Chandler
University literature professor Susan Wise Bauer highlights the importance of self-education through the Great Books. She details skills and questions to ask in order to understand the often difficult reading of the past. She also highlights the histories and gives a recommended reading list of 5 genres of books - Fiction, History, Autobiography, Drama, and Poetry.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I was thoroughly impressed by Bauer's work. She has some great points, which will help me in my own reading, whether it be a book from her lists or just a book in general. I quite enjoyed her points about asking ourselves the questions of “so what?” and “what does the author want me to do or believe after reading this?”
I loved learning the histories of the different genres and the historical context within which major authors may have been writing in. That was probably the most important and interesting part to me.
Bauer's writing is enjoyable and sometimes humorous. She did a great job with this work and I will continue to enjoy the quotes and the ways of analyzing texts that she taught.
Timescape by Gregory Benford wasn't my favorite read of all time. I enjoyed the main parts about the ecological problems, the attempt to send communication to the past and how that was accomplished. The book was filled with the minutiae of the scientist's life–frankly, I didn't care enough about the characters to want to know about their lives.
I can see why this book is foundational and important in the time travel and sci-fi genres, however, I found myself skimming the book, especially near the middle of the book, as it was just filled with social scenes and boring details that really didn't amount to anything.
Interesting concepts, just wish it wasn't as bloated or long.
Mona Eltahawy gives her manifesto for feminism in a series of rage-filled chapters depicting seven necessary “sins” for women and girls. Eltahawy slams patriarchy and demands that her body is her own and her life is her own. The seven necessary sins allow women and girls to use their existing anger and destroy the patriarchal system in place that oppresses so many.
I didn't always follow the order and it seemed like some points were blended together and she made similar points in a few different places, however, I enjoyed the multi-cultural perspective and the urgency and rage that Eltahawy conveys beautifully.
This book reminds me of Alexander Lloyd's Time Cat—although it has been a long time since I read the book, so someone correct me if I'm completely wrong.
The book tells the tale of 15 year old Zits, a Native American who is in foster care and has a difficult life. He doesn't feel loved or taken care of and is frequently in trouble with the law. He meets another teenager who gives him guns and tells him to go shoot up a bank. While Zits goes to do so, he has a magical moment wherein he “jumps” into the bodies of other people in other places throughout time. Through these experiences, he learns empathy, kindness, patience, and to see the world through other's eyes. He wonders if we aren't all, “at war” within ourselves about something and finds a changed attitude on his life, situation, and the people around him.
The book does a great job emphasizing the major point that author Sherman Alexie wants to hit. Self-love, acceptance, generational trauma, and empathy for others are all highlighted. I started this book hesitantly, however as it moved, I enjoyed it more. I think it teaches many important points, however, there are some parts that I didn't enjoy or thought may have come off differently than the author intended—or perhaps Alexie did intend these things. Women are one dimensional and regarded as sexual things, and while yes, the character is a 15 year old male, the question remains, is that the author attempting to tell the story through a 15 year old's point of view or is it Alexie's point of view on women? Additionally, I know many native American's have dealt with alcoholism and substance abuse. I know this book was written many years ago, but I wonder if that has changed. If “life on the rez as an Indian” has changed or if it is still a massive problem like Alexie insinuates. I don't want to read things and fall into stereotype.
That being said, the book was entertaining. Zits was a fun, humorous narrator and the magical realism in the story gave the messages power. I wish I could jump into others' bodies and experience life for a little bit as they experience it.
3.5 rounded up to 4
Susannah Cahalan details her month of madness when a rare auto-immune disease ravaged her mind and took from her her speech, her personality, ability to make memories, and her trust in reality. She was able to find a treatment that helped her gain most of her health back, but the month of madness and the fear of it happening again left its mark on Cahalan.
The book is straightforward and well-written. Underlying Cahalan's plight and her recovery is the medical systems that are still in place in today's world. It is no one's direct fault, but the current system doesn't allow everyone to get tested or to have access to the healthcare that Cahalan had. Her comments about the system remind me of my psych professor's rant about capitalism and how in this current state of things, there are health concerns that frankly don't get diagnosed or treated because they aren't profitable.
