This is a thought-provoking book about the randomness and chaos in the world and man's search to find meaning in it. I really enjoyed listening to theThis is a thought-provoking book about the randomness and chaos in the world and man's search to find meaning in it. I really enjoyed listening to the author narrate the audiobook edition.
interesting quote:
"Accidents, mistakes, and above all, arbitrary neutral changes create species, shape societies, and divert our lives. Conversely, research has shown that people will happily accept randomness or chance as satisfactory explanations when they experience an unexpected positive, such as winning the lottery. In those moments of surprising joy, we are like a dog attending its own birthday party, unsure why chicken and cheese are suddenly and inexplicably abundant, but happy to gobble them down unquestioningly. Yet when we try to explain anything important, randomness and chance fly right back out the window." (Chapter 3)...more
Somewhat dated, this book covers myriad school subjects from A to Z. Basic science, history, math, language, and literature topics are briefly explainSomewhat dated, this book covers myriad school subjects from A to Z. Basic science, history, math, language, and literature topics are briefly explained and most entries are in a list format....more
This book offers a fascinating perspective on opportunities and challenges we face in the 21st century. I was very impressed with Yuval Noah Harari's This book offers a fascinating perspective on opportunities and challenges we face in the 21st century. I was very impressed with Yuval Noah Harari's previous books, Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, so I expected good things from this book as well.
The narrative covers many touchy topics ranging from politics to religion to climate change to social justice to the role of technology in our lives. He does not shy away from providing his opinion in a highly convincing manner, and while I agree with most of what he has to say, I'm sure the book may anger many.
Overall, I really enjoyed listening to Derek Perkins narrate the audiobook edition and I look forward to Mr. Harari's next book.
interesting quote (page number from hardcover edition with ISBN13 978-0525512172):
"Many pedagogical experts argue that schools should be switching to teaching 'the four Cs' -- critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity." (p. 266)...more
I loved listening to Matthew McConaughey narrate the audiobook; it almost felt like I was sitting around a fire, listening to him tell his stories. I I loved listening to Matthew McConaughey narrate the audiobook; it almost felt like I was sitting around a fire, listening to him tell his stories. I have to admit, though, if I had merely read the book and not listened to it, I'd probably drop a star (or 2).
Good, not great. But I could listen to him read the phone book for hours....more
interesting quotes (page numbers from edition with ISB 13):
"We avoid the death that surround us at our own peril." (p. )
"It is worth noting that the minteresting quotes (page numbers from edition with ISB 13):
"We avoid the death that surround us at our own peril." (p. )
"It is worth noting that the main players in the recomposition project are women—scientists, anthropologists, lawyers, architects. Educated women, who have the privilege to devote their efforts to righting a wrong. They’ve given prominent space in their professional careers to changing the current system of death." (p. )
"Death avoidance is not an individual failing; it’s a cultural one. Facing death is not for the faint-hearted. It is far too challenging to expect that each citizen will do so on his or her own. Death acceptance is the responsibility of all death professionals—funeral directors, cemetery managers, hospital workers. It is the responsibility of those who have been tasked with creating physical and emotional environments where safe, open interaction with death and dead bodies is possible." (p. )
"Women’s bodies are so often under the purview of men, whether it’s our reproductive organs, our sexuality, our weight, our manner of dress. There is a freedom found in decomposition, a body rendered messy, chaotic, and wild. I relish this image when visualizing what will become of my future corpse." (p. ) ...more
This book presents a fascinating look at insects and how they have impacted humans and our environment throughout history.
interesting quotes:
"More oftThis book presents a fascinating look at insects and how they have impacted humans and our environment throughout history.
interesting quotes:
"More often than not, when major diseases struck a city, people had nowhere to go, no means to help sufferers, and no idea how to stop the disease until it had run its awful coutse and killed off a large percentage of the population. Afterward, people were either dead or immune. " (p. 40)
"Don't panic about the possibility of an epidemic disease striking anytime soon. It's unlikely to happen, and most historically terrible diseases are now treatable." (p. 149)...more
Bizarre and funny - this book is to adults what memes are to our girls. I shared the book with our youngest and she didn't really appreciate the humorBizarre and funny - this book is to adults what memes are to our girls. I shared the book with our youngest and she didn't really appreciate the humor.
