Chris
The main thing this book did is make me want to book a flight to New York to experience all the legendary dining experiences described within. But it also made me think about the different ways to go above and beyond in my own life, even in ways that might actually be unreasonable! Guidara's narration is full of mirth and enthusiasm that you can easily imagine what it might be like to sit at one of his tables. The only thing missing? More of his wise dad, who seemed to have the perfect response to every dilemma!
The Dane Cook of self-help books, as if someone's Philosophy 101 notes gained sentience during a frat party. I am genuinely shocked that Manson has not been a guest on the Joe Rogan podcast. The bones of this book aren't inherently bad. There are little nuggets of wisdom inside. But those nuggets are packed in such a self-absorbed, sarcastic, and pandering case that it is exhausting waiting for the smart stuff. Two stars because those nuggets are there, somewhere and clearly this book is not for me. There are hundreds of books that can communicate the same ideas in more hopeful, encouraging, and insightful language. Manson isn't it. DNF.
While I don't always agree with Brooks' conclusions, I did enjoy The Second Mountain as a soulful and introspective look at how we can improve ourselves and the world around us. The book is stuffed full of beautiful examples of people doing the good work Brooks is encouraging as well as great quotes from artists, writers and philosophers. It's both humbling and inspiring to consider the kind of world we could build if we could all get on that second mountain.
This is a nice dive into Arnold's mantras and how he has viewed his journey through life. The audiobook is read by Arnold himself which is worth it because you get that signature accent. He spends a lot of his time reflecting on the California governorship, so it's easy to speculate that he's gearing up for some kind of political campaign, but regardless of the motivations, Arnold has some great perspectives on how to improve yourself and contribute to your community. It's right there in the title!
What a delight! Scalzi is very funny. Sometimes I think he might be too funny for his own good, which can take away from the drama of a situation, and sometimes his humor reminds me of cheesy dad jokes, but that's not always a bad thing!
And yet at the same time, Scalzi is technically thorough. All of the science in this book is apparently based on real theoretical concepts, particularly his mind-blowing explanation for Faster Than Light travel, which is impressive and also makes me feel smart. But the good news is that this stuff isn't presented in a stuffy or highly complicated manner.
Another thought: it's amazing how much this book feels like how video games work. HUDs, enhanced abilities, multifaceted weapons, etc. I don't know if you could make a good game out of it, but all of the game mechanics are already there and solidly built. So glad I chose to read this and I can't wait to check out more of Scalzi's work.
Fun, GOOD science fiction can be hard to find (or at least hard to find in the mountains of available books), but here is Old Man's War, and it's just the right kind of thing to read when you're looking for a good space romp. It's not Ender's Game, but it doesn't need to be either.
To Slow Down The Time is a great coffee table book, if people still place books on their coffee tables. For one thing it can sit there looking interesting all by itself. The cover is like the best kind of art, both familiar and intriguing. More than that though, the book offers up a selection of short stories, the chance to delve into another world for a few minutes between other activities. You can sit down on the couch for a moment, pick it up, and taste a sampling, enjoying a story before the rush of life takes over again.
The stories appeal on two levels. Ian Dingman's artwork is beautiful and engaging, and as you look at each picture, stories begin to sprout from your head all on your own, trying to second-guess, if you can, what Matthew Allard has come up with instead. I would love to put some of those pictures up on my wall, even. And then Allard's stories take you into the world of the picture. If the stories have a weakness, it is that they are all too brief. Each one comes off like an amuse-bush of something more, and you can't help but wonder where the extra pages went.
It is an interesting collaboration, the pictures and words presented here, the kind of book you don't find much any more. Dingman and Allard are not worried about seducing you. The stories are not overall scandalous or headline grabbing. Instead, they have the uncomfortable and exciting feeling that perhaps they are not quite fiction. Perhaps these stories have happened to real people in some real place. Allard's ability to draw you into the stories with only a few pages, to connect with his characters, makes the book a pleasure to sit down with. And when guests come over, it's a great thing to have on your coffee table, because they'll find that pleasure too.
A beautiful and tragic collection of tales from the Rwandan genocide. Gourevitch gathers stories and presents them with a stark sincerity. We get to understand the genocide through the detached eyes of a journalist while never relinquishing emotional connection to the individuals we're introduced to. Reading this book moves you and hurts you and makes you hope for a better future.