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
*Disclaimer: This is not a comedy book. If you're looking for stand up comedy, watch one of Ansari's specials. If you're looking for a scientific and *Disclaimer: This is not a comedy book. If you're looking for stand up comedy, watch one of Ansari's specials. If you're looking for a scientific and humorous exploration of modern romance, this is the book. Aziz, and his expert colleagues, shift through mountains of data, carry out in-depth studies, and interview hundreds of subjects to paint a picture of how romance has changed in society (and through the world). A lot of careful thought and effort was put in this book, and it's evident when you read/listen to the text. For people who have to navigate the murky waters of online dating, this book might shine some light on why things work the way they do. For those who partnered before technology became the main driving force in romantic socializing, this book will help you understand the challenges and advantages of contemporary dating that you're contemporaries have to deal with. Regardless of your Facebook status (single/married/it's complicated), you will learn something from this book, and get a laugh out of it. I listened to the audiobook with my girlfriend while in SoCal traffic, and we both found it to be a great experience (I know even enjoyed being in traffic). Highly recommend....more
I listened to this audiobook while working out, and on numerous occasion started laughing hysterically while lifting...I am sure I looked like a madmaI listened to this audiobook while working out, and on numerous occasion started laughing hysterically while lifting...I am sure I looked like a madman. Amy's book paints her as a down to earth girl who knows the value of hard work and persistence; she also understands that those qualities do not guarantee success, and that she is extremely lucky.
The book is not organized at all; it's mostly a polished stream of thoughts with poems and how-to lists randomly distributed throughout. Amy pays no respect to chronology of any kind, jumping from childhood stories to her future like time is a dimension one can walk around in (she's a firm believer in time-travel by the way).
It's not all humor though; a lot of her narrative is empowering and touching. I think in general women will empathize with her writing more than men, but there is a lot of insight in that would benefit men too. I feel like everybody should read her tips on sex, which are just plain right...so right that I found myself nodding in agreement...at the gym, looking crazy.
Amy Poehler is not just a woman whom I think would be a great role model for girls, she is a great human whom I think is a great role model for everybody. ...more
It seems that a new sub-genre based on unabashed narration of an extremely hedonistic, narcissistic, and fortunate life is now part of the auto-biograIt seems that a new sub-genre based on unabashed narration of an extremely hedonistic, narcissistic, and fortunate life is now part of the auto-biography genre. Belfort tells the story of the years when he was on top of his game at Wall Street, and his gradual descent into the world of unchecked spending, upscale prostitutes, and never-ending drugs; all with a casual disregard of consequence. It's an extremly entertaining story, and maybe a little educational too (with respect to the early 90's financial system). Those who read auto-biographies of people who are notable because of their positive contributions to humanity by their accomplishments, will likely still find this a worthwhile read; Jordan's story shares many of the same element as these people, except the part about benefiting humanity and it's much more entertaining. ...more
This is a pseudo auto-biography of the author, Dave Eggers. I say "pseudo" because it's technically a work of fiction, as the author admits to conglomThis is a pseudo auto-biography of the author, Dave Eggers. I say "pseudo" because it's technically a work of fiction, as the author admits to conglomerating or altering certain events in his life to make them work better for presentation in a novel (but most of it is true). The author has had an extremely chaotic and tragic life, so the normal flow of intro, conflict, and resolution does not happen; it's conflict almost the entire time. The writing is witty, comical, and sharp. The author is an unapologetic narcissist, but he knows it too, which strangely enough makes it so it's not annoying. I really wanted to hate this book, but I couldn't. Read the preface after the main novel, it just works. ...more
When I first started this book, I wasn't quite sure what it was about. Now that I have finished reading it, I can say with certainly "I don't know whaWhen I first started this book, I wasn't quite sure what it was about. Now that I have finished reading it, I can say with certainly "I don't know what it's about". That's not a bad thing, it keeps the book interesting when it hops around from subject to subject; a painfully descriptive memory here, abruptly followed by a hilarious anecdote or flashback there; it works. Ms. Fey is an intelligent, humorous, and interesting woman, and I think independent women would enjoy this book (along with those who admire successful, independent, and funny women, such as myself). It's a great audiobook too, narrated by Mrs. Fey herself (perfect for short commutes as the chapters aren't that long). ...more
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