On Nonfiction 75 - Top Dog: Winning, Losing, & Competition

We discuss the twin narratives of a man traveling by unicycle between North Carolina and Arizona, and the same man in his pursuit of a simple life with nature - in an American old-growth forest.

We discuss a clever series of chance encounters between disparate historical figures and celebrities. HELLO GOODBYE HELLO by Craig Brown THE KNOWLEDGE WEB (one of many titles) by James Burke

This month we review a book that explores the many factors involved with our triumphs, failures, and the results of competition in our lives. TOP DOG by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman.

We discuss the story of the periodic table, and the many fascinating tales behind the various elements contained within. THE DISAPPEARING SOPOON, by Sam Kean

We discuss the explorations of David Sax, who finds many successful and diverse analog ventures in the midst of our digital world. THE REVENGE OF ANALOG by David Sax.

We present edited excerpts of our annual book talk, describing various titles from the previous year. (Original program date: 1/16/18). The complete book list is available at the Nordonia Hills Branch Library.

This month, we discuss people who decided to move even farther north to live - in Alaska or the Arctic. THE ALASKAN RETREATER'S HANDBOOK by Ray Ordorica CALL OF THE AMERICAN WILD, by Guy Grieve IN THE EMPIRE OF ICE, by Gretel Ehrlich AMONG GRIZZLIES, by Timothy Treadwell

We explore three different ways to arrange your movie-watching year. A YEAR OF MOVIES by Ivan Walters PETER BOGDANOVICH'S MOVIE OF THE WEEK by Peter Bogdanovich A YEAR AT THE MOVIES by Kevin Murphy

During this season of get-togethers, we discuss a unique type of party: the tasting party. TASTING CLUB, by Dina Cheney PETITE EATS, by Timothy Lawrence THE COCKTAIL CLUB, by Maureen Petrosky TASTING WINE & CHEESE, by Adam Centimore

With autumn settling in, we discuss indoor pursuits, such as playing board games. IT'S ALL A GAME, by Tristan Donovan FAMILY GAMES: THE 100 BEST, edited by James Lowder THINGS WE THINK ABOUT GAMES, by Will Hindmarch & Jeff Tidball