I fell in love with Joan Didion on May 17th 2011, yet never had a chance to read her book until this week. I was sitting at my favorite coffee house i...moreI fell in love with Joan Didion on May 17th 2011, yet never had a chance to read her book until this week. I was sitting at my favorite coffee house in Sacramento California and saw a passage written in one of their communal notebooks on the coffee table. It read:
"Keepers of private notebooks are a different breed altogether, lonely and resistant re-arrangers of things, anxious malcontents, children afflicted apparently at birth with some presentiment of loss" -Joan Didion "On Keeping a Notebook." 1966. Slouching Towards Bethlehem.
I knew at that moment that I had to read this book. I purchased it only a couple months later but never had a chance to read it until this week, when book club decided to venture into non-fiction.
I love absolutely everything about this book. It was specific yet lacking concrete facts. It was nebulous yet full of feeling. Didion has a way of taking things, stripping them to their bare essentials, and leaving all of her subjects seeming a little sad a hallow. Even though her work is dated to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York in the 1960s, so much of her work is relatable now. So much of it resonates so distinctly with individuals in the 20s who are scared, naive, disillusioned, and finding themselves for the first time. So many of her descriptions of Haight-Ashbury in the 1960s mirror images of Occupy Wall Street: a movement that might have had purpose, but after people became involved "for the lifestyle" no one remembered what they were even fighting for.
My favorite story in the collection was "Notes of a Native Daughter" because I could relate exactly to the story. It was about Sacramento California: the place she describes as "the real California". She decided to write a story about the California that no one visits that is full of farm lands turned suburbs, Aerojet employees, a loss of identity and 110 degree summer days that make the heat emanate from the sidewalk in waves through the air.
I loved it because I grew up in an area that used to be the suburbs in the 1950s for Aerojet employees. Yet since then, the freeways have grown up around it and these neighborhoods have become anachronistic enclaves with names like "Larchmont" and "Rosemont". I grew up in the area of California that no one wants to visit and I lived my early 20s in San Francisco.
I could relate to the specifics, but there was an overall cultural malaise that permeated every single work. It fits perfectly with every generation, but it seems particularly appropriate to read if you are an intellectual, slightly neurotic adult who is still trying to make sense of life.(less)
This book should really be called "The Annotated Guide to the British Museum" Neil MacGregor is the director of the British museum and speaks about a...moreThis book should really be called "The Annotated Guide to the British Museum" Neil MacGregor is the director of the British museum and speaks about a selection of the objects in the collection. Some of them are the ones you remember from past visits (the Rosetta Stone, Ramses II, the Rapa Nui statue). But so many of the items are things I don't remember from the museum on my visit.
MacGregor gives a very thorough account of world history though objects. And it is more of a history of the world through particular objects than it is a history of those particular objects. He does not discuss the Japanese woodblock print of the great wave, but does discuss how it reflects the end of Japan's isolationism.
There is a great emphasis on pre-history (which I both appreciate an hate simultaneously). It provides a balanced, though still entirely Eurocentric view of world history. It was not a book I would necessarily read a second or third time, but it was a worthwhile read once. I appreciate the viewpoint of the book, and I am intrigued to figure out exactly how future generations in the next 50 years will view our present day and what innovations can truly be considered memorable. (less)
The story of the Manhattan Project has always fascinated me, but that was all I knew about Robert Oppenheimer's life before reading American Prometheu...moreThe story of the Manhattan Project has always fascinated me, but that was all I knew about Robert Oppenheimer's life before reading American Prometheus. Only after reading Kai Bird's account of Oppenheimer's life did I come to realize what a complex yet tragic character he was during the tumultuous McCarthy Era. Although some have criticized this book because it continues a story rather than strictly adhering to chronology, that was one of the aspects I enjoyed most. In this respect it was more like literature with a cohesive story and less like a dry biography.
I originally expected the book to have a greater focus on physics and less a focus on politics or personal life, yet it was exactly these details that were the most intriguing. For a book about the father of the atomic bomb, there was very little if any science. The Manhattan project only encompasses about 100 pages of the book, detailing the creation of the bomb, the hysterical rush to create such a weapon within the span of the war, its test and trinity and its unnecessary use at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The rest of the book deals with Robert's political affiliations, personal friends, and past choices that blacklisted America's preeminent scientist at the time.
