Hey reader, I would like to express a sincere heartfelt thank you to each one of you that has engaged with me on Goodreads in any manner, with an addiHey reader, I would like to express a sincere heartfelt thank you to each one of you that has engaged with me on Goodreads in any manner, with an additional shout out to those that I have taking the time to exchange comments with me. This is still easily my favourite digital channel for one core reason: - because there's no safer and more inspiring place online than a digital space occupied with book lovers, readers, writers and publishers just like you! [image]
Thank you for taking the time to read about my 2023 reading journey. The book I rated the most highly this year was Why I 'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race, I found so many great things about this book, but what I liked most was its uncompromising clarity, assuredness and knowledge sharing all based on documented and fully referenced fact! I gave this read a phenomenal (for me), 11 out of 12, High Five Stars! [image]
My favourite re-read (and series) of 2023 were books in The Expanse sci-fi series, with the most improved reread book being Cibola Burn. This series just makes the vast majority of other sci-fi serials feel uninformed and unrealistic with it’s universe-wide, yet solar system-centric and character saga of of humanity’s spread and the barriers it faces. Of the seven books in the series that I have read, I gave Five Stars to four of them!!! [image]
What I learnt this year was that 1. Science Fiction is still killing it (thanks especially to Liu Cixin and James S.A. Corey etc.) 2. Everything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes nourishes my heart, mind and soul; is she one of the greatest ever romantically minded genre writers? 3. Sarah Ladipo Manyika is a giant of a writer who can do no wrong in my eyes but doesn’t get anywhere enough love. 4. My habit of reading in public continues to stimulate positivity and/or passing bonding with strangers, which I take as sign that the world is not as bad a place as the doomsayers claim it is. 5. Graphic novel and comic book appreciation continues to grow exponentially, especially with the non-superhero book publishers; and whilst Marvel continues to churn out a lot of mediocre content, it is in danger of losing this lifetime Marvel reader. 6. I still can't stand the mostly right-wing truth deniers; it is so sad that when facts and science oppose their opinion, they chose to disregard facts and science... just so they can continue to hate other people, lifestyles, choices etc! 7. Whenever people tell me that the world is going the wrong way, I recall the still continually increasing book purchasing numbers and the intelligence, civility and inclusivity of most of you book lovers and book readers online – THANK YOU ...more
Tim Marshall, British journalist, author and broadcaster, specialising in foreign affairs and international diplomacy is back with yet another book foTim Marshall, British journalist, author and broadcaster, specialising in foreign affairs and international diplomacy is back with yet another book founded on geo-politics, and this time the venue is space! This has everything from the history of space exploration all the way to the impact of science-fiction! Yet again put together in very accessible language and from neutral fact-based stance this a must-read, dare I say, for anyone interested in the future of mankind! Yeah, that's right, three exclamation marks, that were well deserved in this on paragraph. [image] I can honestly say that I learned something new on every single page of this book from the fact that countries like Nigeria and Djibouti have satellites, to the impact of fraud and corruption on the Russian space programme. Yes the book has a focus on USA, China and Russia but makes notable and detailed mentions of most of the space players in the world. After I read The Power of Geography: Ten Maps that Reveal the Future of Our World and Prisoners of Geography I had very high hopes for this book, which have been very much met :) A superb 9 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2023 read...more
One of those occasions when the book title should be taken literally, this is indeed a guidebook on acting with somewhat insular humour, but genuinelyOne of those occasions when the book title should be taken literally, this is indeed a guidebook on acting with somewhat insular humour, but genuinely funny at times at a PG level. Looking at other reviews I can see that this is a great book for aspiring actors and actresses, so I can't dog it. Notice title and make sure that you need to read, what is technically a very entertaining text book for aspiring actors and actresses. A specific for the intended audience 6 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2023 read...more
British-American of Jewish heritage was gonzo-journalising extremists, both religious and far-right (same thing to me?) when h e realised that they alBritish-American of Jewish heritage was gonzo-journalising extremists, both religious and far-right (same thing to me?) when h e realised that they all had distinct common ground, the idea that their true enemy is a secret 'elite' globalist, sometimes credited as Jewish, society that gets together, and really runs the world. So not only do we get insight into the (deluded? misguided?) minds of extremist but also into the underbelly of the global elite conspiracy theories. Ronson spends time with branches of the KKK, the Aryan Nation, armed militias, Omar Bakri Mohammad, Ian Paisley, David Icke, Alex Jones etc, as well as number of conspiracy theorists. [image] Thom Robb, the KKK leader, Ronson has two chapters on in this book.
