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The Yuan dynasty endured for a century, leaving behind an architectural legacy without equal, from palaces, temples, and pagodas to pavilions, tombs, and stages.
With a history enlivened by the likes of Khubilai Khan and Marco Polo, this spectacular empire spanned the breadth of China and far, far beyond, but its rulers were Mongols.
Yuan presents the first comprehensive study in English of the architecture of China under Mongol rule.
Author: JED BRODY
“The Joy of Quantum Computing” introduces quantum computing succinctly, and with minimal mathematical formalism.
Engagingly written — a feast for the reader’s inner nerd — it presents the most famous algorithms and applications of quantum computing and quantum information science, including the “killer apps,” Grover’s search algorithm and Shor’s factoring algorithm.
The only prerequisite is precalculus; readers need no knowledge of quantum physics.
Author: Kaliane Bradley
Kaliane Bradley’s 2024 novel “The Ministry of Time” invites readers along on an interesting adventure of time travel which also investigates the complexities of human emotion.
Set around a secretive organization that controls time, the story explores themes of destiny, choices, and the consequences of dealing with historic events.
The story follows a secret project designed to rescue some well-known characters from the past and transport them to the future.
In the future each visitor will be assigned a “bridge,” who is an officer to help them adapt to their new era.
One of the visitors from the past is Cmdr. Gore, an explorer who died in a failed Victorian Arctic expedition, according to history books.
In the story he is assigned to a female bridge who starts teaching him about life in the present day and how he can manage to live in the modern world, despite the major lifestyle changes he experiences throughout his day.
One of the strengths of this book is the author’s writing style, which is lyrical yet accessible. It takes the reader to different times and places easily. Each chapter is carefully crafted and contains clear descriptions that allow the reader to live the historic event.
Moreover, the dialogue is written with humor and awareness of the unfolding drama, which in some ways keeps readers engaged, while adding twists to maintain the tension without losing track of any character’s development.
Bradley’s story also explores how a simple change in history can create damage through time, leaving an impact not only on historic events but also on how the events affect personal relationships.
Some readers may find the timeline and character count a little overwhelming, but the author weaves these concerns together to a satisfying, thought-provoking conclusion.
Bradley’s imaginative storytelling and captivating writing skills make this novel a must-read for people who enjoy fiction and are fascinated by the possibilities of time travel.
Author: PAUL E. SMALDINO
This book provides a unified, theory-driven introduction to key mathematical and agent-based models of social dynamics and cultural evolution, teaching readers how to build their own models, analyze them, and integrate them with empirical research programs.
“Modeling Social Behavior” equips social, behavioral, and cognitive scientists with an essential tool kit for thinking about and studying complex social systems using mathematical and computational models.
Author: Siddharth Kara
This book offers details of an investigation into the human rights abuses behind the Congo’s cobalt mining operation — and the moral implications that affect us all.
“Cobalt Red” is the searing, first-ever expose of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining, as told through the testimonies of the Congolese people, according to a review on goodreads.com.
To uncover the truth about brutal mining practices, the writer investigates militia-controlled mining areas and gathers shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering and even die while mining cobalt.
Author: Hanan Al-Shaykh
Hanan Al-Shaykh’s 1989 novel “Women of Sand and Myrrh” — translated into English by Catherine Cobham in 1992 — is a poignant exploration of the lives of Arab women, interweaving their struggles with identity, tradition, and desire.
The novel is set in an unnamed Gulf state, where the lives of its four female protagonists — a teacher, a wealthy woman, a rebellious young girl, and a mother — collide in unexpected ways. Al-Shaykh crafts a rich tapestry that reveals the complexities of womanhood in a world often defined by patriarchal constraints.
Al-Shaykh’s prose is both lyrical and incisive, capturing the nuances of her characters’ inner lives. Each woman’s story is a thread in the intricate fabric of their shared experiences, reflecting broader societal issues such as gender roles, sexual freedom, and the quest for autonomy.
What I found particularly compelling was Al-Shaykh’s ability to evoke empathy for her characters. For instance, her portrayal of Amani’s turmoil is raw and honest, allowing readers to connect deeply with her journey.
The narrative is peppered with moments of humor and warmth, which serve to balance the weight of the characters’ challenges.
This blend of light and dark enhances the reading experience, making the women’s resilience all the more impactful. Al-Shaykh doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities these women face, yet she also celebrates their strength and solidarity.
Moreover, the novel invites readers to reflect on the universal themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for self-identity. It’s a reminder that while the cultural backdrop may differ, the emotional landscapes are often strikingly similar across borders.
Al-Shaykh’s characters are not just products of their environment but individuals with dreams, fears, and aspirations.
“Women of Sand and Myrrh” is a beautifully crafted narrative that transcends cultural barriers.
This book is not just a story; it’s an invitation to engage with the voices of women who have often been silenced.
It left me with a profound appreciation for the resilience of women everywhere, and is a must-read for anyone interested in literature that challenges and inspires.