His association with Communism and the eventual recension of his security clearance was tragic and painfully described in American Prometheus with excerpts from the trial itself as well as testimony from friends and former students. It added an entirely new depth of character I had never read before, let alone been interested in before. Moreover, the stain of his Communist trials marked his family even after his death, preventing his daughter from receiving a security clearance for her ideal UN job due to her father's checkered past. How tragically ironic that such a fate should befall Oppenheimer's children much in the same way that descendant of those living in Hiroshima and southern in Japan during the bomb still have higher rates of cancer and genetic defects, unable to ever truly escape the past.(less)
As a whole, this issue gets 4 stars. It covers American food to an extent that it covers Jewish Delis, sodas that are popular in the midwest, and Amer...moreAs a whole, this issue gets 4 stars. It covers American food to an extent that it covers Jewish Delis, sodas that are popular in the midwest, and Americanized versions of ethnic food. But this gets 5 stars for having a "choose your own adventure" about eating tacos and a picture of a cow eating a hot dog on the cover.(less)
I wish I had heard about Lucky Peach when I could still get my hands on the first issue. The second issue was good with some real stand out moments, b...moreI wish I had heard about Lucky Peach when I could still get my hands on the first issue. The second issue was good with some real stand out moments, but from what I've heard it wasn't as soon as that first cohesive issue about ramen.
This issue "The Sweet Spot" was less cohesive. It could cover any "sweet spots" in our lives from the perfect amount of time kimchi should ferment, to how long you should age a great steak, to the year when Ferran Adria changed the face of food, to the most succulent tastes of first love/lust and apricots.
I liked a few of the articles while others fell short. The section on apricots was both fascinating nostalgic. The section on ike jime was informative and I loved the great pictures describing whether food improves the longer it sits in the fridge (kimchi improves, white wine does not). I also loved a few of the recipes in the magazine, particularly the recipe for Arnold Palmer cake from Milk Bar.
I'm glad I asked my parents to get me a subscription for next year to this magazine. It only comes out once every 4 months, but I suggest going to a local bookstore to purchase this current issue. It's full of great information, great pictures, and some cute fun anecdotes. I'm looking forward to reading the other issues.(less)
Before reading Homage to Catalonia, I'd only read Animal Farm and 1984. I thought they were fine books, but they were abrasive and I did not care for...moreBefore reading Homage to Catalonia, I'd only read Animal Farm and 1984. I thought they were fine books, but they were abrasive and I did not care for Orwell's prose style. It seemed jerky and oversimplified, which probably led to some of the books' mass market appeal.
After reading Catalonia, I realized Orwell has a beautiful descriptive style, and the simplicity of 1984 and Animal Farm really showed his talents in that he was able to create a different style that fit the thematic elements of those books. It was purposeful in conveying his message. Because Homage to Catalonia is a memoir, he did not have those same thematic elements to illustrate. At times he still jumps between time periods, politics and experiences, but that does not seem bothersome. What one notices most is the way he so vividly describes living in the trenches and fighting fascism with the point of a bayonet as opposed to a pen and paper like one would expect from an English writer. (less)
When I first decided to pick up "Eating Animals" I figured it would be a cut and dry case for vegetarianism. I am not a vegetarian nor did I even pret...moreWhen I first decided to pick up "Eating Animals" I figured it would be a cut and dry case for vegetarianism. I am not a vegetarian nor did I even pretend to be a conscientious omnivore prior to reading this book. I picked up "Eating Animals" strictly because I like JSF's prose style and fiction. There was no other underlying political reason.
He begins with a story of his grandmother, the greatest chef ever, and her chicken with carrots. He doesn't need to explain the meaning, the love and the purpose behind her food. It rang true. It was the same meaning, love and purpose in the food my grandmother made during my childhood. She too was the best chef who ever lived for her tonkatsu, curries, onigiri, boiled squash, homemade pickles and Japanese style fried chicken. Despite her limits (always burned the rolls at thanksgiving) her food was full of meaning, love, sorrow and lived experiences. It tasted of tradition, of a poor upbringing, and of the past.
Coming from a new immigrant family, being vegetarian is something you don't do. When one side views fish as a dietary staple second only to root vegetables, and the other side views pork and linguica as "not meat", it is impossible to grow up even considering another lifestyle choice.
