air-Conditioned Nightmare is a provocative and often scathing critique of American society, born from his return to the United States in 1939 after a decade of self-imposed exile in Paris. Disillusioned by what he perceived as the shallow, materialistic, and culturally barren landscape of his homeland, Miller embarked on a three-year cross-country road trip, the observations from which form the basis of this memoir, first published in 1945.

Miller's central complaint is America's overwhelming obsession with material possessions and relentless pursuit of "progress" at the expense of genuine human connection, artistic expression, and spiritual fulfillment. He sees a nation "cluttered with useless objects" and a people exploited and degraded by being taught to desire these things.

Having thrived in the vibrant intellectual and artistic scene of Paris, Miller found America largely indifferent, if not hostile, to creative pursuits. He argues that artists are viewed as "moral lepers" and "economic misfits," and anything that cannot be bought or sold is debarred.

The Air-Conditioned Nightmare is not a conventional travelogue but a raw, unfiltered expression of Henry Miller's disillusionment with his homeland. While some readers may find his criticisms overly harsh or his perspectives self-indulgent, the book remains a powerful and prescient indictment of aspects of American culture that resonate even today. For fans of Miller's unique voice and unflinching social commentary, it offers a fascinating, albeit often uncomfortable, journey into the "nightmare" he perceived beneath the polished surface of America. It's often recommended for those already familiar with his other works, such as *Tropic of Cancer* and *The Colossus of Maroussi*, as it continues his exploration of the artist's struggle in a consumer-driven world.

Unique Narrative

The Late George Apley 

by John P. Marquand

“Distrust the book that reads too easily because such writing appeals more to the senses than to the intellect. Hard reading exercises the mind.”
― John P. Marquand, The Late George Apley

John P. Marquand won the Pulitzer Prize in 1938 for his brilliant work of social satire, *The Late George Apley*. Through the life of its title character, George Apley, the book provides a complex and frequently humorous look into the inflexible world of Boston Brahmin society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The novel's unique narrative structure is one of its most notable features. After George Apley passed away, a rather haughty and well-meaning family friend named Horatio Willing put together what is presented as a fictional biography. Using a variety of letters, diaries, and other private records, it seeks to paint a respectable and admiring picture of Apley. Willing's well-meaning but frequently misguided remarks are masterfully used by Marquand to subtly expose a more nuanced and occasionally tragic reality beneath the surface. The very limitations and setbacks of Apley's life are frequently brought to light by Willing's attempts to cleanse or justify Apley's early defiances or moments of true emotion. This semi-epistolary approach allows for layers of irony and subtle critique.

Marquand's genius lies in his ability to be both gently satirical and deeply sympathetic towards his characters. While he pokes fun at the pretensions and absurdities of Boston's elite, he also allows the reader to feel a profound sense of understanding and even pity for George Apley. Apley is not a villain but rather a man trapped by the very circumstances of his birth and the rigid expectations he inherited. 

The Late George Apley is a witty, incisive, and ultimately poignant character study. It offers a fascinating glimpse into a specific time and place while also exploring universal themes of identity, legacy, and the complex interplay between individual desires and societal pressures. It remains a relevant and highly regarded work of American literature for its sharp observations and its blend of humor and pathos.

Which is Happy?

Vanity Fair 

by William Makepeace Thackeray

“Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?”
― William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair

Amelia Sedley and Becky Sharp, two girls with radically different personalities and temperaments, are at the heart of this long story "without a hero." By the end, I was on the verge of believing that everything in this world—or at least this novel—is "vanity." With more humor, this reminded me a little of Balzac (e.g., Cousin Bette).

The author's frequent commentary on the characters and their behavior was the book's strongest feature. The author's voice and Becky Sharp's character, who is undoubtedly one of the most memorable in all of my reading, were the two elements of the book that I found most memorable. In contrast to Dickens, the author concentrates on the personalities of the characters and the effects of their behavior and character on their lives rather than the problems of society as a whole (such as debtors' prison or education).

At times, the characters resemble puppets on a stage, and he employs them to disclose universal truths about human nature. The best example is Becky, whose self-centeredness and greed have no limits. Her unmotherly behavior toward her son reveals a more heinous side than one would anticipate from anyone other than Becky, but when it comes to the majority of the other characters, you almost don't mind because they typically deserve the treatment they receive from her.

