Impressed by her resume and disgusted by her coddling of her male partners. It's funny how such a powerful woman can run one of the largest sections o...moreImpressed by her resume and disgusted by her coddling of her male partners. It's funny how such a powerful woman can run one of the largest sections of the earth, but still have to deal with jealous boyfriends. Excellent read and unique perspective on European history. (less)
In short, precise sentences, Vaynerchuk illustrates the digital age as the entrepreneurs wild, wild west. He made me a believer that with my mouse as ...moreIn short, precise sentences, Vaynerchuk illustrates the digital age as the entrepreneurs wild, wild west. He made me a believer that with my mouse as my pan, the river that is the internet can bring gold. Beyond gold, the communication powers of the internet have always interested me due to it's enlightening and empowering powers. I think often of Martin Luther offering a mind-blowingly powerful method of transferring knowledge and know that we live in a special time.
As I myself am taking a professional leap of faith into the land of self-employment as a motorcycle stunter; I know I will rely heavily on the methods and approaches in Crush It! My favorite words from the book are...authenticity, hustle and patience... Words to live by, I do agree!(less)
I closed this book sobbing and I would just like to point out, I KNEW THE DOG WOULD DIE! I just knew it. As I hugged and kissed my own dog I reflected...moreI closed this book sobbing and I would just like to point out, I KNEW THE DOG WOULD DIE! I just knew it. As I hugged and kissed my own dog I reflected on my obsession with the dog contextually in a book that covers so many weighted subjects. The book explores a culture which America both hates and knows nothing about. Throughout the author's extreme journey through this land, capturing moments, ideologies and fears of the people hidden in Afghanistan's mountains, plains and plateaus...I could think of nothing more than that dog.
As I thought more about the dog's role in the story, I realized it was his juxtaposition with this paradoxical culture that was so incredibly ironic. The common theme with all the hosts the author stayed with was the mirage of cultural and religious ritual. Ritual that more often than not was blind, ignorant and entirely counter productive. I found it a little more then unfortunate that these people believed dogs to be unclean and lowly, because there is so much they could learn from that amazing animal regarding true being and knowing.
The author's incredibly neutral and observant tone seemed parallel to the dog's role in the story. Both individuals penetrating a culture so dichotomized by various tribes and families proved a peaceful existence without reliance on hate to exist. While I guess I can't say what is right or wrong, to think about "being" and how one individualizes oneself from others is a fascinating concept. To think about how many people "are" through a network of hate and fear is something else...(less)
The Healing of America is a book every American needs to read. Period.
Truthfully, I finished the book last night and my head is spinning ...moreThe Healing of America is a book every American needs to read. Period.
Truthfully, I finished the book last night and my head is spinning from it. The sad thing is, I was aware of most of the information in it, I guess having it all in 256 pages is a lot for even forward thinkers to handle. The thing about America that always puzzles me is the amount of "curtains drawn shut." Growing up on a farm and being intimately close to the earth and how things grow and develop, I always had opportunity to be shocked when none of me "city friends" understood where their food came from. And FOOD of all things is something you put directly into your body multiple times a day, How you you not ask? How could you not care? -It seems the everyday things are the things we take most for granted.
Point stated, I never went to doctors growing up. So the whole line-waiting, magical-fee generations and insurance cluster-f*%$ filled me with questions (perhaps rage is the better adjective), I never got answers to, and made me wonder why I was the only non-cow-like agitated(or crazy) person at the dentist! HOW DO THESE PEOPLE PUT UP WITH THIS?! THIS IS NOT NORMAL!
T.R. Reid truly put my mind at ease. It's not normal, it's not right and frankly, it's embarrassing. The author searches the world for health care options, finding tons and on the scale next to America -they are way better. He presents logical cases of countries who have revamped or totally re-hauled their systems, with success. I would hope the Americans who are proactive enough to open this book, start having the same mind-blown, offended feelings in the waiting rooms of American doctors. Truthfully most Americans have plopped down on their lazy boy in Plato's cave, unaware and unquestioning, as to what lies outside of the only thing they have known their whole life. ASK QUESTIONS PEOPLE!
