Oliver’s Twist

A Handful of Modern Technologies Straight Out of Science-Fiction

The dawn of a super-intelligent, machine-augmented future is the not-so-distant future that our present reality gazes into, mainly due to the fact that the rapid expansion of technology is so quick that the borders between science fiction and reality are slowly beginning to dissolve before our very eyes as we edge closer and closer to reality only previously conceivable by science fiction, zealous visionaries, and conspiracy theorists.

In fact, even in a whole lot of the technologies developed in just the past few years already exceed anything previously conceivable just 20 years ago. To put this into perspective, it’s important to remember that, from the year 2010 onward, humanity has propelled itself further into the cybernetic golden age than ever before, as more and more game-changing breakthroughs in technology roll out into service in any and all environments and industries.

Much like in The Madhouse Projects by Rick Badman, a 2002 novel in which the protagonist, Dick Thurman, uses his skills as an automotive engineer to create fly-wheel-power electric Indy cars which are raced at the 2037 Indianapolis 500 – innovation is the name of the game, and in his universe, Thurman and his wife go on to mastermind a handful of innovative projects that are carried out all around the globe in hopes achieving of a better society.

In this day and age, the leading minds of the industry are doing just that – innovating for the better good of humanity. Here are some modern technologies developed within the past decade that seem like they were written for a sci-fi plot – the innovations that have reshaped the modern landscape of many different industries:

3-D printers

In Lee Cronin’s 2012 Ted-Talk, him and his team of researchers at the University of Glasgow have taken the 3D printer phenomenon one step further – they’ve developed a 3D printer that is capable of printing specific lab equipment for any specific experiment being conducted, and they call it “reactionware” – a technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we conduct experiments. This technology implies that one day, we could even print our own pills and medication, for whatever ailment or illness they’re needed for. The possibilities are endless, as it’s now being used to create artificial organs and limbs, hearing aids, and any given nut, bolt, screw, or compartment of a wide array of appliances and machines. The implications it has in every industry on earth, especially the in the scientific community, is tremendous. Humanity has reached a point where you can literally print anything.

Artificial wombs

Scientists are currently pushing a moral and ethical boundary – a controversial one at that. Could gestation one day substitute the experience of natural human birth? Experiments conducted with lambs have proven successful, submerged in artificial amniotic fluid and suspended in a transparent plastic bag that serves as an artificial placenta hooked up to tubes and machines, waiting to be born by simply unzipping the bag. However, these baby lambs were not grown from the sack, they were taken from the wombs of their mothers by caesarian section. One day, this technology may replace human pregnancy – but the ethical intricacies are endless.

Artificial limbs controlled by the mind

Cybernetic implants that integrate with muscle and nerves to provide an experience somewhat reminiscent of traditional, good-old limb use is available for purchase, but obviously it isn’t cheap, and research is still in progress to add to and improve the function, smoothness, reliability, dexterity, speed, and accuracy of the mind-controlled arm, implying a brighter future for amputees everywhere. One day, people whose quality of lives were diminished due to an accident or wartime injury, will have a second chance at having a limb again.

In conclusion, science fiction has contributed to the advancements in technology as time passes by. Perhaps in its time of writing, it is almost impossible to make those amazing machines, incredible gadgets, and other cool inventions come to life. However, as the world continues to progress — technology also adapted to the changes and continues to evolve, making every fictional machine, devices, and gadgets have bigger chances to come to life in the future and contribute to the advancements in society.

Reasons to Read Mystery Fiction Books

Mystery fiction has always been one of the talks of the town. Who wouldn’t want to play detective and solve the biggest mystery that has been making a lot of ups and downs in every story? There are just a bunch of thrill and suspense that these stories offer, making readers crave for clues and answers. Mystery fiction books also ignite some strong emotions from the readers, making them more engaged to finding out who the culprit and what the secret is.

Deadly Cross by James Patterson, The Numbered Cups Mystery by JB Clemmens, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, The Searcher by Tana French, A Time for Mercy by John Grisham, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, and The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle are some great examples of mystery books to keep an eye on.

