Steve Gross

More than you ever wanted to know about the three/four classic problems of antiquity. Touches on many other areas of mathematics.

Somewhat dated but still worthwhile.

The writing was pretty good, but there were many discurses that didn't add much, such as various topics of mental health. Also, I would have liked some detail on the mathematics. Nash was not really a nice person; I'm amazed at how many good friends he had.

The author's style overpromises and underdelivers. He also commits a cardinal biographer's sin - presenting large swatches of conversation that he cannot possibly know is true (despite the fact that in his Conclusion, he mentions that some dialogue was recorded).

Fun read but I can't imagine this would appeal to anyone who did not come through Bell Labs or used Unix back in the early days.

The writing really crackles, especially for a political theory book. Despite its vividness, I'm not 100% I understand the author's point. I also disagree with his characterization of the Reagan years, and why almost no mention of the Bushes & Clinton presidencies? Still, worth reading.

a potpourri of fascinating facts about the body. No kind of narrative theme, but biographies were excellent.

Solid procedural.

Adequate. Victor is not an appealing character; I have no desire to see what else happens to him in the series.

First half was better than the second half.

Excellent evocation of late 19th century America and small town life in particular. Unfortunately, maps of the area and a diagram of the dam were inadequate.

Devastating attack on the concept of Tikkun Olam as a substitute for actual Judaism

Interesting book about the Heat Equation, but don't be fooled; you'll need more than high school mathematics to get this.

Fascinating survival story, well-written and extensively documented. My only complaint was despite the number and quality of maps and illustrations, I was often confused as to where the survivors were.

The writing crackles but it's a little dated. Ultimately somewhat bleak.

Very difficult reading. Filled with math, statistics and biology. Makes many points that should become starting points of further discussion and exploration. Murray says again and again that sociology will now become an actual science. Not sure about that, but he's a very smart guy and usually right.

Old-Timey Police Procedural. Somewhat plodding.

Thorough and enthusiastic work about things cryptographic. Sometimes the author inserts himself unnecessarily but great fun if you like codes and puzzles.

Story felt amateurish - plot dead-ends, repetition, stories going nowhere.

Really interesting book about Houdini but not quite a biography. Excellent writing.

Sub-par. There's no real mystery here. Holmes is out of character. I have no idea why the subplot between Watson and his wife. I dislike the affectation of footnoting and referring to the author's previous books. Skip it.

Superb! Makes one proud to be an American.

As entertaining as a blowtorch

Excellent, clear overview of second temple literature and history.

Interesting and at times tedious thought puzzles. If you love this book, you should probably be an economist.