The razor blade on the front cover of the book is what one yearns for right after embarking on this read, sharp blade with which to cut every single pThe razor blade on the front cover of the book is what one yearns for right after embarking on this read, sharp blade with which to cut every single page, one by one, until they are so neatly shredded that even the memory of what was written on them becomes non existent. And then, one can use the same razor to end one's own life.
I'm still unsure what the author was thinking when she began this book, unless she had some very deep and very disturbing mental issues to work through.
This book is dangerous and not because it excites one with a thrilling and suspenseful story. It is dangerous because once one reads it, one loses any desire to look for another book that may restore one's faith in the existence of good books with an uplifting charge. Not only is this book dangerous, but it is sick. Its underlying sickness is that it's emotionally draining and unless readers are looking to load up on more mental baggage (I can't think of anyone who doesn't have enough), I'd stay away from its pain.
The main character is a female reporter who returns home on an assignment (covering the serial murders of two little girls). As memories of her painful childhood emerge, readers find a lot more about her character, for example her alcoholic addiction and her obsession to carve words into her own flesh. Waves of her unresolved issues wash away further hopes of a challenging literary work as readers are practically dragged into her problems (not loved enough by her mother, not popular enough in school, not motivated enough in her work) and are subjected to the anguish of either feeling sorry for her or wanting to end her existence.
As disturbing details of the two murders resurface, readers are introduced to yet two more characters as equally unpleasant as the first. There is the psychologically unstable (almost emotionally poisonous) personality of her mother and the pathologically sinister and equally disturbed one of the teenage sister. And of course there are the endlessly problematic and mentally crushing details of the small-town's Midwest America (why would one want to read this is beyond my understanding).
This book robs one of smiles, of the beauty of life, and even of the reason for love. It is not only bitter, but leaves one with an unpleasant smell of what I'd like to call rotten feelings. I can't brand the book dull (as it did leave me with unwanted thoughts), but I can promise you that you'll feel dull once you've read it. I don't recommend it, but may compare the feelings I have for it to what Chuck Palahniuk's 'Choke' birthed in me.
The only great thing about "The Great Fire" is its name. This is one of those books that as you read it, you find yourself lost in thoughts about theThe only great thing about "The Great Fire" is its name. This is one of those books that as you read it, you find yourself lost in thoughts about the morning commute, the long ago expired and still unpaid decal on your front windshield, about the dog, that you forgot to feed and you now know it repaid you by doing its business on the one spot of the carpet, which you fiercely guarded and hoped to protect before the weekend party with your boss and his pricy wife who for some time now has been...but then you collect your thoughts and try again to refocus your attention on this story of post war Japan and the Australian soldier who fell in love with a teenager, or was the chap British...and the she, the bosses wife, who strangely winked at you during the last Christmas party and you felt like choking...he must have been Australian since in the end he decided to stay with the girl in Australia...but now you know that the spot in the carpet would forever remain brownish with its if not putrid then at least nagging reminder of the day you forgot to feed the damn dog because the book you were tying to read...but who really cares whether the Australian and the teenager remained faithful to each other, after all the world really changed since 1947...and so you hope that the next paycheck would be enough for you to make a call to `Stanley Steamer' and have them fix the memory of your immoral transgression...But back to the book! If you love British style novels of the kind where old ladies and younger chaps (with names like Bertram and Aldred) get together to have some tea, then in their spare time write long romantic letters, and from time to time remind each other of the horrid world war 2, this is the book for you. If you are like me, meaning you have so much on your mind that it'd take a much stronger novel to keep your attention pinned to its pages, then I highly recommend you withhold the urge to read this one. ...more
3 of 8 people found the following review helpful: What's one man's demise is another's redemption...or is it?, June 2, 2006
Michael Finkel wrote thi 3 of 8 people found the following review helpful: What's one man's demise is another's redemption...or is it?, June 2, 2006
Michael Finkel wrote this book in an effort to alter the popular opinion that he is a dishonest reporter who falsified his articles. He wrote with one objective in mind - to emerge as a talented author and honest human being. But was he able to do so? It's up to the readers to decide.
What's the book about? As it turned out, a serial murderer used Mr. Finkel's identity to hide from the law. Luckily, the FBI did their job and caught the man. And when Mr. Finkel found out that his identity has been compromised for nearly a month, he saw an opportunity to use the story as a stepping stone toward redemption, toward purification of his own public character.
The book is written well, but having read it, I wouldn't recommend it. For one thing, it does little to reveal something new about the character of the murderer. It simply affirms the man's deceitful nature. And I could care less about Finkel's correspondence with the murderer. There were times when I felt like I was reading a gnostic gospel- an account of lies between two corrupt men = the dishonest journalist and the two-faced murderer - what a pair.
