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+