As ever with good gonzo journalism Ronson himself plays a sort of role himself to allow his interviewees to feel that they can open up to him. It's a really interesting read as I got an uncensored and real look at people that we mostly only see sensationalised in the media, in their own words. Ronson does a great job in letting them speak for themselves with little political or moral critique, they of course mostly all fail to mask they delusion, irrationality and most of all intense need for the world to be the way they perceive it and not as it is. [image]This book has some great Alex Jones content looking at how he actively seeks out conspiracies in and around to global elite.
The parallel thinking around global elite conspiracies really is beginning to lean towards an excuse for bad behaviour and disinformation for me. All these bad characters use the global elite conspiracies to validate their rationale, thoughts and actions. The dark conclusion of this that maybe people desperately hang on to the globally elite conspiracies because they are even more scared of the reality of a world where no one is actually in control? [image] 2023 read...more
Reni Eddo-Lodge's telling of the mostly untold or purposefully downplayed history of the Black and Brown people in the UK over 100s of years, from theReni Eddo-Lodge's telling of the mostly untold or purposefully downplayed history of the Black and Brown people in the UK over 100s of years, from the massively outrageous compensating the slave owners, and not the slaves, when slavery was abolished to the murder of Stephen Lawrence and beyond was just the opening salvo in this utter work of genius that lies behind the rationale for why Eddo-Lodge first wrote her blog 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race'. [image] This book really talks about race. And I mean REALLY; breaking down the systemic racism in society; beautifully explaining exactly what White privilege is; exposing the 'fear of Black planet' (ir)rationale and how it actually exposes White privilege; shows how 'feminism' only represents few women and actively works against non-White, non-hetero etc. voices; even takes a detailed look into the race vs class debate; even explodes the 'angry Black woman' tool used to silence voices. The genius of this book is that it's not even angry, it's just honest and direct and utterly based on facts - all indexed in the Notes at the end of the book. But here's my question, who's the book for? Who's the target audience? [image] You know what, I think, the people that most need to read this, really need to read it, are all those people 'that don't see colour', all those people that have any people of colour in their family, all those people that 'campaign' for race equality and/or say they are allies; and of course all people of colour as on top of everything else, this book has answers to all the racist rubbish being spewed out at the moment from the bizarre anger at any fictional character being cast as non-White through to the systemic racism that prevents economic growth in non-White communities. As the back of the book blurb says. this really is 'the essential handbook for anyone who wants to understand racism in Britain today'. A sure-fire 11 out of 12 Five Star read. [image] [image] 2023 read...more
Sarah Ladipo Manyika was so very kind to send me an advance copy of this book, and I was remiss not to read it sooner, more fool me. I Five Starred mySarah Ladipo Manyika was so very kind to send me an advance copy of this book, and I was remiss not to read it sooner, more fool me. I Five Starred my first two Ladipo Manyika reads Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun and In Dependence, both fiction, so I was not actually expecting those heights with a work of non-fiction. [image] Manyika begins with sharing her thoughts and experiences of how she felt and was treated initially and sometimes continuously based on her external appearance in different parts of the world, and that's just the beginning of this fascinating read, and puts a marker in the sand for what will follow. "Intimate encounters and/or interviews" of the most prominent Black thinkers/influencers alive when this was written. The Toni Morrison interview is just... just. It makes me want to read everything she has ever written. [image] If you're like me and prefer to go into a book totally blind I will try not to mention most of the other people who opened up their homes, experiences and/or thoughts to Ladipo Manyika; but I can't but help give a shout out to centenarian Mrs Willard Harris who has an absorbing chapter. [image] So I finally began reading this book on a Sunday afternoon and was completely consumed by it until I finished it on Monday evening. Maybe it's the commonality of the British-Nigerian background that makes Ladipo Manyika's voice tune into my head so seamlessly. On my way to work I got stuck on a bus for two hours, caught up in a traffic jam, I could have walked to work, but