Book Reviews
Book Reviews
Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion
Robert Gordon
Bloomsbury USA
Street: 11.12.13
Otis Redding, one of America’s most influential artists who changed the way we think about music—even after his early death—owed much of his success to his label. Conversely, the label, Stax Records, owed much of their success to Redding. It was a symbiotic relationship up until his untimely death in 1967. As a huge fan of both the Stax label and Otis himself, I say thank god for this relationship. I must also give thanks to Robert Gordon for writing such a timely and impressively journalistic account of the founding of one of America’s greatest labels. This book is filled to the brim with humorous and altogether insightful anecdotes—not just about the people who founded the label, but also about the numerous artists for whom Stax was a gift from heaven: Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave, Booker T. and the M.G.’s, Wilson Pickett (a personal favorite) and Judy Clay. –Taylor Hale
Veganomics
Nick Cooney
Lantern Books
Street: 08.29.13
Introverted? Single? Female? Then you’re likely a vegetarian, according to Veganomics by Nick Cooney. Facts about who vegetarians are and what motivates them fill each page; this book digs deep to explore who goes veg and why. Everything from what jobs they take or how they vote is thoroughly covered. This book is geared for those who are vegetarian and want to use psychology to convince others to opt for meat-free meals. A fact that has stayed with me is how much more humane it is to skip fish and chicken than a hamburger. By doing so you save more lives and prevent a lot more suffering than giving up red meat alone. It was also enlightening to know that the numbers of animals saved by going vegan vs. vegetarian aren’t that different. I’m fascinated by what makes vegetarians different from omnivores. I’ve flip-flopped from buffalo to veggie burgers a few times and still don’t fully understand. Cooney answers my questions with science rather than philosophy—a refreshing difference. Veganomics is stuffed with studies, facts and statistics, and it’s also engaging and fun to read. –Amanda Rock