Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions written by Brian Christian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Computers have evolved to a point where we’re learning how to apply their statistically insightful, game-theory solving, resourcefully efficient ways to areas of our life we didn’t anticipate before. Are we wise enough to use this knowledge well?
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls: Essays, Etc. written by David Sedaris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book might have had me laughing out louder than any other. Good writing impresses me. David Sedaris left me in awe. He connects such a vast array of interesting observations. At the end of many of the essays I wondered, how did he do that!
The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simply a classic. An epic love story/life story wrapped into a self-help guide. The regular shepherd boy, learns he is so much more. Perhaps we all are – when we follow our dreams (“personal legends”), and are mindful to the journey & omens along the way.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, #1) written by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“The movie is no where near as good as the book.” I often say this without ever having read the book. For something different, I thought I’d say it without watching the film. From the book’s title, to the cover art, to the picture appendices, it was always going to be a dark, creepy tale of historical intrigue. If you peel back these layers, I’d say it’s a cross between Harry Potter, The X-Men, with a twist of Groundhog Day. Each day it successfully took me to another time and place. This was required to appreciate such a fun story of discovery.
Girt (The Unauthorised History of Australia #1) written by David Hunt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A brilliant classic, Girt takes a humorous Aussie approach by taking the piss out of everything. It begins by clarifying the long line of people who didn’t first discover Australia; then goes on to cover the complete dysfunction of convicts, guards, settlers, aborigines, coming together to form something special we know today as Australia. It made me laugh out loud more often than I felt comfortable with.
Men at Arms (Discworld, #15; City Watch, #2) written by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Another fun Discworld book, following Guards, Guards. I think it’s strength is the interesting characters, brought to life in times of peril – except for those brought to death.
The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History written by Boris Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have always enjoyed reading tales of Churchill’s charisma, and unyielding views in the face of any challenge. Boris Johnson expands on these mainstays to share a passionate fanboy account of the great man’s sheer drive and unmatched energy – especially in his later years. Johnson was perhaps searching for a spark that would help his own political aspirations. In any case, a nice read with some wonderful turns of phrase to archive a significant part of Western history.
In a Sunburned Country written by Bill Bryson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was terribly late on this mandatory reading for any true blue Aussie. I confess upfront to my bias for any glowing testament to Australia. It was a bonus that all 19 chapters were so entertaining. When I wasn’t nodding in agreement at his sharp observations, I was generally laughing in hysterics. Though a slight predicament arose that I was so keen to hear what would happen next, yet didn’t really want it to ever end.
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future written by Ashlee Vance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Elon’s clearly an amazing visionary. Everything he touches is so neatly mapped out to a complete, successful strategy. And once he’s ignored conventional wisdom and led the charge, the strategy begins to make sense. I’d forgo all his riches though if it meant I had to treat people so disrespectfully.
Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence written by Doris Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a touching story I already knew from seeing the film. It’s no surprise that the book gave a much richer experience of emotions. I found it impossible not to be moved, terrified and proud of the feat of these mere children. How did they muster so much courage & determination in the face of a policy which forged completely stolen generations? Thankfully it was a very different time, though stories help us never forget.