I was reading this and happily sat there reading whilst more than half the passengers alighted to walk to work. That's what this book did me, it made me not care about the passage of time, it made me think, it made me think of what kind of legacy I want to leave, myself. This book also gave me my my first knowledge of Jamaican poet Claudine Rankine another stellar, thought stirring, entertaining and awe inspiring encounter with Ladipo Manyika put on paper. [image] When I started writing this I didn't know what I was going to write, I was confused about what I really wanted to say other than it is a Five Star read; and I might come back and put this down in a more cohesive way; this book touches my African Diaspora soul. Easily, this superbly written and so so so entertaining and inspiring read hits a 10 out of 10, Five Stars for me, technical making Ladipo Manyika my all-time favourite writer. Also if you read this book you get to read about Ladipo Manyika's (and hubby's) South Pole adventure :) [image] 2023 and 2023 read, yep, so good that I had to read twice in the same month!...more
I feel like the world in general is still putting profit and convenience over really getting on the real road to sustainable living. When I exclaim abI feel like the world in general is still putting profit and convenience over really getting on the real road to sustainable living. When I exclaim about Climate Change I always make a point of saying "Australia was on fire in 2020, and there's still so many Climate Change deniers, that's ridiculous.!" Margi Prideaux reached out to me and kindly sent me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. [image] The worse thing about this message from the edge of Climate Catastrophe is how it doesn't surprise me, the amount of (human) bad decisions that led to this huge disaster. Each chapter begins with stories of the community's traumatic time on Kangaroo Island during the savage onslaught. Despite being written by an academic the book is really accessible as Margi provides historical, scientific, conservation and/or political background and basic core information before introducing a topic, and in a free flowing organic way. [image] Now, this book is accessible, well balanced, informative, and very much eye-opening, but most of all there's no filter to lessen what happened. This a deeply researched and insightful real-time horror story showing what it was like for a community during an extreme climate event. A very firm Four Star, 9 out of 12 read. [image] 2023 read...more
Just like last year, I would like to express a huge thank you to each and everyone of you that has engaged with me on Goodreads in any manner, with a Just like last year, I would like to express a huge thank you to each and everyone of you that has engaged with me on Goodreads in any manner, with a special shout out to those that I have exchanged comments with. This is still easily my favourite digital channel for one core reason: - because there's no safer and more inspiring place online than a digital space occupied with book lovers and readers just like you! [image] I truly appreciate you taking the time to find out more about my 2022 reading journey, I promise you brevity (fingers crossed) - here it goes:- my number one first-time read (and series) of 2022 was The Dark Forest [Remembrance of Earth's Past #2] by Cixin Liu, alongside multiple ongoing examples of genius creativity, this book and series has the most stunning and unsettling reality of how advanced an alien species capable of space travel really would be; this work is astounding, utterly eclipsing over a century of Western sci-fi writing! [image] My favourite re-read of 2022 was House of M (so evidently also my favourite graphic novel re-read), this work is essentially a Marvel event that actually ‘sticks’; in addition to a remarkable story with jeopardy for all throughout the impact of this Brian Michael Bendis jam was real, and continues to impact on the Marvel universe to this day! [image] My favourite first-time read book series (as mentioned above) was the series that starts with the The Three-Body Problem [Remembrance of Earth's Past #1], by Cixin Liu – words can’t really convey how this series has blown up my mind, big shout out to Yun's review for so strongly recommending this sublime series to me. [image] My highest rated re-read series / graphic novel series was The Boys omnibus vol.1, The Boys omnibus vol.2 etc. series, which is so fundamentally darker and funnier than what is already a great TV series adaptation. [image]
What I learnt this year was that 1. Science Fiction is killing it (thank you Cixin Liu, James S.A. Corey etc.) 2. Thomas Hardy had game 3. Martina Cole is one of the few writers that acknowledges that the underclasses have stories worth writing and reading about 4. Reading in public generally creates a good impression with strangers 5. Reading in public really threatens fragile toxic males – I was verbally assaulted twice this year for reading in public! 6. I still can't stand ant-vaxxers; and am really annoyed that the mainstream media are so soft on these extremely self-centred people in denial, who haven’t a clue how to research information on the internet? ...more
