There are books on how and where the famous died, and where to visit the grave. This book, as the subtitle suggests, is about how death might happen: Final Exits: the Illustrated Encyclopedia of How We Die, by Michael Largo. There's the expected causes such as war and disease, and the unexpected, such as speeding down a lake in a jet ski and colliding with a flying duck. Or being hit with lightning while wearing an under-wire bra. Or washing dishes in a metal sink during a thunderstorm. Or sign language being considered a gang sign. Interesting and one of those books with short entries that's easy to read during ads, or between other books.

Does it seem like we've become a rude society? Do good manners seem to be a thing of the past? It's true, and that's what F You Very Much: Understanding the Culture of Rudeness -- and What We Can Do About It, by Danny Wallace is all about. It seems rudeness can spread in a ripple effect, even witnessing a rude interaction can make us more likely to be rude ourselves. There is a neurological explanation for this. Some- times it's cause by a misunderstanding because manners differ between cultures (in some, the 'thumbs up' gesture is considered rude). The author offers some solutions, too. A most interesting, if sometimes rather sad, read.

Reading Hermit With Dog