But, apart from the mysteries and clues, what could the other reasons to read mystery fiction? Here are some of the best reasons why you should dive into this genre.

Discover a lot of awesome characters

There is no story that doesn’t have any characters in it. They are the ingredients that make an interesting story. Without them, the plot wouldn’t come to its conclusion and the conflict will not arrive on its resolution. When it comes to mystery fiction, the characters have interesting traits. Among the common characteristics manifested by these awesome characters are the following: curiosity, inquisitiveness, peculiarity, secretive, enthusiastic, goal-oriented, and more.

Make you create better judgments

Creating better judgment is vital because there are wide array of things and consequences that depend on it. Every single day, you make decisions. These judgments may be either be big or small, but they can affect how your fate, mindset, and growth. By reading mystery fiction, you can observe how these amazing detectives, cops, and other characters deal the tough situations along with the pressure of being in an area where the cases happened. You will be inspired and motivated to think everything thoroughly before taking actions.

Help you to not trust anyone easily

Trust refers to the conviction of an individual or a thing. It is also known as the confidence on the truthfulness and sincerity of a person. It is often associated in building relationships, because it shows that both or either of the two parties is genuine and comfortable with one another. In mystery books, trust is a big deal. Characters don’t give easily to others, because even their own blood betrays them. Since there are a lot of deceptions and betrayals in this genre, you will start to learn to not trust anybody that easy — especially those that you just met.

Teach you to see every sides of a story

There are many situations that evoke thrill, suspense, and curiosity in mystery fiction, such as murders, disappearances, crimes, and other intense events that leave the protagonist motivated to reveal the mystery. With all the awesome twists and turns that the author mixed, you can truly say that there are two sides of a story. You can, in fact, apply this observation in real life. There are times that emotions get the best of you, which make your judgment clouded and opt to believe on one version of the story. However, mystery fiction books are here to teach you that every tale has different angles that you have to spend time evaluating before arriving at a conclusion. Always take this lesson with you, wherever you go and what you status you hold.

Increase your reading comprehension skills

Reading skills are often taken for granted by many. However, it is truly vital to develop this skill because it is where comprehension is also being harnessed. When you start reading mystery fiction, you will learn and get entertained at the same time. The complex puzzle that the characters need to solve, as well as some unfamiliar terms, used that are necessary for the description of a thing or situation, help you improve your reading comprehension skills. This ability is significant because it can be applied to your daily life, such as buying goods, availing services, applying for a job, assembling things, and among others.

Stirring Horror Books for Your 2021 To-be-read List

Horror fiction has been one of those literary genres that spark fear, thrill, shock, and suspense on a whole new level. It contains the same elements as the other fiction stories, but with different literary devices and focus. What makes this genre great is its ability to extract a sense of fear from the readers with the use of scary circumstances, symbols, images, and central messages.

Since it we are still at the beginning of 2021, perhaps you are still a little short of great titles to add to your reading list for this year. Worry not, because we have listed the best horror books that you should check out and add to your list.

The Ground Upon Which I Stand by Stephanie Stieglitz

Published in 2019 by Rantings of a Wandering Mind, The Ground Upon Which I Stand by Stephanie Stieglitz is one of the top books that evoke fear and suspense from the readers. It is a Lovecraftian horror anthology that follows the story of Ramona and Dexter. The former isn’t prepared on dealing with the mythos’ crash course. For her, college is just an establishment for higher education. After coming home with the latter following her survival for the first ritual, something unexpected happened. They were evaluating the event and arrived at a conclusion that good things can happen to bad people and likewise. However, they are not keen to stand by and let karma do its thing.