If anyone is interested in the story, the Internet is a perfect source about Longo's biography. Use it, don't waste your time with the book. ...more
Once in a while a person accidentally stumbles on an especially annoying book. One written particularly because a desperate publisher made a phone calOnce in a while a person accidentally stumbles on an especially annoying book. One written particularly because a desperate publisher made a phone call, or mailed a letter with a check to an author with the words: "It's time to write another one, Shirley..." and the author hurled herself to write, without a plan, without ideas and the only thing that came out was a dull diary filled with self pity, anti-Americanism, sexism and generally criticism... Well, this is one of those books and I truly feel sorry for the trees that have to die annually to satisfy the erroneous marketing projections of underpaid book editors in the current cost-cutting environment (especially after the advent of Print-on-Demand) in order to deliver such hideous and mind numbing gems. Yet I am also grateful. I'm grateful for these sacrifices because they serve to carry a message to the reader, which he or she can carry to you the broader audience. That message is - DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS BOOK AND THIS AUTHOR.
In terms of content - well, there is no story here. This is simply a tedious account of a lonely woman who spent someone else's money to visit Antarctica and record her daily experiences. What kind of experiences, you wonder?
The kind that go like this"
"...we took off over the frozen sound toward the Transantarctics..." "...we could see individual birds waddling about with stones in their beaks..." "...Later that day we landed at the snout of the Mawson Glacier for a picnic..." "...so we all had our own few feet of privacy. It was hot and dark inside..." "...and later we saw all their small yellow tents pitched in the distance..."
and go on and on and on...
Occasionally the author makes references to Scott's, Shackleton's and other expeditions, but in no way enough to stir imagination or interest. I doubt you'd learn anything new from this book.
If you are truly interested about Antarctica, the history behind the conquests and a first person account of the harshness of the pole and its frozen lands, check out "Race to the Pole: Tragedy, Heroism, and Scott's Antarctic Quest" by Ranulph Fiennes.
Dawkins is one of my top picks for the most articulate, engaging and proficient scientists I've read to date. The Blind Watchmaker turned out to be aDawkins is one of my top picks for the most articulate, engaging and proficient scientists I've read to date. The Blind Watchmaker turned out to be a very prolific piece. I was baffled by his logical analogies, most excellent examples and extremely engaging vernacular. In this work, one learns much about the evolutionary adaptations of numerous species, of which the sonar technology of baths, dolphins and other mammals seemed most shocking. His reasoning of what constitutes miracles, probability theory and reasoning behind the drawback of the Lamark's theory of acquired characteristics is exceptionally enticing. The book should be a required high-school reading.
I just concluded reading this book. Bottom line: human beings are designed to seek meaningful (keyword here is meaningful) relationships. It's no wondI just concluded reading this book. Bottom line: human beings are designed to seek meaningful (keyword here is meaningful) relationships. It's no wonder that studies of regular church-goers show they live longer than their counterparts- the more they are united by a common idea and maintain a healthy relationship between each other in a meaningful manner, the more their physiologies are encapsulated from stresses and wear and tear of loneliness. I recommend this book.
Also, interesting to note from the book:
What counts for happy well adjusted individuals? The studies in this book reveal the following factors:
1) Social connections - less lonely individuals reported being happier than their lonelier counterparts (no surprise here) 2) Household income - this is associated with happiness, but higher income does not increase levels of happiness. Interestingly enough higher levels of happiness predicted a stronger potential for higher income in the near future. 3) Age - people actually get happier as they grow older. This has to do with the aging of the brain's amygdale that regulates the emotional responses and as a result older people just don't get too worked up about what may be otherwise stressful condition, resulting in less stress over the little things. Additionally, knowing that they have less time on earth causes older people to focus more on the more important things of life - like building the social connections with other.
I have to admit this book excited my interests in the studies performed by the Society for Psychical Research (The SPR’s former presidents’ list readsI have to admit this book excited my interests in the studies performed by the Society for Psychical Research (The SPR’s former presidents’ list reads like the Who’s Who in Science). One reason may have been my enormous respect for the works of the father of American psychology William James who presided over the SPR from 1894 to 1895.
Anyone who read my second book on the meaning of existence will understand the my current dilemma. For the longest time I found support for my existential convictions in the works of Camus, Sartre and Nietzsche. Their foundation was further fortified by my believe in the theories of evolution and the development of human societies as defined by the works of Darwin and Diamond.
