BOOK REPORTS--

Born in Africa by Martin Meredith

Sub-titled "The Quest for the Origins of Human Life" the book takes a peek at the seven million years that have passed since the precursors of humankind began to evolve in Africa; always in search of the oldest human ancestor.  The whole process however was marred by the intense rivalry, personal feuds and fierce controversies of the sciences and scientists involved.  The current agreement seems to point to Homo sapiens beginning about 60,000 years ago, generally in East Africa.  More or less.


It's All About the Bike by Robert Penn

The funniest line in this book was when the author described one design of a bicycle seat as like "riding on an irritable lobster."  Penn is in the middle of a life-long love affair with bicycles and in his mid 20's pedaled around the world.  In his book he travels internationally accumulating bicycle components from top of the line manufacturers with the hope of assembling a world-class, dream bicycle.


The Rise and Fall of the Bible by Timothy Beal

The author, a professor of religion at Case Western Reserve University "...takes us back to early Christianity to ask how a box of handwritten scrolls became the Bible, and forward to see how the multibillion-dollar business that has brought us Biblezines and manga Bibles is selling down the Bible's sacred capital."  Scholars will find the book challenging.  The faithful likely will find the book unsettling.


The Statues that Walked by Terry Hunt/Carl Lipo

Sub-titled "Unraveling the Mystery of Easter Island" the authors harness the power of modern science to unravel the mysteries surrounding this extremely remote Pacific island.  Why were the island statues created and how were they moved?  Where did the native population go?  After some plodding through the abstractions of sociological theroy they arrive at horrofic and evidence-supported conclusions.