# Book Reviews — Full Text > A personal reading journal — reviews of every book I've finished since 2019. - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art - Author: EverythingSings (https://everythingsings.art) - Reviews with full text below: 115 of 128 (oldest first) - Index of all reviews (links only): https://books.everythingsings.art/llms.txt - Feed: https://books.everythingsings.art/feed.xml --- ## #001 Sapiens - Author: Yuval Noah Harari - Finished: 2019-01-09 - Source: https://www.ynharari.com/book/sapiens/ - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/sapiens/ This was one of the most 'historical' books I have read in a while. It starts off from the very beginning of mankind, and attempts to work its way up from pre-history all the way into the coming modern ages. Although the future (and many modern innovations) aren't entirely covered, I felt it did a good job at connecting the important historical dots. I recommend this read if you want a refresher on your species' history. --- ## #002 Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Author: Robert M. Pirsig - Finished: 2019-01-16 - Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_and_the_Art_of_Motorcycle_Maintenance - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance/ What a book. I finished reading it five minutes ago, so I'm still reeling. Trying to unpack it all I suppose. It begins with a simple enough journey on a touring-motorcycle with Robert and his son Chris. It's very raw, real and relatable, but this is only an introduction. The full force of the backstory soon unravels and we slowly learn what's at stake. The philosophical questioning is complimented by the progress they make on their vacation, and eventually you realize that there was never a separation between the philosophy and the journey at all. Though some parts require a little background knowledge of philosophy, I would recommend this book to anyone. --- ## #003 Life 3.0 - Author: Max Tegmark - Finished: 2019-01-26 - Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_3.0 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/life-3-0/ Professor at MIT, Max Tegmark peers into the future to give us a hint at what is to come. Filled with uncertainty and guesswork, this was an extensive warning of the barriers humanity will meet when encountering extended intelligence (or artificial intelligence). This book is very well rounded, as it becomes a necessity to discuss physics and philosophy in the approach to properly understanding AI. I thought this book compared well to Nick Bostrom's 'Superintelligence', with Life 3.0 being a little bit less technical. Overall I thought it was a great reminder of the future shock that AI will bring. It may not occur in my lifetime, but regardless we need to think about the coming intelligence explosion like it's on our doorstep. --- ## #004 Wabi Sabi - Author: Diane Durston - Finished: 2019-01-28 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Wabi-Sabi-Art-Everyday-Life/dp/1580176283 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/wabi-sabi/ This was a smaller pocketbook, mainly filled with quotes, but it also has the occasional short story focused on Eastern wisdom. Impermanence and change, contentment, beauty and truth, this is a book that I will bring with me on many journeys, as it is just small enough to carry but filled to the brim with grounding meditations. --- ## #005 The Age of Analysis - Author: Morton White - Finished: 2019-02-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3105842-age-of-analysis - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-age-of-analysis/ This entry in The Mentor Philosophers series analyzes 20th century philosophers with included commentary from a Harvard Professor of Philosophy, Morton White. Each chapter focuses on a specific philosopher, with Morton White giving an introduction of the philosopher's background and influence. The chapter then concludes with selected writing from the philosopher's popular works. I found this style did well at giving each philosopher enough room to argue their point while also providing excellent contrast between the fellow philosopher's of that era. I was very pleased with the balance of Morton White's commentary and the potency of the philosophers' first-hand accounts. I will definitely be looking into the other books in this series. The next time I read through this book I want to take much more detailed notes, with an emphasis on orienting how the vastly different philosophers influenced each other's works. --- ## #006 Philosophy: 100 Essential Thinkers - Author: Philip Stokes - Finished: 2019-02-21 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19217126-philosophy-100-essential-thinkers - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/philosophy-100-essential-thinkers/ Although this book doesn't go too deep into each philosopher's thinking, it was just enough to show the reader the many comparisons across time. This book is a great way to find new philosophers to study, if one is unfamiliar with the big names. The structure of the book also allows one to use it as reference material, searching up a specific philosopher or time-period to refresh the memory. --- ## #007 When Einstein Walked with Gödel - Author: Jim Holt - Finished: 2019-03-06 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36794489-when-einstein-walked-with-g-del - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/when-einstein-walked-with-g-del/ Each chapter of this book is a separate essay covering a new topic than the rest, which results in a flow of novelty while remaining true to the themes of mathematics, philosophy and history. This formatting makes me think I will return to it often whenever I want to revisit one of the many interesting essays. Jim Holt's writing is very informative and humorous and I will definitely be looking into his other works. --- ## #008 Keys to Creativity - Author: Haris Ward - Finished: 2019-03-06 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Creativity-Haris-Ward/dp/1726884481 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/keys-to-creativity/ Although this piece is rather short and full of typos, it's not meant to be studied and re-visited, but put into action. It is a connection to the infinite that puts creativity in a light of chaotic perfection. It is a call to action. --- ## #009 The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear - Author: Walter Moers - Finished: 2019-03-26 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62032.The_13_Lives_of_Captain_Bluebear - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-13-lives-of-captain-bluebear/ One of the most unique pieces of fiction I've read, this is an autobiographical tale of Bluebear and his many adventures across Zamonia. Walter's creative world is chock-full of surprising characters with extensive motives and they're all entangled from the beginning to the end. It can be a long read, but I think the exposure to this quirky text was worth it. --- ## #010 The Myth of Sisyphus - Author: Albert Camus - Finished: 2019-04-13 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Sisyphus-Essays-ALBERT-CAMUS/dp/B01BITDXFK - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-myth-of-sisyphus/ This was some of my first "lengthy" exposure to Camus and I'm incredibly impressed by his writing. I'm excited to discover his other works, and see how they relate with this collection. A lot of my experience with his philosophical inquiry was making connections to other schools of thought, and the similar conclusions being made. This is definitely going to be another one I hope to re-read. --- ## #011 HOW TO READ NATURE - Author: Tristan Gooley - Finished: 2019-04-20 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Nature-Outdoors-Noticed/dp/1615194290 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/how-to-read-nature/ One of the biggest first impressions I got from this book was the conscious nod to philosophy and its prevalence in his adventure of awareness. Tristan Gooley has learned how to exist in habitats with a trained perspective that sees connection and harmony. He demonstrates how truth and the quest of knowledge can reveal structures of reality that bring you closer to understanding where you fit in with your environment. With Stoic example, he emphasizes the necessity of conflict, and teaches how we can learn from it in our observations. I was very impressed, it satisfied what I was expecting from this type of book while also presenting a more profound analysis of reality. --- ## #012 Mentors - Author: Russell Brand - Finished: 2019-04-28 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43251492-mentors - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/mentors/ I first discovered Russell Brand through his comedic routines and then through his podcast, Under the Skin. He's a very witty and lively personality with a clear gift for expressing himself through love and humor. This book is a monologue of his spiritual journey in meeting and learning from his mentors, and how he's been a mentor in his own life. It's less "How to" and more "autobiography", but the writing itself was certainly not bad and it was an enjoyable little read. --- ## #013 The Art of Thinking Clearly - Author: Rolf Dobelli - Finished: 2019-05-16 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Thinking-Clearly-Rolf-Dobelli/dp/0062219693 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-art-of-thinking-clearly/ I took my time getting through this book, I believe it was started in 2018, so it's been a slow trek through what is a topography of the obstacles in the common human mind. Each chapter covers one bias or fallacy in reasoning with accompanying examples, humorous observations and ways to mitigate the error. I thought it was easily grasped and could be a beneficial read to nearly everyone. This isn't one I will quickly return to for re-reading, but I do believe the content in this book is worth remaining aware of. Already have there been times when I have identified real-life examples of what is warned of extensively in The Art of Thinking Clearly. --- ## #014 Skin in the Game - Author: Nassim Nicholas Taleb - Finished: 2019-05-20 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36064445-skin-in-the-game - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/skin-in-the-game/ I consumed this as an audio book and I enjoyed it. It's an illustration of the importance of taking risks and all the philosophical reasonings behind having "skin in the game". I don't believe this is one that I will re-read, at least not for several years. --- ## #015 Plight of the Living Dead - Author: Matt Simon - Finished: 2019-06-05 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38496506-plight-of-the-living-dead - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/plight-of-the-living-dead/ Audiobook. I consumed this rather quickly, and not once did I think "when is this going to end", I just wanted more. Most people give no attention or thought to the common zombies in our environments, they may be creeped out or even afraid of doing so. Matt Simon takes the road less traveled in this thrilling tale through all the most invasive and gut-wrenching parasites known to thrive on zombification. Even if you never have to deal with a zombie in your lifetime, this book illustrates how all organisms are deeply connected. --- ## #016 The Book - Author: Alan Watts - Finished: 2019-06-30 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Taboo-Against-Knowing-Who/dp/0679723005 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-book/ This is definitely not my first encounter with Alan Watt's ideas, but it's my first time reading through The Book in entirety. It's a very therapeutic experience, reminding the Self that things are not as serious as they may appear, sincere and playful, yes, but perhaps not the entire story. The central theme is the idea that, the sensation of the Self being separate from the environment is akin to the illusion that the world is flat: it may seem like that from our perspective but investigations into reality clearly dispel the notion. I will surely pick this delightful read up again. --- ## #017 Supermarket - Author: Bobby Hall (Logic) - Finished: 2019-07-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43531103-supermarket - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/supermarket/ A quirky tale that is both realistic and outlandish, it approaches through the perspective of an ordinary worker in a Supermarket, but it quickly demonstrates how even the ordinary has a deeper reality to it. It was very memorable, though I don't know if I would re-read it soon, and I wasn't very surprised by the twists and turns but it was still an enjoyable read. --- ## #018 Thus Spake Zarathustra - Author: Friedrich Nietzsche - Finished: 2019-07-31 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Thus-Spoke-Zarathustra-Friedrich-Nietzsche/dp/152193715X - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/thus-spake-zarathustra/ This took me a while to read. Many of the sections I had to go back and re-read, either out of pure enjoyment or plain confusion. I can't pretend to understand everything in this Magnum Opus, but I'm not sure Nietzsche intended for the entirety to be comprehensible. The writing is grandiose, almost like a dramatic play or musical, and the philosophy he preaches comes in parable and metaphor. I very much enjoyed reading it, and will probably peruse through the pages once again. --- ## #019 Become What You Are - Author: Alan W. Watts - Finished: 2019-08-19 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60553.Become_What_You_Are - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/become-what-you-are/ I really love this collection of writings. They're very variable in size and style of content, a lot of parts I felt I was reading poetry instead of philosophy or religious discussion. But that may just be the effect of trying to write about something ineffable. I'm very glad I have this as a part of my collection and I look forward to adding more Alan Watts to my library. --- ## #020 wanderings - Author: haris ward - Finished: 2019-08-19 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Wanderings-Haris-Ward/dp/1796532193 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/wanderings/ This was a fantastic experience. It is a true journey, filled with wisdom and beauty. It was one of those books where once I started reading I couldn't really stop. There are wonderful illustrations that tie the whole thing together. There are a few typos here and there but at the same time, it's poetry, so I can't REALLY say that they're typos. --- ## #021 Energy and Civilization - Author: Vaclav Smil - Finished: 2019-10-04 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Civilization-History-MIT-Press/dp/0262035774 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/energy-and-civilization/ This is a comprehensive and detailed historical account of energy usage and its affects. Smil walks us through our relationship with energy by providing specific metrics and great comparative examples. It seems to present information with as little bias as possible, while still confronting the barriers and advantages to the various forms of energy we have encountered. I don't see myself re-reading this for some time, but I thought it did a good job at demonstrating the importance of thinking in terms of energy flows. --- ## #022 Pocket Taoist Wisdom - Author: Thomas Cleary - Finished: 2019-10-20 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Taoist-Wisdom-Shambhala-Library/dp/1611806941 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/pocket-taoist-wisdom/ This is a great little book. It's tiny enough to carry around (pocket book) and I have brought it with me on several adventures. Great for quick reading. It contains translations for the Tao Te Ching, Chuang-tzu, Huai-nan-tzu, Wen-tzu, Tales of inner meaning, and Sayings of ancestor Lu. If you're unfamiliar with taoist or zen philosophy you could even regard it as a poetry book. It reaches those poetic and lofty heights that one must access to even begin an attempt at describing Tao. I'm very