There are two main problems with this book: <ol> <li>it needed a thorough edit which would have trimmed the length of the book by ...moreThere are two main problems with this book: <ol> <li>it needed a thorough edit which would have trimmed the length of the book by at least a third ... citing just one example, long strings of code interrupt the flow of the story and except for highly technical readers, are an irritation. The story is lost in this emphemera.</li> <li>Mitnick is 98% unlikeable - the thing that I most dislike is his dishonesty, and I feel listeners are being taken for a ride. Clever clogs Mitnick likes to dress his manipulation, deceit, guile and lying to people under the guise of the term "social engineering". But really it is still just lying and deceit. For him, any means will justify the ends. He'd lie to his grandmother (who he repeatedly seems to be apologising to), so I don't see why he wouldn't be manipulating his dear readers. </li> </ol> Just what ends Mitnick was trying to serve, I'm not clearer about, even after listening to the entire book.
I regret the fact that a portion of the cover price has gone to Mitnick as a royalty. I'd love to be able to get it back.(less)
What a fantastic book - swinging between Montaigne's painful kidney stones, French wars and meditations on greek philosophy. The most amazing thing is...moreWhat a fantastic book - swinging between Montaigne's painful kidney stones, French wars and meditations on greek philosophy. The most amazing thing is how credible Bakewell really gets inside the life of Montaigne - normally I'd be skeptical of what someone 400 centuries later could actually say, but because of the tremendous amount of research and insight she brings, it almost seems as they lived not too many years. It's also fascinating to lead of the French philosopher's impact down the years.
My award of 5 stars is because I enjoyed this book almost without reservation. Now I want to read some version of Montaigne's essays. (less)
After a confusing start, when I thought Hessler tales along the great wall(s) of China was the subject for the entire book, I thoroughly enjoyed Hessl...moreAfter a confusing start, when I thought Hessler tales along the great wall(s) of China was the subject for the entire book, I thoroughly enjoyed Hessler's account. He is particularly strong when sharing honest revelations about the lives of ordinary Chinese adapting and grappling with economic reform. Because he is fluent Chinese speaker, very curious and long-term resident he provides many insights.
A staggering picture of rapid change is presented. There is little apparent concern for the environment or distinct local places. The weakenesses of market driven economics are made readily apparent.
So Bageant's memoir ranges far and wide, with digression being a major part of his style. Despite this being a pain, at the core of the book is a stor...moreSo Bageant's memoir ranges far and wide, with digression being a major part of his style. Despite this being a pain, at the core of the book is a story of love and loss. The past may have been dirt poor as rural folk barely surviving on subsistence farms in the USA, but people were proud and in control of their destiny. Shifting from marginal agrarian economy to margins of urban USA has caused a lot of pain. The anger, directness and intensity this is conveyed with is engrossing. I don't agree with everything Bageant has to say but I did enjoy arguing with him. (less)
So, so many layers... thoroughly enjoyable romp through culture, politics, society, art, and much more. I loved the unexpected twists and turns. Oliv...moreSo, so many layers... thoroughly enjoyable romp through culture, politics, society, art, and much more. I loved the unexpected twists and turns. Olivier's volte face being excruciatingly pleasant.
Perhaps I liked it so much as it was about two characters struggling to express themselves using words and images. I definitely had more sympathy for Parrot the underdog, whose voyage to America allowed him to fully express himself on his own terms by the end of the book.
The differences between the olde world and the shock of the new, was shown through many threads. At times comic, then painfully sad, it is another memorable feat of imagination from Mr Carey. Bravo!!
There are some brilliant scene setting in this book as Theroux sharpens his pencil. Roving with Pico Iyer in Kyoto and a visit to a Gulag near Perm in...moreThere are some brilliant scene setting in this book as Theroux sharpens his pencil. Roving with Pico Iyer in Kyoto and a visit to a Gulag near Perm in Russia are outstanding examples. And he's a master of the bits in between - the monotonic vibrations of the train providing a sense of comfort. I love his the question he returns about whether he could see himself living here, or here or here. Traveling light (just a brief case and small bag) and as if in a penury, gets him close to local life.