Note: I probably should start giving myself a one week cool-down period before I review books...(less)
I've read a lot of books that are a sociological observation of oppression, discrimination, disease and poverty. I will be the first to admit my love-...moreI've read a lot of books that are a sociological observation of oppression, discrimination, disease and poverty. I will be the first to admit my love-hate relationship with books of this nature, as they are the prime source of my maniac-depressant outlook on life, reality and humanity. While I drink these issues and predicaments up -I feel pushed closer to the brink of helplessness sitting in my tiny Brooklyn apartment, myself both struggling to pay rent and keep a job.
While some humanitarian books are overflowing with knowledge and facts, I come to the final chapter full of anxiety and pain -what can I do about this? I feel the great burden of guilt while purchasing food, clothes or sleeping in a pretty comfortable bed. My life becomes a mirage of guilt, I look through the eggplant I am cooking to the oppressed farmer in Chile, his wife and his family. I look through my Nike running shoes to the child seamstress in China, her life and her village. Where is a person to start?
In "Half the Sky" Mr. Kristof quoted Gandhi "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Not only did he quote Gandhi, he truly has lived this and also created this book as a manual for others to do the same. Through tales of women from around the world the author comes full circle from extreme human hardship, abuse or sometimes death; to success and happiness. He highlights hope and a good side of human beings, despite the horrid role numerous humans play as the villain in these stories. Unlike many privileged Westerners who posses a broad understanding of how people truly live around the world, he never gets preachy or elitist. He remains down here on earth, bluntly admitting failures even with the best intentions. These highlights of how "helping" is not always the definition one might think it would be was my primary area of praise for this book. He genuinely realizes the delicate nature of helping others and how respect and a open mind are two vital necessities to promoting any change at all.
Support and education seem to be the two most effective promoters of change and progress. Although support didn't always mean a cash flow or new possessions, a network of people who can assist morally and sometimes economically is crucial. And above all education is the key part of change. To give people knowledge and allow them to make educated decisions from their own perspectives. Education is the tool that allows everyone to see their worth and truly make CHOICES that allow them to live how they desire. (less)
Growing up on a farm I am always shocked to find most Americans are entirely clueless as to where their food comes from. Further more I am speechless ...moreGrowing up on a farm I am always shocked to find most Americans are entirely clueless as to where their food comes from. Further more I am speechless when people don't understand how their processed food is produced. It is apparent the recent industrialization of the food industry has caused a gap between mouth and nature that allows people to act irresponsibly toward the environment and their own health.
Pollan's exploration of human appetite, nature and the food chain addresses these concerns head-on. I must admit I have never read theory I agree with as much as his. Regarding food, our bodies and the world, the book offers a balanced approach to healing. Without extremism or subscribing to a biologically unnatural lifestyle, harmony can be restored if people take the time to slow down and care about their role in our ecosystem. (less)
Fascinating read. While I was in disagreement with many of Mr. Jenkins decisions and thought processes he has offered a glimpse into a void. It made m...moreFascinating read. While I was in disagreement with many of Mr. Jenkins decisions and thought processes he has offered a glimpse into a void. It made me grateful for the extensive knowledge network that lets us take in a larger view of reality. To learn of a entire countries faux reality it made me wary of the "facts" I might ignorantly want to rely on as stable and true.
While the example of propaganda in North Korea is extreme, you can't help but wonder to what extent other countries, including the US, are made into what someone else desires.
