This review is posted more than 40 years after reading it, but I still remember it fondly. It inspired me to walk, on my own, long distances. Others hThis review is posted more than 40 years after reading it, but I still remember it fondly. It inspired me to walk, on my own, long distances. Others have commented on Hillaby's lack of organization and what today would be no doubt called "logistical backup", and I remember being a little suprised at his lack of planning myself at the time, particularly as at about the same age I read Sir Francis Chichester's round-the-world trip in Gypsy Moth IV, Robin Knox-Johnson's then Chay Blyth's 1971 trip going the "wrong way", the "Kon-Tiki Expedition" and others on the theme of adventurous travel in the 20th century. Tons of planning in all of those.
Pretty extreme Christian views on dating and marriage. If you're not Christian, you still might find some nuggets here.Pretty extreme Christian views on dating and marriage. If you're not Christian, you still might find some nuggets here....more
A recently read story included a character who was learning and trying out “game”: a way to interact with women in order to attract them sexually. TheA recently read story included a character who was learning and trying out “game”: a way to interact with women in order to attract them sexually. The protagonist (“game” boy’s best friend) continually fails to see how this strategy works as it seems to involve ignoring or even insulting the “target”. Game boy’s explanations are often funny yet reveal intriguing insights into human nature. I wanted to know more.
In an appendix the author cited “Game” by RooshV and said he was planning to give copies to his boys when they grew old enough, adding that Amazon had banned several of Roosh’s books but you could get them from Roosh’s website: rooshv.com
I have boys. I clicked. He’d unpublished “Game” but I bought “Free Speech Isn’t Free”. Couldn’t put it down. Bought “Lady” then “American Pilgrim” which I read alongside watching the “Babylon Road” vids on his website.
I won’t repeat Roosh’s story which others here have already referred to. Roosh’s conversion seems to me to be the real deal. The money quote for me was this exchange he had with a guest who attended one of his events:
He paused for some time, thinking of his next objection. “But you’re a man of science and logic. How can you just come to believe?” “Through the heart.”
Roosh’s faith seems based on his experience.
Roosh observes and writes. His road trip observations rarely delve into history or stats or other objective background info. He observes people and places and sees common trends. He tends to see the same things and it’s obvious he’s looking for them, tho i took this as his strategy for feeling the “pulse” of a place: the public library, the presence (and number) of gay pride flags, of the homeless, the attire and meeting places of young people. ...more
Highly enjoyable. Sailors of all ranks will like it, as might armchair travellers and historians, as it combines some historical research into Arab saHighly enjoyable. Sailors of all ranks will like it, as might armchair travellers and historians, as it combines some historical research into Arab sailing history.
The Arabs were sailing to China and trading there long before Europeans arrived on the scene, but not much historical record exists.
Tim Severin rounded up a motley crew for this ship journey, another like his Brendan Voyage: first build a boat as exactly like one that would have been used at the time of Caliph Haroun al Rashid (8th century), which requires a lot of research, ingenuity and funds. Fortunately, the entire project was funded by the Sultan of Oman. Still, Tim had to do a lot of searching for materials and negotiating with untrustworthy dealers of timber, sailcloth canvas and much more. This part takes up a lot of the story.
The boat was built on a beach near a city famous for boat-building.
After building, get your crew. There were two teams: Omanis and Europeans who eventually melded into one unit despite language differences.
The ebook version i read included some amazing but rather small colour photos at the back of the book. The photo of the arch squall was terrifying.
The ebook included a few odd spelling mistakes (e.g. “cudlasses” (old swords used by pirates), Palau Web island for pulau weh, etc. but these were only temporarily confusing.
Readers who liked Heyerdahl’s Kon-tiki expedition or The Brendan Voyage would probably like this. ...more
Not my cup of tea. A young adult “thriller”. Neither the dialogue nor the plot was interesting. I did appreciate the Christian themes and the lack of Not my cup of tea. A young adult “thriller”. Neither the dialogue nor the plot was interesting. I did appreciate the Christian themes and the lack of gratuitous sex and foul language were refreshing, but not enough to save the book. I quit before the end....more
I’d previously read Brice Frantzis’ “The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi”, so i was familiar enough with the first section, on the power of chiI’d previously read Brice Frantzis’ “The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi”, so i was familiar enough with the first section, on the power of chi to transform your life - i was already convinced.
I’d watched a few videos on YouTube about Opening the Energy Gates and the Tiger and Dragon set of movements (Tony Cardoza’s demonstration was particularly instructive), so I went straight to section 3 which describes in detail how to do “Five Energy Exercises for Life”.
