"Right Angles and Other Obstinate Truths" is a fascinating collection of commentaries on current issues, famous and infamous individuals, passing fads, Baby Boomer memories and personal experiences. The more than 70 short essays by Michael M. Bates are provocative and may strike some as controversial. They all appeared in his regular column in the southwest suburban "Chicago Reporter Newspapers." There aren't many books that run the gamut from Adams (John) to Zorro. This one does, and includes observations on topics as disparate as the IRS, Banned Books Week, pet psychics, the Chicago Cubs,...