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There is a lot of food for thought in this book, especially when it comes to use of technology and how both kids and adults interact.
I would have given it four stars, but it was just a bit longer than I felt like was needed - the Cliff Notes version would be just as impactful.
Still, for parents or counsellors, anyone looking to engage in conversations or just sick of their own “iPhone-induced ADD” – there's something here for you!
All right, so, I have not done a ton of reading on Iraq, possibly because it still feels too close for much objective debate. I would NOT categorize this book as objective (it's very kind to the case officers at CIA), but it IS a very interesting look at a failure of a number of different elements to work together. It is an indictment of the policy-centric bureaucratic sycophancy that drove a major political and military decision: the Iraq invasion.
Now, to be fair, I'm rating this as a must read for people who want to understand how the intelligence world can be spoiled by policy interests. I am sure that opinions will vary, but it came across as well-researched (given the subject matter) - again, NOT unbiased, but still worthwhile. Oh, and it's short!
Consider pairing with “Arrows of the Night” (about Ahmed Chalabi) and/or “Code Name: Johnnie Walker” (about an Iraqi interpreter) for a broader perspective on Iraq.
All right, so, the first half of this book was... not the most interesting. I was definitely going for a 2 or 3 star review until things took a turn for the better. I'd say if you want to read this book, know that the first half is biographic and the last half is actually about culture and happiness and all the different thoughts that Zappos brings to mind (other than shoes, of course). I ended up deciding that it was worth 4 stars, but if I went back I would probably skip most of the first few chapters.
Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself
Interesting story of a guy who went from being an addict to crushing Ironman competitions. There's info about his vegan approach that some may enjoy, but I didn't find either that interesting... maybe fun if you're reading a lot about adventure racing or different dietary approaches, otherwise I think there are better reads out there.
I'm sure a lot of Maxwell's material is recycled from book-to-book and year-to-year, but I still found this to be an inspiring and challenging read. Maybe it's the simplicity of the questions approach, or just the very blunt approach that he sometimes takes, but I liked it quite a bit, and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in leadership.
I really expected a lot more out of this book... it was interesting, but not compelling. Almost like a Malcolm Gladwell book, but without being as clever or even entertaining. There were some interesting anecdotes, to be sure, but it was not on the same level as “Give and Take” (which I highly recommend).
When I read information about this book, I was highly skeptical. How interesting could the story of a World War II double-agent really be? Sure, there would likely be some intrigue, but hardly anything compelling. I was SO wrong. This is one of the most exquisite books I have come across, both for storytelling and storyline. Intricately woven throughout are fascinating details about the criminal mind, political history, sabotage, culture, counter-intelligence and, of course, spycraft. Although it might seem dated, the relevance of this book is surprising, and it should be read by anyone with an even vague interest in the topics listed above. Suffice it to say, you will NOT be disappointed.
A fascinating look at one man's journey to Christ in China under the early years of Communism, as well as dissident actions since, this book covers a wide range of themes. History and culture pervade the initial third of the book, and provide a useful backdrop for anyone not familiar with China. The middle third is centered around faith and what the author discovers in a most remarkable way. The last third weaves the previous themes together with a meta-level criticism of Chinese human rights violations against people of many different faiths and beliefs. Polemic, at times, it is written by someone who cares deeply and fights hard, and it lays some interesting diplomatic and political intricacies out plainly. If you are new to any of those topics, you will find this book insightful, interesting, chilling, and even compelling.
Although broken up by slower sections, this is a unique examination of one of the most interesting (and impactful) espionage cases of this last century.
Well-researched, thoroughly-organized and even (at times) entertaining, this is very much worth the read, even if just to gain a perspective on history through one man's eyes. Raynaud and Kostin even appeal to the literary enthusiast, with themes of revenge, solitude and self-grandiosity bringing to question even the smallest of actions (why DO we do what we do?).
Some portions of the book are a little slower than others, but if you are not totally engrossed a third of the way in, well, this clearly is not the right genre: because the hook gets set deep. And, you know, after reading it, I'd even read it again (which is really saying something).