glad this is in my collection and I think it will be a companion to me for quite some time. --- ## #023 Astrophysics for People in a Hurry - Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson - Finished: 2019-11-28 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32191710-astrophysics-for-people-in-a-hurry - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/astrophysics-for-people-in-a-hurry/ This is a nice little science appetizer for those who are interested in the cosmos. It doesn't go in-depth with any of the concepts that it shares, but that's the point. It's more like a collection of possible routes of exploration. It does a good job at demonstrating how little we really know about our position in this universe, and it also takes the time to sneak in a little history lesson now and then. It was released in 2017 so it's not too outdated, which can be an important thing to consider when reviewing the frontier sciences. I really appreciated the ending that discussed the "cosmic perspective", and how an understanding of the greater picture can change our interaction with the scale of reality we are used to. I won't be re-reading this anytime soon, but that's because I would like to move onto more detailed discussions of astrophysics. --- ## #024 Buddha's Brain - Author: Rick Hanson, PhD - Finished: 2019-12-09 - Source: https://www.rickhanson.net/books/buddhas-brain/ - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/buddha-s-brain/ I thought this was a good mixture of philosophy, history, neuroscience, and guided meditation. I love learning about the brain, so the presentation of neuroscience with a focus on the enlightened state was very interesting. The author seems to be very informed on the subject and he does his best to explain the important pieces to a layman while staying on topic. Personally I skipped over the guided meditation, which doesn't mean they aren't useful, but I just prefer silent meditation. I can see a time when these guided meditations would be very appreciated. I'm going to recommend this book to anyone interested in self-exploration. --- ## #025 The Story of Philosophy - Author: Will Durant - Finished: 2019-12-22 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31795.The_Story_of_Philosophy - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-story-of-philosophy/ I thought this was an extensive, well-written exploration of the prominent philosophers throughout history. Of course not everyone can be included, but those that are included are covered with an evident passion and due diligence. There are lots of quotes and excerpts from the specific philosophers, which I enjoyed, along with Will's commentary. I'm interested to see how it compares with Russel's History of Western Philosophy, which I have read chapters of but not in entirety. Ultimately I'm very glad to have come across this tomb of history and thought. --- ## #026 The Doors of Perception & Heaven and Hell - Author: Aldous Huxley - Finished: 2020-01-05 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5128.The_Doors_of_Perception_Heaven_and_Hell - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-doors-of-perception-heaven-and-hell/ I thought that, for something written in 1956, this was an interesting exploration of the relationship between psychedelics and the human mind. This copy included two works that went well together, and you can see the thread of thought continuing in Huxley's mind through the separate works. For something as nebulous as psychedelics (and psychology), Huxley tries to explore the interactions while being as grounded as possible, bringing in examples from art history as well as mental disabilities like schizophrenia. Even approaching the writing with a completely neutral perspective on the content, the writing flows with the same artistry that Huxley is known for. I don't think I'll be rereading this in the near future, as there isn't a lot of technical content that needs to be digested long-term, but I am definitely interested in his many other works. --- ## #027 Dune - Author: Frank Herbert - Finished: 2020-02-24 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44767458-dune - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/dune/ Shortly after I discovered Dune and decided it was worth exploring, I started noticing references to it almost immediately. People in my social media network started talking about it, some were reading it for the first time. This is typically a good sign for me, and I'm glad that even today people are coming to learn and appreciate Dune. I only read the first novel, which was separated into three "books", but you really do need to read the first three to allow the story to unfold. Something that initially jumped out to me was the amount of philosophical and spiritual textures that are woven throughout the world that Frank Herbert has created. It wasn't something I was expecting but it's always appreciated when a work can touch on something deeper than the constant fast-paced action we are used to seeing almost universally. With that said there is still a good amount of action, with some scenes that are building up momentum through the entire story. Even though finishing it was very satisfying, and it did feel like things were being concluded, I still got the sense that this was only the beginning. It took three books to set up the foundation of the story, and now the true power moves must be made. I do think I will continue reading this series, just not immediately. I need to take a little bit to let the epic-ness of it all to digest. --- ## #028 The Moon is a Harsh Mistress - Author: Robert A Heinlein - Finished: 2020-03-25 - Source: https://archive.org/details/TheMoonIsAHarshMistress_201701 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-moon-is-a-harsh-mistress/ I took my time reading this book. I think I got distracted from it about halfway through, but I finally found the time to complete it and was not disappointed. Not only is it interesting from a political and philosophical standpoint, it's something that seems right around Humanity's corner. The struggles of communities living within the domains of larger societies that don't treat them with equal rights. What started as a prison planet can't stay that way when generations of people have made it their home. Sharing gravity wells but refusing to share fairly. Ultimately it comes down to force, who can sustain the force longest, and the intelligence required to direct that force. Even though Mike was never a flesh-and-blood character that we are so used to relating to, I felt a connection to him consistently throughout the story, and it has persisted through the end. --- ## #029 21 Lessons for the 21st Century - Author: Yuval Noah Harari - Finished: 2020-05-20 - Source: https://www.ynharari.com/book/21-lessons-book/ - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/lessons-for-the-21st-century/ The beginning of this book was very much different than the end. The problems that Yuval presumes will arise for humanity aren't anything simple to resolve or even easy to understand. They are wide in scope, and often require a new lens of reality in order to consider. So he does his best in demonstrating the different lenses we could view the future with, and I believe he does a good job. He explains the danger of certainty. He outlines how humanity uses narrative, story, or fiction to shape our interaction with reality. He understands that the solution isn't as simple as writing a book, letting the readers digest it and voila everything is solved. It's a nuanced situation we find ourselves in, and he actually does very well detailing the nuances. The examples he give are easy for a layman to relate to, and they even open territory that the philosopher is so used to navigating. He attempts to unite both spaces, showing that these aren't confined to specific professions, but they concern us all. And he concludes with anecdotal testimony to how he arrived at his position, what has helped him in the present, namely, he goes on to describe how the Self that we autonomously form a narrative for isn't as stable as it seems, and that meditation can open yet another perspective for us to approach reality through. He tries to explain that the mind, or consciousness, is one of the most mysterious phenomena available to us, and exploring it is available to everybody. --- ## #030 The Three-Body Problem - Author: Cixin Liu - Finished: 2020-06-03 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20518872-the-three-body-problem - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-three-body-problem/ This novel starts out with some pretty lofty promises, but through several detours and elaborations the greater story is slowly brought into view. And it's an intricate story, for sure. Even in the beginning, the concepts introduced put me in a captivated state that altered my perspective of the reality I inhabit. As the story progressed, this altered perspective only became more believable, and even more shocking. The ideas presented in the book could be felt to possibly occur in real life as well, right in your back yard. The more impressive miracles are explained in a scientific way so that you feel like it's a real possibility. In the end I feel like this is just the introduction, a lot of setup for a grander story arc, but even this setup was incredibly entertaining. The author has a way of keeping you hooked through and through. I finished the book incredibly fast. It's a science fiction series that I will need to return to, perhaps after I read a bit more of the Dune series. --- ## #031 The Golden Ratio: The Divine Beauty of Mathematics - Author: Gary B. Meisner - Finished: 2020-06-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35960136-the-golden-ratio - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-golden-ratio-the-divine-beauty-of-mathematics/ I think this is the first book I've read about Phi (or, the golden ratio, or 1.618) and it was pretty impressive. I think there's some fairly solid evidence that demonstrates this has been a recurring theme through history, either kept as a secret for the intellectually privileged, or as a forgotten habit that was inherited from an earlier time. I don't know where I stand as to what the golden ratio really is. Maybe it's just a pattern of measurement that we can overlay onto things, like an inch? But then again, if the golden ratio can lend value to things like the construction of plants and organisms, for whatever reason, then it must have some foundation in physical reality. Whatever that means. I thought the book did a good job demonstrating Phi's prevalence throughout life. It didn't do such a good job at exploring possible explanations, but to be fair that's a pretty big job in itself. You have to start addressing things like philosophy of beauty, which he attempts to do in little spurts. Something I would like to explore is how I can employ Phi in my own works. Can I actually use it to predict financial trends? Can I incorporate it into my visual arts to create a sense of balance, unity, and divinity? I don't know. Nevertheless, it's very intriguing. I don't think this will be the last book I read about Phi. --- ## #032 Foundation - Author: Isaac Asimov - Finished: 2020-06-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29579.Foundation - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/foundation/ The main premise of the series, that historical patterns could be mathematically charted and extrapolated into the future, is a very interesting foundation for a story, if I dare say so. Much of the 'mathematical extrapolation of history' relies on the participants of history being mostly unaware of the details, which leaves lots of room for twists and turns along the way. It was fun to explore how a civilization could prepare itself for independency, even if said civilization has little material resources, but lots of knowledge and time for preparation. 'Foundation' was an investigation of societal balances, an investigation of what truly matters toward the continuation of an ideal. The multi-generational plot has somewhat of an end goal in mind, a hazy idea of what problems will interfere with that end goal, and a lot of drama as you might expect when dealing with large populations. Even though this is set in the distant future, the economic and political instability that I see in my "base reality" makes me think that this could almost be a manual of questions to pose for today. What knowledge is worth preserving? How can we minimize the more chaotic stages of a kyklos cycle? And ultimately, what is to come, and who has predicted the most accurate picture of the coming reality? I will definitely have to continue this story after I revisit a few other sci-fi series that I've been neglecting: Three-Body Problem, Dune. --- ## #033 The Power of Myth - Author: Joseph Campbell - Finished: 2020-06-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35519.The_Power_of_Myth - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-power-of-myth/ This is a dialogue between Bill Moyers and the great Joseph Campbell, and while I didn't always love the questions that Moyers proposed, he did a good job at covering ground that is pertinent to the material at hand. By this I mean that, the topics being discussed aren't exactly clear as daylight, and so further elaboration can be required to really dig deep into the root of the matter. Moyers served well as this advocate for elaboration, and even if Campbell sometimes repeats a previously stated message, it's in good nature, and these lessons do deserve repetition. If you're totally unfamiliar with Campbell's work but you're a lover of story, philosophy, history, or the human experience of life, then Campbell has some beautiful insight to share with you. Campbell's experience seems to have no limitations in regards to culture, he freely draws from whatever is inspiring. This habit of drawing wisdom from where-ever it shows itself results in a well-rounded perspective that Campbell is more than happy to share. I related quite heavily with what Campbell has to say. I think the next book that I read by Campbell will be The Hero With a Thousand Faces. --- ## #034 The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect - Author: Roger Williams - Finished: 2020-06-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/64341.The_Metamorphosis_of_Prime_Intellect - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-metamorphosis-of-prime-intellect/ First of all, this is one of the most graphic books I've read, both of a violent and sexual nature, but the sheer intensity that the author employs isn't without reason. It's exactly what I think would be the natural occurrence if the book's story was to unfold. It wasn't all pleasant, and much of it was over the top, but it was believable according to the narrative. With that aside, this book is something that I could completely believe. Written in 1994, it stands true to the possibilities that we have ahead of us. And it may seem crazy, but it might even be unfolding this very moment. Even if you are in total disbelief of the novel's extremity, I felt that it was pertinent commentary on the state of technology in relation to man. Are we in charge of technology? Did we ever have a choice as to technology's outcome? Can technology be regulated to maximize its goodness, or will there always be both good and bad outcomes? While a small and quick read, it was filled to the brim. --- ## #035 Dune Messiah - Author: Frank Herbert - Finished: 2020-07-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44492285-dune-messiah?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2u992QNLV0&rank=2 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/dune-messiah/ This book was another wonderful reminder to Frank Herbert's incredible literary dancing. Frank doesn't pick and choose between "remarkable story" and "impressive prose", but welds both into a coherent world that is incredibly enjoyable every step of the way. If the first book in the series was about raising up the Fremen to their own independence, then this book details the intricacies involved in maintaining that transition, or more specifically, government. For this reason, many will not recognize the same Muad'Dib as the first book portrayed, but I thought this was a very pertinent side to Paul that we are shown. Being an Emperor comes with certain costs to personality and conduct. At the same time, Paul is approaching the very event that he has made such desperation to avoid. It was an impressive story arc, another solid development in the world of Dune. --- ## #036 The Dark Forest - Author: Liu Cixin - Finished: 2020-07-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23168817-the-dark-forest?