What's Your Bias? The surprising science of why we vote the way we do Lee De-Wit
This is a timely book considering some of the surprising election results of recent years. We may take for granted that people vote the same way as their parents, but it turns out that this is not so much to do with upbringing, but because of our genetic similarities. However there is so much more that influences the way we vote - or indeed if we vote! With chapter headings such as "Why do you always think you are right", "What's in a face" and "Faking it", De-Wit offers an easy to read and fascinating look at the psychology behind our political preferences.
The Emoji Code: the linguists behind smiley faces and scaredy cats Vyvyan Evans
A positive look at the way our language has evolved rather than a bemoaning of the imminent loss of the written language. The author argues that emojis enrich our ability to communicate, they " allow us to express our emotions and induce empathy - ultimately making us better communicators". When we communicate digitally (every day 41.5 billion texts are sent) our non verbal cues are missed, the emoji can express these nuances. Perhaps after reading this book I will be able to evolve, and move on from the smiley face.
Children's Garden: Loads of things to make and grow Matthew Appleby
Many of us want our children to get off the computer and enjoy the outdoors. The beauty of this book is there is no need to travel to the high country, you can introduce your children via your own garden, however big or small. The book is divided by the seasons and includes craft projects, cooking your produce, games, keeping animals etc. It shows that a garden can be full of creativity and fun, whatever the season.
Vitamin C: Clay + ceramic in contemporary art
Ceramics have left behind their image of rather nasty shaped pots created in night-school, and have now been accepted into the hallowed folds of "Art". Each page has full colour plates ranging from the small and delicate to large monstrosities and installations. There is colour, detail, a dash of 'goodness my three year old could have made that', and plenty to be challenged by.
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