Brig Berthold
This was excellent. It was informative without being academic. It was well delivered without understating its main message. Certain points of argument were repeated more than necessary at intervals throughout. However, I cannot fault the author for this. Taking an inherently esoteric topic and making it accessible to the layman is a daunting task.
I believe in universal truth. In today's world, much of what is true in my reality is not true within the framework of another's reality. However, there exist certain elements of truth, typically broad in nature, which apply to everyone and their unique circumstances. This book contains universal truth.
Each law can be applied individually, or collectively, to any interpersonal connection. While this book is marketed as a “business idea,” the narrative invites wider application to marital and professional relationships. This overt decision facilitates the implication that we can apply the book's ideas even more broadly.
It will take you no time to read this book and I believe you won't be disappointed.
DNF
I got about halfway through this before I just couldn't force myself to keep going.
Well this was ridiculous. Super funny with a rather dry delivery, Ellen shows us the reason the world loves her. For those of you whom read the book, please go listen to the audiobook where Ellen has graciously offered a bonus chapter specifically for those who consumed this with their ears.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the synopsis of this book. Then Dan introduces himself and paints a clear picture of what I can expect. He illustrates that the original title was ‘The voice in my head is an asshole.' Immediately I knew I was in capable hands.
I won't ruin the book for you. I will, however, offer two pieces of advice for those of us in high stakes professions looking for “something.”
1- Read the book. More specifically, read it with an open mind. The biographical nature is necessary, and, I found, quite helpful.
2- If you respond to this message as I did, keep your newly inspired energy at bay. Dan provides excellent practical advice throughout, but the final chapter & epilogue will set you up for success. Before you lurch into the unknown, let him provide some insight. It will save you time.
This was a fun and light installment in the Mitch Rapp saga. For me, it was a vehicle for setting up what I believe we will see in book 8. If I'm right, book 8 should be excellent.
That was one of the best biographies I have ever read. Unprecedented insight. This should be mandatory reading for any fan of His Airness or of the NBA in the 1990s in general.
Not as good as book 1 but it was still solid. I'm chewing this series up as though it's the first traditional sci-fi experience I've ever enjoyed...which is almost 100% accurate.
Holy Crap!
This reads like a novel in the first person. I can't make heads or tails of it and that's actually brilliant. Ronson does his thing but he also takes us on a bizarre journey of the bizarre. What do we believe? Where is the line between fantasy and reality? Is anyone guilty can anyone be truly innocent? Are we all not both parts of this hypocrisy at our core? Without ever posing these questions, these are the themes explored in, what I think is, a brilliant balance between journalism and sensationalist narrative. It was certainly entertaining, thought-provoking and climactic. I can see some hating the ending but I loved it. Brilliant conclusion to the precise point of the entire narrative.
This is my kind of journalism. Long-form, informative in its depth, accessible in its delivery, and speckled with the right amount of personality. In this case, Rogers mixed irreverence and respect with a twist if passion...dry...two olives.
This was a marked improvement on the series debut [b:The Cuckoo's Calling 16160797 The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, #1) Robert Galbraith https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358716559s/16160797.jpg 22002305], which did not wow me. Book one hooked me on Cormoran Strike, but not the storyline itself. Book two, hooked me on the storyline, and I became extremely excited by the burly, brow-beating, Cormoran Strike. The writing was far improved, the development was continuous, and the crime was more vile. The ending was not altogether satisfying. However, it was sufficient for my needs and I will certainly be reading the third book when I get the chance.
I'm impressed. Not a single detail was wasted. Just when you begin to question the pacing, never fear.
The author lived among the Lebanese people for one-third of his life as a journalist for the English news publication in Lebanon. While there, his insider allowances and relationships with Hezbollah's foundational members, prove insurmountable hermeneutic research into this book's subject matter. He mixes first-hand accounts with dogged research and personal interviews for his information. While this provides incredible insight from one perspective, it sits a bit lacking in Israeli perspective and plight.
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Though I do not possess a formidable insight into the advent of Hezbollah and their struggles with Israel, I must call attention to the author's tendency to cast Israel as the villain. Not that they don't deserve their share of the blame, given the veracity of this history, and the fact that war comes with a cost. Even so, I felt limited blame was placed on the Shia resistance and their justifications for violence which remain controversial today. This account is brilliant but quite one-sided.
