“Your only problem is you don’t have enough problems” interjects Tamir, Jacob’s cousin, during a rare visit from Israel. He thinks that the Bloch family, with nothing important to worry about, makes problems for themselves. But for all of the seeming tranquility, the Blochs are confronted by pivotal and even tragic events throughout the novel.
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine is the story of a young diplomat from a ‘provincial’ region of space who makes it to the center of the Teixcalaan Empire to represent her people. Her own region is a nominal vassal state though it retains much independence. This region is important because it is a frontier area where the Empire would like to expand.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami This book is exactly what you think it is, a memoir by a popular (and good) author on what running means to him. Though it may not appeal to everyone, this book attracted me because I love books, reading, writing, and running. Also, Murakami is a new author to me so I’m still learning about him. I wish every one of my favorite authors wrote a memoir because I would love to align my habits with theirs. Here there is some evident and pre-existing overlap. Obviously, the book… Read More »What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
The Fiat Standard was published after Ammous’ more popular title: The Bitcoin Standard. It examines Fiat currency, paper money that isn’t backed by Gold, as though it were a cryptocurrency token. With the underlying attributes of Fiat currency laid clear, readers can more easily compare it to Bitcoin and Gold.
After outlining the deficiencies of Fiat currency, Ammous then describes the effects of Fiat on our world, ranging from diet and health to architecture and fuel.
a classic self-help book. It encourages and guides you, and it builds your ego up.
It is a book for anyone, though the author speaks largely from a business perspective. Expanding from there, Schwartz borrows stories and anecdotes from other people; broadening the appeal considerably.
On a surface level, Killing Commendatore is a story about a young painter during a separation from his wife of six years. He takes refuge in the house of a famous painter on a secluded mountain. Deeper down, it explores themes of isolation, one’s search for meaning, and the impact of ideas, memories, dreams, and spirits on the real world.
Permanent Record by Edward Snowden Permanent Record is the story of Edward Snowden’s life in his own words. It describes his parents, idyllic childhood, and the increasing importance computers would have over his life. Leaving Snowden’s childhood and upbringing, the book recounts his early adulthood and the impact 9/11 had on his trajectory. And finally, it details his high-minded loyalty to the U.S. Constitution and the methods he used to steal and distribute details of America’s spying apparatus to the world-at-large. I found the book to be humorous and understandable; after all, Snowden is just a few years older… Read More »Permanent Record
Why Civil Resistance Works The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict by Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan This is a very smart book, maybe not the best as an audiobook since it isn’t easy to re-read passages, but that’s how it got into my ‘hands’ so hey. I can confidently say that I’ve been convinced that non-violent protest is the best way to bring about lasting change. And I think this new conviction will allow me to think through the uprisings on the news in the years ahead. The authors Chenoweth and Stephan first discuss their thesis, discuss potential criticisms,… Read More »Why Civil Resistance Works
Pretty crazy to be reading this as Russia invades Ukraine in what I can only imagine is the last futile power grab of a disillusioned once-great empire.
The Changing World Order is very popular in the Crypto-verse and with investment influencers on Youtube. As I watch people line up outside of banks in both Russia and Ukraine to get their life savings out while they still can, I see why.