NJF

A friend gave me this book while recovering from an illness. The world described has a frighteningly realistic possibility, potentially well predicted from the early 90s, which kept me engaged until the end. At times it felt like a more realistic Hunger Games, particularly with the persistent perspective of the younger generation. I thought Butler did well highlighting how human behavior could revert to primeval when resources like water, food and even basic trust are less attainable.

I could read Roald Dahl's writing all day and night. Not only am I captivated by each story but his writing style clicks with my mind in a way that I barely notice the words, I can simply enjoy the imagery and the story. This selection of stories is no different, especially the outcome of the Henry Sugar story (which makes me want to do more yoga).

This book made me aware of my mouth breathing. It taught me about CO2 in the blood and increased oxygen absorption. I learned about jaw size and children and the evolving approach of Orthodontics. And I learned a myriad of different breathing techniques.

I agree there isn't much substantiated science included. But there is anecdotal evidence which can bring some useful awareness to unintentional habits. There's also a global “pandemic” of crooked teeth and poor sleep habits. With that I still think the information in this book is useful and would recommend it (or The Oxygen Advantage, which is similar), if for nothing else then to become aware of how much one breathe's through their mouth.

I recommend this book to everyone. It's amazing that most people go through life without knowing much about what happens inside their own body. This book is a very digestible way to understand how hard your body has to work to keep you healthy. It contains the right level of detail (and humor) and is definitely worth reading.

Loved it. I laughed, I couldn't stop reading, I was tense, I couldn't stop reading, I cheered. The level of detail is impressive even if a few areas were purposely left vague. In some ways it felt like a mix of The Martian and Arrival, two stories I enjoyed a lot. It also gave me some perspective about how our civilization probably won't last much longer.

Update: Now I've also listened to the book, the audiobook is a great way to consume such an fabulous story.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It achieved my desired goal of obtaining an entirely new awareness of the ecosystems around trees and forests. The book includes a truck load of interesting observations and decently referenced facts to enhance my thinking around not only trees but plants in general. But more importantly the organisms which interact with trees. I really wish I could read the German version because I believe the flow of the writing is probably easier to follow and become hooked on. I initially read the illustrated version of this book, which is hugely abridged and faster to consume. For the full version, a visual companion, particularly with photos and illustrations of the types of trees discussed, would have been appreciated.

One of the best books I've read. I was glued from start to finish. Even though I saw the movie first (with significant plot point differences) I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I would read it again in a heartbeat and recommend it to everyone.

Thought it was exceptional with consistently strong message about the power of your mindset. Listened to the audiobook, will need to go back and read the book to capture many points.

I found this book fascinating, mostly because I enjoy William Goldman's writing, but also learning more about movie production than I knew previously.

Cute. And timely while doing the hipster sourdough thing.

More of a factual reference than an informative narrative. Since I was already familiar with my type I didn't get much from this book.

Go for the audiobook. Hearing John Cleese tell the stories and crack himself up is worth its weight in gold.

Each human living in the modern world would benefit from reading and adjusting based on this book.

I began enjoying this book about half way through. But was even more enjoyable was the ensuing discussion in the book club, as the story touches on several themes: family, trust, community, fear, control, fake news, persuasion, etc.

This book is part philosophy primer and part entertainment. I enjoyed both. I learned about many philosophers and philosophies, some more useful than others. I learned about the Overton Window and Moral Exhaustion (works for me). I also learned about the maxims from the Delphic Oracle: “Know thyself” and “Nothing in excess”, which seemingly summarize the entire thing quite well. I would recommend this book, especially to anyone who enjoyed The Good Place, which I'm now watching again. I also recommend the audiobook, read by the author (always appreciated) with cameos from the cast of the show.

Very slow start, switching between stories and styles made the first half less pleasant. But by half way through the middle story, I was hooked. I felt like the thread trying the stories together could have been stronger. And the end, while profound, felt rushed. All told, I liked the story. But I would only recommend it cautiously to non-native English speakers. Some of the writing is quite tongue in cheek (Cavendish) and some is written in a heavy dialect (Zachry).

Highly recommend. Interesting stories, well researched and nicely presented. I find the ideas fascinating, including the end section when he shares where the ideas originated.

I absolutely loved this book, from start to finish. I'll admit being a bit confused having seen the movie many times. I even forwarded a bit just to make sure I was in the right book. But turns out the intro part is true William Goldman, who I've come to adore. Don't skip this one.

Sincerely written with fascinating insights into the production of timeless classic of a movie and a view into movie making from an entertaining actor and storyteller. I recommend consuming in this order: Read The Princess Bride by William Goldman. Watch The Princess Bride film. Then listen to the audiobook version of As You Wish, with voice cameos from most of the key players.

Fast read and very heart warming. Having seen the movie first it was difficult to pull the two apart but I love the story so much it didn't matter. Like most Stephen King books it's well written.

This book isn't for anyone who likes cohesive stories. This is a random collection of motivational quotes scattered among repetitive and dull dialog. Some of the quotes are useful, but the lack of story, overly decorative font, and whitespace-focused illustrations don't help to deliver the message.