As a food enthusiast and professional cook, I have recently tried to change my habits and buy what I would consider the best foods I was able. I would eat cage free and grass fed when possible, but I was not above buying questionably procured oxtail at the korean market, or packaged bacon from god knows what brand. I did it when it was convenient, which he criticizes most.
I knew about the life of chickens and pigs (to an extent). I'm sure anyone who has read Omnivores Dilema or Fast Food Nation or Food Inc can take all those pieces and have a Frankenstein understanding of the creatures produced and marketed through factory farming. Yet I did not know about the prevalence of the same, altered chickens or pigs everywhere. I did not know it was impossible (or close to it) to find pigs or chickens that really would be considered pigs or chickens a hundred years ago.
Yet will what I learned from this book change my behavior? I will still buy grass fed and cage free organic whatever whenever possible, but I cannot say for certain that this will change my actions completely. I cannot say for certain that at this point in my life, I would carefully watch where all my animal products and byproducts came from. I can only say that this has caused me to take pause and think.
I can say for certain this will not make me a vegetarian-- that would go against all the traditions wiyj which I have been raised. I can also say for certain that JSF doesn't assert anything, he simply provides the facts with less of a spin than I originally anticipated. In addition to discussing the horrors of the meat industry, he provides a "why not eat horse or dogs?" question that I have never seen touched on in another such book. Such treatment of a tired yet sensitive subject was refreshing.
The first part of this book I loved was Walter Isaacson's writing style. It was easy to read and told a great story without letting the biographical c...moreThe first part of this book I loved was Walter Isaacson's writing style. It was easy to read and told a great story without letting the biographical chronology get in the way too much. The book was separated into definite categories depending on themes in the products and in Jobs' personal life.
What I liked best about this book, however, was that it neither vilified nor vindicated Steve Jobs. He gave and objective look that celebrated his genius but did not ignore his seemingly douchy, crazy, dirty hippie tendencies.
Another part of what made this book so accessible was the fact that I felt like I already knew the story before I read it. I knew jobs was ousted from Apple and later reinstated. I knew that he saved Pixar and changed the tech world. I felt like I knew the whole story but there was so much of it that I didn't know. (less)
If you've ever been interested in working at an ad agency, if you've ever worked at an ad agency, or if you ever had a strong affinity for the Masterc...moreIf you've ever been interested in working at an ad agency, if you've ever worked at an ad agency, or if you ever had a strong affinity for the Mastercard Priceless (McCann Erickson) or the Got Milk campaign (Goodby Silverstein), you must read this book. Not only does David Ogilvy give great advice from inside the business, but he presents his wonderfully written copy with the best parts of a vintage Life magazine (the pictures). Ogilvy clearly states the best steps for breaking into the business, the best steps for business owners and how to advertise for various print and TV (however, this book was written in 1983 and lacks the most recent innovation of the internet).
Although Ogilvy makes his points clearly, there is a lot of repetition (specifically in the B2B chapter when compared to earlier sections). He consistently reinforces exactly how much he despises reverse type, the importance of newspaper layouts and the importance of truthful, purposeful copy. Yet he makes several confessions about his years in the business that prove that even the most amazing individuals are still human. Even David Ogilvy, the man who drove to work in his Roles Royce wearing his Sears suit, can still make ill informed decisions.
Recommended for everyone who has ever studied advertising, and even for those who enjoy catchy slogans and pretty pictures.(less)
Within the first page of reading "Amusing Ourselves to Death" you can tell exactly how dated the book has become in the not so recent past. Written in...moreWithin the first page of reading "Amusing Ourselves to Death" you can tell exactly how dated the book has become in the not so recent past. Written in 1985, Postman talks about the death of social values, education and knowledge through the use of television not as contrived drivel, but as a means of disseminating purposeful information in regards to news, politics and science. He argues that the point of television is to provide entertainment, and it is only when it is used as a substitute for books and the educational system that it does the most harm to society.
Yet we now live in a world where television has itself taken a back seat as society's primary form of entertainment. If you take any sentence in Postman's book and replace "television" with "internet" much can remain the same. He laments the lost of literature and talks about it as though it had gone the way of the radio or telegraph--not a dead medium, but one with a different purpose. He laments that literature is not strictly used for entertainment or for education anymore because it has taken a back seat to television's power. However when a medium changes and is no longer the mainstream means of information, it becomes almost like a private club. It becomes secret for those who still engage in it instead of getting their reading material for Amazon Kindle.