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=kyH3KPpuan&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-dark-forest/ This is such a good series. The book has a very strong sense of unity. It all ties together very neatly, and it's incredibly satisfying to watch all the pieces come together. This is also a sci-fi series that I can easily find believable. The concepts are definitely beyond the scope of present technology, but you can follow the fundamental logic without losing your grip on the story. Filled with action, suspense, love, mystery, and just plain beautiful writing. And there's still two more book for me to read, one written by Liu Cixin and another written as fanfic that was then endorsed by Liu. The dark forest extrapolation, or the analysis of cosmic sociology, is very heavy. I don't want to speak too much on it as it's somewhat of a spoiler, but I found it chilling. It makes sense, to me. So maybe instead of trying to go to Mars, and instead of beaming signals and probes into space, maybe we should be building a cloak to hide Earth, and fix this place up for the long run. While staying as quiet as possible. --- ## #037 Death's End - Author: Liu Cixin - Finished: 2020-08-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25451264-death-s-end?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dGIYSURSte&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/death-s-end/ This was some of the best sci-fi I've ever read. I don't know if everyone would call it "hard sci-fi", but I think the author tried to be as realistic as possible. Even with the fantastical ideas of pushing the limits of physics and trying to reverse-engineer the vastly diverse species in the cosmos, he makes it very believable and easy to follow along, all while blowing my mind several times with each book. I think this series reinstated my love for science fiction. It's important to realize that a lot of these concepts are right around the corner for Humanity. I don't think these "fictional" possibilities are things we can put off, I think they involve society on every level. Even if we don't come close to approaching space travel, or trying to protect our planet from the greater cosmos, our children at least will have to start tackling these questions. And I think sci-fi is a good starting point to expand our perspective of what exactly might be achievable. Ultimately this was a very enjoyable series. It can be a bit long at times but I felt it was necessary to fully explain the details. None of it felt like fluff or just trying to hit a word limit, it was all very vital to the story. I would say you can't just read one of these books and end it there, the whole series is a package that I will recommend to anyone who looks up at the stars and wonders. --- ## #038 Oceanic - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2020-08-24 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6741362-oceanic?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=CW8RfeiF7k&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/oceanic/ The version I read contained several short stories that served as a prelude to the finale, 'Oceanic'. Initially the most striking aspect was how diverse the settings and storylines were. Greg Egan's range of creation in sci-fi seems intergalactic in scale, but he does tend to stick to hard scientific concepts which require a little bit of background understanding. Oceanic is a suspenseful short that details the long journey of coming to terms with certain harsh facts about reality. It's presented in the same hard sci-fi universe, but in this short the advanced setting is just a foundation to express deeper questions. This is an author that addresses a wide range of sensitive topics, mostly of a philosophical bend. That may not be for everyone but in my case I found the topics to be very pertinent to our own age. I will absolutely be reading more Egan. --- ## #039 The Lessons of History - Author: Will Durant - Finished: 2020-08-26 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174713.The_Lessons_of_History - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-lessons-of-history/ This was a very short collection of essays, but the brevity didn't detract from the writing at all. You don't learn about fine details of any specific historical events, but Durant paints a picture of what he sees as the largest over-arching patterns throughout Human time. And due to the scale of his goal - which is more concerned with 'history as a whole' than anything - he mentions the Philosopher quite a lot. By that I mean it's clear that Durant has a philosophical-bent, and he appreciates the role of philosophy throughout Human development, and he's careful to demonstrate that side of history for us. This doesn't mean that this is a book for or about philosophers, just that Durant finds it necessary to include that archetype (which I appreciated). I thought the writing was splendid. Even with something like History, which many people can find dull, Durant's writing is so lively and clever that it compels you to keep reading. Beyond the writing, the substance of the thing was satisfying. I think it helps to know a little history when reading this, as it feels more like a refresher than an introducer. It reminds you of the great journey that took us to where we are now, and of course, the great journey ahead of us. --- ## #040 Zen in the Art of Archery - Author: Eugen Herrigel - Finished: 2020-08-27 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/103758.Zen_in_the_Art_of_Archery?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=PlVhKw9uzA&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/zen-in-the-art-of-archery/ Very short, but worth it. While trying to speak of zen is like biting your teeth, this book does so in a roundabout and entertaining way by speaking of the art of archery. A few years ago, I was practicing the sport of precision marksmanship (I attained the badge of "expert marksman" and then stopped), and so I found this book very relatable. The marksman fundamentally aims at himself. However, I have a feeling that this book would resonate to even someone without any training in marksmanship, archery, or the like. I highly recommend it, it's a beautiful experience. --- ## #041 Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography - Finished: 2020-09-02 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52309.The_Autobiography_of_Benjamin_Franklin?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=tdAnu8YTZ2&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/benjamin-franklin-s-autobiography/ This wasn't something I would normally read with enthusiasm, but I've been wanting to know a bit more history, for one, and also, it was included in the Harvard Universal Classics, so here we are. I don't regret reading it. Not all of it was thrilling, but it was a very interesting insight into a man that I otherwise would only hear bits and pieces of, or rather, the prominent reasons for his fame. Ben Franklin was clearly a generalist. He let his interests guide him, and they brought him many places. If anything, I believe that Franklin's life was a testament to self-discovery, as well as the self-education that accompanies such a process. It's really quite shocking just how many things he did for his local community, and then gradually the world at large. I can understand why this would be the first to the Harvard Universal Classics, as a role model such as Benjamin Franklin would be hard to steer you wrong. --- ## #042 Axiomatic - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2020-09-02 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156783.Axiomatic?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=EnV09Acb45&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/axiomatic/ Once again the variety that Egan deploys is incredible. He does have a preference for sci-fi, but I think I'm beginning to see that he isn't in love with the sci-fi itself, but only that the sci-fi is what is required for him to drive home his point. He has these philosophical questions that can't be put in a simple question, but must be lived, through the perspective of a character, to explore the question in finality. And following the question to its depth usually has a profound, lingering taste to it. As I've said before, Egan might put some people off, and I can understand why, but I very much enjoy his works. --- ## #043 The Fifth Science - Author: Exurb1a - Finished: 2020-09-06 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41580260-the-fifth-science?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=A5WYw0tfsN&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-fifth-science/ I had never read this author's writing before, but I was familiar with his YouTube channel. I really liked this book. Composed of multiple sci-fi shorts, the diverse works carry the theme of the philosophical questions of mind, and what becomes of the Universe, or even the galactic empire as we know it when we conquer The Fifth Science. This seems like a book that was written for its age, where we are already dealing with artificial intelligences that are convincing, productive, or just plain silly. We don't yet consider these artificial intelligences (or "arties" in the book) as sentient, but even the layman has to eventually ask the question: at what point will science transform matter into something radically new and alive? I enjoyed the writing. The narration was slightly casual at times, and he likes to try and get a chuckle, but most of it was very set on creating a world for you to experience and I think he succeeded. There are twists and turns, revelations, soft moments, and cliff hangers. But I think, most importantly, these aren't just lofty ideals that might someday come true. I believe these are real questions that we as a society will have to face, eventually, maybe in a thousand years, maybe in a hundred. And for that reason alone I think books like these are worth the time, just so that we can take a glimpse into a possible future, see how it makes us feel, consider it, and maybe even create lasting changes. I will be reading more Exurb1a. --- ## #044 Range - Author: David Epstein - Finished: 2020-09-12 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41795733-range?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=XlBHA3n90w&rank=3 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/range/ This was a great read and I think it was the perfect size. It was just long enough to bring in a lot of examples, and just short enough to keep my attention on the many different ways that generalists can thrive. This isn't a book that tries to say that specialization is a waste, but it demonstrates that we need both sides of the spectrum. Experimentation and innovation doesn't operate with an end goal in mind, it has to be a little inefficient in some areas to find the undiscovered efficiency that can be integrated from diverse fields that would otherwise be thought of as separate. Ultimately I think the underlying message of this book is to follow your curiosity. We can't know everything in advance that will be profitable or valuable to our lives, and lessons learned in one specialty can be applied to other new ventures. And the other beautiful message is that you're not behind, if you feel a desire to explore something new then don't feel too afraid to "fall behind the crowd", it might just turn into a new magical combination. --- ## #045 Instantiation - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2020-09-14 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50641444-instantiation?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=zOyENLHP3s&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/instantiation/ Another awesome collection by Egan. The large majority of the stories I read by Egan are satisfying the exact desire I have for sci-fi, which is something like being both weird and believable, pushing the edges of reality while still trying to exist within a logical framework. When the rules are broken they are done so in a way that feels creative and thrilling, and not at all like cheating. Egan's characters aren't the best I've ever encountered, but they haven't distracted me from the stories. The arcs that the characters take are inseparable from the larger scientific narrative that he builds, and the diversity of his writing is just as enjoyable as always. This collection follows the same "hard sci-fi" pattern, where knowing some background knowledge of nerdy stuff can be a tremendous aid to understanding and inhabiting the worlds that Egan constructs, but I wouldn't say you need to be a rocket scientist to enjoy his works. --- ## #046 Dispersion - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2020-09-16 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52979262-dispersion?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=7Kd70v1RJo&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/dispersion/ I honestly didn't love this one. I wouldn't say it was bad; it was definitely creative, not something I've imagined in a world, but it wasn't groundbreaking or mind-blowing. The most prominent feature of the book was the scientific method, and the trials that are required of investigating a totally foreign process. In a way it felt like social commentary, with everyone pointing fingers at everyone else, and only a few actually trying to make progress. In the end I didn't feel very satisfied, things were resolved in a way but I wasn't left as much information about the Dispersion as I would've hoped. It was short so I didn't lose much time by reading it, but it's not one that I think I would return to. Worth a couple bucks and a rainy afternoon if you're the type who likes investigative science and weird settings. --- ## #047 John Woolman's Autobiography - Finished: 2020-09-20 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/622117.The_Harvard_Classics_Autobiography_of_Benjamin_Franklin_Journal_of_John_Woolman_Fruits_of_Solitude?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=tKtHEZobBE&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/john-woolman-s-autobiography/ I can only recommend this read to those interested in Quakers or Abolitionist-history. Most of the book's contents are descriptions of his travels, usually to visit other Quakers, and it becomes very repetitive. He visits this town, sees these people, has a meeting where he is inspired by the Divine Love and then moves on. This seems to be the majority of the book, but it's not the entirety. There are bits and pieces that I found of value; it is certainly interesting to see from the perspective of a Quaker in the 1700's. But near the end I was definitely more excited to finish and move on than reading the next chapter. I can't blame him for his writing as he begins the book by saying he wishes to write something as a testament to his God, and he does so. Many times through his travels he talks about how weak he is, how sad he becomes from seeing slaves and the like, and how God transformed his mind and gave him peace. He also talks about the blessing of frugality, meekness, and the temptations of wealth, which I appreciated as that's a side of Christianity that we don't really see these days. There was one part where he describes an angel coming to him at night, in the form of a sphere of light, and he only writes a sentence or two about it. I wish he talked more about that, it felt strange to mention such an experience and then move on without very much commentary. I don't think I will revisit this anytime soon. --- ## #048 Fruits of Solitude - Author: William Penn - Finished: 2020-09-27 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/622117.The_Harvard_Classics_Autobiography_of_Benjamin_Franklin_Journal_of_John_Woolman_Fruits_of_Solitude?