Ask Me Anything, Pt. 1 | Interview: Sarah Isgur

Bill Bryson's 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' is a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of science, from the Big Bang to the present day. Bryson tackles complex subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, breaking them down into understandable and engaging narratives. The book delves into the history of scientific discovery, highlighting the personalities and stories behind major breakthroughs. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of various scientific fields and their impact on our understanding of the world. Bryson's writing style is characterized by humor and curiosity, making even the most daunting scientific concepts approachable. This book is a celebration of human knowledge and the quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Stuart Banner's book provides a comprehensive and accessible history of the U.S. Supreme Court, detailing its evolution from the Founding era to the present. It examines the Court's structure, its relationship with other branches of government, and how it has maintained its power despite criticisms. The book offers insights into the Court's decisions and their impact on American society, presenting a balanced view without praising or criticizing specific rulings.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a portal fantasy novel that follows the story of four English siblings - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy - who are evacuated to the countryside during World War II. While exploring the large, old house of Professor Kirke, Lucy discovers a wardrobe that serves as a portal to the land of Narnia. In Narnia, they encounter various magical creatures and the evil White Witch, who has cast a spell to keep Narnia in perpetual winter. The siblings soon learn that they are part of an ancient prophecy to save Narnia, aided by the lion Aslan. The story is an allegory of Christianity, with Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection mirroring the story of Jesus Christ. The novel also incorporates elements from Germanic, classical Greek and Roman, and Celtic mythology.

The book takes place in the 30th-story classroom of Wayside School, where each chapter focuses on a different student. The school was built incorrectly, with 30 stories instead of 30 classrooms in a row. The stories feature the antics of students under the care of their teachers, Mrs. Gorf and later Mrs. Jewls, and include the author himself as the yard teacher. The book is known for its absurd humor and insightful portrayal of children's logic and behaviors.

This book by Adam Hochschild explores the period from 1885 to 1908 when King Leopold II of Belgium exploited the Congo Free State, committing large-scale atrocities. The narrative includes the lives of key figures such as Henry Morton Stanley, George Washington Williams, William Sheppard, and Edmund Morel, who played crucial roles in exposing and challenging Leopold’s regime. The book also delves into the broader context of European colonialism and its lasting impacts, as well as the early media campaigns against humanitarian crises. Hochschild’s work provides a nuanced view of colonial dynamics and the struggles of African voices during this era.

This book offers a comprehensive history of the United States from the Battle of New Orleans to the end of the Mexican–American War. It explores the political, social, economic, and cultural changes during this period, including the rise of mass political parties, the impact of new communication and transportation technologies, and the influence of religious movements such as the Second Great Awakening. The book also delves into the roles of key figures like Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams, and it highlights the intersection of politics, religion, and social reform movements, including women's rights and abolition.

The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.