In general, I liked Postman's book, but it was the same argument we have all heard dozens of times in any media studies class. The world hasn't fallen, it's merely changing. (less)
One of the things I love best about "Lucky Peach" is that it isn't a normal food magazine. It doesn't have gorgeous food porn (though it does have som...moreOne of the things I love best about "Lucky Peach" is that it isn't a normal food magazine. It doesn't have gorgeous food porn (though it does have some very interesting photos and awesome illustrations). It doesn't have heartfelt stories or suggestions on how to set a perfect table. Hell, it doesn't even have many recipes, to be perfectly honest.
It's a food magazine for chefs or chef wannabes. Yet for an issue dedicated entirely to the discussions of chefs and the celebrity chef phenomenon, I felt this issue missed the mark. Whereas most of the issues feel like David Chang is jacking off for 166 pages (in the most appealing way) this one felt like way more ego stroking than most. It was well written, it had some great recipe ideas, and it was on topic (which is more than can be said for issue 2) but it just didn't grab me.(less)
Although this could be considered MIchael Pollan's least accessible book (how many of us are gardeners?), Botany of Desire was an enjoyable read. Poll...moreAlthough this could be considered MIchael Pollan's least accessible book (how many of us are gardeners?), Botany of Desire was an enjoyable read. Pollan looks at the history of 4 plans and how they have tamed humanity to their whims and desires. The apple has been cultivated for our desire for sweetness, the tulip for beauty, marijuana for intoxication and the potato plays into our desire for control.
The chapters on marijuana and the potato were by far the most intriguing, probably due to the nature of their histories. Marijuana follows it's contentious past and present, and the potato chapter looks at the development of GMOs by Monsanto. The chapter on the tulip was the weakest chapter (because really, who gives a shit about tulips).
In general, Pollan writes a very strong book that gives a strong opinion towards agricultural diversity. It may not be as easy a read as Omnivores Dilema, but it is still accessible in Pollan's true style.(less)
Part biography, part self help book and extremely repetitive throughout. It wont be satisfying for fans of 50 cent and it won't be satisfying if you'r...morePart biography, part self help book and extremely repetitive throughout. It wont be satisfying for fans of 50 cent and it won't be satisfying if you're looking for a biography of other historical figures because it manages to touch on everyone only briefly. It doesn't pay enough attention to any one subject and Greene tells the same story of 50 Cent as a hustler over and over again. Seriously, theres only so many times I need to hear about him being shot with 9 bullets.
However, it is amusing and some sections can be read aloud for great amusement.(less)
This is probably by least favorite issue to date. I didn't have any exposure to real chinese food until college, and the Chinese food of my youth was...moreThis is probably by least favorite issue to date. I didn't have any exposure to real chinese food until college, and the Chinese food of my youth was the general chicken and ginger brocoli beef that so many people remember from their childhood. This issue pays homage to both, but it seemed too narrowly focussed. Still enjoyable, but they've done better.(less)
After reading "Ogilvy on Advertising" his memoire Confessions of an Advertising Man seemed lackluster. I expected it to seem extremely dated (assumpti...moreAfter reading "Ogilvy on Advertising" his memoire Confessions of an Advertising Man seemed lackluster. I expected it to seem extremely dated (assumption of an all male audience, television as a new medium, etc) but I felt that this memoire was far more pretentious than the later work.
It is simply a list of the dos and don'ts of the industry. There are very few anecdotal accounts and no pictures. That was one of the most beautiful, amazing parts of the other book--the life magazine advertisements.
