This really is a game changer for me. Unknowingly I was already assembling some sort of Zettelkasten for my PhD thesis, but with less organisation. SoThis really is a game changer for me. Unknowingly I was already assembling some sort of Zettelkasten for my PhD thesis, but with less organisation. So this book gave me 1) the confirmation that is is a good idea (haha) and 2) the tools to make it even more useful.
Zettelkasten is basically a slip-box with ideas and information that you can use to link concepts and ideas to each other, which would be more difficult to do if you just process information linearly. When you are writing an academic text, this is really useful for literature reviews and coming up with new ideas to write about. For example, I do research on the effects of climate change on fish physiology. Every time I read an article or text that discusses this, or something related, I make a note on how this paper or information relates to my topic. This also includes the effect of warmer water on other organisms, or the distribution of fish, or even other aspects like ocean acidification. In this way, when I sit down to write a chapter thesis, I can lay down the notes and see patterns that I otherwise perhaps would have missed.
First of all, note-taking and organising is something highly personal. This is also why the reviews on this book are mostly very positive, or the complete opposite. I have an analogue Zettelkasten (so I work with cards and notebooks), but I do digitise everything into Obsidian. This is mostly for when I am traveling and I need to search for something. Working as much analogue as possible relieves me, as otherwise I would really be stuck to my computer all day. Taking the time to actually write by hand also helps processing information.
The few people who discuss that there are no actual examples in this book are missing the point, in my opinion. This is not a copy-and-paste technique everyone can use. It's also very field-dependent. My Zettelkasten looks very different from the person that is writing a fiction book. You need to try and mess around with it for yourself to find out how your Zettelkasten will look....more
This is a very short read, it's more of a workbook on the Word A Day Practice, that the author set up. It's easy to read and implement, the practice iThis is a very short read, it's more of a workbook on the Word A Day Practice, that the author set up. It's easy to read and implement, the practice is quite straightforward. The journal pages will be helpful, especially to beginners in writing. I found the book not very novel or unique, the techniques applied are commonly known to writers. So for seasoned writers stuck in a rut, this won't be too useful. For beginners, it is a good start.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC to read & review. These are my honest opinions....more
I read this book front to back! What a great resource. I have read the Lord of the Rings and many other works by Tolkien many times, including the HisI read this book front to back! What a great resource. I have read the Lord of the Rings and many other works by Tolkien many times, including the History of Middle Earth series, so for me there was no real new information or insights. I do recommend this book to people who pick up the Lord of the Rings for the first time, to really use it as intended, as a reading companion. It clarifies things that can be confusing during the first read. It is really like a dictionary, so what could have improved is some extra info explaining the LOTR appendices....more
My favourite 2023 cookbook. I got it as an eBook (because: way cheaper) but I have actually put it on my watch list for a secondhand physical copy as My favourite 2023 cookbook. I got it as an eBook (because: way cheaper) but I have actually put it on my watch list for a secondhand physical copy as well, since I used many of the recipes already and it's nicer to have a physical book when you're in the kitchen. I love oatmeal, so this book is right up my alley. Everything's vegan, and most of the recipes are quite easy. It's great that there's also savory recipes, which I was a little scared of, but they're great. The author's website also has great recipes, not just oats (healthyslowcooking.com). I'm a fan!...more
One of my favourites of 2023! This book is one of many released recently on smartphone and social media use, but it's very different from the others IOne of my favourites of 2023! This book is one of many released recently on smartphone and social media use, but it's very different from the others I have read. It is not restrictive, it is supportive and very informative. The information is written by a doctor/scientist and backed up by proper scientific research. I learned things I didn't know yet, even though I have read a lot on this subject (for example the light from screens before bedtime is not always as hurtful as is sometimes claimed.. the content you consume could have a way stronger impact on how you sleep). The tips & building blocks provided are not unique, but because they are explained so well, you're more likely to actually use them this time around. The author also highlights the positives of smartphone and social media use, which is nice and refreshing.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC to read & review. These are my honest opinions....more
Absolutely wonderful book (series). Of course I can't really read the Japanese book, but in the series is also a very well done English version. The pAbsolutely wonderful book (series). Of course I can't really read the Japanese book, but in the series is also a very well done English version. The pictures and plates are magnificent. One of my favourites!...more
Very well done encyclopaedia on Chinese crabs. The text is well written and the figures are clear and useful. I used it well for my work, and will graVery well done encyclopaedia on Chinese crabs. The text is well written and the figures are clear and useful. I used it well for my work, and will grab it often in the future. ...more
A very nicely done guide on mental health in the academic world. Easy to read, with manageable chapter sizes. This book is also listenable via SpotifyA very nicely done guide on mental health in the academic world. Easy to read, with manageable chapter sizes. This book is also listenable via Spotify, which is very nice for if you don't have time to sit down and read. I'll recommend this to everyone working on their PhD studies....more
This book is a game-changer for many people, and after listening to it, I understand why. It's clear, concise but with plenty of examples on how to apThis book is a game-changer for many people, and after listening to it, I understand why. It's clear, concise but with plenty of examples on how to apply the techniques. I'll not go into details, there's plenty of others who have done that.
Most tips and techniques in this totally make sense, you just need to remind yourself to apply them. Some pointers are really a matter of taste, for example, make your desired habit your identity. That is nice, and will help you enforce your habit, but if you fail, your identity crumbles. This can result into some rough times and trouble with accepting yourself.
So read, absorb and but keep thinking for yourself; try to find out what works for you as a person....more
Whew, this took me a while. Let me start with saying this is a textbook, so it's no casual read. It's a wonderful collection of very extensive researcWhew, this took me a while. Let me start with saying this is a textbook, so it's no casual read. It's a wonderful collection of very extensive research on crustaceans. It covers neurology, endocrinology, muscles, development, and more. Very valuable reference for crustacean biologists. I found it relatively easy to read for a work like this. This will definitely help me in my future crab research!...more
What wonderful and clear photos! Good identification keys and maps with distributional data on the crabs. I really enjoyed the photos of the animals iWhat wonderful and clear photos! Good identification keys and maps with distributional data on the crabs. I really enjoyed the photos of the animals in their habitat also, there are not just photos for identification only. Not all animals in the book are in my study area but I'm happy to have this for the ones that are. ...more
Part two in same line as part one. Great helpful book, extremely thorough. A quick Google search and you will be able to read it online, but not downlPart two in same line as part one. Great helpful book, extremely thorough. A quick Google search and you will be able to read it online, but not download it. I will be looking for a secondhand copy to have as hardcopy though for my project. As most taxonomy cases, most of the work has been done by a few pioneers and after that revisions have been done in different papers and different languages. That's why works like these are so important, to have the most up to date and complete information gathered in one place....more
Part three in same line as the first two. Great helpful book, extremely thorough. I wish it had descriptions of all the species, but I understand it wPart three in same line as the first two. Great helpful book, extremely thorough. I wish it had descriptions of all the species, but I understand it would be even more immense that way. But at least it contains references to the animals that are not fully described....more
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