Bryan
This a fun book to read, with a wonderful setting (much of the book takes place aboard a circus train) and a clever twist in the plot (the book begins with the description of a murder - the full nature of which isn't revealed until the end of the book). The prose is simply to read and makes the pages turn quickly, but the book is not simple. There is a nice subtext that mirrors the Biblical story of Jacob. Picking up on that subtext isn't necessary to enjoy the book, but it does enrich the experience (and adds a star for this reviewer). Not a literary masterpiece, but a great read on vacation or for pleasure.
A very sad and angry book. Within the pages you will find a defence of pre-emptive nuclear war, the rejection of religious tolerance and the suggestion that some people should be killed for what they believe. Most oddly the book concludes by suggesting we all become Buddhist. I can think of far better ways to spend time than reading this book.
This book provides a good introduction to some contemporary concerns in modern health care. It is accessible without being condescending which I always appreciate. The essays are largely anecdotal though and I wanted to hear more of Gawande's thoughts and opinions. The book is clearly intended for a popular audience and at times i wanted the author to go deeper.
A clever near-future apocalypse. At its best when it imagines the media culture of tomorrow and caricatures New Yorkers and Koreans. Flirts with racist stereotypes and sexism. Still it doesn't cave in to a simple trite ending and saves a few surprises for the end.
Granted I was interested in the subject but this book did a great job of keeping me engaged for 1000 pages and telling an amazing and strange life story. At times inspiring. At times confusing. At still other times maddening.
Granted, this is a very unusual book. The style of writing is at first disorienting. The surreal nature of the setting and characters is a little confusing. But in the end it's a beautiful meditation on the nature of human grief and loss.
Liked it but felt a bit contrived to me. Did a great job of capturing America's newish odd relationship with war as a tool of foreign policy and empire management. It's really all about football!
Impressive work, but not really my thing. I thought the plot was pushed along in some rather implausible and inconsistent ways and I tired of the child's voice at the same time that I was impressed with it.
All said, a quick, amusing read, with some interesting insights and thoughts....