I don’t tend to accept theories lightly, but this book exposed me to a double-blind study done by SPR in the early part of the twentieth century that still occupies my mind. I still yearn to uncover the reasons behind its results. Done by a few prominent scientists (and without going into the details) the study sowed in me if not doubt then some very good reasons to reevaluate my knowledge and understanding of human consciousness and brain physiology. I feel thrown back into the race for facts that can help me integrate the results with my perceptions of life and existence.
I recommend this book to you if you are firmly established in your existential beliefs as it will offer some overwhelming facts to the contrary. You will need a very full bucket of scientific proof to quench the fire it’ll start. ...more
While in 1992 I was taking my first trip to Europe, falling in love for the first time, getting my introduction to Pentecostalism and learning to liveWhile in 1992 I was taking my first trip to Europe, falling in love for the first time, getting my introduction to Pentecostalism and learning to live, people were being exterminated only several hundred miles away from me. While I was going into my fourth year of high school education in Bulgaria, boys and girls my age were being raped and tortured and murdered and it took me 15 years to find that out. How is it that I knew nothing about that war? How is it I never paid attention to the news, never took interest in what was happing in Bosnia? How? How come I turned a blind eye to the grizzly events occurring in a land where people spoke Slavic language similar to my own, had features similar to mine, shared history similar to the one of my county? How can I have been so ignorant of the genocide in Bosnia?
Then, in the winter of 1992 I came to the United States and looking back now I find I wasn't the only one guilty of ignorance. For three years (1992-1995) United Nations, countries like Britain, France, Russia and of course, the USA, looked to resolved the conflict by ignoring the direct problem in the region. Peaceful solution is what everyone was talking about and looking for, and all the while men, women, and children died by torture, by fire, by knives to their throats. Over 200,000 people. 200,000 died in this conflict and having read Peter Maass' book I feel disgusted with myself, with humanity in general.
I suspect there were hundreds of other conflicts that occurred and I missed. I know there were many more that history sheltered away from humanity and perhaps I'll never learn about their victims, but having read this book and having learned of the dangerous games politicians and people with power played, I'm left with a nauseating feeling of shame. Shame for being a human and for possessing the realization that evil is something people grow inside, something they cultivate and feed of. For all of our 100,000 years of civilization we have nothing to show except death, destruction and deceit. Is this what we should be proud of? Is this the meaning of life?
I recommend this book to everyone. It's hard to find stories out there that are so open, so raw, so real in their context that make readers seriously wonder what society, civilization, morality and ethics really mean. Mr. Maass, thank you for being so honest. ...more
My previous exposure to Dr. Restak's work was `Mozart's Brain and the Fighter Pilot,' which to my recollection I wasn't very keen on and for those ofMy previous exposure to Dr. Restak's work was `Mozart's Brain and the Fighter Pilot,' which to my recollection I wasn't very keen on and for those of you interested in reading that review I'd advise to scroll through my profile and find it.
The current book `Think Smart' is a little different and hence carries a different weight for me. Think Smart in a good introductory work for every fan of human brain functioning, maintenance and upkeep. The complexity of Dr. Restak's vernacular is minimal and so it is expected that any high school grad will comprehend the overall message, which is: You need to put as much effort into maintaining a healthy brain as you put into feeding, clothing, and bathing yourself. I can't put it any simpler than this because I run the risk of loosing 60% of the general population.
For the overachievers I have two words with respect to this book: Skip it. Why? I have had the opportunity to read a few very enticing works on the subject of brain function and physiology and would strongly recommend these instead. I guarantee you will find a lot more in them in terms of brain areas and how specific supplements may influence them, personal victories with brain related illnesses and brain exercises than `Think Smart.'
Recommended readings:
Making a Good Brain Great by Daniel G. Amen The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge ...more
A couple of days ago I finished reading 'The Unfolding of Language : An Evolutionary Tour of Mankind's Greatest Invention' by Guy Deutscher. Wow, it'sA couple of days ago I finished reading 'The Unfolding of Language : An Evolutionary Tour of Mankind's Greatest Invention' by Guy Deutscher. Wow, it's exhausting just to say the name, imagine what it felt like to read the book. But, seriously the work is intellectually challenging and often provoked me to engage in thoughts on the ever changing state of human language. And yes, metaphors are the erodent of language (in case you were wondering). Many times I found myself reminiscing about the complexity of the ancestral expressions. By the way, anyone who thinks modern language is more intricate than say Latin or ancient Babylonian needs to pick up this book. Mr. Deutscher's analysis seemed logical enough to make me a believer that dead languages were a lot more eloquent than modern ones. But this is where interesting stops and tedious begins. I felt this book was geared toward students in linguistics as oppose to the average reader (my apologies to the author, but I'm a graduate in business). At times it seemed Mr. Deutscher couldn't make up his mind on what to include in the actual body of the book and what to leave in the Appendixes (and trust me, there is a lot that should've been left in the Appendixes). For example, consonances and grammatical rules of African languages did little to entice my eagerness to immerse myself in the constructs of language. Often I had to go back and reread some pages forcing myself to ascertain their usefulness and applicability in my daily life (unsuccessfully, if I may add). I expected the 'evolutionary tour' to include historical aspects of the human evolution, but...oh well. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend this book. Instead, for those readers interested in introductory material into the evolution of language (masterfully coupled with historical analysis) I recommend Genes, Peoples, and Languages by Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza. ...more
Ever since Paranoia, Mr. Finder's work has been getting progressively worse. Paranoia was a niche, new and exciting. The prospective of corporate espiEver since Paranoia, Mr. Finder's work has been getting progressively worse. Paranoia was a niche, new and exciting. The prospective of corporate espionage, high-tech spying, survival of the most devious, it was a great concept, an exciting new story (as I read it I could almost smell the movie popcorn, the upcoming blockbuster). But then came Company Man, with its disappointing tale and unbelievable characters. And now - Killer Instinct.