How does a Fifth Century BC(!) Chinese Military text be of so much interest to so many people over the following 2,500 years and even now today? The aHow does a Fifth Century BC(!) Chinese Military text be of so much interest to so many people over the following 2,500 years and even now today? The answer is quite simple, it's because this treatise could just as well be called The Art of Strategy. Essentially this book manages to give simple and still coherent today, advice on dealing with conflict. [image] What surprised me initially, but made sense when I thought about it, was how well structured, accessible and obvious (at times) the guidance in this book is. I can imagine thousands of Eighties 'businessmen' carrying this book in their pocket to help steer them through conflicts in business. Obviously a book to read before you die. As this book is mentioned throughout our multimedia continuously it's nice to finally have more detailed context. 8 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
A deep-dive look at the psychology of Games of Thrones, and not only the characters, but also why we watched it. Essentially a book that looks at persA deep-dive look at the psychology of Games of Thrones, and not only the characters, but also why we watched it. Essentially a book that looks at personality types of people with seemingly psychotic tendencies like Bolton, Joffrey, Cersei etc.; at parenting and relationship styles, Ned Stark, Baratheon, Lysa etc. and the impact on their children and their partners; how people respond to trauma in different ways such as Theon, Sansa, DAenerys etc. amongst numerous other areas. [image] More a very accessible text book using the Game of Thrones reality as examples and reference points this works remarkably well. It also offers up as overview guide on how to not only survive the Game of Thrones, but how to survive life itself for us viewers and readers! 8 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
Billy Bragg one-time British punk / indie icon with strong so-called Leftist leanings wrote this as a direct counter balance to the UK born Muslim terBilly Bragg one-time British punk / indie icon with strong so-called Leftist leanings wrote this as a direct counter balance to the UK born Muslim terrorist atrocities of 7 July 2005. What was put forth an alternate view of (British) patriotism than that espoused and at times dominated by the Far Right has an intriguing mix of family history, music memoir, UK working class history, the development of UK democracy etc. which as a whole is a treatise on national and personal identity within a nation. [image] It would be callous and come across politically motivated to disregard this work or deem it 'socialist' when in reality I found an extremely thought provoking read that puts forward an opposing and more inclusive idea of British patriotism; revealing in sourced historical detail the struggles the English ruling classes had to wrest absolute power from the Royals and more relevantly how the working classes had to fight for every freedom that they ever got from those ruling classes. There's the huge added bonus of an insider's view on the birth and early development of Punk Rock. A fascinating read that has mean angling to know more about the real history of the UK from the view of the average person and not the the ruling classes. Bragg's detailed decimation of the so called British Empire is also a treat. Saying all that the book feels a bit all over the place despite having such strong content and central themes. 8 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
I recently earned a fair amount of National Book Tokens so went to a superstore selling books to do a splurge on some new books, but after finding 7(!I recently earned a fair amount of National Book Tokens so went to a superstore selling books to do a splurge on some new books, but after finding 7(!) works of fiction that looked interesting I really struggled to find a final 8th read, so I skedaddled to the non-fiction section and found this book in the top ten bestsellers. Geography! A book about geography is not something you see everyday, so I bought it... and I am now so happy that I did. Writer Tim Marshall in a documentary but engaging style looks at ten regional maps and then in historical, political, economic and most of all geographical detail explains.. did I say explains? I meant to say educates ...educates the reader on how fundamental geography is, as one of the prime reasons why in the past, present and future these regions have, do and will shape global politics. Geography! [image] The book has chapters on Australia, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, the Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey ... and