This book examines the conflict between love and money, showing how people who rely on the generosity of others are frequently let down and that no amount of love can cover all expenses. The main reason Thackeray is able to maintain the story's interest is because Becky is intelligent and endearing despite her flaws. With a large supporting cast, he creates a world in Vanity Fair that seems not all that different from our own by delving deeply and intricately into her nature.

Theological Thought Experiment

The Great Divorce 

by C.S. Lewis

“There have been men before … who got so interested in proving the existence of God that they came to care nothing for God himself … as if the good Lord had nothing to do but to exist. There have been some who were so preoccupied with spreading Christianity that they never gave a thought to Christ.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

A theological thought experiment, "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis is more of a profound and imaginative investigation of the afterlife than a story. It imagines a bus ride from the gloomy suburbs of Hell to the colorful foothills of Heaven. With its allegorical portrayal of sin, grace, and the ultimate, insurmountable divide between choosing self and choosing joy, this small book, which was first published in 1945, never fails to enthrall and challenge readers.

Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, the story is told from the perspective of a grey, perpetually twilit town whose residents are petty, self-centered, and ultimately insignificant. A journey to a different nation, a place of astounding solidity and reality, is provided by a celestial bus. The "solid people"—spirits from Heaven—welcome the "ghosts" from the grey town to this celestial setting and encourage them to stay and travel towards the mountains, towards a higher reality.

The interactions between the solid spirits and the ghosts form the central plot of the book. Every encounter functions as a moving short story, highlighting a specific transgression or material attachment that keeps the ghost from accepting Heaven. Lewis deftly analyzes the subtle and sneaky ways in which people cling to their brokenness, from the whiny woman who can't let go of her right to complain to the possessive mother who confuses her obsessive love for genuine affection.

Massive Storm

Storm 

by George R. Stewart

"Over all the top of the world rested unbroken darkness like a cap." -- George Stewart, Storm.

From its beginnings as a minor atmospheric disturbance to its profound and far-reaching effects on the environment and the lives of those in its path, the novel painstakingly details the life of a massive Pacific storm. Stewart's ability to make the storm the main character is what makes him so brilliant. He names it "Maria," a practice that was not yet widely used for weather events but was later adopted by the National Weather Service of the United States, which was said to have been influenced by this book.

The story focuses on Maria's voyage across the Pacific and her arrival on the US West Coast. Stewart skillfully combines the viewpoints of a wide range of characters whose lives are upended and irrevocably changed by the storm. We witness the event from the perspectives of linemen fighting to maintain communication, meteorologists following its every step, and regular people dealing with the flood. A comprehensive picture of the storm's far-reaching effects, from flooded valleys to snow-blocked mountain passes, is produced by this multifaceted approach.

Fundamentally, "Storm" delves deeply into the idea of "man versus nature." Stewart stays away from a straightforward hostile narrative, though. Rather, he emphasizes the fragile and indisputable bond between the natural world and human civilization. Even though the storm causes havoc, it is an essential component of a larger ecological system, bringing life-giving rain to a region that is suffering from drought.

The novel's depiction of meteorological phenomena is so detailed and grounded in science that it has a lasting impact. Stewart, an English professor at the University of California, Berkeley who has a strong interest in nature, gives the story an authenticity that is both instructive and incredibly captivating. The great and terrifying beauty of the storm in all its rage is captured in his evocative and accurate prose.

Novella as Prose Poem

Orbital 

by Samantha Harvey

This novella surpasses the standard for books of its kind thanks to its remarkable start and superb writing. However, there are issues that caused me to view the book less favorably overall. These included a lack of narrative coherence and what seemed to be repetition that slowed down the story. Some have called this novel a meditation, but it might be more accurate to read it as a meditation on an experiment in space orbiting the Earth.

"Orbital," the Booker Prize-winning novel by Samantha Harvey, is a brilliant and reflective prose poem that forgoes conventional narrative in favor of a deep and personal examination of perspective, humanity, and our delicate planet. The novel, which takes place on the International Space Station (ISS) and spans a single day, follows six astronauts as they make sixteen orbits around the Earth, their memories and thoughts blending with the amazing scene below.
The undisputed star of this celestial show is Harvey's prose. She creates a lyrical and accurate stream-of-consciousness narrative in a style that has been compared to Virginia Woolf. The rich, evocative language perfectly conveys the breathtaking beauty of Earth—the "blue marble" in all its dynamic, swirling splendor—as seen from space. The familiar shapes of continents and oceans acquire a new and profound significance, and sunrises and sunsets become transient, frequent miracles.