What happened, Mr. Finder? Commercialization got in the way? Was it the need to publish, to produce another moneymaking novel without honoring our intelligence? Why write if your characters would be bleak and simpleminded? Why produce a story if it will be as regular as a patient on a fiber diet? Where are the exciting unforeseen circumstances? What happened to eeriness, unpredicted behaviors, risky yet credible propositions? How come your novels are getting worse instead of better? Why the all foreseen Hollywood ending now? Think over these questions and make the right choices in your next book. But keep in mind, it's hard keeping the fans if you produce frequent nonsense.
I don't recommend this one. Try `Paranoia' or check out Grisham or Patterson's books instead. ...more
A work of monolithic proportion. Carefully researched, addressing some of the most pressing issues of the day, this book should be on the night standA work of monolithic proportion. Carefully researched, addressing some of the most pressing issues of the day, this book should be on the night stand of every aspiring CEO. The author (three times Pulitzer Prize winner) takes the comparative approach to structure and never fails to keep the readers busy with questions of strategic, technological and political importance. (A quick glimpse of the index is enough to give one a head-spin). For example, consider the `triple convergence' factor for building a successful business (have you ever heard about it?) or how about such notions as `outsourcing', `in-sourcing', `global supply chain'. Executives will reap the benefits from the countless examples of successful decision-making strategies implemented at top companies like UPS, Wal-Mart, JetBlu, and Yahoo. Even if you are not a fan of the business genre, you'll find something beneficial in this work. (take a chance for a change). Fully developed, carefully constructed and extremely interesting, this book should be a required reading for all intellectual readers (especially MBA students, business executives and high-rank political figures). ...more
Man marries a woman out of respect for his parents. Later, man meets another woman and gets a crush on her. They both wait for 18 years (without consuMan marries a woman out of respect for his parents. Later, man meets another woman and gets a crush on her. They both wait for 18 years (without consummating their relationship) so that man can get a divorce from wife. Once the divorce is finalized, man marries woman, gets her pregnant and eventually discovers that he was better of with wife # 1.
When I picked "Watining" by Ha Jin, I was under the impression that the National Book Award committee did its homework by reading the story (not the book, but the story behind the book) before bestowing its prestigious award to the author. Boy was I wrong. The book never lives up to the expectations of the average reader. Believe me, I'm not looking for much. All I'd like to find is relief from the mundane feelings of boredom. If I'm to sacrifice 6 hours of my time for a book as opposed to learning a new language, watching a new movie, playing a new computer game, I expect to be entertained not with dull Chinese realism, but with a sensational story, a new custom, worthy vernacular, anything but mind-numbing realism full of bad human choices and self-pity.
My opening sentence of this short criticism summarizes the whole book. The rest of the story relates daily human interactions of an ill-conceived society. Do yourself a favor, learn a new language, play a new computer game, watch a new movie, anything but pick up this agony. If you must learn something about Chinese history, the Cultural Revolution, or complex societal relationships of the Eastern world, then I highly recommend "Wild Swans" by Jung Chang. ...more
Are you in the mood for something sentimental? How about a book on the sadness of a dog's existence? Paul Auster has taken a simple idea to a whole otAre you in the mood for something sentimental? How about a book on the sadness of a dog's existence? Paul Auster has taken a simple idea to a whole other level of reality and in the process has created a work that would transform human perception of the average canine awareness.
