George Washington is not lacking biographies, but he is lacking diversity in the perspective of those biographies. Coe's perspective is different, maiGeorge Washington is not lacking biographies, but he is lacking diversity in the perspective of those biographies. Coe's perspective is different, mainly because she is different from the average historian apt to write about the first president.
Her account of Washington's life is intentionally incomplete; she chooses not to detail aspects well covered in other biographies. Her focus is on the forgotten parts of his life the make him more of a person and less a historical figure. This includes the joyful details about his favorite snacks, many pets, and early love life. However, darker aspects are not spared, including accounts of his anger getting the better of him, and some physical abuses to the slaves he owned (sometimes by his hand).
When she does discuss topics that are common to most of his biographies, she does so with a critical eye. She examines his legendary military victories, but notes he has more defeats than wins. She summarizes his abilities, and elaborates on his not-so-well-known skills, such as his prowesses in espionage, which may have been his most critical military strength.
Most avid readers of founding-father biographies may not like this biography. It illuminates unsavory parts of his life, discusses seemingly trivial topics like his sense of fashion, and is not afraid to call him out for his mistakes. But that's what makes this an excellent read for somebody looking to have a complete picture of the man. But be warned, you should never meet your heroes. ...more
Am I a Racist? No. Is that enough? No. Am I an Antiracist? I am now.
Kendi's book is an in-depth exploration of the concept of race, from its roots in sAm I a Racist? No. Is that enough? No. Am I an Antiracist? I am now.
Kendi's book is an in-depth exploration of the concept of race, from its roots in slavery to its present branches of discrimination. His account is partially biographical, using his experiences to illuminate ideas, define words he has learned, and then relearned. Each chapter begins with terms and definitions and expands into his narrative. Subjects covered are broad (power, biology, capitalism, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, gender, color, success).
Hearing the author speaking on television and not liking his, what I mistakenly thought, militant attitude on race, I purchased this book as part of my "outside of my comfort zone" genre. These are usually books I do not want to read but will give a chance because they have buzz. They are also books I think will be a waste of time (in this case because I was already "not racist", what else do I need to learn?). But every once in awhile I read something so different, it changes me. This is one of those books.
This book helped me realize my thoughts on race had stagnated. What I mistakenly thought was a full understanding of this issue, was in reality, understanding just what I was comfortable with. I started reading before the death of George Floyd, and after his death, reading each word weighed heavier. The concepts explored in this book did not ring hollow, but my old thoughts on race did.
Change does not happen overnight in an entire population, but it can happen overnight in an individual. Reading and applying this book are my first steps toward change. I implore everybody to read this book, especially those who label themselves as "not racist" and see no gain from this book. You can be better; You can do better.
Some quotes:
The language of color blindness—like the language of “not racist”—is a mask to hide racism.
The defining question is whether the discrimination is creating equity or inequity. If discrimination is creating equity, then it is antiracist.
The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination.
In my first course with Mazama, she lectured on Asante’s contention that objectivity was really “collective subjectivity.” She concluded, “It is impossible to be objective.”
Part history book, part owner's manual- Bryson writes a fantastically entertaining and informative narrative. From head to toe, he discusses how the mPart history book, part owner's manual- Bryson writes a fantastically entertaining and informative narrative. From head to toe, he discusses how the machinery in each of us is set up, operates, and malfunctions. The stories behind the doctors that unlocked its secrets are wildly more scandalous and full of intrigue than one would assume. He makes sure to weave them into his account of each subject discussed. Written in a style that doesn't require the reader to recall past chapters or continuity, it's an easy read that will stay engaging. Highly recommend....more
Written by a former addict turned neuroscientist, the author uses her experience as a vehicle to explain the science of addiction. She makes a compellWritten by a former addict turned neuroscientist, the author uses her experience as a vehicle to explain the science of addiction. She makes a compelling case for those affected, and her first-hand view of the subject is poignant. The science is very dense and difficult to understand. However, it's not cumulative. Not understanding some parts will not make the rest of the book unreadable. The book has a strong start, but requires an effort on the reader's part to keep going, although worth it. I highly recommend to anyone interested in the science of addiction.
"The opposite of addiction, I have learned, is not sobriety but choice."...more
A sobering read, likely to spark introspection in most readers. The central premise being:
"He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.
A sobering read, likely to spark introspection in most readers. The central premise being:
"He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how."