The Shining by Stephen King

One of the greatest hits of Stephen King is his book The Shining. This gothic horror novel is his third book, which contributed to his book success. Some of the elements of the story are inspired by the experiences of the author, such as his drinking problems and The Stanley Hotel visitation. Moreover, it follows the story of a striving writer and recuperating alcoholic named Jack Torrance. He accepted the off-season caretaker job located at Colorado Rockies for the notable Overlook Hotel. Jack went to the hotel along with his family. Unexpectedly, his little son Danny got a hold of the various psychic skills called “the shining,” which enabled him to witness the horrendous past. After that, insane things happened to Jack.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

This critically-acclaimed and Amazon bestseller for Children’s Studies Social Science category has been entertaining, scaring, and teaching readers of all ages about the importance of family. It centers on Coraline, a little girl who discovered a brand-new world beyond the usual that she thought has better things to offer. In that world, there was a mother and father who like her to be their child and be with them forever. They wanted her to be like them, strange and with button eyes, and not go back to her parents. The events escalated quickly and Coraline’s perception towards her new mother and father made her crave to go fight for her normal life with her biological and normal parents.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson, a great literary figure of American literature, wrote The Haunting of House Hill in 1959. The book was categorized as both gothic fiction and psychological horror. It focuses on terror instead of horror in order to evoke intense emotions from the readers with the use of complicated bonds between peculiar circumstances in the house and the psyches of the characters. As of now, it is still recognized as among the top literary ghost tales published in the 20^th century. In fact, it got multiple film adaptations and the latest was the Netflix series that was based on the book.

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Pantheon Books published the horror novel House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski in 2000. It is the debut novel of the author that also tackles romance and other exciting things. The story revolves around a recording about a family whose home is extraordinarily bigger on the interior than its exterior. Apart from the unconventional house, the book itself is formed in an unusual way. The story opens with the point of view of a worker of a tattoo parlor in LA named Johnny Truant. He is looking for an apartment, and that is when Lude — his buddy, the late Zampano has an apartment that he might be interested in. That is when discoveries, mysteries, and other things emerged.

It’s 2021: Still Missing the Great Outdoors

And just like that, it’s already 2021. A year into the great pandemic that has put the whole world at a standstill and many of us are still trapped inside our homes, unable to resume our normal activities- school, jobs, passion, and of course, adventure. By the last quarter of last year, it looks like hope is in sight with various vaccines’ development. However, before the year ended, reports of new variants emerging in some parts of the world have the whole sighing yet again. For many whose lives depend on the outdoors, this is a bit disappointing. As the world races to introduce vaccines to people worldwide, all we can do is hope and wait.

Missing the Great Outdoors

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a travelogue entitled Mike Honeycutt’s World of Hunting and Fishing. Reading Mr. Honeycutt’s adventures worldwide (he has been to most, if not all continents) created a strong nostalgia for wild outdoor adventures. The past few days, I caught myself in the reverie of being able to go hiking, biking, and camping once again. The last time I went camping was the summer of 2019, and it felt like decades ago. As I recall, my family and I were having a grand old time just setting up tents in an open field just 45 minutes drive from our home. We did have the worries that we have now. Even in their wildest dreams, no one thought that a few months after, an outbreak would happen on the other side of the planet and would later grip the whole world. I also imagine how hard it must be for those who depend on travel and other outdoor activities for their livelihood (those in the airline industry, hotel business, tourism, and other “non-essential” activities).

For those who love outdoor adventures, a year away from the forests, mountain trails, rivers, and the open field can be a bit sad as well. As of this writing, many parts of the United States (save for those in Washington and other major cities where citizens seem to have no regard for safety protocols) still choose to strictly ban public gatherings and close establishments, even national parks, beaches, certain forest areas, and other spots known to be venues for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, and even hunting. That said, I think it’s safe to say that our plans of great wild adventures might be on hold for a little longer.

Imagining Outdoors 2021

If there is any consolation, it’s the fact that governments around the world are trying their best to have their people vaccinated. Some reports say that we could immunize the majority of the world’s population by the end of this year. Others say that the safest would be by 2023, and by that time, we could resume our everyday lives. Wishful thinking, some countries could ease up on their restrictions and slowly reopen businesses, including those that are non-essential. While international travel and interstate trips could take a while longer, perhaps some governments might decide to open national parks, forests, beaches, and other natural spots for outdoor activities. Of course, several changes and security protocols are sure to be implemented still. Face mask and shield, temperature checks, and social distancing would have to be part of this new normal. We are also looking at the possibility of fewer outdoor activities with large groups, hotel accommodations might change, and entry to state borders and outdoor landmarks are sure to be subject to security checks.

