https://arab.news/447ut
Author: Kenneth Catania
Like any creative endeavor, science can be a messy and chaotic affair.
“On the Art and Craft of Doing Science” shares the creative process of an innovative and accomplished scientist, taking readers behind the scenes of some of his most pioneering investigations and explaining why the practice of science, far from being an orderly exercise in pure logic, is a form of creative expression like any other art.
“The Hour of the Star” is a profound novella, published in 1977, which was Clarice Lispector’s final work before her death.
This slim but powerful book, originally titled “A Hora da Estrela” in Portuguese, has become one of Brazil’s most significant literary works.
The narrative follows Macabea, a poor, malnourished typist from northeast Brazil who lives in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.
She is 19, orphaned, and works as a typist despite making constant errors. Macabea’s life is marked by simple pleasures and an almost complete unawareness of her own marginalization.
Through her story, the writer explores poverty, identity and existential questioning themes.
As the story unfolds, we witness Macabea’s simple existence through the lens of a male narrator, Rodrigo S.M., who serves as both storyteller and character. The narrative structure is unconventional, frequently interrupted by the narrator’s musings and metaphysical digressions.
The narrator struggles with telling Macabea’s story, constantly questioning his ability to represent a poor, uneducated woman from his privileged male perspective.
His presence adds layers of complexity to the narrative as he grapples with his own role in the story and his responsibility to his subject.
Rodrigo S.M.’s self-conscious narration and failed attempts at emotional distance highlight broader issues of power, representation and authenticity in storytelling.
The book challenges readers to consider how stories of marginalized people are told, who has the right to tell them, and what it means to truly see and understand another human being.
The novella is notable for its experimental structure, its mix of social commentary and metaphysical reflection, and its unique approach to character development.
Lispector is considered one of Brazil’s greatest writers, known for works that blend philosophical insight with psychological depth.
Her other notable works include “Near to the Wild Heart” and “The Passion According to G.H.”
Insects are the most abundant wildlife on the planet—but also the least observed.
This incisive field companion highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all of our senses, covers some best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and shares tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden.
With wonderful illustrations by Samantha Gallagher, “Bugwatching” explains why this rewarding activity is for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, level of affluence, ability, or disability.
Authors: Mark Schneider, Paul Teske and Melissa Marschall
School choice seeks to create a competitive arena in which public schools will attain academic excellence, encourage individual student performance, and achieve social balance.
In debating the feasibility of this market approach to improving school systems, analysts have focused primarily on schools as suppliers of education, but an important question remains: Will parents be able to function as “smart consumers” on behalf of their children?
Here a highly respected team of social scientists provides extensive empirical evidence on how parents currently do make these choices.
Author: Saeed Zakeri
“A Course in Complex Analysis” explores a central branch of mathematical analysis, with broad applications in mathematics and other fields such as physics and engineering.
Ideally designed for a year-long graduate course on complex analysis and based on nearly 20 years of classroom lectures, this modern and comprehensive textbook is equally suited for independent study or as a reference for more experienced scholars.
Saeed Zakeri guides the reader through a journey that highlights the topological and geometric themes of complex analysis.
When we look at a river, either up close or while flying over a river valley, what are we really seeing?
“Following the Bend” takes readers on a majestic journey by water to find answers, along the way shedding light on the key concepts of modern river science, from hydrology and water chemistry to stream and wetland ecology.
In this accessible and uniquely personal book, Ellen Wohl explains how to “read” a river, blending the latest science with her own personal experiences as a geologist and naturalist who has worked on rivers for more than three decades.