Section 2 seems to be a deeper dive into the subject of Chi and the Tao. Haven’t read it yet. I’m too eager to practice the movements.
The first 2 are standing and scanning. The other 3 are the Dragon and Tiger movements 1, 4 and 5. I’d learned the exterior form of these from watching YouTube videos, but Frantzis explains in the book in detail how to do each one and breaks them down into incremental steps which not only makes learning them easier and faster but by following these steps and taking time to practice each one thoroughly before going on to the next one, i felt i was learning to do the movements correctly right from the beginning.
Frantzis seems to have put a great deal of his knowledge and experience into this book; not only of chi and the Tao but also of how to teach others.
I have ordered Frantzis’ Tiger and Dragon books and am enjoying practicing these exercises daily until those books arrive.
Gave up. I couldn't understand why the character was so angry. All the men were the same, just different names and haircuts, and they all had the sameGave up. I couldn't understand why the character was so angry. All the men were the same, just different names and haircuts, and they all had the same chivalrous love for the main character. They were always "gently touching her cheek" or "pushing back a stray hair behind her ear".
The technical details of flying a plane were interesting and convincing, but the human relationships seemed to intrude on the action. When danger threatened or violence happened, it was barely signalled and did not generate any thrill. Sometimes it was only AFTER something had happened that I realized there had been any danger!
Thanks, but no thanks.
"SHattered under Midnight" was much better, tho it suffered somewhat from some of the above criticisms, the two main characters were more interesting. I wanted the author to develop them and their world more in future books and hoped "Going Ballistic" would provide that. It didn't. ...more
Much better than “Scaling the Rim”. Some really interesting “alien-world” ideas. Only wish the author would develop them in a future story. After thisMuch better than “Scaling the Rim”. Some really interesting “alien-world” ideas. Only wish the author would develop them in a future story. After this, I was willing to try her trilogy “Combined Operations” which (so far) is off to quite a good start, tho some bad habits from “Scaling the Rim” are creeping in....more
Didn’t finish. The “other world”elements took too long to warm up and make an appearance, and the male-female relationships just didn’t ring true; morDidn’t finish. The “other world”elements took too long to warm up and make an appearance, and the male-female relationships just didn’t ring true; more Iike a girl’s wet dream. Was interested enough to try her 2nd book, “Shattered Under Midnight” which was much better....more
Well worth a read, even for those who have graduated from college or quit. The author, Clarey, has a complete worldview: this book is not a diatribe aWell worth a read, even for those who have graduated from college or quit. The author, Clarey, has a complete worldview: this book is not a diatribe against college, but a series of pieces of advice for people in college or choosing a college and choosing a major. His purpose is to help young people avoid making choices that, while endorsed by the rest of society, will land them in the soup a few years or decades down the line - oodles of debt, no job or poor employment prospects, unable to make ends meet unless they have 2 or more jobs, single and lonely (because of afore-mentioned disadvantages) and above all a victim mentality and a tendency to want others to pay for one's mistakes.
Tough love: the author sits you down, as it were, and gives you the tough talk you never got but should have gotten from your parents, guidance counsellor, etc....more
Lots of food for thought. Makes me question the value of a high IQ: most who have one seem miserable as heck, author excepted. He seems to have found Lots of food for thought. Makes me question the value of a high IQ: most who have one seem miserable as heck, author excepted. He seems to have found meaning in his life. Kudos....more
A short but succinct argument against feminism and a stark prognosis of what will happen to the relationship between the sexes, including a horrifyingA short but succinct argument against feminism and a stark prognosis of what will happen to the relationship between the sexes, including a horrifying “solution”: men to wear a bodycam at all times when with women, record every conversation, keep records of every email, phone call and location for at least 40 years. “And if all this seems excessive, remember that it is feminists who have made this necessary.”
The argument is based on Mike Pence’s policy of never being alone with a woman or going to any social function where women are present unless his wife accompanies him, and the accusations of Ms Ford against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Many other horrifying true cases are briefly described highlighting the devastating consequences for the men involved.
The origins and causes of feminism are considered and the conclusion is that women have been, are and will be the greater losers as men go their own way rather than take the growing risks a relationship now unfortunately incurs.