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=tKtHEZobBE&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/fruits-of-solitude/ This was my favorite of the other Quaker's writings. Written in Enchiridion-form, Penn tries to squeeze as much wisdom into his journals as he can. I agreed with a lot of it, in parts I gained some insight, and in others I didn't know what he was saying. There is a language barrier between now and the ~1700's. I enjoyed it, it didn't take too much time to read, but I don't think I will re-read it at least for quite some time. --- ## #049 The Apology, and Crito, by Plato - Finished: 2020-09-28 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2171766.The_Harvard_Classics_Volume_2?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=IDBnNQ33Ah&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-apology-and-crito-by-plato/ I'm including both The Apology and Crito as one review because they follow the same events and I finished them on the same day, but I have yet to finish Phaedo. I do really love these writings. It's not the first time I've read them but it's always nice to revisit. In an age like ours, it's quite striking to see someone with a dedication to virtue and reason instead of the passions of the body. Socrates, whether he was real or not, demonstrates that a man with values should hold onto them even to the very end. And it's obviously easier said than done, but there's something moving about hearing of Socrates speak his own testimony for the cause behind his actions. Another aspect I love is his willingness to obey God's commands, if his time has come then he embraces it with a happiness, for he knows he has acted within his own virtues. He lives with a love of fate. This isn't something that only philosophers should read, I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. They're not very long or hard to understand, so give it a shot. --- ## #050 Permutation City - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2020-10-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156784.Permutation_City?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=eyu8RFQisw&rank=2 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/permutation-city/ This was a really cool story. At first it starts out simple enough, the progression of computer science enabling all the wonderful and strange things that it does, but then the view pans out and we are left staring at something so vast that it's hard to wrap your head around. I'll once again try to avoid anything too detailed for the sake of those who want to read it, but the hard sci-fi holds true to Egan's reputation. Fantastical and scientific while attempting to be grounded in the realm of plausibility, but simultaneously so outlandish that it leaves you reeling. There are many philosophical questions in this, but Egan would rather watch them dance together in the uncertain and unfolding future than try to face them head on and reduce them to certainties. If you're interested in consciousness, or computer science, or exotic ideas of maths, I can highly recommend this, and even if you're not I would say give it a shot. This was a very fun, mind-bending read. --- ## #051 Foundation and Empire - Author: Isaac Asimov - Finished: 2020-10-08 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29581.Foundation_and_Empire?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=xpckMljS9K&rank=3 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/foundation-and-empire/ This was an interesting development in the story. It was kind of short, but entertaining through and through. There was a big twist, which is always fun, even if I did have suspicions of it from the beginning. This book sort of felt like a bridge between the first book and the third, like it's setting the stage for the next in line while also bringing the reader up to speed on the happenings in the first. I'm excited to read the third in this series, but I also want to read more Dune. --- ## #052 Phaedo - Author: Plato - Finished: 2020-10-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2171766.The_Harvard_Classics_Volume_2?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=IDBnNQ33Ah&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/phaedo/ I think Phaedo is less about what is being discussed and more about how it's being discussed. This is the iconic Socrates-on-his-death-bed, and so there are discussions about the soul and other things that one might wish to talk about as they approach death, though Socrates doesn't choose these topics out of his own concern but for the concern of his friends. One of the most striking aspects is how fearless Socrates was said to be in the face of death. His reasoning was that he spent a life well lived, in pursuit of virtue instead of wealth and therefore he was ready for death. He accepted his fate with love, with a belief that for him to obey God's will is the highest of goals. It's not a very long read and I definitely recommend it. --- ## #053 Quarantine - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2020-10-15 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156775.Quarantine?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=guQxcvZxeF&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/quarantine/ Egan did another great job with this book, however I can't recommend it to everyone. The storyline heavily features things like neural implants and quantum mechanics which necessarily raise the question of Free Will along the entire way. If those things even slightly interest you then I highly recommend it. It was a great journey, filled with mystery, suspense, and the feeling of awe that Egan so reliably delivers. --- ## #054 The Golden Sayings of Epictetus - Finished: 2020-10-18 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2171766.The_Harvard_Classics_Volume_2?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=IDBnNQ33Ah&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-golden-sayings-of-epictetus/ Stoicism was one of the first schools of philosophy that I started exploring so it's always enjoyable for me to revisit the great Stoics. I haven't read much Epictetus and I enjoyed it, however at times the translation was a bit confusing, and I couldn't agree with everything Epictetus says. At one point he talks about how we should live without excess luxury, but then he says that having servants (read, slaves) attend to our house or dinner parties isn't luxurious. I understand that having a few slaves was just part of the age and culture, but for a Philosopher who talks a lot about introspection and the importance of frugality it just seems strange that he would have accepted slaves (or even paid servants for that matter) as frugal, part of Nature's Plan, instead of a bit over the top. Maybe he only needed them in his older age? Ultimately I'm glad I read this. He mentions God often in his discussions, and if this would put anyone off I would suggest mentally replacing God with "All that is". He doesn't try to fit God within a specific doctrine or set of rules and traditions, instead he approaches God as one would approach a love of Fate, or Amor Fati. The idea of Stoicism is that the human concerns himself with what is in his control (which is often very little) and that God, or Fate, or what is outside of our control is ultimately for the best, and we should love the Will of God. He also mixes this idea of God with Nature, however he doesn't expand a lot upon what is Nature and what isn't. --- ## #055 The Human Biocomputer - Author: John Lilly - Finished: 2020-10-20 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208245.Programming_Metaprogramming_in_the_Human_Biocomputer?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ct5qrTKMgc&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-human-biocomputer/ This felt pretty chaotic. There were certainly some interesting parts, as well as some boring parts, but overall it's not too bad considering the year it was written (1972). You'll want some interest in the brain to read this book, as well as a tiny understanding of computers to follow the theme. The author thinks of the brain as a computer, which is a generally agreeable perspective but he doesn't go too deep into the computer science aspect of things besides utilizing some computer-science-esque terminology. He kind of jumped around, there wasn't strong cohesion to the book's progression. This isn't a deal-breaker for me, it was just a bit jarring at times. The most interesting portion of this book for me was his reporting on psychoanalysis of patients who were in isolation / float chambers, deprived of sensation and then given LSD. He reports some interesting observations, and tries to remain objective and observant, but in the end he chalks up the LSD-braincomputer-interaction as basically LSD introduces noise into the computer system and that's the cause of the LSD experiences. This might be a partial explanation but I didn't think it was much of a conclusion. At least he attempted an observation I suppose. It was short so I don't regret reading it. --- ## #056 War of the Worlds - Author: H.G. Wells - Finished: 2020-10-24 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55987193-the-war-of-the-worlds-by-h-g-wells?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Pe6hG1gcnD&rank=3 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/war-of-the-worlds/ This was a fun read, very eerie. I had watched the movie before reading this, so it was a little spoiled but still enjoyable. Something I like about books like these are that it makes you appreciate what we have. The world may be a little topsy-turvy, but it's not 'alien invasion' level chaos, which we don't often consider. There's nothing to say that we won't ever be invaded by aliens; maybe not Martians, granted, but the book is still a creepy reminder to appreciate our uncontested Earth soil. Another aspect I appreciated was how little action there was. It was more suspenseful than action. It's not exactly what you could call a war, the humans have very little impact against the Martians, which I think added to the realism. And to avoid spoilers that's all I'll say. I can see why H.G. Wells is one of the classic sci-fi authors. --- ## #057 The Time Machine - Author: H.G. Wells - Finished: 2020-10-28 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6546522-the-time-machine?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Q41NWn1px1&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-time-machine/ Pretty good story. This was another classic that I knew about before actually reading it so the narrative was slightly spoiled but still an enjoyable read. The story has less to do with the paradoxes of time travel, which a lot of creators seem to jump on whenever time travel comes up, but instead Wells takes this opportunity to peer into the possibilities of the developmental progression of society and humanity as a species. This was largely believable, Wells seems pretty thorough in trying to impart a level of realism. It was clearly influenced by the sociological discussions of his time (the worker versus the owner) but I didn't think it was so heavy that it ruined anything. In the end, the time machine was more of a means to discussing the distant-future sociology instead of the concept of time travel itself, which was fine and good but still I think an important distinction. --- ## #058 Why Information Grows - Author: César A. Hidalgo - Finished: 2020-11-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20763722-why-information-grows?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=JfICwIistE&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/why-information-grows/ I loved this book. It's a topic that I've been pondering for over four years now, and it was really exciting to find something so relatable. This book is pretty extensive, it has plenty of examples and data to back up the presented arguments. While in a sense it only scratched the surface, it's also one of the most thorough works I've found on the subject. I highly recommend it if you're interested in the phenomena of order, information, or economics. --- ## #059 Nova - Author: Samuel R. Delany - Finished: 2020-11-02 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/85863.Nova?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hytlOsfZuR&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/nova/ This was a pretty fun read. Parts of it were hard to understand. Not scientifically confusing, just kind of vague or written strangely. But maybe that's just me. I'm not saying it was written poorly, just that portions left me a little confused. Ultimately it's a fun story. This is a book that I would recommend to people who are wanting to dip their toes into sci-fi, as it's not super steeped in sci-fi but the setting is just futuristic enough to be a nice introduction to the sci-fi style of worldbuilding. --- ## #060 The Invisible Man - Author: H.G. Wells - Finished: 2020-11-07 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17184.The_Invisible_Man?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ggDFbCOBiD&rank=2 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-invisible-man/ I was surprised by the direction that Wells took this story. Before reading, I had assumed that the majority of the narrative would be a slow, suspenseful investigation into the mystery surrounding the backstory of the invisible man. However most of the backstory of the invisible man was revealed early in the introduction, and in true "Wellsian fashion", the rest of the narrative was focused around the power that being invisible would bring to man, and how the mad scientist archetype could abuse this fantastic power. It was definitely written for its own time. Being invisible isn't something that many would seriously think of as a superpower, especially once you consider the specific circumstances that would be required for that power to be used. There are other, wilder science fiction scenarios that can yield great power, but there's something down-to-earth about an invisible man. What I mean to say is that it's a very human fear to wonder about an invisible evil-doer, but in the end it's not the worst sci-fi disaster that could happen. I do recommend this read, especially if you enjoy the "absolute power corrupts absolutely" narrative. --- ## #061 Thou Art That - Author: Joseph Campbell - Finished: 2020-11-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/324205.Thou_Art_That?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=KCjohVKIOw&rank=2 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/thou-art-that/ I'm a big fan of Campbell's work, and this had the same rock-solid quality that he consistently delivers. It was a bit less extensive than the other book I read (The Power of Myth) but it was still well worth the read. This book was more focused on Christianity, which I could appreciate as I was raised Methodist, and though I no longer self-identify with that label I still appreciate the teachings of Jesus Christ, even if I don't fully agree with the modern interpretations. I have a feeling I will be studying Campbell for my entire life, as he seems to be a wellspring of wisdom that is eternally refilling. --- ## #062 Introducing Jung - Author: Maggie Hyde - Finished: 2020-11-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25950050-introducing-jung?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=FMZ4sUkJ4D&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/introducing-jung/ This was basic, but not too basic considering it's an introduction. Jung seems to be a very prolific and wide-ranging character, and this was a nice appetizer to his collection of works. I would like to read more Jung, but I'm not exactly sure where to start, possibly the Red Book. I own a paperback version of his 'Synchronicity' which I have so far neglected, but I might just have to buckle down and study it, as synchronicity is definitely an interest of mine. The graphics in this book didn't always contribute to understanding the content but it incorporated a nice balance throughout. --- ## #063 Bhagavad Gita - Author: Translated by Eknath Easwaran - Finished: 2020-12-07 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34909756-the-bhagavad-gita---introduced-translated-by-eknath-easwaran?