In short, our great outdoors will have to adapt to these changes as well. Personally, it’s fine by me as long as we get to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of the great outdoors once again. Seriously, I cannot wait to see pictures of people enjoying the waves, going for quick ocean dives, hiking trails, enjoying the river banks, conquering mountains, fishing, hunting (be it recreational or for meat), touring foreign lands, and enjoying a nice campfire beneath the stars. For now, let us hope for the best. See you outdoor pretty soon!

5 Gold Facts about the Gold Rush

One of the most highly-definitive aspects of the Wild-Wild West’s great frontier was the California Gold Rush, a phenomenon unlike any other which went on to influence the earliest notions of the modern American dream. The discovery of gold in the mid 1800’s resulted in thousands of Americans (and even foreigners) from all over the country and all over the globe flocking to the city of Los Angeles to begin mining and panning for gold in hopes of striking it rich and achieving instant monetary success.

The sudden and unprecedented influx of people that flooded into California brought about cultural diversity, shifting perceptions towards immigrants, increasing industrialization, and significant economic progression. It was as if the entire world wanted to cash in on this abundant yet finite natural resource, and this collective mindset towards harnessing natural resources for monetary gain went on to influence our modern obsession with squandering the earth’s natural reserve of minerals and oil to exhaustion. On the plus side, it also stimulated global trade and investment and aided in propelling humanity into the technological golden age as the stimulated economy eventually gave rise to breakthroughs in science, mechanical engineering, and global industrialization.

The quiet farm life and the Mountain Yarns and Prairie Tales of the great outdoors began to gradually coexist with the bustling boom of native and immigrant opportunists seeking to build a better life in the United States, eventually going on to define an entire era of American history. Here are 10 solid facts about the California Gold Rush that you may or may not have already known:

By the year 1850, one-fourth of California’s population consisted of immigrants.

For the first time in California’s history, a consensus revealed that 25% of the state’s inhabitants were born somewhere else. The immigration of foreigners solidified multi-racial settlements all throughout the United States, and there was a significant Chinese presence in America by 1852, wherein at least a quarter of a hundred thousand Chinese immigrants had arrived and settled in the USA.

Racism and immigrant tensions began to rise

A legislature put in place to tax Chinese miners was passed, eventually repealed, and replaced by one that would charge them two dollars a month, which is the modern equivalent of eighty dollars in today’s currency. A surge in violence against immigrant miners was observed, in which a wide range of hate crimes were perpetuated against them.

Native Americans clashed with miners

The influx of immigration and mining in Native American lands brought about foreign diseases, and the encroaching of mining activities on sacred land resulted in an increase in violent altercations between indigenous tribes and local or immigrant miners. Due to this, the Native American population began to suffer and dwindle. Disease and mining accidents took the lives of many, but violence against tribal peoples and clashes between tribes and miners resulted in the deaths of many more.

The pursuit of gold wasn’t cheap

The amount of young men that came to America with nothing but a few worldly possessions and the clothes on their backs was astounding – a large number of people abandoned their homes and families just to come to America, with big dreams and aspirations of fortune. When they got there, they had to build their lives from the ground up, and they quickly realized that it wasn’t anywhere near cheap. In the stimulated economy of San Francisco at the height of the gold rush, merchants charged insanely high prices for the most basic of necessities, which meant that only those who were lucky enough to strike significant gold could actually thrive and flourish there. This meant that everyone tried, but not everyone succeeded.