The book includes a link to a yt video of conservative Charlie Kirk being harassed while trying to defend Kavanaugh’s right to due process. It is horrifying, and supports the author’s contention that this kind of behavior is about power. ...more
Excellent. The stories have blurred together in my memory (I read them one after the other a few months ago), but they were all interesting, and not qExcellent. The stories have blurred together in my memory (I read them one after the other a few months ago), but they were all interesting, and not quite all in the same tone. Lots of fighting and camaraderie and banter and black humour....more
I found this more interesting and satisfying than either "Behind the Veil" or "Fire on the Lips", although the ending, rather like that of "Fire on thI found this more interesting and satisfying than either "Behind the Veil" or "Fire on the Lips", although the ending, rather like that of "Fire on the Lips", left me cold and disappointed. Perhaps it is inevitable that any form of Christianity must come to idolize self-sacrifice, but it comes perilously close to an endorsement of suicide at times.
Like "Behind the Veil" and "Fire on the Lips", this is the story of a man's spiritual journey from ignorance to understanding, helped on the way by the teachings and examples of a few good men, Orthodox brothers. Podvig himself (it is not clear what country or what historical period the story takes place in, but it seems to be medieval Europe) spends only some of his time learning from an Orthodox monk. The rest of the story, he must figure things out by himself, and he makes mistakes. This makes the book much more interesting than "Fire on the Lips".
It will make you think as you put yourself in Podvig's position. ...more
Another interesting story by Orthodox priest Spyridon Bailey (see his YouTube channel).
This one is about a young couple who, though both Christians bAnother interesting story by Orthodox priest Spyridon Bailey (see his YouTube channel).
This one is about a young couple who, though both Christians belong to different denominations. The husband first becomes disenchanted with his own brand of Christianity and becomes attracted to Orthodoxy, but his wife is doubtful and hesitant.
They make friends with a Brother Basil, and visit him on and off over the years. He gives them advice, but mostly talks to them about life and Jesus and prayer and Orthodox Christian values. The attraction to the husband is this clear understanding and upholding of these values, where he sees other denominations as compromising or losing their values - succumbing to social pressures in a misguided attempt to remain relevant.
The ending was rather bleak, and I was not impressed, as the husband seems to be, with the self-denial of Brother Basil. I did not see it as saintly.
Although there was too much lecturing and too little action for my taste, I found some of the "conversations" thought-provoking. I also found the attachment and upholding of traditional values inspiring. Many others, not just Orthodox Christians and not only Christians, are coming, in their own way, to similar conclusions. Some of the "red-pill" writers, for instance, such as Rollo Tomassi talk about some of the same problems and share a similarity in approach....more
Very interesting: a young man, getting over a broken relationship, moves to a new town and starts a new job. He becomes interested in yoga after seeinVery interesting: a young man, getting over a broken relationship, moves to a new town and starts a new job. He becomes interested in yoga after seeing a poster advertising a new class, and finds himself equally attracted to the yoga through his rather unusual experiences, and also to a pretty young yoga student who comes and goes. She invites him to join another yoga group and so he goes from group to group. Is he chasing her? Is it his hormones that are leading him on? But what about these very odd and undeniable experiences he keeps having?
The words of wisdom in the mouth of the Orthodox priest were interesting and impressive, but so were many of the words in the mouths of the yoga teachers. Their actions did not match what they said, and yet what they said was often very sensible and wise - words gathered from experience rather than learned from books or from other people.
So I found the ending rather confusing and unbelievable. I studied yoga briefly many years ago, and had none of the bad vibes or weird experiences described in this book. Also, the idea that yoga is the "gateway drug" to Hinduism is, from my experience, doubtful, although there are some connections (e.g. in the names of some of the poses)....more
Peter Luce does a good job of summarising the various books by Castaneda and describing the arc of his writing career.
The book starts off by seeming tPeter Luce does a good job of summarising the various books by Castaneda and describing the arc of his writing career.
The book starts off by seeming to take a neutral and objective stance on whether Castaneda was for real, whether he really was the student of a Yaqui sorcerer or not. Luce seems to also take the attitude that Castaneda's accounts have value even if they never happened, because of the insights into human nature and the human potential. However, that aspect is not developed, and the final conclusion is rather dull and disappointing (and predictable).
I remember a college friend of mine who was a big fan of Castaneda: he was an engineering student and highly intelligent. He did not care whether they were truthful accounts or not: he was busy putting Castaneda's / Don Juan's principles into practice. He was alert, alive, full of zip and energy and joy of living.
A light read. If you've read Castaneda, you might find this an interesting and insightful summary. If you haven't, better start with the originals before reading this....more
**spoiler alert** Fascinating auto-biography of a huge tennis star who seemed to have peaked, only to make a come-back before retiring at 35! Remarkab**spoiler alert** Fascinating auto-biography of a huge tennis star who seemed to have peaked, only to make a come-back before retiring at 35! Remarkable for a man who hated tennis!