space! The easy readability of a book that is packed to the brims with confirmed and notarised information is an educational joy, but that not being enough for Marshall it is so delightfully FACT filled, with its no holds barred, fair and just criticisms of the so called Imperial (European) Powers of the past, of the actual real impact of climate change, and a joy to behold, no watering down of the continual piracy, savagery and in modern times terrorist like interventions by larger nations like the US, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, Turkey and others in the internal politics and development of smaller /weaker nations... all with clear concise evidence backed writing! Some times the truth hurts... don't shoot the messenger, learn from the past, is the final message I got from this scintillating read! [image] 2022 read...more
I found this eight month read (!) nowhere near as interesting as I found 1001 TV Series You Must Watch Before You Die and 1001 Books You Must Read BefI found this eight month read (!) nowhere near as interesting as I found 1001 TV Series You Must Watch Before You Die and 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, but admittedly I am no big fan of film. As usually with these books I found the films and the summaries of films released in the first 3/4 of the Twentieth Century more compelling. There is just enough in each entry to make them worth reading :) Three of my fave movies,... name that movie gif. 1. [image] 2. [image] As for this book, I rate it at least a Three Star, 6 out of 12, as it's a great reference book. :) 3. [image] 2022 read...more
Deservedly winner of the Financial Times & Goldman Sachs' Business Book of the Year 2013, this the story taking from multiple verified sources of the Deservedly winner of the Financial Times & Goldman Sachs' Business Book of the Year 2013, this the story taking from multiple verified sources of the life of Jeff Bezos, obviously focusing on a blow by blow account of the conception, birth, ups and downs and now modern dominance of the 'everything store' Amazon. This is not so much a commentary, but more a historical record of the why, what, how and when of Amazon; it doesn't veer away from the multiple controversies and neither does it hide from the legal, but harsh business practices used to grow. [image] This is the book to read if you want to know the truth about Amazon and Jeff Bezos, warts and all. Me? I suppose I am on the fence, in a world of multiple far-right-ish moguls like the Kochs and Murdochs and anti-tax billionaire 'clubs' like the 'Club for Growth', I'm extremely sceptical on the over the top derision landed on the likes of Bezos, Dorsey, Gates etc. It feels like that certain parts of Western society are extremely angry that there's a new group of billionaire's who like making money but don't hate the poor, minorities, gays etc... in my opinion. [image] Digression alert! Sorry, I felt that some context was needed. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It totally engrossed me. I just love the reality of all those know-it-alls telling Bezos you can't do this, and you can't do that, yet him doing it, and doing it well. For me this is a disruptor bible! People want you do things 'the way we've always done' because they already have you beat, that's why they don't really encourage innovation, especially amongst the non-franchised. I really enjoyed this read. 9 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
I would like to express a huge thank you to everyone that has engaged with me on Goodreads in any manner this year, with a special shout out to those I would like to express a huge thank you to everyone that has engaged with me on Goodreads in any manner this year, with a special shout out to those that I have exchanged comments with. This is easily my favourite digital channel for two main reasons: 1. because there's no safer and more inspiring place than a space occupied with readers just like you! 2. because... Goodreads actually has a non-algorithm, in that I can choose to see what I want to see in chronological order (hint hint Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc.) [image] Thank you for taking the time to find out more about my 2021 reading journey, I promise you brevity :)
So here's a very quick summary:
My favourite first-time read of the year was Where the Crawdads Sing which was just such an unexpected joy and an ode to nature as well! [image] My favourite re-read of 2021 was The Bone Collector, because this detective series debut is just phenomenal!
My favourite first-time started/read book series was Leviathan Wakes, Caliban's War, Abaddon's Gate etc. The Expanse series which takes character and constructed future reality storytelling to a new level. [image] My highest rated re-read series and highest rated graphic novel series was Powers, Vol. 1: Who Killed Retro Girl?, Powers, Vol. 2: Roleplay etc. series, which is so fundamentally different and better than the TV show!
