#AcademicRunPlaylist - 6/24/25

I made it back home, despite the mercury reaching 102°F (39°C). And while my AC was struggling to counteract the heat I listened to some books for my #AcademicRunPlaylist!

First was "You are Not Expected to Understand This," edited by Torie Bosch. This collection provides a whirlwind tour of different topics in computing history. This assumes zero knowledge of programming or computing history, and if you're well read in those spaces much of the material will be review. If, however, you're looking for an enjoyable introduction, this is the book for you https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691208480/you-are-not-expected-to-understand-this

Last was "Puerto Rico" by Jorell Meléndez-Badillo. This book takes you through Puerto Rico's history to the present day, with much of the focus on Spanish and then US colonial periods (the latter still ongoing, obviously). Meléndez-Badillo provides rich analysis of interactions between the archipelago and Spain, and incredible context on the profoundly unfair relations with the US and movements to correct the imbalance. Beyond its insight, the occasional personal notes included here provide an emotional heft that makes the book that much more powerful. Highly recommend https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691231273/puerto-rico