Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times by Donald T. Phillips
I have probably read 10 books on leadership and management, and the lessons in this book may be the most memorable out of all the books. One quality that makes the lessons in this book easy to understand and easy to remember is that they are connected to a person and events that we have all learned about. Lincoln's honesty, his willingness to listen to people that didn't agree with him, and his commitment to always "do the right thing" are lessons for all of us. Great book if you want to be reminded about what it means to be a leader. Grade: B+
Darknet by Matthew Mather
My second book by Matthew Mather in the last month, and this is the one of the two that I would recommend. The story is extremely timely and raises relevant concerns about technology in the world of finance. I really enjoyed this book. Grade: A-
Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War by Mary Roach
I'm pretty sure I've read every book Mary Roach has ever written. They have all been interesting, quirky, and unlike anything else out there. This book was no exception. The chapters on the military battle against pathogens was excellent, and I will forever be thankful for a relatively clean home. The chapter on clothing was probably the weakest, and, of course, there is a chapter on penis reconstruction. Overall, the book is definitely worth reading. Grade: B+
This is Your Brain on Parasites: How Tiny Creatures Manipulate Our Behavior and Shape Society by Kathleen McAuliffe
Fantastically interesting, extremely scary! How did I know so little about the impact of parasites on living things, including humans. I would call this a must read if you are a living thing. Grade: A
Friday, July 1, 2016
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Spring Book Reviews
Original: How non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
The world had pretty high expectations for this book after Grant's incredible first book: Give and Take. This book was good, but I suppose that it did not live up to my impossible expectations. It had lots of interesting 'nuggets' but the basic message was something that felt pretty widely known. We need to encourage people to be creative and think outside the box because they have a huge impact. Grade: C+
Six Years by Harlan Coben
I've been reading lots of fiction lately (as you'll see in this list), and this was one of the better stories. It is a story that starts with a nice hook -- a guy has seen from or hear from a lost love for six years, but then the story grows into something bigger. Grade: B+
The Phoenix Descent by Chuck Grossart
Another good fiction book that includes everything from a fungus that wipes out 99.999% of the people on earth plus a general relativity phenomena that moves blasts some space travels forward in time. Not the very best of the science fiction genre, but really good. Grade: B+
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli
This book is basically a collection of newspaper columns that Dr. Rovelli wrote to help the general public better understand the most important developments in Physics, mostly post-Newton. Dr. Rovelli's a great writer, but I was hoping for more depth. Grade: C
The Kasari Nexas by Richard Phillips
Classic science-fiction book that includes good and bad aliens as well as super-hero-esque humans that interact with them. The book is part of a much larger series that I have not read. If you like science fiction series -- pick this book up. If you like stand-alone books -- skip it. Grade: B
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
I think this is Stedman's first book, and she's a greater writer. Unfortunately, I had emotional, character driven books that have way too much incredible sadness and emotion. Yuck. Grade: C-
Cyber Storm by Matthew Mather
Imagine a world in which the U.S. is hit by a debilitating cyber attack that takes out the power grid, communication, and some basic infrastructure (e.g., water, natural gas) for a few weeks. Then combine that with two massive blizzards hitting New York. The result is bad, really bad. I don't enjoy reading about so much pain, suffering, and death, but the book is well written and made me think. Grade: B
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
Incredible long and detailed story about fight by the human race to survive after the moon is broken apart and moon rocks make it impossible to live on earth. A very good, very well researched story, but I wish the book had 75% less detail and 75% fewer words. Grade: B+
The world had pretty high expectations for this book after Grant's incredible first book: Give and Take. This book was good, but I suppose that it did not live up to my impossible expectations. It had lots of interesting 'nuggets' but the basic message was something that felt pretty widely known. We need to encourage people to be creative and think outside the box because they have a huge impact. Grade: C+
Six Years by Harlan Coben
I've been reading lots of fiction lately (as you'll see in this list), and this was one of the better stories. It is a story that starts with a nice hook -- a guy has seen from or hear from a lost love for six years, but then the story grows into something bigger. Grade: B+
The Phoenix Descent by Chuck Grossart
Another good fiction book that includes everything from a fungus that wipes out 99.999% of the people on earth plus a general relativity phenomena that moves blasts some space travels forward in time. Not the very best of the science fiction genre, but really good. Grade: B+
Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli
This book is basically a collection of newspaper columns that Dr. Rovelli wrote to help the general public better understand the most important developments in Physics, mostly post-Newton. Dr. Rovelli's a great writer, but I was hoping for more depth. Grade: C
The Kasari Nexas by Richard Phillips
Classic science-fiction book that includes good and bad aliens as well as super-hero-esque humans that interact with them. The book is part of a much larger series that I have not read. If you like science fiction series -- pick this book up. If you like stand-alone books -- skip it. Grade: B
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
I think this is Stedman's first book, and she's a greater writer. Unfortunately, I had emotional, character driven books that have way too much incredible sadness and emotion. Yuck. Grade: C-
Cyber Storm by Matthew Mather
Imagine a world in which the U.S. is hit by a debilitating cyber attack that takes out the power grid, communication, and some basic infrastructure (e.g., water, natural gas) for a few weeks. Then combine that with two massive blizzards hitting New York. The result is bad, really bad. I don't enjoy reading about so much pain, suffering, and death, but the book is well written and made me think. Grade: B
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
Incredible long and detailed story about fight by the human race to survive after the moon is broken apart and moon rocks make it impossible to live on earth. A very good, very well researched story, but I wish the book had 75% less detail and 75% fewer words. Grade: B+
Saturday, March 26, 2016
March Book Reviews
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-
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-
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+
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