A quote Frankl attributes to the philosopher Nietzsche, who is often associated with the philosophy of nihilism. Nihilism is the antithesis of Frankl's school of thought that finding meaning in one's life, even if that meaning is suffering, is the purpose of one's existence. Not power or pleasure as others argue.
There is no power or pleasure in the first two-thirds of the narrative, it's Frankl's auto-biographical account of his years spent in a concentration camp. Stripped of everything, he found a way to endure, a way to find meaning in his suffering, and a reason to live. His intimate knowledge of suffering is almost zen-like in its dispensation. A lot of his ideas on psychology stem from his time as a prisoner.
The last part of the book is a discussion of "logotherapy." This is Frankl's school of psychotherapy, rooted in finding meaning in one's existence. He discusses its principles more formally and cites examples of his patients recovering from its use.
Overall, it's a disjointed book; medical text, philosophy, and biography. Subjective science, if you will, not to discredit it or discourage its reading. For all it's flaws (and what seem to be contradictions), it's a book that will leave most critical readers changed.
Some quotes:
Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning.
I think it was Lessing who once said, “There are things which must cause you to lose your reason or you have none to lose.”
If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be a meaning in suffering. Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death. Without suffering and death human life cannot be complete.
In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.
That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.
Part autobiography and part writing class, King brings together two subjects he's very familiar with, just a bit disjointedly. His childhood is interePart autobiography and part writing class, King brings together two subjects he's very familiar with, just a bit disjointedly. His childhood is interesting, but not as exciting as one would think, given the horrors that have come from his mind. Some aspects of his life are easily seen in his fiction, especially his early work. The portion of the book that discusses writing is very philosophical. Writing is an art, and King does not teach how to paint, but what makes a painting enjoyable. There are some instructive rules he provides, but at the core, it's practice, reading, and talent that makes a good writer in his estimation. An excellent read for fans of his fiction....more
For a person so young, the quantity of experience in the memoir is staggering. Tara's life is interesting, her writing captivating, and storytelling bFor a person so young, the quantity of experience in the memoir is staggering. Tara's life is interesting, her writing captivating, and storytelling beautiful. It's a worthwhile story. Vivid experiences with her family detailing mental disorder, domestic abuse, and spending days working in a junkyard are a lot of the narrative. Never being formally educated, her transformation into an academic is fascinating. The schism this creates between her and family is central to her story. She makes it a point not to confound the questionable actions done in the name of religion (latter-day saints in this case) with the problematic people responsible. Highly recommend to all. ...more
The story of OKC is one of the strangest and interesting a city could have, who would have thought? Having lived in downtown OKC a few years, I know t
The story of OKC is one of the strangest and interesting a city could have, who would have thought? Having lived in downtown OKC a few years, I know the author has truly captured the essence of the city. It's a city that has been struggling for its place in the world since the day it was born right out of a gunshot. Anderson's proses are sublimely crafted in a way that the indescribable feelings many have about the city are put to words that are not only full of nostalgia, but full of "oh yeah, that is a perfectly weird but very accurate way to describe it!" head nods.
Most who live in OKC (or have done in the past) will thoroughly enjoy this book. Beginning with the prehistoric geography of the city to its ridiculous founding, on to the days of the bombing and the rise of the Thunder the author covers it all. For those not from OKC, still an excellent read... but highly recommend listing to this short podcast with the author describing one chapter from the book if unsure: The Worst Way To Start A City (99 Percent Invisible)
It's a hilarious, interesting, sad, beautiful, ridiculous book worth reading or listening too (perfect for road trips to/from OKC as I found). ...more
If the victors write history, why is it that the history of the most extensive contiguous empire to exist is so scant? And why is it that the little hIf the victors write history, why is it that the history of the most extensive contiguous empire to exist is so scant? And why is it that the little history there is casts this empire negatively?
Because the victors do not write history; we do. And regardless of how history is written, it is always revisionist. This book seeks to balance and reconcile the accounts of the Mongol History and its founder, Genghis Khan.
Born to a stolen mother forced to marry her kidnapper and bear his children, Genghis was not brought into a welcoming world. Before reaching puberty, he had already found his future wife, become the head of his house, and been taken into bondage as a child slave.
Escaping his circumstances, he went on to conquer more than any other ruler history, dwarfing the likes of Alexander, Caesar, and Napolean.
He did this with sheer willpower, the ability to shed outdated traditions, and a want to absorb the best from other cultures. A meritocracy based military, secular government that promotes all religions, universal paper currency, rule of law that banished torture, and government that invests in infrastructure to develop trade inside and outside his empire were just a few of the things he pioneered.