I went into this book not anticipating that but was left with some questions and an opportunity to investigate the opposite viewpoint. This is not a knock on the book, as it was quite good, but merely a “heads-up” to those going in. You'll likely go looking for book two as I have.
Damn, Doerr!
I read this after loving “Cloud Cuckoo Land” and I almost wish I'd read this first. Doerr's style is so entirely his own. All-in-all, this was terrific.
4 stars because I said so and because CCL was just that much better for me.
I enjoyed this book. Tsh and I see eye-to-eye on many things and it was refreshing to have my personal beliefs affirmed. I recognize that previous statement leaves me vulnerable to accusations of confirmation bias. I can't deny that but I'm also not going to apologize for it.
Intentional living is important and Tsh explains how her family has chosen to live with intention. She gives just enough context and backstory to help the reader get a full (enough) understanding of her decisions. Those details also enrich and add texture to the narrative. I never thought her inclusion of a particular piece of context was overindulgent or self-aggrandizing.
The book is broken up into topics, such as food, entertainment, and work. This forces the reader to keep tabs on various pieces of the chronology and it was a bit hard to keep up with at times. I also see how/why a chronological presentation would have been far less effective in some ways. That's one of the only criticisms I could offer about the book itself.
I listened to this on audio and my only other piece of criticism has to do with the recording itself. When Tsh would end a chapter, her words were carefully selected to pack a certain punch. However, the force was blunted because the next chapter began even as the echoes of the previous sentence were still reverberating in my head. It was jarring and confusing and I wish it wasn't true.
This was an exceptional experience. I really enjoyed it. I am glad I read this as an adult. It was a depressing read set during the great depression and, as such, was about as poignant as it gets. Steinbeck is a master. Once again, I am glad to have had more from him to explore.
I enjoyed this book, though I did not agree with everything McKeown argued. He is a very persuasive author, I give him loads of credit for the research which went into this book, and a steady flow was kept up from start to finish. I really appreciated McKeown's realistic explanations concerning the difficulties of becoming an essentialist. Many of the principles within this book align closely with the philosophy of minimalism. For those who agree with minimalism will likely find a broadened view of like-minded principles.
McKeown's advice to ask yourself “what can I go big on?” was my favorite aspect of this read. It was somewhat revolutionary for me. I have listed my talents, goals, and applied realistic expectations to growth and even earning potential within those lists. I had not, however, placed any sort of emphasis on that which I felt I could, or would like to, “go big on.” For that, McKeown has positively impacted my life, qualifying this read as greater than merely enjoyable.
Repetition works, and Afremow reiterated that in form and focus.
This is good information. It was short, sweet, and to the point. I found most of the information was a reminder, rather than a novelty, though I did experience some revelation.
The information is applicable to everyone, whether you are an athlete or not.
This came as a highly recommended fictional “block buster” and I caved. I liked it overall. Here's the deal, you could argue Aveyard is benefiting from the currently popularized genre within which this novel belongs. However, take a bit, look past the hype, and discover how well written this was. The characters were dynamic and compelling. The story had more depth than I expected despite its clear function as act one of the series. Precursory, though it was, nothing was overly complex. On the other hand, the author avoided maddening simplicity, creating another clear bonus. As in each three-to-four star rating, nothing was necessarily wrong with this book. Elements of the plot felt rushed, especially moving from the final moments of rising action and into the climax. Regardless, for a breakout novel, this deserves every bit of the attention it is receiving. Bravo Victoria. Keep it up.
Unbelievable amounts to unpack, here. If you like Kafka, this is a must. If you simply appreciate Kafka, don't underestimate The Trial. If you are experimenting with Kafka, this is a great way to make or break your relationship with his style and voice.
Purely Enjoyable.
In what is among the most concise autobiographies I have read, Michael Caine delivers a deluge of wonderful anecdotes. From his youth during World War II, until his 70's, the life of this man will inspire anyone. Humility and humor stand boldly alongside candor as even the less desirable details are addressed.
Of particular interest was his recollections of his National Service and the combat he saw as a young man. These stories are not to be missed.
What I enjoyed most about this book was Caine's ability to remain in awe. His surprise at the luck and success of his career is charming. His explanations of traveling the world are youthful and vigorous. His love and dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren are inspiring.
Uplifting and entertaining, this book is worth your time.