Yet, I have to say the story was a bit much for me to swallow. Don't get me wrong, I love dogs (heck, I wrote `The Basenji Revelation' after all) and sometimes I wonder what they feel, think and dream. I had a dog and know for certain that it understood me (I hope not to the degree of Timbuktu's main character). But then the dog died and now I change the radio channel when I hear a sentimental melody which brings forth the memories of us walking together down the street (I still can't get over the fact that my dog suffered the heart condition that eventually killed it). Yes, I change the channel and quickly drain the pan of overflowing nostalgia, which is what I should have done long before reaching the final pages of Timbuktu (Well, what can I say, I love Mr. Auster's writing style).
The story is written from the perspective of a dog by the name of Mr. Bones and follows up with its experiences as it looses one master, finds another, then a third, before it finally succumbs to the desire to escape the pain of its miserable, sickly existence in exchange for the chance to go Human Heaven called Timbuktu (Oh, the beauty of fiction).
If you love dogs and have recently lost one, this book will warm up your heart and then perhaps help you with your grief (although I'm still angry at Fate for the loss of my little pooch). ...more
As part of a group that's implementing process changes in my current employer, I was excited about the opportunity to get my hands on this book. HavinAs part of a group that's implementing process changes in my current employer, I was excited about the opportunity to get my hands on this book. Having read it, I am slightly disappointed by its message (what can I say, I guess my expectations were different).
For one, I wanted to find some valuable business examples in it that I could apply to my situation. Don't get me wrong, on a conceptual basis the book provided me with a good framework to follow as I instigate change, but when it came down to the part where theory ties with practice I found the work dry and filled with inadequate examples (After all I couldn't compare the book's micro loan success story in India with my current US municipal government initiative).
I found some good answers to questions such as: -What can I do to change certain behaviors? (The book talks about methods of changing people's behaviors) -Who should I approach first in my organization in order to get better results with my change initiative? (The books talks about identifying Opinion Leaders vs. Innovators) -What are the most promising ways of implementing change? (The book explains ways to Reward vs. Punish) - How can social networks help me with the change initiative? (The book talks about how to integrate social networks and find ways to tie in social responsibility to change)
In the end, I consider this book beneficial only for its methodology. If I have to recommend a couple of other books that were more entertaining and educational for me, I'd suggest:
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Michael Gladwell
and
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie ...more
Do you have any idea how many lobsters die each year in order to satisfy our culinary cravings? I've no idea, but after reading the essay `Consider thDo you have any idea how many lobsters die each year in order to satisfy our culinary cravings? I've no idea, but after reading the essay `Consider the Lobster,' I have to say - too many.
Mr. Wallace approaches the issue from the stand point of our claw-y friends. Put yourself in the lobster's position - here you are, backtracking through the bottom of New England's coastline and suddenly you find yourself in the 100+ lbs pressure cooker of the annual Main Lobster Festival. You squirm, you fight, you die. But who are you? Are you just a tasty subject, one that is born to feed the gluttony of others, or are you more than that? Does anyone ever consider the fact that from a biological stand point, the lobster is a lot more of a complex system than the simple single cell organism of the ocean? If yes, then how come we avoid considering the consequences of the painful gastronomic preparations, that the Lobster MAY be feeling the unbearable pain of the boiling water?
There are other interesting essays in this book. Essays like the one on the debauchery of American porn industry, on the depravity of selected few who parade their sexuality not only on TV, but on the Las Vegas strip ( I personally found this essay too overwhelming for my literary tastes).
...and there are more.
Overall, I recommend this book to all intellectual seekers of contemporary issues that plague our nation. Here is a chance to satisfy your tastes for criticism, creativity and irony with this highly entertaining and skillfully constructed book. ...more
Linda Himelstein's biographical account of Russia's top vodka producer Pyotr Smirnov is in itself exhilarating.
The premise of the book centers on theLinda Himelstein's biographical account of Russia's top vodka producer Pyotr Smirnov is in itself exhilarating.
The premise of the book centers on the life of Smirnov and explores in the details his successful building of an empire. Smirnov in many ways reminds me of a typical follower of the American dream. Born a serf (peasant) Smirnov follows the footsteps of his uncle, first by redeeming his own freedom and next building an empire through diligent and hard work. Surprisingly Smironov was not a drinker of his product, which may have contributed to his success :)
Ms. Himelstein masterfully crafts the story by introducing and detailing the political, social and economic conditions of the 19th century Russia. One becomes familiar with the problems of the society, its weaknesses (love of vodka for one) and its progress from feudal peasantry to an industrial nation. The book encompasses a period of 60 years and draws on a number of rich resources both Russian and international.
The book is fulfilling and educational and I highly recommend it to all interested in Russian history, as well as those who'd like to learn what makes the nature of a Russian millionaire. ...more
I stumbled accidentally on this book. Running a search through the online database at a local library branch, the title popped up on the screen. I croI stumbled accidentally on this book. Running a search through the online database at a local library branch, the title popped up on the screen. I cross-referenced it with the opinions of other readers from Amazon.com and decided it'd be an interesting overview of this incredible disease - schizophrenia.