I don't want to give this book less than 3 stars because I can see that it was great in its day and I can see it would have been great if I hadn't read a book with pictures furst. But given the comparison, I would recommend "Ogilvy on Advertising" more.(less)
For everyone who loves No Reservations, for everyone who fell in love with his wit on top chef and for everyone who never wanted to know the horrors o...moreFor everyone who loves No Reservations, for everyone who fell in love with his wit on top chef and for everyone who never wanted to know the horrors of brunch specials and eating seafood on Mondays, you must read this book. It gives a behind the scenes look at the American culinary world and everything you never wanted to know that happened in the walkin between servers, chefs and their drug dealing prep cooks.(less)
Perhaps if I had read "A Cook's Tour" in 2001 when it was first published, I would have been blown away. I would have given Bourdain 4 stars for his w...morePerhaps if I had read "A Cook's Tour" in 2001 when it was first published, I would have been blown away. I would have given Bourdain 4 stars for his wit, his new experiences in Vietnam, Cambodia, England, San Francisco and Spain. There would be no obviously dated references to the supposed horrors of foot and mouth disease or the "much anticipated opening" of Thomas Keller's now established New York restaurant Per Se. It would have been new and fresh with a different personality than he presented in Kitchen Confidential.
As it stands, however, I see Cook's Tour and nothing more than the somewhat depressing monologue portions of No Reservations. His poetic moments about the Vietnam War and the search for the perfect meal in a bowl of Pho appear to be taken right out of the Vietnam episode. The same can be said for the haggis shop in Scotland.
Some sections were brilliant. The section about Cambodia was other worldly, the section about families in Peubla Mexico was intensely human, and his beautiful prose about the French Laundry were (I can only imagine) terribly fitting.
I realized I read/watched everything out of order, but it still feels like I've done it before.(less)
Although I love eating fish, I have never particularly enjoyed fishing. That was the first problem with my reading of this book. Since Greenberg seems...moreAlthough I love eating fish, I have never particularly enjoyed fishing. That was the first problem with my reading of this book. Since Greenberg seems to really enjoy fishing, he talks about it in, at times, excruciating detail. He talks about what it's like on a bot in the middle of the night fishing for tuna and about the Native Alaskans who still subsist on salmon fishing.
Some sections were longer than others, but the sections that interested me more (the ones on Cod and Sea Bass) were some of the shortest sections in the book. Don't get me wrong, it was a good book. It talked about what is fundamentally wrong with our sustainable eating system in regards to fish. It discussed thinking of fish as particular species and not simply indiscriminate "fish" to be turned into an amalgamation of things. I liked the overall theme, just not particularly the execution.(less)
Before reading "The God Delusion" I figured most of the one and two star reviews would be from Christians. I figured that intelligent, open minded ind...moreBefore reading "The God Delusion" I figured most of the one and two star reviews would be from Christians. I figured that intelligent, open minded individuals would be willing to expose themselves to a new belief system and sink their teeth into a well written book.
I am not a religious person. I was raised catholic but for the last ten years have held what he would view as PAP agnosticism (permanent agnosticism in principle) colored by pantheism. HIs book pays very little attention to agnosticism and he dismisses the entire belief system in about 2 pages, calling it wishy washy or at best, sexed up atheism.
The thing is, you cannot dismiss an entire belief system in a couple paragraphs, no matter how delusional you think the person might be. He might provide ample evidence to refute organized religions, but his main argument against agnosticism is that agnostics either don't want to make the full leap to atheism because they're trying to cling to something that isn't there. If he'd made more of an effort to refute it, it would have been more satisfying than his abrupt dismissal before moving on to other subjects. Additionally, he never even touches upon Eastern religions, but focusses primarily on Christianity and Islam.
I was never one to defend religious beliefs. Having never held strong beliefs one way or another, how can I criticize those who do? Just because I can be a good, happy person without a belief in god doesn't mean that other people do not need such a belief to live happy, fulfilling lives. Who is Dawkins to encroach upon their personal happiness and fulfillment with his gospel of militant atheism-- a gospel whose main arguments hinge upon intellectual superiority and humiliation.
Dawkins says he does not preach in this book, but I beg to differ. He presents the facts in a well organized way, but there is absolutely a tone of condescension in what amounts to nothing more than a long winded, masturbatory account of his personal beliefs.(less)
Wolke separates the book into 10 sections by types of food to explain basic kitchen science. I have not read the first book but this was more scientif...moreWolke separates the book into 10 sections by types of food to explain basic kitchen science. I have not read the first book but this was more scientific than I expected with a greater emphasis on the chemical compositions of specific foods and their reactions.
It wasn't the best kitchen science book (I already know what emulsify means and why it works in mayonaise). But I did learn some key facts about tea, about what exactly makes something a legume, and about rhubarb. Best of all, the book gave me a couple excellent looking recipes for BBQ sauce and osso bucco.