Historically fascinating although saturated with personal propaganda. A clear example of how everyone interprets experiences differently. Steve Woznia...moreHistorically fascinating although saturated with personal propaganda. A clear example of how everyone interprets experiences differently. Steve Wozniak attempts to recall his personal history with Apple and beyond while illustrating himself as a portrait of righteousness. I found his seemingly skewed account annoying but fascinating at the same time. The obvious importance of the events covered kept me reading through the self denial and apathy. (less)
A voice you don't hear everyday. Animals from an autistic perspective and a revealing inquiry into the millions of alternate realities life forms expe...moreA voice you don't hear everyday. Animals from an autistic perspective and a revealing inquiry into the millions of alternate realities life forms experience. As a farm girl myself, not all the animal behavior commentary was new news, but a great deal of interesting ideas and concepts were presented. I very much applaud Ms. Grandin and hope more and more individuals find a way of expressing their unique skills and create a more diverse and understanding world for all of us.(less)
Paradoxically, I read this book after my first visit to Turkey. I found the book shed light on many of the social and tangible occurrences which puzzl...moreParadoxically, I read this book after my first visit to Turkey. I found the book shed light on many of the social and tangible occurrences which puzzled me during my visit. My travel partner and I were shocked by the vast number of deserted villages and decaying architecture, which was kindly explained by Mr. Bernieres. The book is uniquely written to display, on a large scope, the effects of war and political turmoil from the President's headaches to the poorest of poor who struggle daily to find food. Very interesting and I can't wait for my next visit to Turkey. (less)
Educated dissent from someone with a background to authoritatively speak on the subject. A truly organic perspective and observation of life, Vietnam ...moreEducated dissent from someone with a background to authoritatively speak on the subject. A truly organic perspective and observation of life, Vietnam and human nature. (less)
Five stars for the subject, 2 stars for the actually book. I was excited to dive into a book I thought would cover the facts of these troubled African...moreFive stars for the subject, 2 stars for the actually book. I was excited to dive into a book I thought would cover the facts of these troubled African areas to give me a deeper understanding of the current conflict and human rights violations. What I found was a disorganized proposal of acronyms and memorable rhymes for how normal citizens can invoke "change," an honorable endeavor, but this is where this train of thought ends. Rallying, funds-raising, and generating awareness is fine and good, but what does this energy lead to? How might one apply it constructively for a positive outcome in these troubled areas, and what in this context is a “positive” outcome? Considering the projects America has taken on in the past, for human rights, our loss scores heavily outweigh our wins.
In general I found the book shallow and the authors rants somehow always coming full circle to once again reiterate over their all-too-impressive personal resumes. The manner the authors egotistically marred this book, I felt, was interestingly enough what I think America would do by trying to "fix" this situation from a third party perspective. Genocide is a product of a much deeper problem and I hope energy is put towards generating stimuli to assist places like Darfur to internally save themselves, because that is where true change and future comes from: within. (less)
Simplistic and straightforward, although clouded by a extremely westernized tone. Lots of good information on a country all too often dismissed by ste...moreSimplistic and straightforward, although clouded by a extremely westernized tone. Lots of good information on a country all too often dismissed by stereotypes.(less)
As much historical perspective to put communication development into perspective as you can fit into 400 pages...that's a lot I will let you know. Ver...moreAs much historical perspective to put communication development into perspective as you can fit into 400 pages...that's a lot I will let you know. Very informative.(less)
A relevant updated edition of Mary Baker Eddy's "Science and Health." Complete with relevant examples, updated medical discoveries, and mode...moreA relevant updated edition of Mary Baker Eddy's "Science and Health." Complete with relevant examples, updated medical discoveries, and modern vocabulary. Petersen preserves the scientific steps to higher body and mind while bringing the linguistics and examples into the 21st century. It's a complete guide to "Science and Health" for you, today. (less)
A great introduction and met-set for both foster parents and foster siblings. Ideas and stories relating to overcoming childrens' past and moving forw...moreA great introduction and met-set for both foster parents and foster siblings. Ideas and stories relating to overcoming childrens' past and moving forward.(less)
The preface states: "Never forget: Punctuation can mean the difference between a second date and a restraining order."
I'm intrig...moreThe preface states: "Never forget: Punctuation can mean the difference between a second date and a restraining order."
I'm intrigued.
Hilarious. Really, I know it seems paradoxical; a book on punctuational that is not a sleeping pill, but Comma Sense really hit the nail on the head. If you're already a punctuation pro, read it simply for the absurd example sentences. "...and that's when I realized Irene was probably a cannibal."
"Like it or not, writing well-not artistically, not ornately, not floridly, but just competently-really is the difference between being largely able to define your own life and having much of your life defined for you."(less)
Carr reveals an interesting time line to put the 'computer revolution' into perspective. By paralleling past 'revolutions' he normalizes computers rol...moreCarr reveals an interesting time line to put the 'computer revolution' into perspective. By paralleling past 'revolutions' he normalizes computers role in our daily life, as yet another progressive step. His normalizing of computers is healthy I feel, as all to often people view their computers as autonomous beings, which are uncontrollable. His method describes computers as what they are, tools for society. I got hyped about this book from NPR. I read some of Carr's articles, which were precise, concentrated and brilliant, the book was slight overkill. (less)
Good points to take into consideration when approaching an ethnography. Not presented in the most earth-shaking or particularly interesting manner, bu...moreGood points to take into consideration when approaching an ethnography. Not presented in the most earth-shaking or particularly interesting manner, but if information is what you want, that is what you'll get.(less)
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