Merchants made more money than miners by taxing them heavily

Enterprising minds at the time eventually saw more opportunities to profit off of the newly settled prospectors rather than the gold itself. This meant that the businesses and services that catered to gold-rich miners made even more money than the miners themselves by taxing them heavily. The German tailor Levi Strauss came to San Francisco in 1850 to sell tarpaulins and wagon covers for miners. When he found out that durable work pants that withstood the daily grind of hard labor in the mines were highly in-demand, he went on to open a denim store in downtown San Francisco that would eventually grow into the world-famous denim-manufacturing empire known as Levi’s.

Inspiring Books to Read Before the Year Ends

Books fuel the heart and imagination and inspire people of all ages. Although every reader from the different corners of the world has their reasons why they read, be inspired, moved, and entertained are definitely among these reasons. There is just something about books that make humans feel more human. Their depiction of reality with the use of great wordplay, writing style, and imagination make everyone be more engaged in creating a difference in the world, become a better person, and influence others.

Hence, listed below are the best books to read before this year ends that will surely inspire and motivate you to continue doing better and influencing those that surround you.

Patchwork: Conversations Between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack

Readersmagnet published Patchwork: Conversations Between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack. Patchwork encourages between generations to look for methods that will successfully eliminate the nounage-based discrimination through conversing and sharing substantial tales and matters to one another. The novel depicts the accounts and lives of women residing in rural Bamberg, South Carolina between the years 1939-1959. The environment created by these God-centered ladies encouraged the participants to take care of their families. Quilting was their major focus; this practice, indeed, offered a chance to exchange their tough experiences. Moreover, all groups should be receptive to a two-way discussion between the young and the elderly. Becoming the senior does not imply that you have a teaching right, there is still much for the youth to say. Patchwork claims it’s a dialogue we should have.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Five People You Meet in Heaven is one of the remarkable novels of best-selling author Mitch Albom. This book talks about the unanticipated bonds that come in people’s lives, as well as the thought that heaven is not only an area but an answer. It centers on a war veteran named Eddie, who is experiencing some wounds due to the battle that he has fought. He is an elderly man who’s led an unimaginative and uninspired life in his mind. Eddie works at a theme park by the coast. A horrific accident killed him on his 83rd birthday when he tried to rescue a child from a falling cart. He discovers the afterlife and realizes that heaven is not only a place but a destination where his life is being told by 5 people. Some of them are his acquaintances while others are strangers.

Cringeworthy: A Story of Awkwardness by Melissa Dahl

In 2018, Portfolio published the book Cringeworthy: A Story of Awkwardness by Melissa Dahl. This self-help book elaborates on the enthralling psychology behind awkwardness, where the author raises the question: what if the times that we feel awkward are surprisingly important? Hence, the author started to be curious about what awkwardness is after a long period of cringing. Dahl investigates the strangest and cringiest parts of our universe in this clever and caring novel. She started to converse with strangers on the bustling subway in NYC, use the app Tinder for friendship to go on awkward friendly dates, take advanced comedy classes, and read her middle school diary out load to a sea of strangers. After everything, she concluded that uncomfortable moments are chances to evaluate you. Thus, when all the people pretend to be in control, you should be bolder and stronger while staying true to your awkward self. In that way, perhaps you can witness that the awkward times bind everyone in their human absurdity

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

This Amazon’s editor’s pick for best nonfiction was authored by Elizabeth Gilbert and was published in 2016. Now, to express her insight and special outlook on imagination, this popular author dives deep into her own conceptual method. She provides powerful perspectives into the mystical essence of creativity with deep empathy and exquisite generosity. She asks readers to accept their imagination and let go of the pain that is unnecessary. Elizabeth teaches humans how to fix everything that they value the most, as well as how to lay down what they fear the most. Gilbert also tackles the behaviors, methods, and habits that everyone needs in order to enjoy their most creative life.

Christian Views on Fornication

Fornication is commonly defined as the sexual intercourse of two unmarried individuals. However, it is different in adultery, because even if it is still consensual; adultery refers to either or both of the persons committing the act is married to another. The term carries a connotation of moral or religious rejection for several individuals; however, the importance of sexual activities whereby the word is used differs between societies, cultures, and religions. In the current use, more judgment-neutral words such as premarital sex or extramarital sex are sometimes substituted for fornication.

