The Great Fire

by Susan Hazzard

**** [4/5]

This story tracks the adventures of Aldred Leith in post-war Asia. The hero encounters many well built characters, friends, and people from his past. His relationship with the 17 year old Helen is the focus of the story and the challenges they face as her ailing brother becomes worse. Well worth the read if you like the WWII era pieces.

Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to go to Graduate School

by Adam Ruben

** [2/5]

A friend gave me this book, because I did make a stupid decision to grad school and have been living with this decision for several years. The book is mostly a funny description of classic graduate school issues, however it does not provide more than a few laugh out loud moments. Fun read but far from a must read.