This is such a wabi sabi book that touches everything about being human, in such a subtle yet keenly observant way, I loved it sooo much. I didn't wanThis is such a wabi sabi book that touches everything about being human, in such a subtle yet keenly observant way, I loved it sooo much. I didn't want it to finish, so I went couple of pages at at time. Its such a pity all my could-have-been-friends are book characters. One can read the whole book just for that afternoon tea party in the book. ...more
Enlightening indeed! Very uplifting reading, especially for pessimists like me. He clearly points out the effect of distorted/exaggerated news, the neEnlightening indeed! Very uplifting reading, especially for pessimists like me. He clearly points out the effect of distorted/exaggerated news, the negative bias of people, dirty politics and the lack of reason behind all the sky-is -falling attitude that seems to dominate communities.
I have learned so many good facts from this book that helped me view things differently such as the global Cosmopolitanism, 8x increase in number of countries ruled by democracy within the last 50 years, the increased life quality and expectancy.
He believes in our ability to create solutions and adapt. He pinpoints the evidence that we are evolving to a better vision of ourselves despite the fluctuations that may seem like a step-back at times. Lets hope the carbon emission will be under control soon..AND that the people will trust in science more than their own beliefs and superstitions. (and act accordingly)
What an interesting book. It complemented my last reading ~ Thinking Fast and Slow by Kahneman ~ in some ways. The examples in the book suggests that What an interesting book. It complemented my last reading ~ Thinking Fast and Slow by Kahneman ~ in some ways. The examples in the book suggests that `The Neo Cortex` is such a funny dude that tricks us into thinking that we are making logical decision, that we are rational beings. In the meanwhile the other machinery that actually makes and executes the decision is pulling our strings. As stated in the book, we are a true Jeckll and Hyde dilemma. Very funny and the joke is on us....more
Standing ovation. This is truly a marvelous, witty and entertaining book. It is rare to see a scientist write with such gusto and appeal. I wanted to Standing ovation. This is truly a marvelous, witty and entertaining book. It is rare to see a scientist write with such gusto and appeal. I wanted to hug her in the end.
This book is full of little anecdotes that bring the information alive in one`s mind. Her curiosity is contagious. Physics for everyday life is a book that will put the sparkle in your eye, if you are one of those people who look around, observe and love to know Why. It will make a great gift to the scientifically inclined teen or adult....more
I have learned so many things about Houston`s history and Texas from this book. I liked it very much. It is a book that explains, embraces and forewarI have learned so many things about Houston`s history and Texas from this book. I liked it very much. It is a book that explains, embraces and forewarns about the TEXAN evolution. Anyone with an interest in Texas or US politics will enjoy it very much. I love reading books like this when the narrative flows effortlessly, and you can stop and sip your tea and do your thing and come back and continue where you've left with ease. In this one, one can additionally see the wide open spaces which many of Texans are always in love with, feel the heat, hear the accent and feel blessed being a part of. It was my first book from author Wright, I am sure I will be looking forward to read his next one. ...more
I loved this book. A beautiful Inuit folk tale about 'how the sea parrots came to be so numerous' around little island Ignaluk, is narrated in an enchI loved this book. A beautiful Inuit folk tale about 'how the sea parrots came to be so numerous' around little island Ignaluk, is narrated in an enchanting way, in this beautifully illustrated book. Its a tale of learning to appreciate beauty of differences, and consequences of not being tolerant...The story is about a fishboy, who has no arms and is half-fish,but can deal with man bigger and stronger than himself..
Many thanks to Netgalley and VanitaBooks,LLC for letting me read this book; written by Vanita Oelschlager and illustrated by Mike Blanc....more
I loved this book. Every word is full of wisdom. This book is a companion to lead one to the right way of walking in life. There are paths that tell uI loved this book. Every word is full of wisdom. This book is a companion to lead one to the right way of walking in life. There are paths that tell us about the ways of nature (light, wind, water, stone, plant, animal and we), and help us see both sides of our own nature. These paths ultimately lead to the One Creator.
The main character learns acceptance, forgiveness, humbleness and finds faith through nature's teachings. Written in an elegant poetic style, this is an enchanting read. Its a book to be read over and over again.