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=6OtbAEZv5E&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/bhagavad-gita/ I'm coming to understand that words fall short of the most fundamental truths in life. Even in spite of this we still attempt to share our understandings with others, and the Gita is another timeless expression of that. A good portion of this book deals with "surface level material", but there are definitely nuggets of truth if you are sincere about listening to them. I think I will need to reread this, or find different translations to study. --- ## #064 In My Own Way - Author: Alan Watts - Finished: 2020-12-24 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/581526.In_My_Own_Way?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=nPVI0uhwbJ&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/in-my-own-way/ This was one of those books that saddened me as I reached the end. Even knowing all things come to pass, I wanted this to go on and on, however I think what I truly desire is just to have met Alan Watts in person. I recommend this read to anyone interested in Alan Watts "the person", as while he does talk about his philosophies (as they are manifestations of his life), they are not the sole focus of the book. In true Watts' fashion, he speaks a lot about the people that he loved throughout his life, as you cannot have an idea of Self without the Other. I think what's truly special about this book is that it has no specifically intended message. His other works seem to focus on a topic that he tries to convey to the reader, while in this autobiography he is given the space (nothingness) required to truly play with whatever he desired in that moment. PS: I just realized this is the 64th entry in my book-reviews, which reminds me of the 64 trigrams of the I Ching. A satisfying coincidence, or maybe more, I will let you decide. --- ## #065 Bogleheads' Guide to Investing - Author: Taylor Larimore, Michael LeBoeuf, Mel Lindauer - Finished: 2021-01-04 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/381355.The_Bogleheads_Guide_to_Investing?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=pOp5IpBLVP&rank=2 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/bogleheads-guide-to-investing/ This was a helpful primer for developing healthy investing habits. They start from the bottom, assuming the reader needs help along the entire way. This led to me skimming through some parts but most of it was insightful. I can say that reading this had a direct impact on my investing practices. While finance can be an overwhelming subject, with taxes and insurance forming their own respective armies of complexity, this book is a solid introduction to the path of fiscal responsibility. It's not the only book you'll need, but they include references to other works that might be of value. I will most likely read more from the Bogleheads in the future. --- ## #066 The Way of Kings - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2021-01-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7235533-the-way-of-kings?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=neBXnjcyjW&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-way-of-kings/ This is a sizeable book, and although I'm not often a fiction reader this was a captivating read. Being the first in the series it definitely serves as an introduction to the larger setting at play, but it doesn't fail to excite and inspire questions. There's a decent amount of action scenes, which I'm not usually a huge fan of, but they aren't drawn out or over-dramatic. The action is always for a cause, it's never mindless bloodshed or just trying to fill pages. The heart of this book for me was the world building. I won't spoil anything, but there's a solid amount of diverse creatures, mystery, metaphysics, intricate economics as well as some history that is slowly revealed. It's a very interesting setting that Sanderson has developed, and in the words of my friend, it's not just world building but universe building. I believe Sanderson refers to his universe as the Cosmere. What first struck me about Sanderson's writing is the dialogue. Conversations are something that is easy to do but hard to master, and if Sanderson hasn't mastered it then he's at least very close to mastery. I love the characters and I'm very excited to see how they grow as the story progresses. --- ## #067 101 Zen Koans - Author: Nico Neruda - Finished: 2021-01-14 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42526975-101-zen-koans?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=r1RYiB2k00&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/zen-koans/ This is a rather short collection, and there are a few noticeable typos, but the parables don't need to be long or perfectly translated to still be meaningful. Not all of them were easily understood, but I thought most of them were a beautiful representation of that which cannot easily be named or described with words. I've been a longtime fan of Koans and eastern wisdom so some of the stories I have heard before but they were appreciated nonetheless. There are pictures included with some of the stories, and I didn't feel they were very necessary but at times they were a nice touch. --- ## #068 Words of Radiance - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2021-02-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332218-words-of-radiance?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=51q9VQkCzq&rank=2 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/words-of-radiance/ I'm totally loving this series. It really does feel like it hasn't even built up to the climax, but it has been very entertaining all the same. The story contains normalized things like sword battles, magic sects and the like, but they all have their own original twist that makes it very compelling and gives the world a rich texture. The characters remain extremely interesting and it's hard for me to choose a favorite, I don't think I could if you demanded it. I am reading other books alongside this series, however it seems like this has taken up the majority of my reading time. I immediately bought the next in the series and I am dearly excited to see how the plot develops. --- ## #069 Oathbringer - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2021-04-16 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34002132-oathbringer?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=yIrxn6Y0Hx&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/oathbringer/ This was a major culmination in the Stormlight Archives. It's hard for me to censor myself, as I want to talk about the juicy details but I know I wouldn't be doing this series justice. We are starting to understand so much more of the background, what's at stake, who the major players are in this fight for Roshar. I love it. Not only for the philosophy and the underlying message, but for the comedy, the suspense, the surprising action scenes, and the top tier dialogue. --- ## #070 Dawnshard - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2021-04-21 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54511226-dawnshard?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=NLMsEO7zD2&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/dawnshard/ This addition in the series highlights just how much things are beginning to ramp up. New players are introduced, new mysteries of epic proportion, and some other background details are filled in to really satisfy some of the questions we've been asking. And of course, the new answers leave many new questions as well. It was a much shorter read than the other Stormlight books I've enjoyed, but I thought it was a fitting size. Sanderson does a very good job at laying the foundation for the story and then slowly developing on what is a very satisfying world to explore. Reading this series has been a pleasant break from some of the hard sci-fi that I had been consumed by. --- ## #071 The Behavioral Investor - Author: Daniel Crosby - Finished: 2021-05-19 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36960014-the-behavioral-investor?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=gG27sjTT78&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-behavioral-investor/ This book, being the conjunction of finance and psychology, was a very interesting read. Lucky for me, you don't need to be an expert in either to appreciate this book, as the author succinctly incudes the important aspects of both topics without being weighted down by unnecessary conclusions. He applies psychological studies that at first appear purely academic but in fact are intimately related to how humans interact with the financial environment we have created. Some concepts were familiar to me, but seeing them through the eyes of a trained psychologist has molded my perspective to allow a deeper understanding of why these concepts are perpetuated in the first place. And while obviously not a panacea to "becoming a successful investor", it has definitely given me insight into my own behavior and how that translates to my investing habits. We are organisms fine tuned for hunting-gathering, and these instincts can run opposite to the healthy habits necessary for investing. I'm not sure that I'll re-read this in the future, but Crosby includes many intriguing references in this book that I may turn to next, and I imagine that I will be reading more of his works. --- ## #072 The Two Hands of God - Author: Alan Watts - Finished: 2021-06-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60568.The_Two_Hands_of_God - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-two-hands-of-god/ Another wonderful read by Alan Watts, this is a nice mix of quotes, his commentary, as well as his original elaboration on what the appearance of duality means and the many ways we can relate to this (non)duality. As always his commentary is very satisfying, Watts presents these ideas in a way that is both fascinatingly clear and consistently entertaining. Some of the excerpts he included in the book were confusing at times, such as the quotes from Hindu or Buddhist texts, but he goes on to explain the significance found in each passage. Most of my exposure to Alan Watts has been through his recorded audio lectures, which are fantastic in their own right, but it's very rewarding to read more of his written texts. He's definitely one of my favorite historical figures, as he is able to talk eloquently about something that is typically considered mystical and esoteric all without creating the impression that this is something hidden and secluded away from the "everyday experience". I do believe the focus of his works are some of the most important lessons we can learn in life, and even though he doesn't have a monopoly on expressing these lessons he does so in a very unique and irreplaceable fashion. --- ## #073 Rhythm of War - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2021-06-22 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49021976-rhythm-of-war - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/rhythm-of-war/ Absolutely beautiful. Even with its impressive wordcount I read through this series very quickly, and that alone could stand as the testament to my enjoyment. I was introduced to this series during a time where sci-fi was my main focus, and sci-fi definitely holds a special place in my heart, but even still this fantasy series satisfied most if not all of my cravings with fiction. The escalation in this edition was fantastic and incredibly epic. There are so many larger things happening in the Cosmere, clearly, but we have seen a lot happen on Roshar. The characters in this series are still some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, partly due to the lovely dialogue, and partly due to the intricate world that's been revealed. I very much look forward to the next edition of The Stormlight Archives, whenever that is finished in due time. I'm tempted to start reading some of his other works, especially the ones that take place in the same Cosmere universe, but I should probably finish some of the other books I've neglected before doing so. I will conclude by saying "Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination." --- ## #074 Geometry for Ocelots - Author: Exurb1a - Finished: 2021-06-26 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58245377-geometry-for-ocelots - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/geometry-for-ocelots/ This was good, not great. The setting is interesting as it focuses on the ability to interact with reality from higher dimensions, and the story focuses on the danger that this increasing power leads to. It was hard to form close relationships with the characters as they're not given a ton of detail, the writing is quick and direct, but not terrible. Some of the character development felt rushed, but it's a short book trying to cover a large timeframe so that's no surprise. There were some twists but nothing mind-bending. There were definitely some good nuggets in this, but I don't feel greatly compelled to read more Exurb1a anytime soon. --- ## #075 Diaspora - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2021-06-28 - Source: https://www.gregegan.net/DIASPORA/DIASPORA.html - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/diaspora/ Greg Egan consistently delivers high quality science fiction, especially if you're looking for something steeped in detailed concepts and exotic possibilities. This work brings alien life to the furthest edges of spacetime, and the exploration of such life is very compelling and mysterious. The motivations are plain; the universe is unstable and life desires to exist, but ultimately no bounds can be placed on the lifeform that chooses to find a way over the coming obstacle. At this point I've read a decent amount of Greg Egan, and I love his hard sci-fi talents, but I think I need to see if there are other authors creating in a similar style. Even still, I will most likely return to reading Egan. --- ## #076 The Cretaceous Past - Author: Cixin Liu - Finished: 2021-07-04 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57444560-the-cretaceous-past - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-cretaceous-past/ Going into this I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I have enjoyed Liu's previous writing and had high hopes for this, and honestly I was a bit disappointed, but I think that's only because I was so impressed by his more elaborate sci-fi works. I'm not saying it's at all bad, I think the story's creativity is very rewarding and the plot structure is believable and entertaining. The size of this story is small, but it was a fitting length for what needed to be said. If you go into this expecting a lighthearted but fun read instead of something that will be intricately detailed and pushing the edges of thought then I believe most would find it an enjoyable journey. --- ## #077 The Razor's Edge - Author: W. Somerset Maugham - Finished: 2021-07-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31196.The_Razor_s_Edge - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-razor-s-edge/ I don't think this is a book I could compare with others, it has a unique flavor all of its own. The combination of the time period and the author's perspective of the story's characters creates a very interesting sense of coming across a miracle in nature all while preserving an air of mystery around that miracle. I very much enjoyed slowly understanding Larry more and more. The other characters were at best a background to contrast with Larry's journey. We don't see much of Larry's journey because of his own independent temperament, but even still Somerset creates a very detailed report of how he interprets Larry's inner life. My enjoyment of the story largely stemmed from the fact that I could very much relate to Larry's quest and quirks. I don't think I will reread this, but it does leave me wondering if there