Stephenson Family Ties

Anna Castagnoli

“I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.” - Dalai Lama

Before I even began reading WHAT THE DOG SAW, I had high expectations. After reading BLINK a year ago, I became an instant fan of Malcolm Gladwell. So when my dad brought this book by I was excited to begin another insightful journey with Malcolm and what he thinks inside that curly topped head of his. WHAT THE DOG SAW didnt disappoint. Its a good sign, when reading, when you want to share full chapters with your loved ones and friends. I think it means you've found a winner!!!

The chapter in the book entitled - John Rock's Error, What the Inventor of the Birth Control Pill Didnt Know About Women's Health; My Anna will find fascinating!! Not because Im privy to her thoughts and practices on family planning, but because interestingly enough, this chapter is more about women physiology than it is about the invention of the Pill. Anna digs this stuff!!

Then there is the chapter on Mammography and Air Power and the limits of looking. I know my Dr brother in law would find this chapter very interesting. And we could have a fun discussion about it with him as well as with Clark my pre-med son. And its not just because its about reading "x-rays" but its more about how too much information might not always be a good thing.

I loved the chapter about Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer. For we do love dogs, but this chapter is also about 'reading people' and not just about how to relate to mans best friend.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Its thought provoking and makes for interesting conversation. Plus theres so much to be learned without feeling like your being preached to. Malcolm just wants us to think!!!

Four stars for this one!!!