false 24 325 223 true 5663380 read 0 true 2941578 currently-reading 102 true 2941577 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75225937 to: SuperFreakonomics: Tales of Altruism, Terrorism, and Poorly Paid Prostitutes (Hardcover) by Steven D. Levitt
If you liked Freakonomics you will like SuperFreakonomics. It has the same recipe of engaging writing, interesting and sometimes off-beat topics, and pragmatic analysis on a range of issues. For me, it also has the same flaw as Freakonomics which is that while I admire their spirit I am sometimes unconvinced by their facts or conclusions. For example, they posit that a realtor does not add significantly to the sale price of a home but then go on to list the many ways that the study might be flawed. I'm glad they were honest about the limitations of what they studied, but I was left feeling a little frustrated that they didn't try to get better data. One area where I agree with them wholeheartedly is that it's going to take radical innovation rather than persuading people to change their lifestyles in order to deal with global warming. I'm not convinced that their exact approaches are a good idea, but I like that they are thinking outside the box. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/80278931 Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan (Hardcover) by Greg Mortenson
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79652750 The Pillars of the Earth (Paperback) by Ken Follett
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79605025 Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78667613 to: The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins
I have to start by saying that I started this book with extremely high expectations because it was very highly recommended by a friend and had great reviews here on goodreads. So despite the fact that it's a very good book, I was left feeling a little disappointed. It has a lot to recommend it: fast pacing, complex relationships, a well-crafted science fiction world, a strong female protagonist, etc. But there were also some things that bothered me: Some parts felt a little too contrived and pat. I didn't like the premise of the competition because it felt like a recycled ideas and made large pieces of the book too predictable. The main character was a bit too perfect. Combined these made it hard for me to get emotionally invested. Overall I really enjoyed the book and certainly plan to read any sequels but I wish it could have been as good as my expectations. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79364350 to: China: Alive in the Bitter Sea (Hardcover) by Fox Butterfield
In this non-fiction book, journalist Fox Butterfield describes living in China in the early 80s. It covers his own experiences as well as life stories gathered from his Chinese friends, acquaintances, and interviewees.
Pros:
-Rich detail
-Interesting stories
-Broad range of focus that gave a feel for life at many different levels of society, different locations, different ages, etc
-The book covered personal stories from The Chinese Revolution, The Great Leap Forward, and The Cultural Revolution which broadened my understanding of China's history in the 20th century

Cons:
-This is not really the book's fault, but reading it now when the information is more than 25 years old, it's hard to know how to process the information or what to do with it (I got this book for free because it is so out-of-date)
-I wasn't completely sure how much credence to give the overall picture that Butterfield painted
-The book felt a little too long and was dragging a little by the end ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78498701 to: I Don't Know How She Does It (Paperback) by Allison Pearson
This British novel about a working mother started out very promising. The writing was very funny (I loved the lists of things to remember) and there were many work/family themes that resonated with me. However the book soon turned bitter, sad, and painful as I watched the main character spiral out of control and get torn apart in her toxic environment. Reading this book makes it sound like it's impossible to combine motherhood and a fulfilling career and that everyone around you in both spheres is just waiting to pounce all over your mistakes. I certainly grant that there may be time periods, places, or jobs where this is the case, but it is certainly not the case for me. I generally have a more optimistic outlook so although there were some interesting ideas in the book and I liked the writing style, it was a little too depressing to actually enjoy. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78261972 to: The Mysterious Benedict Society (Hardcover) by Trenton Lee Stewart
If I could I would rate this book 3 1/2 stars. It feels quite similar in tone to A Series of Unfortunate Events of which I am not a big fan. I liked the first half of the book better than the second because it had me intrigued as to where it was headed. Overall the book is creative, clever, and has a good pace. The downsides are that while the characters and themes are pretty sophisticated for a children's book, they are still pretty simplistic and I think this led to me not getting very emotionally invested in the story. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77812120 to: Those Who Save Us (Paperback) by Jenna Blum
I have mixed feelings about this novel. It's incredibly depressing on several levels and throws in some horrible stories on peripheral characters that will most likely give me nightmares. The fact that the author interviewed holocaust survivors for four years and that the stories are likely based on real experiences only makes them that much more chilling. The story of the main characters is depressing in a more subtle and morally gray way. One of my main problems with the book is that although it may be realistic, I was frustrated by the fact that there was no resolution or reconciliation in either of the two timelines. So did I "enjoy" this book? Definitely not. Was it memorable and thoughtful? Yes. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77720235 to: Ramona and Her Mother (Ramona Quimby (Paperback)) by Beverly Cleary
This is purportedly a children's book but some of the themes would only be understood by an adult. It basically discusses the complexities of mother/daughter relationships, nostalgia for earlier and simpler stages of childhood, resolving arguments, and sibling rivalry. There are also some humorous episodes included along the way. I am curious whether my kids would like this book or not but there are certain parts of it that I am a little hesitant to read to them for fear of giving them bad ideas (the joys of squeezing out all the toothpaste from the tube, threatening to run away from home, etc). ]]>