Granted, it is a bit dated in places, but I thought many of the comics were hilarious. To each their tastes, I suppose. ...more
This book details the experiences of those who lived in Amsterdam during WWII. The graphic novel makes the story accessible for both children and adulThis book details the experiences of those who lived in Amsterdam during WWII. The graphic novel makes the story accessible for both children and adults, although I would recommend that parents discuss the book with their children, especially those who are middle grade or younger.
The narrative is matter of fact when describing some of the horrors of war, but the illustrations are much tamer. Thankfully there are no gory images and pictures that show killing or death allude to the act more so than actually show it.
Overall, I believe that this book is an important story for a younger generation, especially as those who survived WWII are dwindling rapidly.
After finishing the book, I discovered that there is a companion story, The Search. I put that one on hold at our local library immediately. I am eager to learn about Esther's side of the story....more
Every 11 November at 11am, silence descends on streets everywhere as millions of people pause to reflect on the enormous losses sustained by the worldEvery 11 November at 11am, silence descends on streets everywhere as millions of people pause to reflect on the enormous losses sustained by the world during wartime."
I'm glad that it was selected, as I'm not sure if we would have discovered it otherwise. The story introduces readers to Zaha Hadid, a woman who was inspired by nature to create award-winning modern architectural designs.
Ms. Hadid was recognized for her daring, original designs and was the first woman to receive "the Pritzker Prize - the most prestigious architecture award in the world - and the Royal Institute of British Architects Royal Gold Medal, the top architecture award in Britain."
The story is interesting, and entices the reader to want to learn more about this fascinating woman. Sources included at the end of the book provide opportunities for further research beyond the very basic biographical information contained within the picture-book pages.
Overall, it's a fast read and highlights the accomplishments of an Arab woman who I admittedly had never heard of and whose work should be much more well known internationally. ...more
This is a fairly long audiobook, so I have to admit that I listened to it at a somewhat accelerated speed and I needed to take breaks.
Don't get me wrThis is a fairly long audiobook, so I have to admit that I listened to it at a somewhat accelerated speed and I needed to take breaks.
Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate the accomplishments of Secretary Clinton, and I'm glad I've had a chance to listen to this book. But I had to intersperse listening to her with other books and audiobooks.
interesting quotes (page numbers from edition with ISBN13):
[Attributed to President Barack Obama] "We are willing to extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. " (p.)
I'm not sure if I'm just being silly, but I've never actually watched the Downton Abbey show. I've heard a lot about it, but watch very little televisI'm not sure if I'm just being silly, but I've never actually watched the Downton Abbey show. I've heard a lot about it, but watch very little television and haven't gotten around to it. So, when I saw this book, I thought I'd listen to the audiobook to see if it might be something I'd be interested in watching.
Although the narrative is a bit rambling in some parts and somewhat disjointed in others, I still really enjoyed listening to Wanda McCaddon narrate this audiobook. I really appreciate the historical background and the description of how this family in particular was affected by events.
I was also fascinated by the inside perspective of the eighth Countess of Carnarvon; as someone from the family, I am sure that she is able to add insights and details that are not available to outsiders.
Overall, I thought it was a very engaging story and I was invested in learning about the fates of the myriad characters. They say that truth is stranger than fiction and this is certainly illustrated by the many exploits of the members of this family.
I don't know if I'll ever make an effort to watch the series, but if the plot is anything like the story told in this book, I have a feeling that I would find it highly entertaining....more
I discovered this book on a display of 'Banned Books' at our local library. The LGBT theme and same-sex marriage is the trigger for the request to banI discovered this book on a display of 'Banned Books' at our local library. The LGBT theme and same-sex marriage is the trigger for the request to ban the book, and I am sad that books like this are still considered controversial.
The narrative is fun and humorous and the mixed media illustrations are colorful and whimsical, if a bit rudimentary.
I was charmed by Princess Dolly, of course, and loved how she danced with crown kitty in the church aisle during the wedding, even if she did not capture the prince's affection.
Overall, it was an entertaining take on the classic story of the prince searching for his true love. Not nearly as good as I'd hoped, but well worth a read.
Our oldest commented that she wasn't a fan of the queen who puts her son down, comparing him to all the other princes and insisting that he marry right away. I understand her concern, but this kind of plot/dialogue is a traditional part of this kind of 'the prince must marry' tale....more
Sorry, that person's shelf is private.
Loading...