Agassi's rivalry with Pete Sampras takes up a lot of space, but there are other fascinating characters in this book, many of whom initially appear as either black or white, but later appear in a more neutral and understanding light as Agassi himself grows and develops.
I enjoyed reading about his father who was a remarkable man: he built a tennis court, with help, even though he knew nothing about construction and had read no books about it. An angry, sometimes violent, man with a driving passion: that his children become tennis champions. Only one succeeded.
Agassi was married to Brooke Shields (and later Stefi Graf). He did not get on well with her theatrical friends. In one scene, Agassi goes to New York to be in the audience while Brooke acts in an episode of "Friends". Agassi is aghast as he watches Brooke lasciviously kiss Joey (Matt Le Blanc)'s hand. He can't stand it. "But I'm just acting!" insists Brooke, but Agassi feels disgusted and leaves. The marriage did not last long after that.
I was particularly interested in Agassi's various coaches and their approaches (hey! I'm a poet!). Remarkable people all. The book ends before the split with his friend and first business manager Perry Rogers.
I give it 4 stars, not 5 because I was so impressed with the writing, only to discover that it was written "with assistance", so I'm not sure whose words I'm reading. That was a disappointment, but the writing is on the whole excellent, whoever's it is....more
Taisha Abelar, not her real name, a 20-year-old from Arizona, meets Clara Grau "by chance" and is fascinated by her bearing, her lively eyes, her youtTaisha Abelar, not her real name, a 20-year-old from Arizona, meets Clara Grau "by chance" and is fascinated by her bearing, her lively eyes, her youthful figure and vigour and decides to accept her invitation to her home in Mexico, 400 miles away, although she cannot quite understand why.
The story follows the pattern of Carlos Castaneda's own attraction to a teacher, a sorcerer, and being gradually initiated into the secrets of sorcery. Taisha lives in Clara's house, which is divided into two halves, one half of which Taisha is forbidden to enter (and which is locked off anyway). Castaneda, although he thought that he was going to learn about psychotropic plants, always seemed to be eager to learn whatever Don Juan had to teach. Taisha, however, has no such clear desire to learn anything, and is to the end ambivalent about learning sorcery or the ways of knowledge of whatever Clara and her team are trying to teach her. Taisha was selected, as was Castaneda, because of her unique configuration.
Taisha actually meets Castaneda, introduced to her as the nagual, and initially as Mr. John Abelar. She becomes infatuated with him, and despite the many lectures and warnings about him and about becoming a slave by accepting modern society's view of women as primarily childbearing objects, she seems to hang around the sorcerers because she's chasing Castaneda.
There are some very interesting conversations early on in the book about the role of women which repay several readings as they are very radical although bearing a superficial resemblance to some modern ideas about feminism and women's emancipation. The whole book's events are seen primarily from the point of view of women. Taisha also meets Don Juan and Don Genaro, but not in the same way as Castaneda did and she does not have the same relationship with them, in fact does not really know who they are.
The ending is rather abrupt and unexpected, and doesn't bring the sense of closure that most of Castaneda's books did.
Well worth reading, if you enjoyed Castaneda's books, as it provides a quite different perspective....more
The ideas in this book are mainly (entirely?) those of self-styled “Asshole Consultant” Aaron Clarey. It is aimed at young people living in the USA. IThe ideas in this book are mainly (entirely?) those of self-styled “Asshole Consultant” Aaron Clarey. It is aimed at young people living in the USA. It attempts nothing less than to completely re-educated the young person from the lies snd misinformation they have been fed almost from birth by their parents, their teachers, college professors, the media including the advertising and entertainment industries and of course let’s not forget the politicians.
Some parts felt repetitive, other parts i felt already familiar with the ideas. But I learned a lot. While not everyone is lazy, and not all bad decisions can be blamed on laziness, it is worth considering whether it is not a much more common factor. Especially if you accept the author’s definition of lazy, which includes avoiding difficult situations, conversations and confrontations.
Clarey’s passion and compassion shine through the superficially hard and harsh words and judgements: a) because Clarey bears in mind, as most of us do not, that we are all mortal and therefore wasted time can never be recovered; and b) because an apparently ever-growing number of lazy people not only blame others for their own mistakes or fate but also insist that others pay for rescuing them from the consequences of those mistakes.
Clarey’s humour sugars the pill, tho if you want to see/hear him at his hilarious snd rip-roaring best, you’ll need to see his YouTube vids or listen to his podcast. This book is very restrained in comparison. ...more
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