Okay, I finally read this at the recommendation of a friend and thought it was pretty good. While I would probably have gone about the task of taking on a year of self-improvement projects differently (and the goal of trying to just “be happier” seems a little shallow), there was notable substance that most people will connect to along the way.
The best part, in my opinion, was just learning the random things that people try to do to be happier - and how sometimes what works for other people won't work for you (which is absolutely okay). This idea does not seem to resonate much in society, where, despite the diversity of beliefs and opinions, certain “mainstream” concepts (meditation, yoga, mindfulness, etc.) tend to take the lead on people who are trying to “find balance” or “be happier”.
The author, to her credit, concludes that she needs to just “be Gretchen”, which is actually more profound of a statement than it may appear at first blush.
I came away from this book challenged to identify (and face) more about myself (fact and fiction) in order to make the most of however much time I have left. And, you know, I think the funny anecdotes and embarrassing stories shared in this book have made that goal seem more attainable.
Let me know what you think!
Both a fascinating concept and a great read, Eric Greiten's sophomore book is a resource for leaders, thinkers and anyone who may walk through hard times. So... everyone.
If you're a fan of the Stoic philosophers, the Bible or even Confucius, you will recognize the “common sense” and wisdom within - but more than than a Seneca redux, Greitens makes philosophy an active process.
If you're even remotely interested in this book, you should read it. I could do it justice in a review. If you're NOT remotely interested, well, maybe get it from the library. But you will probably buy it, because there is so much to highlight, underline and comment about!
A fascinating must-read; I have no idea the degree to which this account is true, but it is an important place to put one's mind in when evaluating the way America is perceived in other parts of the world, as well as in the larger context of many different conflicts.
For my part, I hope there is resolution - America is many things, but this book will make you think pretty hard through some of the less-savory aspects of her recent past.
Not bad, but the concept probably could be summarized with sufficient support in a NYT article. If you're really interested, it's worth the full read, otherwise the basics are:
1) Most of what we call “stress” is not “bad” for you (unless you think it is, in which case it can kill you)
2) You can change your physiological response to stress through a mindset shift, such as framing it as excitement instead of anxiety
I thought the most interesting part was that doctors effectively took the “stress is bad” hypothesis for granted, which likely resulted in tens of thousands of (at least premature) deaths.
Don't be afraid to get that second opinion!
This book deserves all the hype and myriad accolades touted in the press - it's a GREAT READ.
Accessible, clear, simple and compelling, “The Innovators” is a great historical survey of the names and personalities behind many of the big technological advances of our time, particularly in computer science.
Ever wonder why it's called Silicon Valley? Curious if Al Gore really DID invent the Internet? Want to know who made the first computer? It's all in there, along with some interesting insights for managers and leaders (if on the lookout). Highly recommended!
This is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of Afghanistan (and US military involvement there) from the tribal perspective.
Both highly personal and very well-told, it is anything but unbiased, yet does an amazing job of telling what life is like for the small teams of special operations soldiers ordered to embed and train local Afghan forces.
Epic and tragic, there is much displayed about both the dangers of imbalance, pain of betrayal and power of loyalty. Not for the vulgarity-sensitive, but well-worth your time.
I hope it eventually becomes known for being less about politics and more about men and war and trust.
Pretty interesting - Dr. Harl definitely has a view on what he thinks the Spartan role was in winning, and I think the non-standard view is refreshing, because he provides lots of interesting details to support his claim. Definitely worth the listen if you're interested in or otherwise studying the topic.
I thought this was a really good intro to this subject matter. The instructor was clearly interested and engaging in his lectures, and I definitely came away with a greater interest in reading the original works of Thucydides and Xenophon.
Worth checking out if the topic and delivery method (audio) seems appealing.
Decent insight for anyone who runs and is not familiar with CrossFit. The skills and drills integration was novel to me (at the levels MacKenzie prescribes) - his short-hand notation for workouts is still pretty frustrating (and not nearly as intuitive as other CF jargon). I'd give it a higher rating if that were more of a focus, but it seems almost purposefully obtuse (no master index, helpful reference sheet, just an almost throw-away “This will get easier as you get used to it.”)
Other than that, decent read, worth it for anyone looking for a change in their racing or CF focus (and I believe it would make races like Ultras more safe).