Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives written by David Eagleman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you have no objections with the blasphemy, this is a brilliant collection of potential futures once we leave this mortal coil. Some entertaining, some thoughtful, I found it interesting to consider the possibilities of something we’ll never really know til it’s too late to share with others.
The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload written by Daniel J. Levitin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An interesting guide into the different parts of the brain, and our evolution to support many different information systems we take for granted – or ones we may wish to improve upon. Productivity and discipline just seems to make more sense when it’s understood in the context of psychology and neuroscience.
The Machine Gunners written by Robert Westall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Interesting, enthralling story
Nice to hear of the fun times these kids had even during these violent times. My boys and I enjoyed reading it and hearing of their adventures.
Guards! Guards! (Discworld, #8; City Watch, #1) written by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My first Pratchett book. I thought it was absolutely brilliant, from curious start to wildly interesting finale. I’ll definitely consider more Discworld tales in the future. This was a wonderful introduction – to the author, to the world, its characters; and the extreme likelihood of one in a million chances.
A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy written by Miyamoto Musashi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked the simplicity of Musashi’s way, told through the five rings. There is a lot to learn from an undefeated champion, philosopher, and artist of this era. He wraps together all his experience, and hones into the most important truths in his carefully considered texts. Perhaps what’s most important, and disappointing, are the many places where “this should be investigated thoroughly” (I’m not sure I’ll get much of a chance to investigate how hacking into the corner of my opponent with a sword will slow him down).
My take-aways are the virtues of patience, mindfulness, and style may deserve greater attention in all situations, not just in the heart of battle.
Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom written by Rick Hanson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed hearing about the workings of the brain, how it is shaped by events, and consequently shapes us. Many say We are what we eat. I now feel, just as importantly, the way we think shapes our thoughts. Taking a mindful approach gives us the best opportunity to best use our grey matter. Well, that’s what I think anyway.
Reinventing You written by Dorie Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dorie shares some tremendous insights, and crystallizes many aspects of success into a simple action plan. Each chapter though left me feeling more and more alienated, thinking ‘That’s a whole lotta work’. For someone wholeheartedly into the title, it might change their life. For someone, like me, who enjoyed hearing Dorie on a podcast and curious about what this is all about, it might seem like a uni textbook or workbook. It holds some interest, I got something from it, but I’m feeling I’m fine without following it completely.
1Q84 (1Q84, #1-3) written by Haruki Murakami
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed being enthralled in this quirky, suspenseful story of a bizarre journey between the year 1984 and 1Q84. All the characters are totally unique, and constantly in danger of meeting or in danger of not meeting. It left me wondering what if, and what about… So it was great value all round.
The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the 21st Century written by Steven Pinker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Not what I expected
Due to its sole purpose, this is obviously a well-written book. I didn’t realise it would go so deep into the mechanics and rules of writing. I did gloss over parts, tho I still happily persevered and learned quite a lot. And I finished with a warm feeling that, I’m not so pedantic over grammar, punctuation and spelling as I first thought.
Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories from History and the Arts written by Clive James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a wonderful, entertaining collection of descriptions of a collection. I didn’t know all the people described. Along the way I enjoyed learning a hell of a lot even about the ones I thought I did know. Clive James is the master narrator. He connects stories, intertwines histories and has an amazing insight into the abundance of literary styles and influences.