The End.

Of two books that is.

1. Special Topics in Calamity Physics. I realize that I just recently complained about this book, but as I was set to shoulder through the final two hundred pages, I broke through the boring section and the final 150 pages flew by. While I stand by my previous observation that it could be shorter, ultimately, it was fantastic--a fairly satisfying read that satiated all the narrative curiosity I had. I was finishing it in a coffee shop when a friend that I was meeting there showed up, on time the nerve, so I spent three hours playing chess and talking with a mere eight pages to go waiting for me!

2. Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart. This was a quick read that was highly enjoyable. Not much on character development, but it wonderfully encapsulates a place and time: New York City, Summer 1945. It seemed like a fairy tale (of sorts), but also made me think about the differences between how war affects a nation. There were tons of off-hand remarks about rations, curfews, and daily details of life that were changed because of the war. Beyond the higher gas prices, I don't feel as though my day-to-day life has been altered because of the war. While I realize that soldiers have died, no one I know or even no one I know knows anyone that has. I'd like to think that there will be an end to our war that will be celebrated as joyously as they did in Times Square on VJ Day.