The major takeaway of this book is just how fragile reality truly is. Cahalan remembers things vividly that never happened and heard her boyfriend or others say things about her. The mind is a truly powerful thing and I find it incredibly interesting. We are truly all brains in skin suits pretending that we have a grasp on reality on this tiny blue marble of an Earth.
A soft, easy book that tells a very quaint tale filled with themes of being lost and then found, both objects and people. The book reminded me of the film, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, with an odd older man who passes their life's work and joy to a younger individual to take up the mantle. I enjoyed the book, but wouldn't necessarily think about this book or read it again now that I'm done with it.
Quotes:
“In this world, Daisy, we are tiny. We can't always win and we can't always be happy. But the one thing that we can always do is try.”
“the wonderful thing about books was that they were films that played inside your head.”
TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE
I both loved and hated the ending of this book. Overall, the book spoke true about how it feels to have depression and what it does to the mind and the body. I enjoyed the premise and the connection between the two individuals. I hope what the author intended to share was that if it great to have someone with whom you can share things and speak your truths. I hope that it is taken by other readers that it can be anyone–a parent, a friend, a stranger you meet online–but the important thing is that you are safe and that you are open with yourself and with others. However, the book could also be taken in saying that you need someone to fall in with with you in order to not be suicidal or perhaps that life is only worth living if you fall in love with the hot jock, who happens to also fall in love with you. But who am I kidding? I'm a sucker for cuteness and for that reason, I also enjoyed the ending. I think the final message could have still landing as strongly, if not even stronger, if they stayed platonic friends, or perhaps even had a small hint of a potential relationship.
Otherwise, the book was good. It's a tough subject to talk about and I'm glad we got to see through the eyes of someone who is actively suicidal, unlike other works that this could be compared to.
Quotes:
“Does a dead body still have potential energy or does it get transferred into something else? Can potential energy just evaporate into nothingness? That's the question I don't know the answer to. That's the question that haunts me.”
“Depression is like a heaviness that you can't ever escape. It crushes down on you, making even the smallest things like tying your shoes or chewing on toast seem like a twenty-mile hike uphill. Depression is a part of you; it's in your bones and your blood.”
“I wonder if that's how darkness wins, by convincing us to trap it inside ourselves, instead of emptying it out.
I don't want it to win.”
“I will be stronger than my sadness.”
A quick peek into what life might have been like in the early 1900's during the time of the Great Depression and when overt racism and oppression of black people was openly accepted. Told through the eyes of a child, the book depicts how scary it all would have been to have the KKK lurking always and being a present threat to you and your family, how amazingly scary it would have been to challenge those in power to vote, and how every little action taken by a black person had so much more attached to it. It's sad to think that these ideas and concepts are still present in our society today–with white supremacists still being active being the more abhorrent and racism still existing today.
Quotes:
“Don't aim for riches, child. Aim for happiness.” -Mrs. Mills
“But you know what, the best gift of all is the laughter. We never have enough laughter...”
A bit of a slow start, but otherwise this was an enjoyable story of two friends on seemingly planets–one being the reservation and the other being the white world/army base. I liked the insights into life in the 1970's and the depiction of life on the rez, being poor, and what it means to be friends with someone.
“Friends are always worth the moments of joy you share, even if they don't last.”
An important story that I wish I had read in my teen years. Still an important story now as an adult, but I wish I would have had the same mentality portrayed in the book–to love yourself and the skin you're in–as a teen. Then again, maybe I wouldn't have had the same mentality and understanding as I do now. But all the same, this book is beautiful. A simple coming-of-age story, not complicated, and not overly dramatic or too unrealistic in its portrayal of teenagers.
Definitely a book I would read to kids and teenagers!
Quotes:
“Gotta realize that all you are is all you got.”
“To look in the mirror and like what you see, even when it doesn't look like your idea of beauty.”
“″You gotta love yourself, baby. If you don't, who will?″”
“You have to take a stand when things aren't right.”
“Call me by my name! I hear Akeelma say, and I scream it out, too. “Call me by my name! I am not ugly. I am not stupid. I am Maleeka Madison, and, yeah, I'm black, real black, and if you don't like me, too bad ‘cause black is the skin I'm in!”
