Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
I read this book on a trip to Washington DC. It is about the work of Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer who represents African-American individuals in jail (mostly death row) in Southern States. The stories are extraordinarily moving and heart breaking. The pain and damage caused by racism is immeasurable. Grade: A
Way Station by Clifford D. Simak
A fictional story about an person that fought in the Civil War and then went on to run a 'way station' used by aliens traveling across the Milky Way galaxy. A little slow but okay. Grade: C+
Tom's River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin
A very lengthy and comprehensive account of the impact of both a Ciba-Giegy dye factory and an unconnected, illegal hazardous waste dump on the people of Tom's River, New Jersey. As a chemical engineer, I think this book is a 'must read' for other chemical engineers. I learned so much about the abuses of a dye plant and illegal hazardous waste disposal on people. There is much in this book that I plan to discuss with my students. Grade: A-
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Dr. Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon that developed and died from cancer at a young age (less than 40 years old). He was a fantastic writer and this book is about his life before and after developing cancer. He talks about life and death in a powerful and insightful way. Grade: A-
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
February Fiction Reviews
The Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle
This book started off as a James Bond-esq spy novel that somehow transitioned to scify for the final 15%. I like consistency in my literary genres so I wasn't a huge fan of this book. Grade: B-
Terms of Use by Scott Allan Morrison
A murder-mystery set in silicon valley/facebook. I enjoyed this one. Grade: A-
This book started off as a James Bond-esq spy novel that somehow transitioned to scify for the final 15%. I like consistency in my literary genres so I wasn't a huge fan of this book. Grade: B-
Terms of Use by Scott Allan Morrison
A murder-mystery set in silicon valley/facebook. I enjoyed this one. Grade: A-
Monday, January 18, 2016
Winter Book Reviews
Irrationally Yours by Dan Ariely
This is a collection of question and answer columns that Ariely originally wrote for the Wall Street Journal. Like pretty much everything else that Ariely has written, I found this book to be interesting and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed how each question and answer were a really quick read, but, on the flip-side, I missed the depth of some of his previous writing. Grade: B+
Rise of the Robots by Martin Ford
A fascinating look at the rise of automation (machines, robots, and computers) in producing all the stuff around us and the impact it will have on our lives. As a parent charged with advising my children, I found the book fascinating, but also scary as seemly no job or industry is completely immune from automation. Maybe we'll all just need a 20 hour work week to keep everyone working. Grade: A-
Micro by Michael Crichton with Richard Preston
Oh how I miss Michael Crichton. Crichton apparently wrote but never published this book. Preston did a good job as it felt like a Crichton book. I found the science in this book to be a little sloppier and far-fetched than other Crichton books and I wonder if Crichton didn't publish it while he was alive because he could get the science realistic enough? I'll never know. Grade: B
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
An extremely interesting book on the role of mindset in being successful at what we pursue. The book discusses the importance of believing that we can learn new things and accomplish more through grit, hard work, and persistence. A must read for students and educators, in my mind. Grade: A
The Short Drop by Matthew Fitzsimmons
The first book by Fitzsimmons is a story of mystery, murder, and power that includes a prolific computer hacker, the vice-president, and former CIA-ers. Pretty good but not great. Grade: B
Saving Capitalism for the Many, Not the Few by Robert B. Reich
An extremely interesting look at the role of rules and regulations (set by government) in maintain a fair, capitalistic economy. Reich looks at the concentration of power in the few -- weathly individuals and corporations, and how this concentration impacts the rules and regulations that are put in place. A must read in 2016. Grade: A
This is a collection of question and answer columns that Ariely originally wrote for the Wall Street Journal. Like pretty much everything else that Ariely has written, I found this book to be interesting and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed how each question and answer were a really quick read, but, on the flip-side, I missed the depth of some of his previous writing. Grade: B+
Rise of the Robots by Martin Ford
A fascinating look at the rise of automation (machines, robots, and computers) in producing all the stuff around us and the impact it will have on our lives. As a parent charged with advising my children, I found the book fascinating, but also scary as seemly no job or industry is completely immune from automation. Maybe we'll all just need a 20 hour work week to keep everyone working. Grade: A-
Micro by Michael Crichton with Richard Preston
Oh how I miss Michael Crichton. Crichton apparently wrote but never published this book. Preston did a good job as it felt like a Crichton book. I found the science in this book to be a little sloppier and far-fetched than other Crichton books and I wonder if Crichton didn't publish it while he was alive because he could get the science realistic enough? I'll never know. Grade: B
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
An extremely interesting book on the role of mindset in being successful at what we pursue. The book discusses the importance of believing that we can learn new things and accomplish more through grit, hard work, and persistence. A must read for students and educators, in my mind. Grade: A
The Short Drop by Matthew Fitzsimmons
The first book by Fitzsimmons is a story of mystery, murder, and power that includes a prolific computer hacker, the vice-president, and former CIA-ers. Pretty good but not great. Grade: B
Saving Capitalism for the Many, Not the Few by Robert B. Reich
An extremely interesting look at the role of rules and regulations (set by government) in maintain a fair, capitalistic economy. Reich looks at the concentration of power in the few -- weathly individuals and corporations, and how this concentration impacts the rules and regulations that are put in place. A must read in 2016. Grade: A
Monday, November 23, 2015
Late Fall Book Reviews
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
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, 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
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