I found out after checking the book out that it won the Australian Book of the Year for 2004, which intrigued me further. Having read it, I am also of the opinion that it deserves the award. The book is short and easy to read (in terms of narrative), but it reveals the complexities of the disease. The author narrates his experiences from the moments the symptoms appeared to the medication phase that restored order in his daily existence.
The book is written in snippets of experiences and often the reader is hurled one story after another of the patient's psychosis, paranoia, search for codes or deciphering of codes and secret messages, the delusions of voices the author heard and his reactions to them. In addition to these experiences, he inserts numerous e-mails from other schizophrenia patients he'd received or read on mental illness-online boards, as well as messages from family members of mental patients and how they coped with them. Since he is a graphics designer by trade, he'd added plenty of visual representations of his internal torments.
I recommend this book to all readers interested in learning about the symptoms of schizophrenia, how to seek treatment and how to learn to cope with the disease. ...more
After reading `What Went Wrong? : The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East', I was impressed with Mr. Lewis' level of detail and clariAfter reading `What Went Wrong? : The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East', I was impressed with Mr. Lewis' level of detail and clarity of writing on topics such as religion and modernity. Now, after completing `The Middle East', I'm reminded yet again of his talent to construct detailed historical account of the political, religious and socio-economic aspects of life in that region. In this latest book, Mr. Lewis examines the major factors leading to the complexity of issues plaguing the Middle East today.
Beginning with the rise of Islam in the 6th century and it subsequent spread to all neighboring kingdoms, the author examines the impact of a religion on the core structure of society, its influence over culture, art, the rationale behind the rivalry of Eastern states (then Persian now Iran) and the West (Syria, Egypt, then Anatolia- now Turkey), military conquests and the resulted political reforms. Readers will learn about the causes behind the low economic growth of the entire region (despite its rich oil reserves), about the 8-year war between Iran and Iraq, about the formation of the Jewish state and subsequently the country of Israel, about the numerous military conflicts in the region since 1949 and a host of other historical facts.
This book is complex in nature and requires a complex reader with deeper interests and even an advanced set of thought. It's great for history enthusiasts, students of the Middle Eastern societies, diplomats and/or businessmen planning to live and work in that part of the world. ...more
Want to know why listening to Mozart could improve your brain? Check out this book. The author, a successful neuropsychiatrist, demonstrates (among otWant to know why listening to Mozart could improve your brain? Check out this book. The author, a successful neuropsychiatrist, demonstrates (among other things) an exceptional awareness of the intricacies of the human brain. Based on his knowledge and professional experience (which includes decades of successfully treating numerous patients), he's come up with 28 suggestions that if followed can not only improve memory and mental alertness, but also expand cognition and prevent brain cell degradation (avoid dementia and Alzheimer's disease - read the book!).
For those interested in a summary of these suggestions, take a look at the book's `Table of Contents' (this way you can pretty much get the feel of what's examined in the work). However, the suggested mental exercises deserve a special consideration (and that's why I advise you to check out the book). Additionally, the author presents valuable details about the capacity of the human brain and effectively links it with its evolutionary development (another reason why the book is worth exploring).
Finally, I tried a couple of the proposed exercises (they truly work!!!) and came up with some good results, which I've posted in my other Blog "What Is The Meaning Of Life?". Dr. Rastak's language is smooth and easy to comprehend, the examples are quite useful and so I highly recommend this book. ...more
With Patterson it's either hit or miss. This one is a miss. The story revolves around an FBI agent, a juror, a ma*** This review contains spoilers ***
With Patterson it's either hit or miss. This one is a miss. The story revolves around an FBI agent, a juror, a mafia don on trial and a whole lot of bad writing. I tried to get into the story, but it was neither an interesting courtroom drama (like Grisham's) nor an action packet mystery thriller like some of Harlan Coben's stories. While the FBI agent is desperately trying to see a convicted don, he indirectly becomes the reason for the death of juror number 9's young son. Time moves forward and as expected, the FBI agent falls in love with the juror, the mobster escapes bail and we are left with a grueling read (chapter 40 through 110) to find out where he's hiding and how the agent and the mother will get their vengeance.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one. Instead, read some of Grisham's books...ANY of Ghrisham's books....more
This short collection is guaranteed to make you feel eerie in those cold, dark nights when you stayed home alone to read. But then again how else to sThis short collection is guaranteed to make you feel eerie in those cold, dark nights when you stayed home alone to read. But then again how else to savor these stories? Here is a pointer. Get your hands on a copy of this book sometime around mid-day Friday. Blow off your friends for the night and go straight home. Wait until the daylight is just a memory and then sit with this book on your favorite old chair, preferably near a window, and delve into it with only the nightstand light on. Take time reading each page, relish each word, don't pay attention to the creepy scratching on you window, or the squeaking in the other rooms, it's all just in your mind. Whether you'll remember about the serial murders in the book, or the ghostly apparitions- it won't matter. What'll matter is how you experience reading about them...give it a try, be brave... ...more
Quite disappointed not only in the content of the book, but also the structure of it. Scientific works written by US authors tend to be more exploratoQuite disappointed not only in the content of the book, but also the structure of it. Scientific works written by US authors tend to be more exploratory, consisting of good theory and solid example, something this book thoroughly lacked. When you take a 120+ pages book, subtract all the images and un-bold the titles, all you truly are left with is 70 pages of text that were poorly used by Henry Broch. Frequently I was lost in translation, desperately trying to understand what the author was attempting to describe. The narrative skipped from one subject to another without proper transition. The author often engaged in personal rather than scientific interpretations of the phenomena. After a while this inconsistency became quite tedious.
