Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

The Best Books for Plane Rides—Both Short & Long

Do you have a flight coming up and don’t know what books to take on the plane? What are the best books to read on short and long flights? Plane rides aren’t exactly known for being the most entertaining way to spend your time. And if there aren’t many good movie options, the clock seems to tick in slow motion. But a good book has a special way of making time speed up. Pick up one of these books before your trip and you’ll be at your destination before you know it.

Best Yoga YouTube Channels, Blogs, & Books

Do you want to learn about yoga? Do you want to improve your teaching methods as a yoga instructor? Or perhaps you’re interested in learning about the roots of this ancient practice? Yoga is an age-old Hindu practice that goes back thousands of years. Today, yoga is used for various purposes—spirituality, exercise, flexibility, and medical benefits. Additionally, there are at least eight different types of yoga, which can be intimidating for aspiring practitioners. That’s why we combed the internet to find the best yoga resources, including YouTube channels, blogs, and books to help you on your yoga journey.

Shortform Reads: Playing Hooky to Finish a Book

What book did Tess play hooky from school to read? What two books helped her fight her tendency to become distracted? Tess is an ex-pat living her best life in France. She’s an editor, a writer, and a mentor to new Shortform writers.

The Rise of Centralized Government in Eurasia

What did Eurasia’s government system look like? What factors contributed to the structure of their government? Eurasia’s society developed faster than most at the time thanks to their understanding of food production and their population density. These factors, along with a few more, led Eurasia to create a centralized government. Here’s why Eurasia developed a centralized government and how it was advantageous.

The History of Eurasia: How Knowledge Spread

What factors contributed to the rise and spread of knowledge in Eurasia? What advantages did knowledge provide in Eurasian society? According to Jared Diamond, the author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, three factors lead to the spread of knowledge in the history of Eurasia. Those factors were: a head start in food production, a large area with a dense population, and the ease of diffusion. Continue reading to learn the history of how Eurasia thrived.

The History of Infectious Diseases in Eurasia

Can an epidemic be a good thing? What factors lead to the development and spread of infectious diseases in Eurasia? How did Eurasians become dangerous to the rest of the world? In his book Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond discusses how epidemic diseases were a blessing in disguise for Eurasian societies. Over time, Eurasians became immune to certain deadly diseases and were eventually able to wipe out entire populations without using physical weapons. Keep reading for the history of infectious diseases in Eurasia, and how it may have saved its population.

The Diffusion of Crops in Eurasia: Rise & Spread

What made Eurasia a prime location for domesticable plants? How did Eurasia’s geographic location give it an advantage? Jared Diamond, a historian, geographer, and ornithologist, contends that Eurasia benefited from having geographical features that supported the diffusion of crops and the rise and spread of food production. He said that the two features that set Eurasia apart were its axis orientation and the lack of topographic and ecological factors. Continue reading to learn about the history of the diffusion of crops in Eurasia.

The History of Domesticated Farm Animals in Eurasia

Why did Eurasian society thrive throughout history? What set Eurasian farming apart from other areas of the world? According to the author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, Jared Diamond, a large part of why Eurasia thrived was due to its history of domesticated animals. Diamond claimed that Eurasia had more domesticable farm animals than most parts of the world. Keep reading to learn about the history of domesticated animals on Eurasian farms.

Jared Diamond’s Theory on the Fertile Crescent

What is Jared Diamond’s theory about food production and farming in Eurasia? What factors created the Fertile Crescent? According to historian, geographer, and ornithologist Jared Diamond, Eurasia developed and thrived thanks to its food production. One huge factor in that food production was the fact Eurasia was located in the Fertile Crescent, a geographical location perfectly suited for domesticable plants. Here’s a closer look at Jared Diamond’s theory on Eurasia and the Fertile Crescent.

Guns, Germs, & Steel by Jared Diamond: Overview

What is Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond about? What are the key takeaways from the book? Guns, Germs, and Steel is Jared Diamond’s attempt to determine why societies historically took different paths. It was named one of TIME’s best non-fiction books of all time, awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1998, and turned into a PBS documentary released in 2005. Keep reading for an overview of Diamond’s award-winning book.