Since this term is related to the sacrament of marriage, sin of adultery, and premarital sex, what could be its meaning to the eyes of the Christian community? Also, do you think that the things that defy the boy and girl gender standard, the commitment of sexual acts between two unmarried people of the same sex — in short, the LGBTQ movement is fornication?

Well, the perceptions about marriage and sexuality originated from a combination of Roman and Jewish concepts during the period of Jesus. For example, there was a large cultural rejection of polygamy among the Romans during the period of Jesus. This paved its way into the other religion, which are Judaism and early Christianity even though the Old Testament is depicting these actions between rulers and patriarchs.

The comments made by the early Church on marital relations specifically addressed appropriate reasons for divorce and remarriage. While Paul stressed that both chastity and marriage were healthy lifestyles in his epistles to early disciples, the Church thought that chastity was much more sacred and freeing after Paul’s life. This emphasis arose due to the early church, probably because of the impact of Greek ancient philosophy, was quite austere. The stress on chastity indicated that some problems for the non-celibate related to sexual morality stayed under-developed.

The viewpoints of Augustine of Hippo greatly impacted how Christians felt regarding sex later on. Before he became a Christian, he was warned by his mother to not conduct fornication, for it is a sin. Moreover, Augustine granted himself certain recognition upon writing that the sole urge that dominated his quest of looking for enjoyment was merely to love and be loved, even if his acts of showing his erotic desires were considered as a sin. He, later on, realized that the issue was that there was no limitation exerted on his love through the interchange of mind along with mind. Thus, true love was deprived by its deception to desire, while a God-centered relationship must revolve around loving and moral partnership.

Augustine was “naturally skeptical of sexual desire” in his writings and it has affected the worldview of almost all of the great Christian communities until this day. He also found two meanings of the term fornication, according to Augustine Through the Ages: An Encyclopedia, which are: “cleaving to a prostitute” and; “what men who do not have wives do with women who do not have husbands.” He also believed that those who committed this act are sinful due to their own desire to corrupt themselves, their notion of Almighty Father, and the Church.

Additionally, the term fornication is the sin of premarital sex. This entails all acts of living together beyond the bonds of marriage. It also tackles prostitution, as well as all types of adultery. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states that those who commit this sin will not inherit God’s kingdom, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous[a] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

According also to Revelation 21:8, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Hence, cohabiting and committing sexual acts without receiving the sacrament of marriage are completely sinful. People, especially believers of Christianity, will never be allowed to enter the kingdom of the Lord if they do such actions. Only they would be admitted to His kingdom when they ask and granted His forgiveness from all the wrongdoings that they’ve done, especially the sin of premarital sex.

Exceptional Books about Math that Offers a Fun Learning Experience

There are different reactions when you ask people about their impressions about mathematics. Some would have a wrinkled face as if they have eaten something sour while others would have their face lit up as if they have shone like the sun. However, there is really nothing wrong with the math. It is just that people have different types of intelligence; hence, there are really those who are less likely excited when it comes to the subject.

Mathematics has no widely acknowledged definition. But, it has a broad array of topics that tackles different things, such as algebra, geometry, number theory, and mathematical analysis. Although math can become complex from the equations to the problems, there are still people who do their best to get the right answer by using the correct formulas.

So, if you want to get better at math but not become too worn out in solving for the answer; then, here are the best books that you should check to get a fun learning experience and further understand the subject.

Frustrations with Math by Jerry Ortner

This remarkable book by Jerry Ortner contains the common frustrations of many and illustrates the several methods of solving various mathematics problems. Among the lessons that it cover are factoring both binomials and polynomials, answering quadratic equations, and solving work and story problems — like rate of distance and time, trigonometry relationships, and daily mathematics questions. As you go travel towards and across the East Coast, you will surely love the 45-day long road trip examining the several questions that need to be solved. What makes the book more outstanding is its amazing way of telling the math problems and different angles of introducing the lessons. It also uses a first-person point of view, which enhance the engagement of the readers to the book.

