We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.
Books: The Preventioneers & Until Alison
Today, we are recommending The Preventioneers by Barry R. Davis. This book focuses on those heroic individuals who, rather than dedicating themselves to solving problems that had already happened, focused on preventing problems from occurring in the first place. They include Ignaz Semmelweis, who promoted handwashing among doctors so as not to spread disease to their patients and from one patient to another; Richard Doll, who first established the link between smoking and cancer; and even Benjamin Franklin for his fire safety advocacy. Although the causes each of these pioneers took on and the actions they advocated may seem like common sense now, that was not the case when these ideas were originally introduced. It took great courage for these heroes to fight against the grain and establish wide acceptance of their literally life-saving ideas. Although this book is a little too dryly told at times, it is not only quite inspirational, but it's also a lesson in the importance of persistence.
Today, we are talking about Until Alison by Kate Russo. Journalism student. Rachel is drawn into covering the murder of her former rival and one-time best friend Alison. The murder, which occurred one night after the pair ran into each other at a party, and Rachel callously referenced the past, stirs up old memories for Rachel, causing her to reframe her past.
It is hard to like this book. For one thing, the main character is not likable. Although her past actions toward her former best friend may be somewhat relatable, given human nature, they are not admirable nor excusable. In fact, many of the characters in the book are not likable. They are callous and engage in selfish actions without regard for others, including, at times, Alison. The latter does remain the most sympathetic character in the novel, however, relatively speaking.
Although the story's denouement is definitely shocking, it is also completely out of left field. Plus, the resolution of the central murder mystery really has nothing to do with the rest of the plot. It is completely arbitrary and lacks relation to the rest of the story. Thus, on the whole, this book is a disappointment.
Movie: In the Company of Wolves
Today, we are talking about In the Company of Wolves: An American Journey. This documentary is about the changing nature of man's relationship to animals. It emphasizes how human actions led to the extinction of various species and how continuing in the same vein will only lead to more.
The most important aspect of the film is the way it deconstructs our understanding of wolves and attempts to paint a more accurate picture of them, including their nature and importance. Other than that, the film doesn't really cover any new ground. It does, however, reiterate important messages about conservation and the need to rexamine our relationship to the world around us, including the various animals in it. It is also beautifully shot and lovely to look at.
And that's our view. The Preventioneers was published in May. Until Alison publishes tomorrow, July 15. In the Company of Wolves: An American Journey will be available this Friday, July 17, digitally for purchase or rental.
Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
All images other than film images used in this post are our own. Film images have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or PR firms. Address any concerns regarding image usage here.
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