I'd recommend it as a quick read, but not a must have for your bookshelf.(less)
Proust was a Neuroscientist is a wonderful first glance at the scientific world of art. However, it is nothing more than a first glance. It is perfect...moreProust was a Neuroscientist is a wonderful first glance at the scientific world of art. However, it is nothing more than a first glance. It is perfect for those interested in the artistic aspect (not the scientific aspect). If you'e never read Marcel Proust, Stein or Whitman, much will be lost on you. If you don't each mushrooms or have never listened to Stravinsky beyond the dinosaur segment of Fantasia, then this is not the book for you.
Essentially, this is still a book for the artists of the world, not the scientists. It provides a surface though not a probing look at the different subjects of neuroscience. Too much attention is paid to certain subjects (Gertrude Stein) and too little is paid to others (Escoffier and Stravinsky) but the overall treatment of the subjects was thoughtful and interesting.
If nothing else, it made me want to reread Leaves of Grass, listen to Rites of Spring and eat a lot of umami rich foods.(less)
I bought this book hoping it would be a lot about physics or a lot about comic books. It was a little bit of both and not much of either.
It covered a...moreI bought this book hoping it would be a lot about physics or a lot about comic books. It was a little bit of both and not much of either.
It covered a lot of books I was familiar with and many I had not, but I felt the style was drawn out. I understand they were going over the most basic elements of physics but I still remembered how to calculate acceleration and the most basic aspects of Newtonian physics.
Additionally, his sense of humor was aggravating. It was the same sense of humor that was annoying in person in my high school and college classes, and proved even more annoying when having to read it.(less)
Going Nucular is an amazing collection of Nunberg's essays from 2003 on a variety of subjects involving media and political speech. He introduces a va...moreGoing Nucular is an amazing collection of Nunberg's essays from 2003 on a variety of subjects involving media and political speech. He introduces a variety of new thoughts including the idea of "thinkos" expressed in his chapter "Going Nucular".
Although not as closely related to nuclear policy as one might hope given the title, it provides a wonderfully informative, often amusing account of political language. Moreover, it brings back memories of the Bush years and delightful SNL skits(less)
At first, Freakonomics seemed promising. It was a look at the hidden side of everything, a New York Times bestseller and it would put the mysteries in...moreAt first, Freakonomics seemed promising. It was a look at the hidden side of everything, a New York Times bestseller and it would put the mysteries in life in a language the masses could understand. Yet upon reading, the book fell flat in many respects. The book, in many ways, seems exactly like the introductory chapters of my Sociological Methods textbook from college. It is interesting in its own right, but anyone with the most basic background in Statistics or Economics will find this book, at best, unsupported. Instead, it is presented mostly as anecdotal accounts of correlation, not causation.
The book is an easy read, but the chapters end where the next logical question should pick up (or certain elements are ignored entirely). In the chapter about the drop in crime rates, he completely ignored any mention of white collar crime and instead focused on violent crime, drug related and petty theft (see the bagel incident). I would have found that section the most interesting of the book and though white collar crime is the most difficult to detect, it seems as though there would be other logical correlating factors (corporate mergers, etc). To not address one of those key aspects seems like a gross oversite or simply pure laziness.
I agree that it is necessary to create a book like this for the masses, but a book like this will never reach the people who need it most (a point Levitt makes perfectly clear in his discussion of parenting). People with high IQs and social status will have a house full of books and a greater reverence for education. People do not become intelligent by owning and reading books (pg 172).
By this idea, only high IQ individuals will purchase this book (and those without high IQs who purchase will probably not understand it anyway). If that's the case Mr. Levitt, why don't you include a little more math in your book, for those of us who were raised in a house of books?
See what I did there? I made a completely unsubstantiated claim just like those found in this book. (less)
I heard about this book and the controversial judgement of Paris a few months ago when touring Grgich Hill Winery (the winery established as a direct...moreI heard about this book and the controversial judgement of Paris a few months ago when touring Grgich Hill Winery (the winery established as a direct result of the Paris tasting in 1976). I've always loved the Grgich cabernet (the Yountville reserve is spectacular) and I was eager to read about the process of wine making and the history of the estate.