A very short read. I listened to the audio book, and definitely recommend hearing the author's own voice as they speak about this topic.
Martinez makes some great points about the connections between issues like climate change and race and oppression. This book makes me want to research the problems more and get more involved with activism. It seems so intimidating to me though, and I really don't know where to start. But I'm definitely intrigued and want to do something, especially as I get closer to being out of school and have the time and energy to devote to things.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This book was enjoyable, however, I think it lacked some things to make it a great book. The Dragon Heir highlighted several characters that were just boring.... namely Jason. He was one dimensional and just not a great character to follow. I was bored in several spots as the entirety of the book seemed only to “get going” around the climax of the book. I suppose that is to be expected as the characters themselves are just waiting for a war that may start at any unknown moment.
Side thought: It did raise the question in my mind of "what determines whether or not someone is worthy of the gift?" Like Longbranch and Willey were simply acting according to the time and culture that they were raised in. Of course they were slavers and bad people, however, what determines whether or not someone is bad. Perhaps they were the example to all of the other wizards and therefore served as a warning. That could make sense, because otherwise, most of the wizards would have their stones removed, as the book tells us that it's basically just those in Trinity that are the "good" wizards.
The book and worldbuilding does lack a little. I'm interesting in reading the next book and seeing where it goes.
I enjoyed learning about the beliefs and the work that went into Netflix and in the creation of its culture. McCord delivers a straightforward, entertaining read with powerful points and real life examples that happened at Netflix. Toward the end, the book was a little repetitive and/or boring, but it was still a good read. I enjoyed the points that McCord made.
Take-aways:
- Honest, clear, radical communication
- Make sure everyone understands the business
- Build teams now for the future
- Be willing to be asked and to ask “Why”
- Trust in the people
Some great points. I really really enjoyed Ury's insights into online dating and dating apps. That was great. Other points either didn't apply to me or were things I had heard before. The book is written well and overall has many great points and insights, including attachment styles and dating styles.
Take aways:
1) Find friends to take photos of me
2) Go to events
3) Try dating apps but keep an open mind.
4) Get on the date and don't treat it like an interview
5) Ask the Post-Date Eight questions after the date
6) Emphasize the end of the date as a special moment to end on a good note
7) Present yourself and be people-focused
8) Expect good things to happen and if they don't, focus on the small, good wins along the way
I love reading about the cultural and historical contexts in which certain films were being made and what led to the creation of the great movies of history. That was probably the most interesting part to me. I enjoyed reading the work that went in to each and every Star Wars project and really put into perspective how I, as a younger fan, take for granted certain pieces of knowledge–that Darth Vader is Luke's father, for example. The book really put it in perspective of how new and shocking that piece of information was to original audiences.
I also loved learning about why such a vast and explorative extended universe exists in comic books, novels, roleplaying games, etc. I forget the the world was not used to sequels and remakes like they are now or even long-form story-telling to the level of Star Wars or more so, Marvel now.
The book is not perfect and I'm sure there is bias in its telling of George Lucas. However, it is an interesting read about the history of Star Wars.
A bit slow at some parts, especially in the beginning, however I enjoyed the book overall. Seeing queer and trans people happy and accepted makes my heart so happy. I don't really care about whether or not people agree with the choices, but it's all about being there for one another and accepting that person no matter what.
Great fictional work if someone is wanting to learn a little about trans youth and what may be going on in their mind. This book is definitely not comprehensive nor does it speak to everyone's experience, but it's a great place to start.
Almost all of this book is anecdotal, which is totally fine. It's not my style and I found I had a hard time fully understanding the actionable items hinted at in the text.
I did enjoy some of the points, especially rapid feedback. I think feedback is incredibly important and too often we are afraid of being hurt to ask for it.
Not a great book for me.
A fun, unique read about the animal kingdom and the queer sex lives of the over 1,500 animal species that have been observed to have some kind of queer/same-sex sexual activity. The book was funny, lighthearted, and highlighted experts in different scientific fields. It explained a bit about human exceptionalism and the fact that many people believe we are different than animals due to our top spot of the pyramid due to God's will. This book shows that we are not that different and many animals in the animal kingdom love and have sex with those of the same sex.
