The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson was added to the list by 2 committee members who thought it looked engaging. Unlike most other books on the list, as well as the books previously selected by the committee, it is not an Alex Award winner.
If you've read this book, please leave a comment with your review of it and whether you think other readers are likely to find it engaging (do you think they’d be eager to finish it and perhaps start reading another book when they are done). If you recommend the book, please also state any themes or topics that would be good for discussion. Thanks.
4 comments:
I read the Ghost Map, and honestly had some trouble finishing it. it is an interesting historical account of cholera and the rise of cities and scientific investigation, but for some readers, those can be fairly dry topics. there is little character development, and little dialogue. Furthermore, the author is extremely graphic in his description of cholera, and the conditions (very unsanitary) that lead to the disease. the beginning part of the book is tremendously detailed in describing the unsanitary conditions present in London in the 29th century. i would not recommend this book for the campus reading program at all.
-dominie garcia
What is the process for nominating a book to the list? Should not the person who suggests it provide their review?
Oh no, no, no, not another text book! I would think this read way too much like a text to interest many students. I'll admit, I didn't even bother finishing it.
~SJSU Student
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