exists any of Larry's creations out there somewhere. --- ## #078 Cryptonomicon - Author: Neal Stephenson - Finished: 2021-08-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/816.Cryptonomicon - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/cryptonomicon/ Cryptonomicon is one of those special works that actively influenced my daily thinking. It's a vast collection of topics that seamlessly build on each other, and even with its hefty size I still wanted more in the end. I think my first encounter with Stephenson's work was 'Snow Crash', which I read before I started reviewing books. Snow Crash was enjoyable, I remember it featuring very creative sci-fi concepts, but Cryptonomicon felt much more rooted in our familiar reality while still retaining that incredibly creative sci-fi streak. Stephenson's writing is comedic yet serious. I would call it witty, it's very entertaining and yet doesn't distract from the story at hand. He has some of the best metaphors I've ever read, they're entirely descriptive and unique. There were several times I just had to stop and laugh at the way he describes things, a laugh that was in awe and respect instead of a mocking laugh. If you have any interest in computing or data privacy then I highly recommend Cryptonomicon. --- ## #079 Children of Time - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2021-08-21 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25499718-children-of-time - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/children-of-time/ For being Adrian's first science fiction novel this is rather impressive. I stumbled over some of the writing, but I think that's a result of his residency in England rather than poor writing. During these parts I told myself it's just quirks of language in the distant future. Even with some of my stumbling it really is good writing. Although it features heavy scientific concepts it also includes social and philosophical developments to ponder along the ride. The beginning was a bit slow, but laid enough questions that hooked me into wanting to learn more. Some of the characters were a little under-developed but the important ones were consistently revealing detail, and in the end I felt an emotional connection with their outcome. I really wasn't sure what was coming next in the story, which is always a good sign, and very few of my assumptions came true. I do believe I will read the next in the series, 'Children of Ruin'. --- ## #080 Children of Ruin - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2021-09-21 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40376072-children-of-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=POU6jUZvw6&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/children-of-ruin/ I enjoyed this a lot more than the previous: 'Children of Time'. Both were very good, but this felt a bit deeper, a bit more daring. At times it even had some horror elements which I found to be very exciting. The main settings are hard sci-fi and psychology, but the bits of horror were very fitting for what is unfolding in the story. Much as the previous book, a heavy feature of this is the interaction between disparate yet intelligent species, and Tchaikovsky explores this interaction as thoroughly as one can. Not only exploring the struggles of interspecies communication, but even the sheer diversity that can be found in alien life and what it means for this diversity to meet head-on. I highly recommend this series, and with this edition Tchaikovsky seems to be on par with Greg Egan or Cixin Liu, at the very least making ground in that direction. --- ## #081 Zeitgeber - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2021-09-22 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51938094-zeitgeber?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=s2p724zhkM&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/zeitgeber/ This wasn't fantastic. It was a quick read, so not inconvenient. It wasn't terrible or bad, but it didn't meet my expectations. I didn't know what I was getting into when I bought it, so it was a fresh experience, and it did keep me hooked to the end. Even though it contains some science elements I would consider it more of a mystery book than science fiction. And for people into quirky and creative mysteries then it may just be what they're looking for. But personally it felt a bit lacking, the story was resolved but I still felt like something was missing. --- ## #082 Ra - Author: qntm - Finished: 2021-11-06 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57891607-ra - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/ra/ A very intricate plot that had me questioning every inch throughout the whole story. I honestly did not expect it to end the way it did and I'm very pleased with the direction it went. The beginning wasn't totally up my alley, but it was entertaining enough to stick with, and about halfway through it became exactly my kind of fiction. I can't help but wonder where the story could go from here. It's not like it ended on any cliff hangers, there was lots of conclusiveness and finality to the ending, lots of lingering questions were answered, but there's still this intriguing "what if?" that I appreciate in a well-designed setting. An impressive introduction to a new author. I'm very curious about their other books, if they explore this same universe and what that could look like. Or even if they're something entirely different, based on the creativity present in this book I'm sure they would have something new and exciting to share. --- ## #083 Shards of Earth - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2021-11-30 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55278507-shards-of-earth?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=3Vp77KYOZt&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/shards-of-earth/ This is one of those books where the characters start to feel like family. A diverse group of people (and non-people) work together to take on a challenge bigger than their known universe, and even though I would say there's a single star of the show, they all contribute in unique ways that are ultimately a necessity. This wasn't only demonstrated through their diverse personalities but their cultures as well. Each culture and government has its quirks that results in very interesting interactions as the crew finds its way through the universe. The antagonists, known as the Architects, are some of the most impressive "aliens" I've encountered. I've come to expect much more from aliens than just green skin or a weird culture, and the Architects exceeded my expectations, both in their mysterious origin story and the way that they impact the universe. Their hyper-future technology is believable, it's a kind of technology that made me wonder about the limits of physics and shaping our own reality. I'm dying to know more about the Architects and what's in store for the crew and the respective cultures found in this story. --- ## #084 Termination Shock - Author: Neal Stephenson - Finished: 2022-01-05 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57094295-termination-shock?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zusrC4HtMu&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/termination-shock/ Termination Shock had a different kind of flavor than the other stories I've read from Stephenson, but it still had his characteristic wit and charm. He can make the most ordinary observations a pleasure to read about. A lot of the story was following the characters most involved in trying to pump the brakes on the climate crisis, and while this could be political or abstract at times he also finds a way to feature drone warfare and super soldiers. With that said I quite enjoyed the abstract geopolitics and the diverse characters that are sprinkled throughout. I think this story was the perfect length. I would certainly enjoy seeing more of the global consequences, how things exactly pan out over the decades, but maybe that will come in a later book. It seems like the story was focused more on the development of the characters and their interactions rather than the efficacy of climate alteration, which makes sense. As part of that climatic alteration is that it develops differently for different regions. In the end I felt it was very poetic, and it had me contemplating Balance, Nature, and Man. --- ## #085 Warbreaker - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2022-02-01 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1268479.Warbreaker?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HkZrZETvHe&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/warbreaker/ Absolutely amazing. The beginning was a bit slow, but some time is needed to set the scene and characters. The slow ramp up almost reflects the characters' naivety about the world, we see what they see, which is a lot of surface observations in the very beginning. But once it ramps up, it really ramps, in worthy Sanderson style. I prefer a book to use action scenes sparingly, and Warbreaker fits this bill. Even though Warbreaker's magic system leaves the potential for epic battle scenes, these only happen when it makes sense. Violence isn't thrown in for the sake of violence, but when it does occur it's very rewarding. The magic system is a unique one that leaves lots of potential for creativity and hidden depths. Throughout the story I was thinking about ways the characters could use the magic, and some of the scenarios I imagined actually came up later in the story. I can also see how this system relates to the larger Cosmere's laws. Some of the characters I was previously introduced to through The Stormlight Archives, and it was very interesting to see them from a new perspective. I won't talk specifically about these characters, and you won't miss out on them if you haven't read the Archives, but it added another layer of immersion in my experience. With that said I also really enjoyed the new characters found on this world. While Sanderson develops his character's very masterfully through the story, I didn't feel that by the end he had exhausted their potential. I would love to read more about this setting, with its exciting magic system and political intricacies. --- ## #086 Elder Race - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2022-02-19 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50663055-elder-race?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Aii579xBb1&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/elder-race/ An incredibly impressive work, 'Elder Race' brings to life the Arthur C. Clarke quote “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Written from the perspective of an anthropologist documenting his time among the off-spring of humanity's great space migration, we see the complex emotions that arise from being so close to your distant relatives, recognizing the commonalities of Humanity within them, and yet being so advanced that you may as well be a different species. Nyr's desire to be a scientist, an entity fundamentally aloof and objective, clashes with his desire to bond with and even save these distant ancestors from a mysterious and devastating force. I've loved all of Tchaikovksy's stories but this is a contender for one of my favorites. It was both scientific and magical, and throughout the story the hard separation between science and magic dissipates, and everyone involved is left wondering the limits of what's truly possible. I dearly hope this book isn't the last of this wonderful setting. --- ## #087 The Expert System’s Brother - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2022-02-26 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37941670-the-expert-system-s-brother?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=PuOPE4ysZL&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-expert-system-s-brother/ This was a unique read. There was just enough mystery in the beginning to keep me hooked but not so much that I was left confused and reeling. It wasn't overtly science fiction until the story developed more, but even still it had an underlying flavor of science fiction that had me questioning the world. I loved the characters different motives as each one was a perspective I could relate to. Even the supposed antagonist was somebody that I felt I could be sucked into following along with. I think that's the sign of a good story arc, you're right there with them forming your own beliefs and opinions. I do want to read the sequel to this but maybe not immediately. --- ## #088 The Final Empire - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2022-03-13 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68428.The_Final_Empire?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ldSJ5QEbGV&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-final-empire/ I have to admit that this wasn't as good as some of Sanderson's other writing, such as The Stormlight Archive. I attribute this to the fact that this is some of his earliest writing, and even with that in mind I still found this to be a creative and enjoyable read. The characters sucked me in, the world was intriguing and mysterious, and the magic system was as impressive as Sanderson's other creations. I can tell there's a lot of room for creative expression with the foundations he's laid, and just like in The Stormlight Archive, I felt that this book was only a sort of introduction to the series as a whole. Even though some mysteries that were hinted at in this book were resolved, there's still many questions that are left for the characters to investigate in this unique world. --- ## #089 The Well of Ascension - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2022-04-02 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68429.The_Well_of_Ascension?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=PU41P7Yjmh&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-well-of-ascension/ Going into this book, I expected a lot of my questions to be answered. Some of them were. But just like I expect from a good series, even more questions were raised. It's very exciting to see the character growth, from the main characters like Vin and Elend and even the more minor ones are developing nicely. At this point I'm starting to see more of the Cosmere come through. Although I still don't think I can compare it to Stormlight, it's very satisfying and intriguing. The story arc is really ramping up and I'm excited to see where it goes. --- ## #090 The Book of All Skies - Author: Greg Egan - Finished: 2022-04-26 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58935986-the-book-of-all-skies?