Books Read in 2009

From 2007 to 2012, I read 263+ books. Here’s my lessons learned and short review of each.
- Captures a segment of white Southerners' experiences.
- Readable compared to O'Connor and Faulkner.
- Addresses deep themes of religiosity, poverty, and cultural change.
- Not a wholehearted recommendation; familiarity with the genre is needed.
- The book explores the joys and perils of modern work.
- It dives deep into what people actually do at work, challenging performative narratives.
- The photographs enhance the reading experience, blending coffee table and reading book styles.
- The focus on post-industrial work is relevant and timely.
- The book can feel earnest, melancholic, and contemplative, which may come off as self-serious or pedantic to some readers.
- The book is highly tactical and useful.
- It's concise and very readable.
- It provides valuable insights for entering the workforce.
- Not a whole lot.
- The book offers an eye-opening look at status anxiety.
- It encourages readers to challenge societal norms.
- It provides useful takeaways for personal growth.
- The book can be self-serious and melancholic.
- The plea to logic may not be effective long-term.
- No other cons.
- The novel effectively explores deep themes like betrayal and redemption.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable.
- It evokes strong emotional responses from readers.
- There are no cons, though be warned that you will cry.
- The book offers brilliant ideas about travel beyond tips and tactics.
- It inspired me to document every trip I took.
- The insights are relevant even in the modern context of travel planning.
- De Botton can be a bit contemplative, melancholic, and earnest.
- Provides critical insight into radical immigrant mentality in the late 19th and early 20th century
- Explores neglected topics like political violence and human sexuality in anarchism
- Offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period of US history
- The book is a bit tedious and dense.
- The book is a readable exploration of global religious trends.
- The authors provide nuanced insights into how religion is changing in various regions.
- It focuses on shifts in Asia, South America, and Africa, which are often overlooked.
- The argument in the book is not entirely clear despite the strong title.
- The stories are amazing and memorable.
- I appreciate the exploration of human performance and judgment.
- Gladwell effectively highlights the importance of opportunity in success.
- He oversimplified some stories and concepts.
- The idea of needing a specific number of practice hours lacks nuance.
- The book addresses a universal experience we all encounter daily.
- It provides clear explanations of the complexities of traffic.
- It positively influenced my driving, biking, walking, and overall attitude.
- Nothing - this should be a must read for anyone getting a Driver's License.
- Combines literary biography and self-help effectively
- Offers useful insights applicable to daily life
- Written in a witty and enjoyable style
- Not a whole lot; it's a fast, solid read.
- The novel is set in The Philippines, which adds personal significance to me.
- The portrayal of World War II and its impact on people is compelling.
- It brilliantly explores tough issues of desperation and morality during tumultuous times.
- Nothing - great read, especially if you're interested in The Philippines.
- The Fall effectively explores deep themes like innocence, guilt, and the human condition.
- It's a thought-provoking novel that provokes reflection on life's purpose.
- The writing is readable and engaging despite its heavy topics.
- Clamence is a maddening character, which may frustrate some readers.
- The monologue format can be hard to follow at times.
- Explores the evolution of offering things for free as a business strategy
- Provides insights on using the internet to offer more products without extra costs
- Offers practical takeaways for making money online through free products
- The book is naive about the real-life economics of free
- Explores the science of decision-making
- Challenges focus on rational decision-making
- Provides useful takeaways for improving decision-making skills
- Nothing - very well done.
- Engaging historical setting in the 1880s
- Explores deep themes like suffering, salvation, and love
- Resonates with Steinbeck's East of Eden in its generational exploration
- Nothing - great read.
- I love the selection of philosophers.
- The approach to each philosopher is engaging.
- The book offers very practical takeaways.
- Not a whole lot; can be a bit contemplative, melancholic, and earnest.
- Zakaria presents smart ideas about global power dynamics.
- The book is highly relevant even in 2023.
- It offers a comprehensive analysis of America's changing role in the world.
- Not a whole lot.
Michael Brooks' 13 Things That Don't Make Sense dives into 13 scientific mysteries that remain unsolved, from dark matter to homeopathy. The book showcases the limits of science and encourages readers to think critically about the world. I found it incredibly engaging and mind-blowing, making me appreciate how much we still don't know despite our advancements. There’s nothing I disliked about it, though I do wonder how it will hold up as science continues to evolve. Overall, it’s a fascinating read that sparks curiosity and challenges our understanding. This is one of the books that I recommended to the Slate Political Gabfest. I got mentioned on the show by Emily Bazelon!
- The book is fascinating and highly readable.
- It challenges readers to think critically about scientific mysteries.
- It highlights the limitations of science and the unknown questions that remain.
- Nothing - great book!
- Strong personal connection to the setting of the Philippines
- Explores themes of power, control, and human relationships
- Reminiscent of Steinbeck's East of Eden, showcasing family dynamics
- Nothing - great read.
- Classic nonfiction that remains relevant
- Well-written and engaging
- Nuanced, useful, and readable
- None
- The book helps readers understand architecture better.
- De Botton presents a unique perspective on beauty and happiness in architecture.
- It explores the connection between our environment and personal development.
- This book is a stretch compared to De Botton's other works.
- Some portions in the middle need editing or a glossary.
- The book provides clear evidence for biological evolution.
- It explains complex ideas of natural selection and evolution in an accessible way.
- The author emphasizes the beauty and novelty of the physical world.
- The author’s personal tone can interrupt the flow of the book.
- The book addresses urgent global environmental issues.
- It emphasizes the need for America to take a leadership role.
- It offers practical suggestions for individual and national action.
- The writing is approachable and easy to understand.
- The predictions may oversimplify complex future scenarios.
- Well-written and engaging topic
- Explains historical events leading to current financial systems
- Highlights the role of finance in reducing poverty and inequality
- It's a bit long.
- Karen Armstrong provides a detailed and nuanced exploration of religion.
- She embraces the complexity inherent in religious practices.
- Her writing is fascinating and engaging.
- Armstrong's books can be a bit academic in parts.
- Gladwell's writing is breezy and engaging.
- The book presents interesting ideas to think about.
- The collection format is concise and easy to read.
- The collection feels rushed and disjointed.
- The ideas may not be truly useful upon reflection.
- I'm unsure about the effectiveness of the essay format.
- Comprehensive insight into Saudi Arabia
- Nuanced exploration of a complex society
- Rich historical context and modern relevance
- Nothing - great read.
- Powerful and emotional storytelling
- Intimate portrayal of women's struggles in Afghanistan
- Themes of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness
- Nothing - lovely novel. Also, you will cry.