I would have liked to see more comprehensive and different arguments on what may cause psychic powers, dowsing, and clairvoyance. It also would have been very useful to see various double-blinded studies of each condition so that readers are not left with the possibility to wonder whether something else may be the cause and not necessarily what the author believe it to be.
Also, a good book on scientific theory would have explored other works in similar matter that can present a thorough view of all possible theories. This helps readers increase their learning on a broader scale, as it tasks us with the need to form more associations, form more questions.
Not a good book. As an alternative, I'd recommend "Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death" by Deborah Blum. It's sure to arouse suspicion toward Broch's theories. ...more
Auster always surprises me with his stories. In Timbuktu I met a dog and saw the whole story through the animal’s point of view. In Travels In The ScrAuster always surprises me with his stories. In Timbuktu I met a dog and saw the whole story through the animal’s point of view. In Travels In The Scriptorium I meet an old man with suffering from amnesia, but portrayed in a sense that embodies us, the readers. Mr. Blank (strange name for a character), wakes up one morning in a room of what appears to be some sort of sanatorium. Except Mr. Blank feels strangely like a prisoner in this place. The windows are bolted; the room is completely bare, yet the essence of it yields certain kind of strangeness to the casual observer. And the more Mr. Blank digs into his own memory to recover the string that connects his past to his current situation, the more we, the readers, hold our breath in anticipation of the revelation.
Written with a vibrant style and exceptional character development, Travels In The Scriptorium will keep you glued to the pages until the very end. Do try to make sense of Auster's meaning behind this book and beware - you may discover your own Mr. Blank. ...more
Upon completion of this book, one is left with mixed feelings. Almost immediately it becomes apparent that an enormous effort went into researching anUpon completion of this book, one is left with mixed feelings. Almost immediately it becomes apparent that an enormous effort went into researching and writing the story. At the same time one can't escape the sense that the author struggled in the beginning with how he envisioned the structure of the book. For the first quarter of the book (roughly 140 pages), the readers suffers thorough agonizing details about the conditions of the medical schools in America at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Page after page, line after line, tiresome details of political influence and academic struggles to build the best medical system in the world (for one who is interested only in the Influenza pandemic, this appeared intrusive and out of place. Part 1 through 4 reads like a PR campaign for Johns Hopkins University. The question lingers - Why? ).
To learn truly about the devastating effects of the disease, I highly recommend skipping to part 5 and reading all the way through part 10. This portion of the book tells a gruesome story and by far represents the most in-depth material I've been able to find on the spread of the infections, statistical numbers of the death toll, as well as the measures undertaken by public officials (or lack of) to protect the public.
Unfortunately, the remainder of the book dips into unnecessary biographical information of semi-successful researches hunting for the Influenza pathogen. If short on time, skip to the new Afterward, in which the author posses some critical questions regarding the current state of preparedness should another pandemic hit the world.
Overall, the book is good, but it drags in places. It is only worth for its research into the spread of the disease and its destructive effects. ...more
What do you know about the Power Distance Index? What about the Uncertainty Avoidance? And How about Individualism vHow To Predict Airplane Crashes!!!
What do you know about the Power Distance Index? What about the Uncertainty Avoidance? And How about Individualism vs. Collectivism and where the US ranks among the rest of the world? Did you know that knowing these things you can predict the behavior of people from various cultures? How about predicting airplane crashes?
Have you ever heard of KIPP schools? Did you know there are over 50 of these in the nation that are changing the lives and minds of underprivileged children in daily? And that they are achieving more in knowledge then their privileged counterparts?