What I learnt this year was that 1. Science Fiction is maturing (thank you James S.A. Corey) 2. Everything Jane Austen wrote was genius 3. Daphne du Maurier wrote quite a few really really great books 4. Lockdowns are great for reading 5. Marvel comics/graphic novels have long passed their best days 6. Anti vaxxer believers generally equate with being non-readers :) 7. Everyone should read at least one Martina Cole book :) [image]...more
Louis Theroux's star shone pretty brightly and quickly after a series of documentaries he made with the BBC about some of the more off-kilter communitLouis Theroux's star shone pretty brightly and quickly after a series of documentaries he made with the BBC about some of the more off-kilter communities in the United States; after feeling he had reached a creative dead-end in TV in 2003-2004, he decided to take a year out and return to America without a camera crew and revisit the subjects of the documentaries, many of whom Louis sort exposed to a global audience but very much not in they way they wanted. And what subjects - Aryan Nation members; Gangsta rappers who moonlight as pimps; a novice male porn star and porn producers; a man that claims that at a cost he can hypnotise people to become millionaires; a brothel worker; a white separatist mother who manager her twin 8 -year old daughters as a white supremacist singing duo and more! [image] A smashing read, as just like watching his TV shows, Louis contrasts the macabre views and/or beliefs of many of his subjects with their human and/or vulnerable sides. A multiple decades neo-Nazi getting really upset, and being really helpful when Louis' lap top goes missing being a great example. The big question is how Louis and us readers will feel when catching up with these people, especially those whore beliefs have remained the same? As well as being thought provoking, this is such an interesting read. 8 out of 12. [image] 2021 read; 2011 read...more
A book in which one of the best selling, if not the best selling Christian writer of the Twentieth Century, C.S. Lewis shares his thoughts and rationaA book in which one of the best selling, if not the best selling Christian writer of the Twentieth Century, C.S. Lewis shares his thoughts and rationale on 'miracles' founded on the idea that Christians should not only believe and honour miracles, but should rejoice in these 'supernatural' works executed by a single all-powerful God being. And yes, if I'd read that before picking this book up I wouldn't have bothered. But let's face it, to read a non-fiction religious theory work from the man that gave us The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is most likely a well-trodden path by some other readers? [image] If I learnt anything from this book, is is that I should remove any thoughts of denial about the The Seven Tales of Narnia being a deeply Christian awareness raising fantasy; as Lewis is a huge advocate for his faith one assured in his beliefs and with the knowledge, intelligence and self assuredness to argue his position in public, in words that will remain permanent in the ether. Still, although a very easy and accessible read for religious theory, it's just not that interesting or thought provoking, as the huge pro-Christian bias of the work makes it feel more like a statement than a theoretical work. 4 out of 12. [image] 2021 read...more
Set up a as memoir, this is lifelong Arsenal (big UK soccer team based in London) fan Nick Hornby's recollection of his life so far, mostly through hiSet up a as memoir, this is lifelong Arsenal (big UK soccer team based in London) fan Nick Hornby's recollection of his life so far, mostly through his lifetime obsession of supporting, following and loving Arsenal Football Club. What begins as a pretty interesting by maybe niche (on a global reading scale?) look at being a big supporter of an English premier club slowly (and purposefully) evolves into the nature of male obsession? [image] Hornby is frank and honest in this surprisingly insightful read and doesn't veer away from talking about football violence, racism, gender divides, Hillsborough and more. An absolute must-read for Arsenal fans, but also an informative read for other readers for an honest male lens look at the intensity and nature of, men and their material obsessions? 8 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
A Lost TV show companion book released after the sensational epic first season of this global monster of successfully storytelling. A book that capturA Lost TV show companion book released after the sensational epic first season of this global monster of successfully storytelling. A book that capture a moment in time, when the first season had blown so many people's ideas of what episodic TV should be by taking ling form storytelling to another level. Yes, I'm a fan! [image] The book is broken down into three highly revealing and interesting sections, the background, the episodes guide and a play-by-play of shooting an episode. The book is crammed full of information, insights, images and interviews that the Lost fan will adore. [image] Nothing much else to add other than I would have personally preferred more in depth (season one) episode guides and more background and less play-by-plays of filming an episode, but all in all, a read that has me dying to re-watch the series for a third time! 8 out of 12. [image]...more
Swedish doctor, lecturer, researcher, data analysts, TED Talker etc. Hans Rosling with support from his son and daughter-in-law leaves the legacy of tSwedish doctor, lecturer, researcher, data analysts, TED Talker etc. Hans Rosling with support from his son and daughter-in-law leaves the legacy of this really important book. Let's put something out there straight away, it's not about politics, economics, ideology, inequality etc. so if you're looking for that, please walk on by... please [image] It's a book about one of my favourite things facts and data and how the sharing of eschewed global facts is misinforming everyone from the media and those with the means of production, through to our world bodies, and people all over the planet. It comes to the heart of one of my strongest beliefs, that to get understanding and maybe support say, for Malawi, you don't show images of extreme poverty, violence, deprivation etc.. you should show images of what changes and improvements support and understanding can, and have done. Essentially this book shows that the world is, and always has continued to progress regardless of the Western-centric viewpoints the world insists on sharing. This book is a great read for the data collated alone, and also includes personal experiences in the field with Rosling and some of his personal interactions with (not so?) shockingly ignorant Western based audiences. A recommended read. :) [image] 2020 read...more