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brianreadsbooks's Reviews (820)
Pros:
- I listened to the audiobook version which was really well-narrated by Carey Mulligan.
- It's a "nice" story if you're looking for that.
- Interesting take on quantum physics/parallel universes.
- Less shallow than I thought it would be in terms of developing characters.
Cons:
- A bit schmaltzy/sappy/sentimental for my tastes.
- It became apparent pretty early on what the message of the book would be and then it just played out as I expected.
- The final passages made me roll my eyes a couple times.
Overall: I think my mom would like this book.
- I listened to the audiobook version which was really well-narrated by Carey Mulligan.
- It's a "nice" story if you're looking for that.
- Interesting take on quantum physics/parallel universes.
- Less shallow than I thought it would be in terms of developing characters.
Cons:
- A bit schmaltzy/sappy/sentimental for my tastes.
- It became apparent pretty early on what the message of the book would be and then it just played out as I expected.
- The final passages made me roll my eyes a couple times.
Overall: I think my mom would like this book.
A quick read overview of mental models
This book is adapted from a series of blog posts, which makes it a good overview and quick read. Each chapter speaks to one mental model, describing it and then providing 2-3 examples from history. The only negative for me was that in a couple chapters I felt the examples were a bit of a stretch to support the theory he just defined. I didn’t quite believe it and he even acknowledges in one that he can’t truly know what led a historical figure to make a certain decision. Nothing in the book was brand new to me, but I liked the framing of each as mental models as I can now tie the concepts more neatly together when discussing with colleagues at work.
This book is adapted from a series of blog posts, which makes it a good overview and quick read. Each chapter speaks to one mental model, describing it and then providing 2-3 examples from history. The only negative for me was that in a couple chapters I felt the examples were a bit of a stretch to support the theory he just defined. I didn’t quite believe it and he even acknowledges in one that he can’t truly know what led a historical figure to make a certain decision. Nothing in the book was brand new to me, but I liked the framing of each as mental models as I can now tie the concepts more neatly together when discussing with colleagues at work.
Blackfish City had me wondering what would happen next from start to finish. Nothing about it was obvious and up to the end I was shocked and surprised. It was a fantastically original story weaving in cultural components from peoples around the world and strong themes highlighting refugees and wealth inequality taken to the extreme.
This book also meant a lot to me personally. It’s awesome to read a story that authentically and strongly represents LGBT characters without being *about* that as the defining narrative. Miller managed to find the perfect balance, including relationships between characters and their sexuality and gender proudly as important parts of advancing the story, without resorting to it being the only facet defining their lives.
I listened to the audiobook version and Vikas Adam who did a pretty champion job of distinctly voicing about 15 primary characters. I liked it so much I’m buying the hardback because I love the US cover design and I want to keep it for future.
This book also meant a lot to me personally. It’s awesome to read a story that authentically and strongly represents LGBT characters without being *about* that as the defining narrative. Miller managed to find the perfect balance, including relationships between characters and their sexuality and gender proudly as important parts of advancing the story, without resorting to it being the only facet defining their lives.
I listened to the audiobook version and Vikas Adam who did a pretty champion job of distinctly voicing about 15 primary characters. I liked it so much I’m buying the hardback because I love the US cover design and I want to keep it for future.
