It is the perfect pronoun to describe something we fear, or better, don't understand. Great book.It is the perfect pronoun to describe something we fear, or better, don't understand. Great book....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
Categorizing this book into anything more specific than fiction would be a disservice, there really isn't a sub-genre it neatly fits into. The story jCategorizing this book into anything more specific than fiction would be a disservice, there really isn't a sub-genre it neatly fits into. The story jumps back and forth in time and location, from one perspective to another touching on the lives of a college English professor, one of his students, a role-playing game addict, war protestor, factory worker, and publisher and masterfully weaves their lives together in a very interesting tale.
Characterization and character development are strong, the author's description of characters and their lives are so well thought out, they feel like they are real people...you will likely get attached. That said, the story has a satisfying conclusion, and maybe a moral too, of sorts. An emotional read, but very fun. ...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
Not a traditional cookbook with a series of recipes, but split in half by two sections. The first section is divided into chapters covering salt, acidNot a traditional cookbook with a series of recipes, but split in half by two sections. The first section is divided into chapters covering salt, acid, fat, and heat, and goes into great detail about their role in every meal. Techniques on how to properly use each element are discussed, and recipes to help develop skills for each element are given. The second section of the book is basic recipes that build upon the knowledge of the first. Usually, a staple food recipe is given, followed by many complex variations that build upon it.
Solid read; I cook the majority of my meals, and they tasted noticeably better after applying a few techniques from the book. The author uses a loose auto-biographical method to explain how she came to her techniques, makes reading much easier and a lot less bland.
Being the progressive, open-minded, and thoughtful person that I am, when I saw this book pop up on my feed, I dismissed it; thinking it would not addBeing the progressive, open-minded, and thoughtful person that I am, when I saw this book pop up on my feed, I dismissed it; thinking it would not add much to my already developed views on the subject of feminism. However, the title drew me back to it. When I saw the author was Nigerian, I decided this book was so outside of my norm, it would probably be worth reading for the exposure to a different style of writing.
I am so glad I read this book, or long essay to be more descriptive. In only about an hour or two of reading, the author does such an eloquent job of combining personal narrative, common experience, and solid logic into purely distilled wisdom, I felt like I read a much longer text.
The percentage of sentences I highlighted for later reference easily surpasses any other nonfiction books I have read. This is technically a book about parenting, which serves as the perfect vehicle to deliver the author's points on feminism.
Highly recommend to everyone to read, regardless of your demographic. If this is a subject that resonates with you, you'll learn more about it. If this is a subject you don't care for, you will end up having a much better understanding of the people who do care about it or might just end up becoming one of them. ...more
Like every cyberpunk story, this is also a detective story. Technology plays a big role, with the internet of things and augmented reality role-playinLike every cyberpunk story, this is also a detective story. Technology plays a big role, with the internet of things and augmented reality role-playing serving as vehicles for plot development. Characters change throughout the story, a few main ones stick around, but the story is the main attraction. This is the continuation and conclusion to the first book in the series, "Daemon." Entertaining and easy to digest if you are into technology.
Highly recommend to people who are early adopters of technology, play RPGs, or enjoyed "Ready Player One."...more
Humans may not come with guidebooks on how to properly operate, but this book is the closest thing to a schematic or operations manual. Objectively grHumans may not come with guidebooks on how to properly operate, but this book is the closest thing to a schematic or operations manual. Objectively grounded in its explanations, carefully worded, and casual in its reasoning of incredibly complex behaviors, this is an accomplishment. It's almost sacrilegious to read something that, on the whole, explains so many of our actions using critical thought and data.
Reading this book might diminish the mystery and wonder of the human spirit for some, similar to when understanding how new technology works suddenly means it's no longer "magic." But this book gives more than it takes and is easily one of the better books on human psychology, evolution, neuroscience, etc. The way this book is written forces the reader to think syntopically, which is the highest level of reading/understanding/comprehension (IMO). It forces you to understand, even if you are unwilling. Highest recommendation for all readers willing to reassess their beliefs and ideas about how they think and behave. ...more
A very emotional narration about a (fictional) teen's decision to end her life. That said, it's also a great story, and keeps the reader very engaged.A very emotional narration about a (fictional) teen's decision to end her life. That said, it's also a great story, and keeps the reader very engaged. The topics discussed are all the stereotypical high school problems normal to this genre, but they do find their extremes in sexual assault and suicide. This is young adult fiction, however most adults will also find this book relatable when looking back on their past.
Rarely do I find a book adaptation better than the book, but in this case, I felt the Netflix's show based off this book is better. It does a better job with characterization and storytelling, and it incorporates today's technology. Highly recommend this book, but support the show over the book. Highly recommend reading/watching with somebody else. ...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
This is the best book series I have ever read. I won't bother to properly review this book, but just say that this series has made me think about humaThis is the best book series I have ever read. I won't bother to properly review this book, but just say that this series has made me think about humanity and our relationship to the universe in a different way. That it was originally written in Chinese, and I read a translation (multiple translators at that), and it still made such an impact is impressive. This is hard science fiction, hard philosopy, and hard physics, but worth it. ...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
China's cultural revolution does not seem like the normal setting for a science fiction novel, at least not for an American novel. This is a Chinese nChina's cultural revolution does not seem like the normal setting for a science fiction novel, at least not for an American novel. This is a Chinese novel, which I can only assume is expertly translated into English. The author lived through the revolution and is an engineer, so his historical and technical accounts are legitimate and detailed.
If we suppose that the purpose of science fiction is not merely entertainment, but also the pursuit to expand the mind's of those who read it, this book is the definition of science fiction. The existential threat that an alien invasion poses to mankind opens up so many philosophical discussions, and this book deals with them. The author puts a lot of effort into making very advanced theories and technologies understandable to the general reader. His explanation of the digital logic required to create a computer is better than the explanation I received as an electrical engineering student. But beyond historical anecdotes and theorized applications of technology, there is a great story that brings it all together.
After reading it, I kept thinking about it for a few days. It's a book that makes you think. A book that challenges you. A book is destined to become a classic. When this book hits critical mass in America, it will hit it big. Must read for any sci-fi, mystery, or Chinese literature fan....more
Peter Thiel is one of the founding members of PayPal; you could attribute his success in that endeavor to luck. However, the fact that he and his founPeter Thiel is one of the founding members of PayPal; you could attribute his success in that endeavor to luck. However, the fact that he and his founding team at PayPal, all went on to create new companies, all valued over a billion dollars after PayPal cannot be excused to chance. It's immediately clear that Thiel has a solid grasp on startups as soon as you start the book. He is the epitome of a syntopical reader, using the works of many great authors (Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Rand, and many more) and turning them into analogies to explain new or misunderstood concepts. Highly recommend to anybody with an MBA or management background who whats the basic tenants of their studies challenged. This isn't a book about just making a great startup, but about making a better future. ...more
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