The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
This book takes on the almost impossible task of continuing the Stieg Larsson Millennium trilogy that began with the Girl in the Dragon Tattoo. Personally, I was impressed. Mr. Lagercrantz isn't exactly Larsson, but he's pretty darn close. An enjoyable and entertaining story that fits well in the Millennium series. Lisbeth Salander is such an enjoyable character, that I'm glad to read more about her. Grade: B+
Mindware: Tools for Smart Thinking by Richard E. Nisbett
This book focuses on common errors and other incorrect ways of thinking. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't memorable for me because I've read too many book and listened to too many lectures on this topic. Others might enjoy it more than me. Grade: B-
Wool by Hugh Howey
Shift by Hugh Howey
Dust by Hugh Howey
This is a series of three lengthy science fiction books (I think it was originally published as 12-15 short stories) set in a somewhat distopian future. The first is simply a story of an isolated group of people living in an underground silo. In the second book, Shift, we learn the backstory. In the third book, Dust, we learn the end. The books are detailed and contain some interesting characters. Personally, I enjoyed them, but also found them a little slow at time. Science fiction fans are likely to enjoy them. Grade: B
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
At times I struggled with this book and felt like I did not understand it. At other times, it was very interesting and moving. Grade: B
Monday, November 23, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Early Fall Book Reviews
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
Maybe it is because I am an engineer and bicycle aficionado, but I absolutely loved this book. I was really surprised at the reception the Wright Brothers received from their fellow countrymen, especially the military. I never thought I would say this, but thank goodness for France. A must read. Grade: A
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
A well researched and well written book about past major extinction events and the likelihood that humans are causing a sixth great extinction event. The book offers few answers, but it was eye-opening and I learned much. Recommended. Grade: B+
Ex-Heroes: A Novel by Peter Clines
Think superheros (from a rogue meteor) in a zombie apocalypse. Not my normal style of book, but it was pretty well written. This book was the first in a series of 4 or 5 books and I probably won't read the others. Grade: C+
Everything I Never Told You: A Novel by Celeste Ng
I highly acclaimed novel set in the mid- to late-twentieth century that focuses on the challenges faced by Asian immigrants and their children. The book also focuses on the damage caused by parents that try to force their own failed dreams on their children. The book was convicting and insightful at times with very well developed and authentic characters. Unfortunately, I was bored to death by the end because nothing ever happened. If this book had an engaging plot/story, it would be graded significantly higher -- so much unrealized potential. Grade: C
Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work by Liz Wiseman
I purchased this book after watching Liz Wiseman give a talk at the Global Leadership Summit. I found her basic premise -- that we need to work more in new areas where we have less experience because these experiences often bring out the best in us -- to be fascinating. Her arguments and illustrations are convincing to me. The book could probably be trimmed and focused a little, but I still recommend it. Grade: B+
Maybe it is because I am an engineer and bicycle aficionado, but I absolutely loved this book. I was really surprised at the reception the Wright Brothers received from their fellow countrymen, especially the military. I never thought I would say this, but thank goodness for France. A must read. Grade: A
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert
A well researched and well written book about past major extinction events and the likelihood that humans are causing a sixth great extinction event. The book offers few answers, but it was eye-opening and I learned much. Recommended. Grade: B+
Ex-Heroes: A Novel by Peter Clines
Think superheros (from a rogue meteor) in a zombie apocalypse. Not my normal style of book, but it was pretty well written. This book was the first in a series of 4 or 5 books and I probably won't read the others. Grade: C+
Everything I Never Told You: A Novel by Celeste Ng
I highly acclaimed novel set in the mid- to late-twentieth century that focuses on the challenges faced by Asian immigrants and their children. The book also focuses on the damage caused by parents that try to force their own failed dreams on their children. The book was convicting and insightful at times with very well developed and authentic characters. Unfortunately, I was bored to death by the end because nothing ever happened. If this book had an engaging plot/story, it would be graded significantly higher -- so much unrealized potential. Grade: C
Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work by Liz Wiseman
I purchased this book after watching Liz Wiseman give a talk at the Global Leadership Summit. I found her basic premise -- that we need to work more in new areas where we have less experience because these experiences often bring out the best in us -- to be fascinating. Her arguments and illustrations are convincing to me. The book could probably be trimmed and focused a little, but I still recommend it. Grade: B+
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Late Summer Book Reviews
Armada by Ernest Cline
I believe this is Cline's second book, following the classic "Ready Player One." Armada reminds me of Ender's Game and has some obvious similarities -- even referencing Ender's Game. It is also better than Ender's Game in my opinion. I loved the book and enjoyed it greatly. It isn't a "Top 5" all-time book for me like Ready Player One, but it probably is a top 50 all-time. Grade: A-
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
An interesting book that I selected off the New York Times bestseller list. The characters in the book are interesting, but the story moves a little slow. If you like fast moving, exciting books like I do -- skip this one. If you like interesting, character-driven stories -- read it. Grade: B-
The Einstein Prophecy by Robert Masello
This book is set in World War II and includes the sarcophagus of a dead Christian monastic saint, demons, an adventurous assistant professor of art, and, of course, Albert Einstein. It is an eclectic mix that, surprisingly, works for the most part. I don't know what the intended audience is for this book, so I'll recommend it to everyone and no one in the same sentence. Grade: B
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I picked up this book as it was nominated (or won?) a national book award. The title made me think it was a science fiction book, but it was not really in that genre. It was, however, set in the near future, it covers about a 30-year time period -- jumping around continuously within that time span, and it bridges a cataclysmic event. Interesting and a bit frustrating all at the same time. I've read a lot of fiction (for me!) this past month or two, and this is probably the second best book after Armada. Grade: B+
Simplify by Bill Hybills
My only nonfiction book in the last few months. The title makes it clear what this book is about -- a few strategies to try and simplify (and focus, and improve happiness) in our lives. The book is interesting and well written, but I found the suggestions and guidelines a little vague at times -- I'm not sure how much I will end up actually simplifying my life. Grade: B
I believe this is Cline's second book, following the classic "Ready Player One." Armada reminds me of Ender's Game and has some obvious similarities -- even referencing Ender's Game. It is also better than Ender's Game in my opinion. I loved the book and enjoyed it greatly. It isn't a "Top 5" all-time book for me like Ready Player One, but it probably is a top 50 all-time. Grade: A-
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
An interesting book that I selected off the New York Times bestseller list. The characters in the book are interesting, but the story moves a little slow. If you like fast moving, exciting books like I do -- skip this one. If you like interesting, character-driven stories -- read it. Grade: B-
The Einstein Prophecy by Robert Masello
This book is set in World War II and includes the sarcophagus of a dead Christian monastic saint, demons, an adventurous assistant professor of art, and, of course, Albert Einstein. It is an eclectic mix that, surprisingly, works for the most part. I don't know what the intended audience is for this book, so I'll recommend it to everyone and no one in the same sentence. Grade: B
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I picked up this book as it was nominated (or won?) a national book award. The title made me think it was a science fiction book, but it was not really in that genre. It was, however, set in the near future, it covers about a 30-year time period -- jumping around continuously within that time span, and it bridges a cataclysmic event. Interesting and a bit frustrating all at the same time. I've read a lot of fiction (for me!) this past month or two, and this is probably the second best book after Armada. Grade: B+
Simplify by Bill Hybills
My only nonfiction book in the last few months. The title makes it clear what this book is about -- a few strategies to try and simplify (and focus, and improve happiness) in our lives. The book is interesting and well written, but I found the suggestions and guidelines a little vague at times -- I'm not sure how much I will end up actually simplifying my life. Grade: B
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Early Summer Book Reviews
I've read some extraordinarily good books so far this summer. I'd like to make a special thanks to Bill Gates for his blog post recommending two of the best ones.
Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises by Timothy F. Geithner
An very interesting book about the decisions and actions made by the Secretary of the Treasury during the 2007-2010 financial crisis. The book also discusses a number of earlier crises in Asia and Central America. If Mr. Geithner ever comes to Bozeman, Montana, please give me a call and I will by you the beverage of your choice because my assessment is that he made the right decisions. A must read for anyone interested in macro economics and finance. Grade: A
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
A novel about a genetics professor, Don Tillman, that presumably has Asperger's and is incredibly organized and structured with everything in his life (i.e., obsessive compulsive). He sets out on a project to find the perfect wife. The book was brilliantly well written and enjoyable. I identified with Tillman in a few small ways, which may have made me enjoy the book an unusual amount. Grade: A-
Who Gets What - and Why by Alvin Roth
This is a book about markets and how to make them function better. There is a particular focus on markets with exchanges that do not use money. For example, organ donor markets or college placement. The book was interesting and I learned a fair amount about designing good markets, but it is not a must read. Grade: B
Give and Take by Adam Grant
This book is a must read. It explores the differences between people that are generous towards others with their time, energy and actions (i.e., 'givers') and people that feel like they must win in their interactions with others or they will be losers (i.e., takers). The book attacks the common notion that givers are losers that will never rise to the top. Fantastic book. I'm really looking forward to Adam Grant's talk at the Global Leadership Summit. Grade: A
Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises by Timothy F. Geithner
An very interesting book about the decisions and actions made by the Secretary of the Treasury during the 2007-2010 financial crisis. The book also discusses a number of earlier crises in Asia and Central America. If Mr. Geithner ever comes to Bozeman, Montana, please give me a call and I will by you the beverage of your choice because my assessment is that he made the right decisions. A must read for anyone interested in macro economics and finance. Grade: A
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
A novel about a genetics professor, Don Tillman, that presumably has Asperger's and is incredibly organized and structured with everything in his life (i.e., obsessive compulsive). He sets out on a project to find the perfect wife. The book was brilliantly well written and enjoyable. I identified with Tillman in a few small ways, which may have made me enjoy the book an unusual amount. Grade: A-
Who Gets What - and Why by Alvin Roth
This is a book about markets and how to make them function better. There is a particular focus on markets with exchanges that do not use money. For example, organ donor markets or college placement. The book was interesting and I learned a fair amount about designing good markets, but it is not a must read. Grade: B
Give and Take by Adam Grant
This book is a must read. It explores the differences between people that are generous towards others with their time, energy and actions (i.e., 'givers') and people that feel like they must win in their interactions with others or they will be losers (i.e., takers). The book attacks the common notion that givers are losers that will never rise to the top. Fantastic book. I'm really looking forward to Adam Grant's talk at the Global Leadership Summit. Grade: A
Thursday, June 4, 2015
May Book Reviews
Missoula by Jon Krakauer
I work at the other university in Montana -- not the one featured in this book. I also lived in Missoula for one summer back in the mid-90's. The book raises important issues around sexual assaults and these issues go beyond Missoula and beyond college campuses. My impression was that the book was well researched, interesting, disturbing, and informative. I didn't agree with everything said in the book, but I still think it should be read. Grade: A-
The Martian by Andy Weir
A science fiction book about an astronaut stranded on Mars. The book was well written and seemed mostly (but not entirely) scientifically accurate. The book was fairly predictable, but it was still worth reading. Grade: B
Great by Choice by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen
This is the best business book by Jim Collins yet, in my opinion. I enjoyed "Good to Great", but I thought this book was better. I really appreciated the focus on discipline and empirical decision making. Hopefully I will always remember to fire bullets then cannonballs. Grade: A-
I Hate Myselfie by Shane Dawson
I must be too old for this book and not part of its target audience. I will never know why it is on the New York Times best seller list. Not funny. Grade: F
I work at the other university in Montana -- not the one featured in this book. I also lived in Missoula for one summer back in the mid-90's. The book raises important issues around sexual assaults and these issues go beyond Missoula and beyond college campuses. My impression was that the book was well researched, interesting, disturbing, and informative. I didn't agree with everything said in the book, but I still think it should be read. Grade: A-
The Martian by Andy Weir
A science fiction book about an astronaut stranded on Mars. The book was well written and seemed mostly (but not entirely) scientifically accurate. The book was fairly predictable, but it was still worth reading. Grade: B
Great by Choice by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen
This is the best business book by Jim Collins yet, in my opinion. I enjoyed "Good to Great", but I thought this book was better. I really appreciated the focus on discipline and empirical decision making. Hopefully I will always remember to fire bullets then cannonballs. Grade: A-
I Hate Myselfie by Shane Dawson
I must be too old for this book and not part of its target audience. I will never know why it is on the New York Times best seller list. Not funny. Grade: F
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Spring Book Reviews
Future Crimes by Marc Goodman
An extraordinarily interesting and scary book about computers and crime. The book focuses on computer viruses, computer security, and technology based crime in general. I think the book is a must read, but I also wish a few chapters on gadgets had been left out because it was really, really long. Grade: A-
Nonobvious: How to think Differnt, Curate Ideas & Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava.