How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg

Published in 2014, How Not to Be Wrong by Jordan Ellenberg is one of the most patronized books about the math of this generation. Moreover, in school, the mathematics we practice does seem like a repetitive set of laws, established by the ancients and should not be challenged. Jordan Ellenberg tells us how incredibly restrictive this perspective is: math is not limited to hypothetical events that never happen in real life but affects all that we do, and thereby the entire universe is shot though. This book shows the shocking discoveries behind all the concerns and a whole lot more with the use of the mathematician’s way of evaluating life and revealing to the public the difficult perspectives of the academic world without the jargon.

The Math Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by DK

The Math Book is part of the Big Ideas books that was published in 2019. This educational book reveals the unending mysteries and wonder of mathematics. Readers can discover over 85 essential ideas, postulates, theorems, and etc. in the world of math. They can also learn more about the brilliant figures whose innovative discoveries made great differences on the planet. This book shares the fascinating tale of the way mathematical idea evolved all throughout history. This distinctive and comprehensive book prepares a lot for everyone, including the mathematics that lies under global economies and espionage. It also documents the progress of the discipline from all across the globe, from the old mathematical thoughts and inventions to the innovations in the middle age and Renaissance Europe. Moving forward to this generation and get some perspectives into the recent emergence of the theory of game and group.

A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science by Barbara Oakley Ph.D.

The first edition of A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science was published by TarcherPerigee in 2014. This is ideal for both students who are having a hard time completing either a mathematics or science output, as well as for readers who are jump-starting their careers and want to acquire new skills. A Mind for Numbers will surely give every reader the equipment that they need to possess a better understanding of the intimidating topics. The author allows everyone to get to know the secrets in learning efficiently. These secrets can even make those committed and competent students wish that they have learned these before.

Best Books about War that You Should Check Out

Every bookstore in the world never ran out of war novels. Somewhere along their shelves, there are always books about war that are sitting and waiting to be read. Hence, war novels prove that they can get along the tight competition in literature, as well as show everyone that they still have a wide range of patrons.

Hence, war books can be found in two of the biggest genres — which are fiction and nonfiction. There are many thrilling books that tell stories about the chaos, bloodshed, deaths, bravery, and survival of the different wars that the world has been through; some are products of the authors’ imagination while others have happened in real life. So, without further ado, listed below are the best war novels that you should never miss reading!

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Published in 1990, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien is one of the greatest anthologies of short stories of all time. This book contains multiple short stories that center on a troop of US soldiers that are combatting on the battleground in the Vietnam War. Although it is a fiction book, he also incorporated his experiences as one of the troops in the 23^rd Infantry Division during that time but he mixed it with a dash of imagination to fit the standards of fiction. Several characters of the book are part-autobiographical. They share a likeness with the people in his memoir titled If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home. Furthermore, The Things They Carried has won many awards, like the Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize. It also became one of the finalists of the National Book Critic’s Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize.

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson

Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin was published by Crown Publishers in 2011. It is a nonfiction book that documented the career of William Dodd, the American Ambassador to Germany, specifically from 1933 to 1937 when he resided in Berlin with his family. He was the chair of the University of Chicago’s History Department that hoped that the new political system in Germany, which is Nazi, would become more moderate even in its Jew persecution. Dodd’s daughter, Martha, got swept in the elegance and anticipation of the social environment in Berlin while her divorce is in the process. To her cynical colleagues, she justified the government. However, Dodd is regularly argued and is opposed to the government when he began to be aware of the horrors of the Nazis shortly after they arrived in the country.

Donut Hole by RC Le Beau

This nonfiction book about war records the life of the author that aims for readers to recall the hard moments that the country has experienced. Donut Hole by author, RC LeBeau doesn’t discuss the religious factors of the warfare. During these battles, your entire confidence is challenged, you have to destroy your enemy, or your opponent will kill you — that’s plain, hard, and cold truth. Fighting some of the biggest obstacles in our country’s history just to let the world see that it was because of heroes like Le Beau, who have served as our country asks for their assistance, that we are the significant force on the planet. Each war has a long path for the war veterans to heal from the battles that they have faced. Readers will surely get drawn into the happening of the war through a Marine’s eyes and his experiences through life and among the prolonged and deadliest wars of our country.