The novel focuses more on the inner landscapes of its characters than it does on a compelling plot. Through their fragmented thoughts, we glean insights into their pasts, their families, and their motivations for venturing into the void. An Italian astronaut reflects on a promise made to a fisherman, a Russian cosmonaut carries the weight of a family legacy, and an American astronaut grapples with a recent loss. These individual stories, however, are not the central focus but rather threads in a larger tapestry of human experience, all viewed from the unique and isolating vantage point of orbit.

One point of contention is the purposeful absence of a traditional plot. "Orbital" might be a frustratingly static experience for those who are looking for a story with a clear rising action, climax, and resolution. The characters also experience a sense of transience, with their unique identities occasionally blending into a collective consciousness that speaks for all of humanity.

To criticize "Orbital" for what it is not, however, would be to miss the point of what it so brilliantly accomplishes. It is a philosophical meditation on our place in the cosmos and a novel of ideas. The artificiality of borders, the interconnectedness of all life, and the overwhelming beauty and precarity of our world are some of the profound themes Harvey explores through the astronauts' unique perspective. As the astronauts observe the real-world consequences of climate change from their divine vantage point, the environmental undertones are subtly potent.

"Orbital" is a book that simultaneously rewards and challenges patience. It is an invitation to slow down, to observe, and to contemplate. It is a deeply moving and ultimately hopeful work that reminds us of the extraordinary privilege of our existence on this "pale blue dot." Samantha Harvey's "Orbital" is a genuinely remarkable read for readers who value fine prose and are receptive to a more avant-garde and philosophical style of narrative.

Renaissance Satire

Praise of Folly 

by Erasmus

“Yet in the midst of all their prosperity, princes in this respect seem to me most unfortunate, because, having no one to tell them the truth, they are forced to receive flatterers for friends.”

― Erasmus, Praise of Folly

Written from the viewpoint of the character Folly, Erasmus' "The Praise of Folly" is a satirical and perceptive work that examines the nature of foolishness and its place in society. Erasmus highlights the value of embracing joy and simplicity while simultaneously criticizing the religious and social conventions of his day through wit and irony.

Erasmus offers a biting but humorous critique of social evils, especially in the church and among the educated elite, through the character of Folly. The book examines how embracing foolishness—in the form of joy, pleasure, and a straightforward lifestyle—can be advantageous and even essential for contentment and kinship. The book also sheds important light on the early 16th-century social and religious climate, including the shift from medieval to modern ideas.
Using irony and a first-person narrative, the book is a masterwork of satire that makes for an engaging and thought-provoking read. For readers today, the book's examination of human nature, societal imperfections, and the pursuit of happiness is still pertinent and perceptive. Even readers who are not familiar with the era will find the book to be entertaining and captivating due to Erasmus's keen wit and sense of humor.

Lastly, and possibly most importantly, "The Praise of Folly" provides an insightful perspective on the Renaissance and the shift to the Reformation.

Absurd World

The Castle 

by Franz Kafka

“It isn’t easy to understand exactly what she is saying, for one doesn’t know whether she is speaking ironically or seriously, it’s mostly serious but sounds ironic. - “Stop interpreting everything!” said K.”
 ―Franz Kafka, The Castle







Whether you read one of Kafka's diaries, short stories, or this, the final of his three novels, it's a singular experience. Even though it is incomplete, it offers you a taste of the absurdities of the contemporary world as perceived by the author. What does it all mean? The book's portrayal of bureaucracy and how it can be used to understand the contemporary capitalist economy was the main focus of my most recent reading. Even though I may disagree with the author's viewpoint, he nevertheless captures some of the annoyances of people who believed they could not survive in the world of his novel.

The Castle by Franz Kafka is a challenging yet incredibly fulfilling book. It provides a chilling and unforgettable voyage into a world where the quest for understanding and acceptance is thwarted by a wall of bureaucracy and elusive power. It is a work that is still analyzed, discussed, and ultimately disturbs and fascinates readers with its stark depiction of the human condition in the face of overwhelming and incomprehensible systems. Its incompleteness only heightens its enigmatic power. It is a difficult but necessary read for anyone interested in modernist literature and the ageless issues of alienation, power, and meaning-seeking.