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Uxo2vnSPbz&rank=1 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-book-of-all-skies/ The spirit of exploration and discovery motivates us to challenge what's possible and to go beyond boundaries that few have crossed. I love this concept philosophically, but the story's delivery just wasn't very entertaining. The setting is very creative, albeit sometimes hard to imagine, and I enjoyed learning more about the disparate cultures featured in this novel. The creativity of the world has a hard time making up for the less creative aspects though. The characters weren't extremely impressive. I wouldn't say they were poorly written, just kind of forgettable. Upon learning about the differences between the major cultures, I thought this would become the forefront of the story, but it was more of a slight tweak to the setting. Even with this being a shorter book, it took me a while to get through it because I kept stopping to read other things (reviews for more Brandon Sanderson and Adrian Tchaikovsky soon to come). A little disappointing compared to his other works, which I'm a big fan of. --- ## #091 The Expert System's Champion - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2022-04-30 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50663061-the-expert-system-s-champion - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-expert-system-s-champion/ This awesome series is fundamentally a story of Immunity; a condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing development of a pathogenic microorganism or by counteracting the effects of its products. But diseases do not only manifest within a body. When ecosystems are carefully balanced to support specific ways of life, any type of change can seem like a disease, and appropriate counteractions are deployed. With all of our dreams and discussions of exploring new alien life and their habitats, we possibly underestimate the kinds of reactions that would arise. Even if the immediate biological differences are resolved, what other domino effects are set off when we bring two worlds together? I love the ideas that Adrian explores with his novels and this series is no exception. The second in this series, this addition was a very impressive expansion upon the native life forms, and even the less native ones, and how these many strange forms of life interact. --- ## #092 Eyes of the Void - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2022-05-16 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58950674-eyes-of-the-void - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/eyes-of-the-void/ A jaw-dropping expansion to the universe being explored in this series. The way that Adrian plays with suspense and feelings of deep mystery create an atmosphere that could be described as Lovecraftian. Though this cosmic horror style is very present, it's still first and foremost a science fiction novel. There is a common thread throughout the stories in this series that focus on the manipulation of gravity as a tool in itself, which isn't something I often see in science fiction, but the delivery is very believable and rewarding. Gravitic manipulation is, as far as we know, still a far-off science, but it's something that just makes sense in such a distant future, and it creates a setting that is both exotic and easy to be immersed in. The characters are still just as lovable, the cultures still inspire awe and curiosity. But the cherry on top has always been the aliens. Not the alien cultures, but the truly absurd aliens. The ones threatening the material world as we know it. We come to learn more about these aliens, the Architects, but we still don't know enough. And yet, there are even stranger aliens that we still know practically nothing about. The Other. The Presence. I've loved this series from the start and I very much hope I get to read the next one soon. --- ## #093 The Hero of Ages - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Finished: 2022-06-08 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767793-the-hero-of-ages - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-hero-of-ages/ The ending this series deserves. Brandon Sanderson has this way in his writing of subtly leaving hints here and there of what's to come, until the time comes and he pulls back the curtain and leaves you in awe. The buildup in this series is a bit longer, or at least it felt that way, but the payoff was still incredibly satisfying. All the plot details that had me wondering, and even slightly complaining at times, are resolved. More than resolved. Perfected. This will be one of my intentionally vague reviews, simply because I can't do the story justice in a recap or summation. If you want more spoilers, they're out there, all I can say is read the series. Not just the first or second book but the first three at least. I think next I need to read The Alloy of Law. --- ## #094 The Doors of Eden - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2022-06-21 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48643567-the-doors-of-eden - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-doors-of-eden/ Another innovative and exciting creation from Adrian Tchaikovsky, and one that felt like just the beginning of something very large and strange. The beginning was a little slow, but by the end I felt like the story could go anywhere and still be interesting. The characters weren't amazing, but not bad either. I felt connected to their lives and relationships and it was satisfying to see the resolutions. The "aliens" in this book were as high quality as I'd expect from Adrian, and it's really exciting to think about where he could take this universe. I still have some questions. But I almost feel like those lingering questions are intentional. I have no idea if he plans on continuing this story, but I sure hope so. It's a theme that we are all familiar with on some level or another, but given a spin that has that scientific and believable foundation. I've read a fair amount of Adrian's books at this point, so I should probably branch out and try to find some new authors, but it's so hard when Adrian consistently delivers such quality. --- ## #095 Project Hail Mary - Author: Andy Weir - Finished: 2022-07-06 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401-project-hail-mary - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/project-hail-mary/ This was my first exposure to Andy Weir and I'm really impressed. Not only was this a great example of hard sci-fi, but it was funny too. Many of the scientific concepts he touched on were explored in ways that were both accessible and exhaustive. There were definitely concepts that were creatively outside the bounds of science as we know it, but the bounds were pushed in a believable manner, and the scientific method was at the forefront throughout the story. It really put a focus on the main character's role as a scientist. But it wasn't dry science the whole time, it was science that was pertinent to the story interspersed with great humor. I found the plot to be very emotional. Large stakes are at play, and sacrifices that come with such stakes. The loneliness of space is emphasized several times, but nature abhors a vacuum, and the loneliness doesn't last. --- ## #096 Recursion - Author: Blake Crouch - Finished: 2022-07-31 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42046112-recursion - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/recursion/ A genius following her curiosity uncovers a way to shape a fundamental cornerstone of reality: memory, and our experience of a singular timeline. We all have things in our past that we want to change, events that could irrevocably change millions of lives. Offering a unique perspective on the Mandela Effect, this is a thrilling read that makes you question concepts such as memory, time, and our relationship with fate and the permanence of events. This was my first time reading a book by Blake Crouch and I'm impressed. His writing is easy and fun to read, but there's certainly an intelligence behind the story. Characters and chapters are thoughtfully developed to tell a complicated narrative. While reading this, my friend referred to me his 'Dark Matter' novel, so I may give that a read next. --- ## #097 Rich Dad Poor Dad - Author: Robert Kiyosaki - Finished: 2022-09-10 - Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Dad_Poor_Dad - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/rich-dad-poor-dad/ The ultimate lesson of this book seems to be that your greatest asset is your mind, which is a lesson I can certainly appreciate. Actions are necessary for change to occur, but these actions are generated from our perception and perspective of reality, our knowledge of value and opportunities, our ability to form good habits. If you don't know how to use money to your advantage, then no amount of income will help you become financially secure. I think this book is worth reading for anybody interested in furthering their financial intelligence. This book isn't perfect however. At times I felt like the author was dragging on a point in a similar way that a student adds fluff to an essay with a minimum word requirement. Some things bear repeating, yes, but it's possible to beat a dead horse one too many times. Another aspect that I'm hesitant about is the emphasis on real estate investment. This side of the book clearly shows its age. At times he seems to talk about real estate as something achievable by anyone, which I'm not sure holds true today. I'm someone who very much wants to own real estate, and maybe this is me letting my perception get in the way, but it seems like a goal that isn't achievable by everybody. With that said I believe the concepts he shares aren't only applicable to real estate, but assets in general. If I could leave you with one thing it is this: "An asset puts money in my pocket. A liability takes money out of my pocket." Acquire assets, reduce liabilities. --- ## #098 The Martian - Author: Andy Weir - Finished: 2022-09-15 - Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Martian_(Weir_novel) - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-martian/ I have to admit this was pretty entertaining, but a very specific kind of entertaining. Andy Weir's style is a unique mix of detailed science and witty humor. There's lengthy figures of calculations and meticulous plans, and there's also silly jokes. This style was also present in #95 Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir, and so I'm happy to see it in 'The Martian' as well. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but that's just because of the level of detail in the science. I can't claim it's one hundred percent accurate, but there's lots of "thinking out loud" about how to overcome certain problems using the materials at hand. At some parts this got a bit boring, but most of the time I found that it added a level of realism and immersion that is difficult to achieve. It's a pretty good reminder of how seriously complicated space travel is, and how impressive it is that we as a species can accomplish such a feat. Andy Weir is easily becoming one of the better writers that I've encountered and I'm excited to see what else he creates. --- ## #099 Create An Impact - Author: Jeet Kumar - Finished: 2022-10-09 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/Create-Impact-Achieve-Results-Outside/dp/B09X2JL2TB - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/create-an-impact/ I'll start this review by revealing I'm a little biased. This was written by the CEO of my employer, In Time Tec. Jeet is someone that has inspired me nearly since I first met him, and this book is a great insight into his backstory and his transformative perspectives on life. From my experiences with Jeet it's evident he's a powerful leader. He gets things done and is aware of the importance of money, but he also very clearly cares about people and their quality of life. This is the main inspiration for the book, teaching people how to improve their lives and the lives of others, and I think it does a good job. There's plenty of good explorations and anecdotes that can open up informative self reflection in the reader. It's an inspiring read that contains questions designed to guide you on a reevaluation of your life and how things could be changed for the better. This book has an open-ended feeling, and I think that's a very important aspect. Everybody's life is different, and it's not always effective to lay down rules and regulations for everybody to follow to the dot. Instead, larger patterns are explored, and the reader is left to try and investigate these patterns as applied to their own life. I enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to anyone serious about exploring how their lives are impacting others, and how we can improve our impact on this planet we call home. --- ## #100 Atomic Habits - Author: James Clear - Finished: 2023-01-12 - Source: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593189647?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_CDDR18WQHWBS42MHXESV - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/atomic-habits/ It's special to me that this would be my one-hundredth book review. I didn't plan it like that. In 2019 I had the idea to form a habit around one of my favorite activities. I figured if I were to make a habit of reading I might as well try to create something from it as well. James said "behind every system of actions are a system of beliefs", and it was my belief in the value of literature and conversation that led me to build on this rewarding habit. Keeping these book reviews has reinforced my identity as a reader and influenced my knowledge retention. 'Atomic Habits' has reminded me of the value of habits, even here in my reviews. I did love this book. It was easy to read. There's a variety of content in each chapter that's always refreshing and engaging. James has clearly practiced the art of refining and sharing information in an accessible way, and it shows in this book. 'Atomic Habits' is a book that helps you step back and appreciate the larger patterns of life. It made me introspect on a deeper level how my systems are affecting myself and others, how my systems interact with each other, and how systems have changed (or could change) over time. It's made me think of behavior in a new light, and how we can shape our behaviors in many different ways. The concepts discussed integrate well with similar books I've read and I'd be excited to find content like this again. --- ## #101 Cage of Souls - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2023-01-23 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/cage-of-souls/ "Cage of Souls" by Adrian is a captivating science-fiction novel that explores the complexities of psychology through its intricate and perplexing characters. The book takes place in a harsh world where people imprison one another, but the real prisons are the ones inside the mind. The author's use of the first-person autobiography format adds depth to the protagonist's voice and makes the setting, a forgotten world filled with strange devices and mysterious spires, entirely convincing. The author masterfully balances science-fiction elements with a focus on the narrative, trials, and lessons. The science in the book is a forgotten one, which adds to the intrigue and leaves room for the reader's imagination. The writing style is impressive, with a tone that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout the book. Overall, "Cage of Souls" is a satisfying read with many layers to explore. The exploration of psychology and the compelling setting make this book a standout in the science-fiction genre. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read. --- --- ## #102 Swift Design Patterns - Author: Paul Hudson - Finished: 2023-02-17 - Source: https://hackingwithswift.com - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/swift-design-patterns/ I'm a big fan of Paul's work, and this book demonstrates his commitment to creating quality content once again. Paul says "great code is thoughtful code", and then goes on to show us what makes code thoughtful with plentiful examples ranging from MVC, MVVM, SwiftUI architecture, and even into more detailed concepts like associative storage and key paths. This book focuses on Swift but also does a good job at including the more classic, language agnostic patterns all while providing helpful examples in Swift. I thought this was incredibly interesting and I recommend it to anyone who isn't a complete beginner to Swift. --- ## #103 Dogs of War - Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky - Finished: 2023-03-11 - Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35827220-dogs-of-war - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/dogs-of-war/ "Dogs of War" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that explores the ethical implications of bioengineering and artificial intelligence. The story follows a pack of augmented animals, led by the dog Rex, a bloodthirsty monster that just follows orders. Throughout the story, Tchaikovsky's prose is vivid and evocative, bringing the reader into the minds of the characters and immersing them in the world of the novel. The author expertly weaves together themes of identity, freedom, and loyalty, asking difficult questions about what it means to be sentient and autonomous. As usual these characters are entirely unique and intriguing. Some of the bioengineering took me by surprise, introducing me to concepts I hadn't explored before. Overall, "Dogs of War" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers thinking long after they finish the book. Tchaikovsky's writing is captivating and immersive, and his exploration of the intersection of technology and ethics is both timely and deeply resonant. This is a must-read for fans of science fiction and anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of what it means to be alive. --- ## #104 Reality Hunger - Author: David Shields - Finished: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/reality-hunger/ I was intrigued by this book from the second I read the title right through to the very end. "Reality Hunger"? How can we hunger for something we are so steeped in? How could there be anything but Reality, so where would this hunger come from? Our age is one of change. An age of remixing, an age of reflection and disruption. 