Scourged Souls by Keith Niles Corman

In 2017, Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc. published Keith Niles Corman’s book about the American Civil War titled Scourged Souls. It is set on the course of the Civil War; but, the story is not really only focused on the war. Instead, it brings the readers to the personal lives and locations of the figures whose lives intersect for a couple of days when the war occurred. It focuses on the innocence and everyday activities of the people in the story, as well as their private thoughts, beliefs, and plans.

Mystery Thriller Books that You Should Add to Your Shelf

You probably have had read all your books that are sitting on your shelf by now. What could be the next best thing to do? Look for new novels that you can read, especially during your long Christmas break. People would be reading literary pieces that suit the holidays, but that is not mandatory. You can always go for those genres that spark thrill, curiosity, and a whole lot of different emotions.

Hence, try reading mystery thriller books and see how crazy yet wonderful are their stories. Among the best mystery thriller authors are Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Gillian Flynn, and Robin Sloan. There are also many popular mystery thriller characters that have made a mark on the readers’ lives, like Sherlock Holmes, Detective Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and more. Most of the mystery thriller books have diverse plots that will definitely give you a great reading experience. So without further ado, here are the best mystery thriller novels that you should add to your shelf.

The Searcher by Tana French

This New York Times and Amazon bestselling novel is written by Tana French and was published by Viking last October of this year. If focuses on the story of Cal Hooper felt like a fix-upper might be the ideal way of escaping in an idyllic Irish village. After 2 decades and 5 years in the police force of Chicago and a painful divorce, the only thing that he desires is to start a brand-new life in a lovely place with a great pub where there is absolutely nothing that occurs. His original plan is to renovate the run-down property that he purchased, go walking in the mountains, and bury his former police instincts for eternity. However, when a local boy whose sibling went missing, it forces Cal to conduct some investigation. Cal discovers levels of darkness underneath his serene escape and starts to understand that even deadly secrets are concealed in small towns.

The Priestly Murders by Greg Van Arsdale

The Priestly Murders is a stand-alone mystery thriller novel by author-editor Greg Van Arsdale that was published in 2018. The adventure starts when Peter, a 12-year-old boy, escapes saving his life after seeing a gang that is killing a dear priest. His mother reaches out to the police officials, where former Special Forces Detective Dan Franco who took the call and swore to protect Peter 24/7. But, detective Dan didn’t think how hard this job can become. The father of one of the murderers is the mafia boss of the city named Lars Larkin. In an attempt to eradicate everyone who knows of the participation of his son, he will never stop until both Dan and Peter are dead. Even though Dan attempted to conceal Peter, a rat in their department informed the mafia boss of their moves. However, there is one factor that is in Dan’s favor, which is the psychic ability of Peter. So, can they survive and catch the killer?

The Guest List by Lucey Foley

6 months after its publication, The Guest List by Lucey Foley has already become the New York Times bestseller and Amazon editor’s pick for best mystery, thriller & suspense. There are 7 notable characters in the story, which are the bride, plus one, best man, wedding planner, bridesmaid, and body. Guests assemble on an off-coast island in Ireland to commemorate the wedding of two notable people. The groom is a rising celebrity who is handsome and full of charm while the bride is a magazine publisher who is clever and ambitious. This is a marriage fit for a magazine due to its wonderful features, such as the designer dress, remote venue, lavish party favors, and luxury drinks. Even though the mobile reception is not quite good and the waves are harsh, each detail of the event has been thoroughly prepared and expertly done. But amidst the perfection, somebody ends up dead. The question is who and why?

Hence, mystery thriller is really one of the best genres that you should try and check out. There are different mysteries, cases, deceptions, and betrayals that it offers, which make your reading experience more wonderful.