The Anasazi are the elders of the Pueblo nation who lived in cave dwellings bw 1500-300 BC. They left beautiful cave wall art, pottery and architectural sites behind....more
Barbarian Days is Finnegan's autobiography/memoir of his life as a surfer. His interest in surfing starts at a very young age in California and becomeBarbarian Days is Finnegan's autobiography/memoir of his life as a surfer. His interest in surfing starts at a very young age in California and becomes a real passion when his family moves to Hawaii when he is in middle school.
Finnegan states that surfers are perfectionists. I don't know the others, but he certainly is one. He spends most of his life (almost till the end of his 40s) searching for the perfect wave and perfect place to surf. This journey takes him literally around the world (many stops from Hawaii to South Africa to Australia to Portugal). During his quest; while he is trying to become the best version of his surfer archetype; he is also collecting and publishing stories from island life, anti-communist vs communist movements in Java, Indonesia and Polynesia, the apartheid in South Africa, civil war in El Salvador, etc.
This book had the effect of fresh air on my brain. Didn't know surfing was a serious business. It even has its own jargon, which I liked. I admired the writer for finding the energy and courage to pursue his passion for surfing, actively living his life, building a family and also being able to continue his career so successfully....more
When I finished this book I didn't feel much impressed however it grew on me in time. There are some passages that I came back to read again and againWhen I finished this book I didn't feel much impressed however it grew on me in time. There are some passages that I came back to read again and again.
Its a strange, insightful and interesting book written at the beginning of 20th century. The story is about a young doctor who either pities or despises his patients and plays the judge and the jury and the executioner sometimes.
The book makes you question fundamental issues such as morals, ethics and faith....more
This was my first Mark Haddon book (and his first also). This book was a huge success and brought him 3 awards (Whitbread Book Awards for Best Novel aThis was my first Mark Haddon book (and his first also). This book was a huge success and brought him 3 awards (Whitbread Book Awards for Best Novel and Book of the Year, the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book, and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize) a couple of years ago.
The book opens with a mystery. Through the mystery we observe the life and thinking pattern of a 15 year old boy who has Asperger's syndrome. Asperger's is a cognitive/behavioral variant accepted among autism spectrum. What is hardest for these people is coping with the sensory overload they get from regular circumstances; something we have to deal in everyday life. (thus, anything ranging from a hug or a walk on the street to a crowded birthday party can be a problem)
The book solves the mystery of a small incident in life and leaves us questioning the bigger unsolved mystery of being such a complicated creature. Also emphasizes how very small things in life are actually the most important ones that keep us alive inside and make our lives worth living. (sorry for the cliché). The part that moved me most was the part where both parents repeatedly express their pain for not being able to hug their child..
The author roots for the people in similar circumstances like his protagonist, and shows us in the course of the story (and through inner dialogue) that, we are all capable of excelling even with our shortcomings when we are determined, because we have this self-imposed need for evolving to a higher version of ourselves..
Over all except for the part that quotes Sherlock Holmes in detail, I liked this book very much,...more
This was a very powerful book that touched base with so many important and challenging issues of our time: such as colonialism, racism, domestic violeThis was a very powerful book that touched base with so many important and challenging issues of our time: such as colonialism, racism, domestic violence, hate and hypocrisy…
The book tells us about the life in South Africa under apartheid and after.. Life Trevor Noah had as a child; not fitting in any community. Even basic human necessities like food, running water and electricity were denied of him most of the time. He didn’t grow up in a loving and nurturing home with dependable parents. Danger, violence and fear were a part of his daily life.
Yet he tells his story with such humor and through such humanistic/existentialist perspective that one is left with awe and inspiration and deep respect for him. He is a fighter and a survivor. He is also a wonderful writer/story-teller....more
One of the best fictions books published and filmed recently. The main character of the book, Ove, is a lonely elderly widow. He is a man of principleOne of the best fictions books published and filmed recently. The main character of the book, Ove, is a lonely elderly widow. He is a man of principle, acting like the neighborhood prefect. One day he has new neighbors quite not fitting into his mold of how neighbors have to be..It is a delightful read. I wish we all have neighborhoods like Ove's and more neighbors like Ove.. Thank you Mr. Backman for this gift....more
Once you start you can't stop. A heart-warming story, very vivid descriptions.Once you start you can't stop. A heart-warming story, very vivid descriptions....more
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