An incredibly interesting book rife with so many good and pertinent topics and research. It discusses several topics/theories of communication, sociology, and psychology with the end result being 7 different recommendations on how to live in our modern world.
1. Use social media for connection: Enhance, Don't Eclipse. Dian down the outrage, dial up the empathy, and create room for mistakes.
2. Embrace the power of the collective but temper it with dissent and innovation
3. Take the antidote: Regulate Your Emotions
4. Build more inclusive in groups.
5. Remember, you're not the Da Vinci Code guy
6. Listen to People's Stories, Real and Fictional
7. Build and support architectures of serendipity
Overall, a strong book that I would love to read again and explore more of its concepts.d
Quotes:
“Even worse, as group consensus builds, people stop feeling comfortable expressing a more nuanced or complex take on the issue. People with weaker or opposing opinions sense the leanings of the group and opt for silence rather than risk censure or damage to their reputations. This silence convinces the group at large that there are no opposing beliefs, and everyone moves closer to the loudly vocal opinion through the processes of conformity.”
Honestly, I think Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (books 5-7 have always been top tier for me) may be my favorite of the Harry Potter series. I just love the background into Voldemort and we finally start seeing things coming together.
The underlying romance between Ron and Hermione, the romance between Harry and Ginny, Tom Riddle's obsession with vanquishing death and his belief that magic means that one should be master of death, Dumbledore's overall message of more love in this world (ironic that Rowling could write such a character and then have the beliefs that she does... I get in her mind that it isn't about loving someone else, but I struggle to see it in any other way), Dumbledore's speech about tyrants being afraid of someone rising up and being afraid of those that they oppress.
This book has such great moments in it. Finally, the series is no longer light and fluffy always, but recognizes that there are evils in this world and things worth fighting for.
Although I strongly enjoy the premise of the book, the book delivered little in actual practicality. This book is more to introduce the concept of the Second Brain or whatever you would like to call it. There are some nuggets within the text, but this book could have been a blog post.
Quotes:
According to the New York Times, the average person's daily consumption of information now adds up to a remarkable 34 gigabytes. A separate study cited by the Times estimates that we consume the equivalent of 174 full newspapers' worth of content each and every day, five times higher than in 1986.2 Instead of empowering us, this deluge of information often overwhelms us. Information Overload has become Information Exhaustion, taxing our mental resources and leaving us constantly anxious that we're forgetting something. Instantaneous access to the world's knowledge through the Internet was supposed to educate and inform us, but instead it has created a society-wide poverty of attention (p. 17)
Every bit of energy we spend straining to recall things is energy not spent doing the thinking that only humans can do: inventing new things, crafting stories, recognizing patterns, following our intuition, collaborating with others, investigating new subjects, making plans, testing theories. Every minute we spend trying to mentally juggle all the stuff we have to do leaves less time for more meaningful pursuits like cooking, self-care, hobbies, resting, and spending time with loved ones. (P. 18)
For modern, professional notetaking, a note is a “knowledge building block”—a discrete unit of information interpreted through your unique perspective and stored outside your head. (P. 24)
Herbert Simon, an American economist and cognitive psychologist, wrote, “What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention...” (p. 31)
There are four essential capabilities that we can rely on a Second Brain to perform for us: Making our ideas concrete. Revealing new associations between ideas. Incubating our ideas over time. Sharpening our unique perspectives. (P. 34)
While yes, this book is just the typical story of a teenager, who is thrust into a strange new world with new powers/talents and discovers others are after him because he is the chosen one... just like dozens of other books and stories. However, this world building is very interesting and I love the guilds and the magic system. Cinda Williams Chima writes a great story and uses beautiful language.
I enjoyed this book as a teenager and still continue to enjoy it. I will be reading the rest of the series.
Quotes:
“Just remember who are you are... The world will try to change you into someone else. Don't let them. That's the best advise anyone can give you.”
“They fought for glory, but not for blood. They were Weirlind, heirs of the warrior's stone. And they always slept better with blades beneath their beds.”