'Reality Hunger' is composed of many quotes, which have had their authors stripped from them and placed in the back of the book (and then we're told to ignore them), for artistic effect. I'd like to take the liberty to share a few here, in that same style. “Rothko is great because he forced artists who came after him to change how they thought about painting.” This is the single most useful definition of artistic greatness I’ve ever encountered. In a regime of superabundant free copies, copies are no longer the basis of wealth. Now relationships, links, connection, and sharing are. His point appears to be that nothing is beneath interest. I want the contingency of life, the unpredictability, the unknowability, the mysteriousness, and these are best captured when the work can bend at will to what it needs: fiction, fantasy, memoir, meditation, confession, reportage. You’ll notice that he doesn’t assert ownership over his ideas. He’s in some kind of Artaudian condition where all the ideas are unoriginated and unsourced; that’s how he can claim anybody else’s ideas as his own. Really all he wants to do is acquire everyone’s inner life. Omission is a form of creation. End quotes. The rest are my own ideas. Or are they? What lets me say that? We are seeing heated public debates around the ownership of intellectual property, spurred by things like generative artificial intelligence. These debates won't be resolved prettily, or easily, or quickly, is my only prediction. The Greatest Artistic Revolution is lowering the barrier of entry for the generation of gorgeous visuals. Artists who have talents (using tools that would be called witchcraft two generations ago) are now saying generative AI is ruining art. It seems so very similar to the invention of the camera, and the like. The dance between technology and art goes on. I don't want to comment too much on that debate here, but it's worth mentioning as it seems very relevant next to this book. Art exists for feeling; if that feeling is outrage in some then so be it. I appreciated a characteristic of this book that I may only call Zen. It's not "on the nose" Zen, but zen-ish (a good kind of Zen). It goes with the flow. It's lively, it's alive. If you at all relate to Art or The Artist, then please read this book. I loved every inch and I think I'll return to it throughout my lifetime. --- ## #105 The Creative Act: A Way of Being - Author: Rick Rubin - Finished: 2023-12-31 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-creative-act-a-way-of-being/ We're all creatives in some fashion. How conscious are we of our creative process? How can we discover more about our creativity? What stops us from creating to the best of our potential? I've listened to this book multiple times through this year and it's incredibly rewarding each time. Not only does each chapter offer incredible, direct insight, but you can feel the wisdom behind each beautiful sentence. These lessons are carried into my everyday living, my programming and my conversations, and not just my artistic passions. For this reason I highly recommend it to everyone, not only those who identify as artists. Thank you. --- ## #106 What Is ChatGPT Doing... and Why Does It Work? - Author: Stephen Wolfram - Finished: 2024-04-26 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/what-is-chatgpt-doing-and-why-does-it-work/ I loved this quick little read. Its "typical time to read" is 3 hours on Amazon and it felt about that long. The first part of the book was a pretty thorough explanation of the inner workings of large language models. I'm not very well educated in the details, most of my experience is in directly interacting with artificial intelligence, not theory. A lot of it was over my head, but very interesting. The second part seemed to be about the differences between ChatGPT and Wolfram|Alpha, one of Stephen's longtime projects. I also don't know much about this, but it's very interesting. This reminded me that I had used his system a long time ago in high school, but not for very long. I should probably give the system another look. At times it felt like he was trying to push this project, almost as if touting it better than AI, but this wasn't the case. Instead, he makes an argument about the strengths and limitations of both systems, and how they can be integrated to create something bigger. I'd be surprised if nobody is already using the Wolfram|Alpha system interfacing with AI. To top it all off, this book almost feels late. Dated. It was published March 10th, 2023. This experience is really fitting to me as it emphasizes how quickly things are moving. I've been using GPT-4 for over a year now (probably daily), and have since started using Claude 3 Opus. A year is not a long time, but so much has happened in the AI space since then. I'd recommend this read to anyone who is curious about AI and isn't scared of a little theory. It does get a bit heavy in places, but I liked his writing. It's been a while since I have ready anything about AI so it's nice to learn a bit more about this strange and magical topic. --- ## #107 Read Write Own - Author: Chris Dixon - Finished: 2024-05-01 - Source: https://readwriteown.com/ - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/read-write-own/ I was exposed to this through Rick Rubin's podcast, Tetragrammaton, and listened to it on Audible. I became intrigued about Chris' ideas while listening to the podcast, and realized we share a lot of thoughts, so from there it was a quick decision to get his book. 'Read Write Own' is a fairly technical exploration of blockchain technology and the historical progression of the Internet as a whole. I've always been a computer nerd, so I really enjoyed the experience. Chris Dixon (American entrepreneur, investor, and writer) separates the Internet's progression into three stages: Read, Write, Own. He makes the argument that Bitcoin and blockchain technology enables the next phase of the internet, the ability to own our creations, along with the downstream effects of these new types of computers. He makes very interesting arguments about content creators and their dynamic with the platform owners. I agreed with a lot of his points, and he did a good job at explaining the issues in a comprehensible way. It was a nice balance between technical detail and careful explanation, something that's required for such a new concept like blockchains. There are so many powerful concepts in this book that it's hard to pick a few to share. I was consistently interested throughout the book, and it left me thinking between the listening sessions. One of the most resonant ideas is probably the perspective that blockchains are a new type of computer; not simply an append-only ledger, or a computer network. I think this perspective is valuable as we enter the next era of technology, an era where 'the computer' is no longer something that just sits in your pocket or on your desk. We are seeing spatial computers with the Apple Vision Pro, wrist computers becoming more prevalent, and more abstract computers like blockchains. I won't detract from his arguments by trying to make them here. This is one of those books that I'll probably have to return to, and it's one that I recommend to anyone interested in information technology, or the concept of ownership in a digital age. --- ## #108 Co-Intelligence - Author: Ethan Mollick - Finished: 2024-07-12 - Source: https://books.google.com/books/about/Co_Intelligence.html?id=J2HgEAAAQBAJ - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/co-intelligence/ I listened to this book as an audiobook, and while the author's pronunciation was occasionally difficult to understand, it didn't significantly detract from the overall experience. However, it's worth noting if you prefer reading for clarity. The book offers a thorough exploration of our evolving AI landscape, blending perspectives from both academia and business. While some concepts weren't entirely new to me, the content remained consistently engaging. The author covered a broad spectrum of ideas, making it a solid recommendation for those new to the subject of AI and its implications for our world. The author's effort to ensure accuracy was evident, a hallmark of his academic background, which is particularly challenging given the rapidly changing nature of AI. Towards the end, he delved into future projections, presenting various possible outcomes. I appreciated this forward-looking approach, although I felt this section could have been more comprehensive. It wasn’t that there were errors, but rather that the exploration wasn't as exhaustive as I would have preferred. This book rekindled my interest in far-future predictions and has inspired me to further my study in Futurology. I’m now eager to seek out more advanced material on the subject. --- ## #109 Universal Principles of Design - Author: William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler - Finished: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/universal-principles-of-design/ This book offers lots of thorough design concepts in an encyclopedic format. My main interest in design is User Experience design, as software is one of my primary focuses, but this had a lot of design principles that were outside of software. Even if a concept wasn't entirely related to software, I could still relate some principles to software design. This book was really interesting and had a nice mix of reading and visual information. As someone focused on software design, I found this book interesting and enjoyable, despite its broader scope. It satisfied my curiosity about the psychological aspects of design principles. While it's more academic than my usual reading, I appreciated the depth of information provided. I don't think I'll re-read this, but I recommend this book to anyone interested in design, particularly those looking for a comprehensive overview of design principles across various fields. However, readers specifically focused on software design may find only portions directly applicable to their work. --- ## #115 How to Change Your Mind - Author: Michael Pollan - Finished: 2025-07-20 - Reviewed: 2026-05-30 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/how-to-change-your-mind/ This book came into my life like reuniting with an old friend, even though this was just my first read. --- ## #116 Leadership and Self-Deception - Author: The Arbinger Institute - Finished: 2025-07-22 - Reviewed: 2026-05-30 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/leadership-and-self-deception/ This felt like an exploration of psychology approached from an everyday and practical perspective. Initially I wasn't sure what to expect (maybe boredom?) but it was pleasantly intriguing. It wasn't hard to follow, even though at times they did dig into some introspective topics. It's a business oriented book, set in a corporation and aimed at improving work results, however we quickly see that it's near impossible to truly separate our work from our home lives. How we show up in one place will affect how we show up everywhere. How people experience us is connected to how we experience them, how we filter them through whatever mental lens is active at the time. Are we seeing them as people? Or are we seeing them as a means to an end? They refer to this concept as "being in the box", and they carefully demonstrate the mechanics of the box, and ultimately how to get out of it. One thing I appreciated about the concept of "being in the box" is that it's something to always work at. You don't learn about the box and are instantly freed from it. Instead, we must always be attentive of our box, exercising getting out of it like a muscle. And while we may be out of the box towards one person, we may be in the box for another. The mind is a fickle thing. I listened to this as an audiobook, and one of the downsides of this experience was the narrator. They had a nice voice that wasn't hard to listen to, but sometimes it was tricky distinguishing which character was speaking. I suppose you could also lend some of this blame to the author, but it didn't kill the book for me. --- ## #117 The Comfort Crisis - Author: Michael Easter - Finished: 2025-08-03 - Reviewed: 2026-05-30 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-comfort-crisis/ This was a really good one. The central idea, "comfort creep," isn't exactly a secret. We all know society is more comfortable than the world we evolved in. But Easter's point is that constant comfort costs us something, and the value is in actually becoming aware of what we lose: never sitting with boredom, never being cold, even exercising in an air-conditioned room doing the same repeatable movements that look nothing like how our bodies were meant to move. The book is really about getting back closer to the conditions we evolved for. It hit me harder than I expected, especially around nature. I've always been a computer boy, but I've been a nature boy too, more and more lately, and this reinforced a dream I've been circling: not just a house in the woods, but a piece of land I can build on and share with others, a kind of retreat from the digital, with room for things like cooking and dancing and plain human embodiment. Smaller takeaway: I need to stand at my desk instead of sitting all day and "making up for it" with walks. One thing I kept thinking is that Easter wrote this around 2020, and if he wrote it now there'd be a whole section on AI. The comforts he covers mostly affect the body. AI has the potential to do the same to the mind, to our critical thinking, on a much larger scale. The challenge is making sure technology augments and extends us rather than just smoothing everything into comfort. That's personal for me. I write software for a living, usually in service of a bottom line rather than human health, and the book left me genuinely unsure how to use these tools well. Which is its own small irony, since I'm dictating this very reflection into a transcription app. There's real value there. I just want to get better at telling what's healthy from what's only comfortable. --- ## #125 The Beginning of Infinity - Author: David Deutsch - Finished: 2026-03-24 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-beginning-of-infinity/ "Problems are inevitable, and problems are soluble." I can't agree with everything in this book but I do agree with its optimism. I'm excited to see what problems humanity solves, and for what comes after. --- ## #127 The Coming Wave - Author: Mustafa Suleyman - Finished: 2026-04-03 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-coming-wave/ Technologists must remember, "with great power comes great responsibility". Technology has always been a tool, and tools can build or destroy, but the coming wave of AI and synthetic biology may be the first tools capable of outpacing the hands that built them. I believe in the power of optimism, but that doesn't mean we can be blind to the potential risks of the coming wave. This book outlines potential failure scenarios, related to #AI and other emerging technologies, but not as a call to panic. Rather it's a call to reflect, to discuss, and a call to action. While governments absolutely have their part in shaping technological outcomes, we must also remember that our individual actions are shaping this landscape every day. --- ## #128 The Singularity is Nearer - Author: Ray Kurzweil - Finished: 2026-05-14 - URL: https://books.everythingsings.art/reviews/the-singularity-is-nearer/ Recommended to those looking for a boost of technological optimism. ---