What makes a successful hokey player? What was the best year to be born in order to become a billionaire as an industrialist, and how about in the IT industry, or as a lawyer? Which is the most hardworking nation in the world (in agricultural sense)? (Hint: Not the US).
This book by far is one of my favorite and Malcolm Gladwell’s best in my opinion. He writes with great clarity, logic and tremendous common sense that make one consume the pages faster than lunch. It will make you think. Seriously!
A very, very high recommendation. Try also his ‘Blink’ and ‘The Tipping Point’. Another good book in similar manner is ‘Freakonomics’.
What makes a book scary? Is it a story of demons, or ghosts, or a few murders? Or is it the inexplicable madness that could taunt the mind of a readerWhat makes a book scary? Is it a story of demons, or ghosts, or a few murders? Or is it the inexplicable madness that could taunt the mind of a reader long after the story is over and the book is closed and returned to the book shelf? The Shining is one such story. It's the account of a family, their battles with their own demons in a hotel that somehow feeds on their fears and emotions.
Often, the case is made that a book is scary because it unexpectedly freaked a reader with a sudden twist, a ghostly encounter, or a creepy voice. In `The Shining' there is something different. There is suspense, ever so slowly building, until the trickle becomes a river that pulls one toward a vortex of twisting horrors, of something evil that has been molded and cooked and stored until the one to be fed stumbles on it unexpectedly and then its so horrifying that he is left stunned, numbed, petrified.
King is a king in the world of literary terror. He is a king of his own domain, of the masterful horror story, of a universe where hedge animals stalk, hotels share emotions and people communicate via their minds. Oh, and `The Shining' can not be told via a word of mouth, or seen as an interpretation by Kubric or any other director for that matter. `The Shining' must be experienced only through the words, because only words can make alive that which is too dreadful to share, or show. For all fans of the horror genre believe me when I say:`The Shining' makes one heck of a memorable experience. ...more
I return to this book 8 years after I read if for the first time. Within minutes I find myself recalling the Sunday brunches my parents used to preparI return to this book 8 years after I read if for the first time. Within minutes I find myself recalling the Sunday brunches my parents used to prepare for our entire family, the joyful sounds of my growing up in Virginia, after spending my early years in Eastern Europe. I intimately know the things Mr. Rodriguez writes about, because I've experienced them.
The book itself is an abstract approach to the original structure of an autobiography. It lacks the voluminous accounts of monthly or yearly accomplishments (Colin Powell `My American Journey' or Bill Clinton's `My Life' come to mind). Rather, the author takes on a path of moral reflection on the time it took one boy to become a man and the education it took to transform one's identity. He assembles a combination of essays through which via a free flowing narrative, he conducts self-examination over the emergence of his `public' character and the replacement of his `private' persona.
But there is something else in this book. There is longing. Longing for the days when the 'sounds' of his family brought meaning and recognition for what he was meant to be, for where he was meant to go (or was that a childhood illusion?). A reader would find it difficult to ignore the author's emotional yearning for the past for a childhood now gone, when love, and family, and values, and identity made sense.
Mr. Rodriguez has done a superb job of capturing with words what many of us (first or second generation Americans) feel as members of families with similar backgrounds. I highly recommend this book. ...more
Truthfully, a very small portion of this book is dedicated to the life of the daughter of Galileo. Very little is known about the correspondence betweTruthfully, a very small portion of this book is dedicated to the life of the daughter of Galileo. Very little is known about the correspondence between father and daughter since only a few letters remain to testify of their intimate communication that span over several years. One thing is clear - Maria Celeste was the strongest emotional support for Galileo during the time of his trial and subsequent home arrest. Careful readers will find a lot more written in-between the lines of Maria Celeste's letters to her father than noticeable at first glance.
The major part of the book is dedicated to the life of Galileo, following him from his early years as a professor in mathematics to his elder years of forced seclusion. Within the pages of this book the author brings to life the age of darkness when religious fervor penalized scientific minds with dogmas, trials and punishment. Among other things, readers will learn about Copernicus' sun-centered theory, explore Galileo's astronomical observations, documentations and publications of his discoveries and then will be shocked at the ultimate prize for Catholic disobedience.
Despite the few remaining letters, the author successfully weaves around them Galileo's biography to capture the spirit of love and devotion. You'll see the beauty of a daughter's caring heart (despite spending her entire life in a convent as a nun). You'll even share a tear with the rest of us (who read the story) when you find out about the outcome of their final union.
Beautifully written, this book makes for a great reading and is both good for readers interested in family relationships as well as non-fiction readers curious about the life of one of the first pioneers of modern science. ...more