This book has two parts: the first part is a description of the process used by the author to predict future trends. The second part is the authors 2015 trends prediction. Some of the trend predictions and associated anecdotes were interesting, but, overall, the book was somewhat forgettable. Good but not great. Grade: B-
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This 'classic' book is now 25 years old. A great story about pursuing your dreams and watching for omens. Grade: A-
Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter
A book about current psychology research, complete with anecdotes, into the factors that most impact us. Hint -- one chapter is on the influence of color. The book was interesting, not that memorable. Grade: B
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A current best seller in fiction. This is a story about a bunch of messed up people that find themselves in a messed up (and scary) situation. It was enjoyable, but I'm surprised by the books popularity. Grade: B
An extraordinarily interesting and scary book about computers and crime. The book focuses on computer viruses, computer security, and technology based crime in general. I think the book is a must read, but I also wish a few chapters on gadgets had been left out because it was really, really long. Grade: A-
Nonobvious: How to think Differnt, Curate Ideas & Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava.
This book has two parts: the first part is a description of the process used by the author to predict future trends. The second part is the authors 2015 trends prediction. Some of the trend predictions and associated anecdotes were interesting, but, overall, the book was somewhat forgettable. Good but not great. Grade: B-
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This 'classic' book is now 25 years old. A great story about pursuing your dreams and watching for omens. Grade: A-
Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter
A book about current psychology research, complete with anecdotes, into the factors that most impact us. Hint -- one chapter is on the influence of color. The book was interesting, not that memorable. Grade: B
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A current best seller in fiction. This is a story about a bunch of messed up people that find themselves in a messed up (and scary) situation. It was enjoyable, but I'm surprised by the books popularity. Grade: B
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Winter Book Reviews
I am way behind on posting book reviews. Time to catch up with some short reviews:
Spam Nation by Brian Krebs: An interesting and detailed look at the rise of Spam generating organizations in Russia. Grade: B
One Nation Under Taught by Dr. Vince M. Bertram: A short book that argues for more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the US because we are getting behind in those areas. I agree. Grade: B-
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: An outstanding book about the University of Washington 8-man rowing team that went to the Olympics in Berlin in 1936. Must Read. Grade: A
A Deadly Wandering by Matt Richtel: This book weaves a superficial overview of research in the area of attention with a powerful story about a texting-while-driving accident that killed two men in Utah. I think everyone should read this book -- not because it is the best written book, but because it teaches us all some things that we need to know. Grade: A-
Is God a Mathematician by Mario Livio: The focus of this book is a historical look at a few significant mathematicians. The excuse for reviewing this history is to answer the question, "Is God a Mathematician?" An interesting book, but not Livio's best. Grade: B
The Powerhouse by Steve Levine: A book about the development and ongoing research into Lithium Ion batteries. Very interesting from both a scientific and a scientific politics standpoint. Grade: B+
Business Adventures by John Brooks: I downloaded this book based on a recommendation on Slate.com. The book is more of a history book at this point because most of the "business adventures" described in the book are all stories from the 1960's. The stories were both true and interesting, but old. Grade: C+
Spam Nation by Brian Krebs: An interesting and detailed look at the rise of Spam generating organizations in Russia. Grade: B
One Nation Under Taught by Dr. Vince M. Bertram: A short book that argues for more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the US because we are getting behind in those areas. I agree. Grade: B-
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: An outstanding book about the University of Washington 8-man rowing team that went to the Olympics in Berlin in 1936. Must Read. Grade: A
A Deadly Wandering by Matt Richtel: This book weaves a superficial overview of research in the area of attention with a powerful story about a texting-while-driving accident that killed two men in Utah. I think everyone should read this book -- not because it is the best written book, but because it teaches us all some things that we need to know. Grade: A-
Is God a Mathematician by Mario Livio: The focus of this book is a historical look at a few significant mathematicians. The excuse for reviewing this history is to answer the question, "Is God a Mathematician?" An interesting book, but not Livio's best. Grade: B
The Powerhouse by Steve Levine: A book about the development and ongoing research into Lithium Ion batteries. Very interesting from both a scientific and a scientific politics standpoint. Grade: B+
Business Adventures by John Brooks: I downloaded this book based on a recommendation on Slate.com. The book is more of a history book at this point because most of the "business adventures" described in the book are all stories from the 1960's. The stories were both true and interesting, but old. Grade: C+
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