Although Taber delves a little too deeply into the personal backgrounds of the various winemakers involved as opposed to covering the Paris event itself and its aftermath in depth, I really enjoyed the way the overall story came across. I learned about the beautiful history of wine in California before prohibition, it's slow decline after, and the amazing transformation of tastes that occurred in the 1970s, leading to the emergence of the Napa Valley as the vinecultural center.
This is not a book I would recommend to anyone. Only read if you like wine or want to learn more about it as an art. Read if you've tasted the beauty of a Chateau Moutin Rothschilde and knew greatness in that moment. Read if you think the biodynamic techniques at Grgich hills are a little kitchy, but probably work. Read if you would love to be sipping on a great port while reading this review.(less)
I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this is a book you can aptly judge. The cover depicts a juicer that is mechanical and fem...moreI know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this is a book you can aptly judge. The cover depicts a juicer that is mechanical and feminine at the same time. It has sharp edges beautifully paired with delicate, sensual curves. It is supposedly not meant for juicing actual fruit, but it is certainly a conversation starter.
This book was full of great anecdotes about the random stuff we have that we are attached to for no apparent reason. I have a hand mixer in my house that used to be white but has faded to a off yellow due to age. It works better than anything else and is a conversation starter because of the now defunct Montgomery Ward logo on the side. My collection of books are a testament to my identity, and our coffee table books show the world our varied interests.
I enjoyed the book in the first half when it was about aspects of design. However, the later half about AI and robots seemed fade in and out. it did not hold my interest as much as I would have liked. If they had stuck to the aspects of what makes the Mini or Macbook Pro or titled teapots desirable, I would have enjoyed it more than a deviation in the later half of the story.(less)
How much has Sesame Street or Blues Clues shaped the educational culture of TV and our youth? How have broken windows shaped the culture of a neighbor...moreHow much has Sesame Street or Blues Clues shaped the educational culture of TV and our youth? How have broken windows shaped the culture of a neighborhood and how many surnames can you recognize in the phone book?
Malcolm Gladwell's book provides many questions about society and few answers. The analysis is largely surface but that makes it possible for the book to be understandable for the masses.
For some reason I expected a more non-fiction stance from this book. I expected a hard look at the big three candy companies and how they are homogeni...moreFor some reason I expected a more non-fiction stance from this book. I expected a hard look at the big three candy companies and how they are homogenizing the flavors of America. I did not expect the sweet surprise of a memoir in the style akin to a mix of Dave Eggers and Chuck Klosterman. This fact should not have been surprising given that candy, specifically chocolate, is deeply personal with memories lodged deep in one's self conscious. There is no rhyme or reason for why we like what we like, and a book about one's greatest love should behave similarly.
Candyfreak is a meandering narrative that chronicles Steve Almond's journey across America to discover small companies and reconnect with his childhood. From descriptions of dark chocolate Kit Kats (which were amazing) to the atrocity of Marshmallow Peeps and Twizzlers, Almond gives an apt description of the confectionary world. At times at drags and at others there are moments of brilliant prose, specifically his association with human emotions to Valomilks: it's only worth it when they're messy.
Though I never considered myself a candy freak when I began reading this book, I slowly began to realize that my inner freak came out as I began to desire the flavors from my youth and the memories associated with it. I wanted the Red Vines my mother would always buy when we went to the movies. I wanted the chocolate covered gummi bears my father would get me from the candy shop downtown. I wanted the Whatchamacallit bars and the Bit o Honey and most of all, the Dark Chocolate crunchy peanut butter cups from one specifical fudge shop in Cape Cod.
For individuals with an overactive sweet tooth, a long standing oral fixation or a bothersome inner fat kid, Candyfreak really is a sweet treat to read. (less)
This book was mediocre at best. Although you can tell Schutt is an expert on vampire bats and very excited about his work, the excitement does not tra...moreThis book was mediocre at best. Although you can tell Schutt is an expert on vampire bats and very excited about his work, the excitement does not transcend into the other sections. He provides the most insight into vampire bats and bed bugs (about which every New Yorker is passionate), but completely neglects mosquitoes. (He avoids this with a footnote stating that mosquitoes do not feed solely on blood, and he can therefore ignore them.
I felt moderately more informed, but really, I just felt terrified of bed bugs.(less)
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