Balanced. Focused. Well researched. Three ways of describing this book. Without assigning blame on any part (a task which I must admit, looksBalanced. Focused. Well researched. Three ways of describing this book. Without assigning blame on any part (a task which I must admit, looks Herculean), this rather long book takes you through the process of how, why, when and who made Brexit happen. It looks at media coverage, campaign financing, politicians who were involved (and why they were involved). It covers the things we've seen on the telly and the ones we're not really supposed to know, the back stabbings, the ruthlessness, the power struggles. I commend the author for being able to write this in such a clear voice, as the resulting book is worth everyone's read. ...more
Highly interesting piece on how we can use computer algorithms in our daily lives. While I am a complete neophyte in this field, the book did not onceHighly interesting piece on how we can use computer algorithms in our daily lives. While I am a complete neophyte in this field, the book did not once make me feel stupid or less than, rather taking things slowly and explaining concepts, ideas and applications using real-world examples which we can all encounter in our lives. This is technically a self-help book - although I loathe to call it that, as the term has been completely hijacked by idiotic, baseless books which promote new-age ideas. This category of self-help is firmly footed in science, though, and I would absolutely recommend it to those of us who are always on the lookout for ways to incrementally improve our lives. ...more
Big history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans ofBig history book treating big historical points in a big way. Often painted in broad strokes, as they are necessary to encompass such long spans of time. I'm not entirely sure it's a "new history of the world"... but hey, titles have to be catchy in the mass market world. Recommended to any history buff. ...more
Este de 5 stele si nimic mai putin. Nu numai ca este un studiu academic serios, cu toata greutatea necesara pentru a se impune ca parte din stiinteleEste de 5 stele si nimic mai putin. Nu numai ca este un studiu academic serios, cu toata greutatea necesara pentru a se impune ca parte din stiintele sociale - dar este un studiu pe un subiect atat de tabu si ignorat in societatea noastra, incat nu pot decat sa aplaud decizia de a urmari acest fir. Va rog, daca vreti sa stiti definitia (corecta!) a unei "bagaboante" si a unui "smecher", daca vreti sa invatati despre micro-cosmosul reprezentat de Ferentari si, intr-un final, daca doriti sa stiti cum se face analiza literara pe versuri de manele... cititi-l pe Schiop imediat. Ma bucura mult ca asemenea carti se publica la noi. ...more
Holland writes like Gibbon 2.0, only with less words. The same flowing sentences, the same play with rhythm and the same insane ability to suck you inHolland writes like Gibbon 2.0, only with less words. The same flowing sentences, the same play with rhythm and the same insane ability to suck you in and make you feel like you're being naughty because you're studying history. Genuinely enjoyable, this would be a top 15 recommendation on my part for my fellow Roman history nerds. ...more
Do you wanna know more about why a prostate is called a prostate? Why we use anesthesia the way we do today? How we operate on limbs, bones and heart?Do you wanna know more about why a prostate is called a prostate? Why we use anesthesia the way we do today? How we operate on limbs, bones and heart? The history of many medical procedures and the social/cultural environment in which they arose? Look no further than this book. With a clear hand and a good sense of humour, van de Laar invites you into a world of curiosity and respect for and towards the surgical world. I love books like these, from which I can get my dose of: "oh I had no idea this is why X happened!". 100% recommend. ...more
An incredibly detailed and sometimes very hard to push through read. It is rewarding if you have patience with it, and I imagine it feels much like anAn incredibly detailed and sometimes very hard to push through read. It is rewarding if you have patience with it, and I imagine it feels much like an encyclopedia to someone who is more familiar with the subject. Would recommend to any proper history nerd. ...more
While there are some things in this book I don't particularly like, overall it has been a good experience. Gripping and "unputdownable", it tells aWhile there are some things in this book I don't particularly like, overall it has been a good experience. Gripping and "unputdownable", it tells a story of humanity driving off a cliff. Into insanity, that is. Not too heavily inclined towards trauma porn, it manages to convey pain and evil without overdoing it. I'm mainly giving it 4 stars for its really well constructed pace and rhythm, but I will leave it up to all other readers to decide if the story is good as well. I tend to think it is. ...more
Such enjoyable writing!! Just like chocolate. Feels velvety and smooth, never forced, not too bitter, not too sweet - and it does all this whileSuch enjoyable writing!! Just like chocolate. Feels velvety and smooth, never forced, not too bitter, not too sweet - and it does all this while giving you a genuinely good story and solid set of characters that you can properly bite into. Based on its cover, title and blurb, I was expecting something completely different. I'm glad I was disappointed, because I got a gorgeously different story instead. A well-rounded piece of fiction with a tangy finish, I completely recommend it. ...more
Science Fiction meets Philosophy 101 in an attempt to define and delineate what humanity is, and if thinking, feelings things made by humanity areScience Fiction meets Philosophy 101 in an attempt to define and delineate what humanity is, and if thinking, feelings things made by humanity are solely our slaves, and not our equals. Displaying poignant writing and some really good dialogue without being overbearing and stuffy, this reads like a thriller but makes you think like a good teacher. I'm glad I discovered this author and look forward to reading some more of his work. Also, it has huuuuge killer dog robots and I am all in for that. ...more
Haidt seems to be a voice always worth listening to. His other book I've read, "The Righteous Mind" has introduced me to his flowing writing style andHaidt seems to be a voice always worth listening to. His other book I've read, "The Righteous Mind" has introduced me to his flowing writing style and his ability to condense complicated ideas into simple sentence packages. This one right here will help you if you're struggling with trying to define what "happiness" is, whether true personal satisfaction is ever in reach and whether our own brains allow happiness to be a possibility. Coming from a background of social psychology, Haidt uses both hard science and historical knowledge to weave together a book that seems to be very important to our modern society. I recommend it. ...more
Very detailed, at times dense - but worth it to all who want clear information about GCHQ. I'd recommend it to those used to reading analyticalVery detailed, at times dense - but worth it to all who want clear information about GCHQ. I'd recommend it to those used to reading analytical history, but beware of the habit of skipping over lines or reading fast. This book doesn't allow it. ...more
Having not read any of his work before, I now want to buy everything Totten has published. First of all, anyone who's been chums with ChristopherHaving not read any of his work before, I now want to buy everything Totten has published. First of all, anyone who's been chums with Christopher Hitchens and witnessed him getting beat up by thugs in Beirut after tearing down a swastika-like flag is a fun man/woman to be around of. Can I buy you a beer, please? Secondly - I have a soft spot for war memoirs and journalistic/non-fiction accounts of the places and times where humanity has shown its ugly side, and can recognise a good one when I see it. While this book has relatively short accounts from different areas of the world - Hanoi, Beirut, Tripoli and my favorite, the forgotten parts of Ukraine - Totten manages to build up and describe an area and its people with a few strokes of the pen. The title says it all, indeed - Dispatches - but many are not capable of distilling the essence of something to quickly and efficiently. In the interest of being fair, the author had some very harsh words about my home town of Bucharest, which he believes is ugly and drab. For a second there, I thought the point is worth defending... but that was solely the bellicose side of me, for I honestly think he is right. But hey, not all of us get to be born in the heart of Paris, eh? Recommended to anyone interested in a solid, enjoyable ride through the muck of our species; this will surely be at the top of my list for future recommendations in the genre. ...more
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