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
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
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+
Saturday, December 20, 2014
December Book Reviews
I have read three books in a row that I really enjoyed.
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
I have always enjoyed Atul Gawande's books, especially the Checklist Manifesto. In this book, he takes a close look at health care and general care issues associated with the elderly. The book takes a critical look at what seems to work and what seems to be a bad idea for elderly care. I think everyone 40 or older should read this book because both you and your parents (if they are still living) will want to have this information. Grade: A-
Dataclysm: Who We Are* by Christian Rudder
The author is one of the founders and chief data analyst for the dating website OkCupid. Both the book and the data in it are interesting. Most of the data is related to dating and personal relationships, but the author pulls from data sources beyond OkCupid. The most interesting data in the whole book, in my mind, is the data on what age individual people are most attracted to relative to their own age. For example, what age women does a 40 year old male find most attractive and what age man does a 40 year old women find most attractive. Interesting book. It could have been a little shorter, but still interesting. Grade: B
How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathon Rosenberg
This book is written by the former CEO of Google and one of the other executives. The book basically talks about the business practices that Google follows -- practices that seem to work for Google, and it addresses why they probably work. It also talks about the changing business and cultural landscape (thanks to the internet) and how businesses should potentially respond to those changes. This is probably the best business book I've read. Grade: A
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
I have always enjoyed Atul Gawande's books, especially the Checklist Manifesto. In this book, he takes a close look at health care and general care issues associated with the elderly. The book takes a critical look at what seems to work and what seems to be a bad idea for elderly care. I think everyone 40 or older should read this book because both you and your parents (if they are still living) will want to have this information. Grade: A-
Dataclysm: Who We Are* by Christian Rudder
The author is one of the founders and chief data analyst for the dating website OkCupid. Both the book and the data in it are interesting. Most of the data is related to dating and personal relationships, but the author pulls from data sources beyond OkCupid. The most interesting data in the whole book, in my mind, is the data on what age individual people are most attracted to relative to their own age. For example, what age women does a 40 year old male find most attractive and what age man does a 40 year old women find most attractive. Interesting book. It could have been a little shorter, but still interesting. Grade: B
How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathon Rosenberg
This book is written by the former CEO of Google and one of the other executives. The book basically talks about the business practices that Google follows -- practices that seem to work for Google, and it addresses why they probably work. It also talks about the changing business and cultural landscape (thanks to the internet) and how businesses should potentially respond to those changes. This is probably the best business book I've read. Grade: A
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Fall Book Reviews
What If? by Randall Munroe
This book is by the author of the excellent XKCD web-comic strip, and he is also a physicist. Basically the book is a bunch of answers to somewhat crazy questions that readers have asked Mr. Munroe. For example, how many laser pointers would you have to shine at the moon to make it brighter? How high of an altitude would you need to drop a steak to have it cooked when it hits the ground. What would happen if all lightening bolts that hit the earth at a given moment in time were combined into one? What if a baseball pitcher threw a ball near the speed of light. Could you fly a plane on another planet? Very interesting and very funny. Grade: A-
The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
A very interesting book about what is known about the brain, current research, and potential technologies. Most of the book was very interesting. It got a little slow and dry near the end, but, overall, it is worth reading. Grade: B
What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell
A book about what Rob Bell learned after a crisis of faith. Grade: B+
This book is by the author of the excellent XKCD web-comic strip, and he is also a physicist. Basically the book is a bunch of answers to somewhat crazy questions that readers have asked Mr. Munroe. For example, how many laser pointers would you have to shine at the moon to make it brighter? How high of an altitude would you need to drop a steak to have it cooked when it hits the ground. What would happen if all lightening bolts that hit the earth at a given moment in time were combined into one? What if a baseball pitcher threw a ball near the speed of light. Could you fly a plane on another planet? Very interesting and very funny. Grade: A-
The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
A very interesting book about what is known about the brain, current research, and potential technologies. Most of the book was very interesting. It got a little slow and dry near the end, but, overall, it is worth reading. Grade: B
What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell
A book about what Rob Bell learned after a crisis of faith. Grade: B+
Sunday, October 5, 2014
September Book Reviews
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
I've read over a dozen books by Stephen King, and he has written over 50 books. This was the worst book by him that I have read. I didn't like the characters or the plot. Yuck. Grade: D-
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
The author is one of the three founders of Pixar -- along with John Lasseter and Steve Jobs. I would describe the role of the three founders as being: John is the creative one, Steve is the financial/visionary one, and Ed is the technical one. The book begins with Ed's experiences is graduate school in Utah, and it continues through to today when Pixar is part of Disney and Lasseter and Catmull lead the animation division. I found the book incredibly interesting. Ed talks about all the different lessons he's learned and strategies they've developed. I think that almost anyone could learn something from this book, but people that work in research -- at the intersection of knowledge and creativity -- would probably benefit the most. Great book. Grade: A-
The Cost of Cutting by Paul A Ruggieri
This book is focused on surgery, hence the reference to 'cutting' in the title, and economics. Some parts of the book were interesting, especially the chapters on the increasing role of hospitals in healthcare, the decline of surgeons in private practice, and the use of robots in surgery. However, I was frustrated that the most fundamental of questions seemed to go unanswered. Specifically, given that (1) healthcare costs in the US have increased at an incredible rate for the last couple decades and (2) the author repeated complains about the reduction in payments to surgeons, where is the money going?? The book lists the salary's of doctors as typically being $220,000 to well over $500,000 per year, so maybe (2) isn't such a big deal, but he never gives a clear answer to this apparent paradox. He hints that hospitals and medical device companies are the villains, but he never says it clearly. I was disappointed. Grade: C+