This is not to say all his accomplishments were noble, like many rulers, he was responsible for the deaths, rapes, and inhuman treatment of millions.
But the accounts of his misdeeds seem to be disproportionally negative relative to his peers, primarily due to propaganda campaigns by individuals and states not wanting to have an "Asian" like Genghis Khan to be associated with such significant accomplishments.
Ironically, these very states were the direct beneficiaries of the Mongol Empire, substantially benefiting from the flourishing empire's trade routes and scientific discoveries, eventually bringing about their renaissance age.
A nomad and warrior until his death at an old age, he built no permanent structures, his grave isn't even marked. There is an exception, however: bridges. Genghis Khan likely built more bridges than any other ruler, connecting the world everywhere he went.
If you want to see world history from your point of view, you'll see what you want to. If you want to try to see world history from the point of view of somebody who ruled more of it than anybody else, read this book. ...more
Very well written treatise for the potential future of humankind and our descendants. What the author discusses is out of focus in details, but the biVery well written treatise for the potential future of humankind and our descendants. What the author discusses is out of focus in details, but the big picture is clear, humanity will end. Main topics discussed are:
- How our descendants will treat us, or the future of ethics. - How humans have created intersubjective reality/stories to create meaning - How all organisms are algorithms - What technology will do for human beings in the near future - The transition from religion to humanism, then humanism to a data-centric system - Why people will likely become obsolete
This is a book that will make you think, maybe even question your ideals. I think the author's goal was to make readers question the collective future of humanity. It's forced me to reevaluate the panacea to the future that I image (we just need to get off this planet and colonize the galaxy, right?). Not so fast.
Great read, highly recommend the companion book that precedes this too "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind"....more
Kelly has had an exciting life, and the diverse set of stories told almost chronologically in this book reinforce that. Starting with her growing up iKelly has had an exciting life, and the diverse set of stories told almost chronologically in this book reinforce that. Starting with her growing up in Albany in what seems to be the real life version of "Mean Girls" and ending with the highly publicized firing of the co-founder of Fox News (in no small part due to her). I say "almost chronological" as the stories about then candidate Donald Trump and Fox News head Roger Ailes are saved for the end, and are the main reason a lot of people picked up the book.
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook; she reads it, and she's not bad at narrating obviously. It's funny, interesting, and uplifting. Not a perfect read, but the number of "1 Star" or bad reviews it got surprised me. I realized that people are trying to make a political statement by rating this book, but the vast majority of this book is not political. Even the political stuff, Kelly goes to pains to cover in a fair manner (even painting almost all of her critics in a good light at some point). Highly recommend to those who enjoy contemporary books or strong female leads. ...more
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be put at risk even in a hundred battles
-Sun Tzu, The Art of War
That tire
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be put at risk even in a hundred battles
-Sun Tzu, The Art of War
That tired quote seems particularly applicable to a book that's the biography of Cancer. I found myself engrossed in this audiobook, the author personifies cancer in a way that almost makes you feel sympathetic to it, but stark reminders about its ruthlessness snap you back to reality. This is in part a history book, science book, and anthology of first-hand cases by the author, but reads like a novel at times. The war against cancer is at the intersection of ethics, technology, and medicine, so a board number of people will find this book interesting. Highly recommend to all non-fiction consumers. ...more
It's rare to find a book that so eloquently covers so many diverse types of stories. From the science of cancer, the biography of Henrietta, the histoIt's rare to find a book that so eloquently covers so many diverse types of stories. From the science of cancer, the biography of Henrietta, the history of cell cloning, the abuses of racism, the ethics of medical research, and to the stories of everyone involved.
It's highly likely that Mrs. Lacks' cells played a role in most people's lives today (you), and their importance in research is indisputable. The story that comes along with those cells is worth the read (or listen, it's a great audiobook). ...more
Those who enjoy knowing a little bit more about the proper names in their scientific textbooks will find this an at least interesting, if not entertaiThose who enjoy knowing a little bit more about the proper names in their scientific textbooks will find this an at least interesting, if not entertaining read.
You might know what a Laplace Transform is, but did you know that Pierre Laplace had cocktails with Napoleon? All the while making snarky (offensive) remarks about prominent institutions of the times.
You probably didn't; but if that's the kind of the stuff you want to know about Newton, Einstein, and other familiar names, you'll like this book. The search for Vulcan is a great vehicle to explore these lives, and an informative one about the scientific process.
Reading this book is like eating a delicious candy bar...only to realize it's a health bar made of superfoods.
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