Yet, the book doesn't really stand up as a work as a whole. There's lots of good bits but the underlying thread is weak. I wonder if the sense of urgency is dimmed compared with the past (is it because he's so happily married as he keeps reminding readers) or is he a more seasoned traveller so the shocks are few?
I'd recommend Dark Star Safari over this one. (less)
Sped through this light book... now enthused to listen to early Lou Reed and Dylan. Bollinger's enthusiasm shines through, as does his eclecticism. Pl...moreSped through this light book... now enthused to listen to early Lou Reed and Dylan. Bollinger's enthusiasm shines through, as does his eclecticism. Pleased to read how his early music exploration caused no lasting damage.(less)
There's no doubt Brown is a passionate beer nut, with lots of knowledge of the brewing industry. Unfortunately, he doesn't pull this escapade off. The...moreThere's no doubt Brown is a passionate beer nut, with lots of knowledge of the brewing industry. Unfortunately, he doesn't pull this escapade off. The failure to actually cart the keg of beer by ship the whole way to India is mirrored in the writing of the book. By the end of the book I was tired of Brown's many pratfalls, anxieties and introspective meditations. The book really tails off at the end, as Brown himself tires perhaps. The final chapter, about an unrelated trip Brown takes to Kenya prior to his trip, is an odd and unsatisfying coda. Having said this, the beer history is excellent.(less)
When I started this book I wondered what I'd got myself into. The mix of theology and Bzyantine history really threw me in the deep end. I was expecti...moreWhen I started this book I wondered what I'd got myself into. The mix of theology and Bzyantine history really threw me in the deep end. I was expecting a travel book, which I got but much more too. As Dalrymple follows around in the footsteps of 6th century monk John Moschos he talks surviving members of Orthodox Christian monasteries, and lay christians in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, occupied territories of the West Bank and Egypt. This really brings to life the struggles and even persecution Christians face, including in Jerusalem itself. It's the mix of testimony, history and Dalrymple's sensitive portrayal of places he visits that makes the book so readable.
Much as Islam and Christianity are often set against one another are rapid dogs, Dalrymple teases out the accommodation between religions over the ages. As he shows, the tide has turned against Christianity in the Eastern Mediterranean, but it's legacy remains.
This is a engaging and enjoyable read that had me reaching for atlases and wikipedia. I'll be delving into some of his other writing now. (less)
It actually took me 150 pages to really get into the book. As Bunting didn't really like her father, who was distant and following his own creative vi...moreIt actually took me 150 pages to really get into the book. As Bunting didn't really like her father, who was distant and following his own creative vision, it was hard to get drawn in. At it's best very beautiful nature writing that took me close to the Moors, especially when she was describing the Byland Abbey ruins. (less)
About 15 years ago or more I had a falling out with Paul Theroux (something he is no stranger to). I couldn't tolerate the smugness of the WASPy 'Amer...moreAbout 15 years ago or more I had a falling out with Paul Theroux (something he is no stranger to). I couldn't tolerate the smugness of the WASPy 'American'. Inwardly I vowed not to read him again.
Well I can't remember if it was an interview on "Here on earth" with the now aging writer or some other twist of fate, but I'm back reading him.
What a treat. He is as opinionated as ever, but gosh what a good writer. And erudite - he throws off literary jibes and references so, so effortlessly. Condrad this, Melville that.
I think I might get to the end of this book (a pleasure that has been eluding me recently), just as Theroux himself got the other end of Africa.
[3 September 2009:]
Finished.... so I like Theroux for his lack of pretension, travelling rough, speaking many African languages, interest in talking with dissidents, and how he relishes stories. I'm not convinced about his opinions, but they are thought provoking. Indeed, I will read another of this works.(less)
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