I've read over a dozen books by Stephen King, and he has written over 50 books. This was the worst book by him that I have read. I didn't like the characters or the plot. Yuck. Grade: D-
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
The author is one of the three founders of Pixar -- along with John Lasseter and Steve Jobs. I would describe the role of the three founders as being: John is the creative one, Steve is the financial/visionary one, and Ed is the technical one. The book begins with Ed's experiences is graduate school in Utah, and it continues through to today when Pixar is part of Disney and Lasseter and Catmull lead the animation division. I found the book incredibly interesting. Ed talks about all the different lessons he's learned and strategies they've developed. I think that almost anyone could learn something from this book, but people that work in research -- at the intersection of knowledge and creativity -- would probably benefit the most. Great book. Grade: A-
The Cost of Cutting by Paul A Ruggieri
This book is focused on surgery, hence the reference to 'cutting' in the title, and economics. Some parts of the book were interesting, especially the chapters on the increasing role of hospitals in healthcare, the decline of surgeons in private practice, and the use of robots in surgery. However, I was frustrated that the most fundamental of questions seemed to go unanswered. Specifically, given that (1) healthcare costs in the US have increased at an incredible rate for the last couple decades and (2) the author repeated complains about the reduction in payments to surgeons, where is the money going?? The book lists the salary's of doctors as typically being $220,000 to well over $500,000 per year, so maybe (2) isn't such a big deal, but he never gives a clear answer to this apparent paradox. He hints that hospitals and medical device companies are the villains, but he never says it clearly. I was disappointed. Grade: C+
Saturday, August 23, 2014
More Summer Book Reviews
Behind the Beautiful Forever by Katherine Boo
This is a non-fiction book about life in a Mumbai undercity. It reminded me some of the book "A Fine Balance", which was both beautifully written, moving, heart breaking and very challenging, but these same feelings were even stronger here since it was non-fiction. Very well written and very difficult to read. Grade: B+
The Upcycle by Michael Braungart
An interesting book about designing the things in our world -- our homes, chairs, cars, carpets, etc. with more foresight so that they can be reused and recycled. I kept thinking, however, that the authors were overselling their ideas. I think we can learn something from this book, but not as much as the authors think we can learn fro this book. Grade: C+
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A story set in World War II about a German boy, who has a gift for radios that eventually takes him into the army, and a blind French girl. The book is well written, and the reviews and book sales are extremely positive, but it wasn't for me. I need more happiness in my fiction. Grade: B-
How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg
An incredible book about the history and power of mathematics. I think every college student at every university should be required to read this book. It will definitely help me to be a better teacher. Grade: A
This is a non-fiction book about life in a Mumbai undercity. It reminded me some of the book "A Fine Balance", which was both beautifully written, moving, heart breaking and very challenging, but these same feelings were even stronger here since it was non-fiction. Very well written and very difficult to read. Grade: B+
The Upcycle by Michael Braungart
An interesting book about designing the things in our world -- our homes, chairs, cars, carpets, etc. with more foresight so that they can be reused and recycled. I kept thinking, however, that the authors were overselling their ideas. I think we can learn something from this book, but not as much as the authors think we can learn fro this book. Grade: C+
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A story set in World War II about a German boy, who has a gift for radios that eventually takes him into the army, and a blind French girl. The book is well written, and the reviews and book sales are extremely positive, but it wasn't for me. I need more happiness in my fiction. Grade: B-
How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg
An incredible book about the history and power of mathematics. I think every college student at every university should be required to read this book. It will definitely help me to be a better teacher. Grade: A
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Summer Book Reviews
Paper Towns by John Green
This book is by the same author as The Fault in Our Stars, and the books share a number of characteristics including the fact that most of the characters are teenagers and the dialogue in the book is the best I've ever read. This book had me laughing so hard I was almost crying a few times -- the dialogue is simply brilliant. The plot of this book, however, was pretty weak. Some of the characters are shallow and uninspiring, and the pace is slow at times. I'd recommend the book, but keep your plot expectations low... Grade: B
Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape our Man-Made World by Mark Miodownik
Even though I've taken multiple college level courses on material science, I learned a lot while reading this book. The author does an outstanding job of make material science understandable and interesting while at the same time demonstrating the important role it plays in modern science and shaping modern society. A great balance of science and interesting anecdotes. Grade: B+
DEEP: The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow by Porter Fox
This book is by the same author as The Fault in Our Stars, and the books share a number of characteristics including the fact that most of the characters are teenagers and the dialogue in the book is the best I've ever read. This book had me laughing so hard I was almost crying a few times -- the dialogue is simply brilliant. The plot of this book, however, was pretty weak. Some of the characters are shallow and uninspiring, and the pace is slow at times. I'd recommend the book, but keep your plot expectations low... Grade: B
Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape our Man-Made World by Mark Miodownik
Even though I've taken multiple college level courses on material science, I learned a lot while reading this book. The author does an outstanding job of make material science understandable and interesting while at the same time demonstrating the important role it plays in modern science and shaping modern society. A great balance of science and interesting anecdotes. Grade: B+
DEEP: The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow by Porter Fox
This book is a cord made of three strands: (1) a story about how amazing it is to ski in powder, (2) a story about a tragedy at a ski resort in Washington state, and (3) a description of the future of skiing if global warming continues. It is not easy to weave these three narratives together, but the author does a great job of doing just that. This book made me care more about global warming than I did previously. Grade: A-
12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. The book was heart breaking and thought provoking and I'm hoping for a great movie. Grade: B
12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. The book was heart breaking and thought provoking and I'm hoping for a great movie. Grade: B
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