Book Reviews - First Post in Almost Four Years

Hi There. I haven't posted anything on my blog for nearly four years. There were some issues with Blogger with my account becoming difficult to access and that turned me off somewhat. Facebook became a little bit too consuming but, as it turns out, not all-consuming. I have managed to read a few books since travelling to Melbourne in 2017, for the Australian Open, at which time I purchased most of the books that I'm about to post about. Reviews will be brief as I don't want to be here forever.

War! What Is It Good For? Conflict and the Progress of Civilzation from Primates to Robots by Ian Morris

Enthralling book. Many a late night spent on this. It details the rise and fall of many empires, plenty of wars, insight into countries' economies, progression of technology, and why China will be the dominant superpower around 2040. It's been sitting on my nightstand for a couple of years since I've finished so the words have only just become more relevant with the passing of time.

Dear Leader by Jang Jin-sung

The fantastic story of the early life of a North Korean who rose to the height of trust within the propaganda unit, his escape to China, and eventual freedom in South Korea. Thrilling story of narrow escapes and massive amounts of dumb luck which was a little dissatisfying due to lack of details to ensure the safety of others to come after him. Left me wanting more and feeling like something was missing and that it wasn't truly believable. 

Einstein's Greatest Mistake - The Life of a Flawed Genius by David Bodanis

Quite a decent book about Albert Einstein with some excellent explanations of his theories. Certainly learned much from this read. It's not too heavy to understand and Einstein led an interesting life. His mistake was - well, you'll have to read to find out, but it was something that weighed heavily on him and was cause for much regret.

Stephen Hawking - A Life in Science by Michael White and John Gribbin

Stephen Hawking was an amazing person. Such a driven human being so not necessarily the nicest. An incredible brain that perhaps reached the heights that it did due in part due to his motor neuron disease not enabling him to do much outside of academia. He had a busy life though and achieved so much. Fascinating book.

Colder by Ranulph Fiennes

Sir Ranulph Fiennes led one of the most amazing lives of an explorer in the polar regions. The hardships that this man experienced leave you feeling incredulous. An epic tale of bitter cold, almost starvation, and a spirit that wouldn't accept defeat. You are drawn into the man's personal experience. Well worth paying six bucks for.

Zero Footprint by Simon Chase and Ralph Pezzullo

Simon Chase and his varied teams of mercenaries saw duty in all manner of dangerous places. The book wasn't as engaging as some movies that you see on the subject which was a bit of a drawback. Understandably and regrettably, operation issues can't be covered in such detail as to reveal too much to the enemy. Not as satisfying as I had hoped but a decent read all the same.

The barefoot investor by Scott Pape

I've read Scott Pape's articles in the Sunday paper for years. Until I stopped buying the paper. He's very down to earth and eminently readable. I actually bought this book for my son but read it before him. If you're looking for a more than reasonable guide to investing then you can't go wrong with this book and his advice. And you don't need to be rich to invest. I follow most of what he says too. The writing style only encourages the reader so I'd definitely recommend this book.

Farewell to Cricket by Don Bradman

Autobiography by a humble but immensely talented cricketer, perhaps the best batsman ever to play the game (not that he laid claim to that). Heaps of stats, insights to famous matches and personal milestones, this was an easy read (for a cricket tragic, it has to be said). Bradman certainly wasn't one to blow his own trumpet and downplays most of his achievements. The book covers his early life and whole cricket career. A recommended read.

Reminiscences by Douglas MacArthur

Another autobiography and the best I've read to date. Self praise is no recommendation so General Douglas MacArthur constantly shares the praise from others. A career man of battle, there are some tremendous stories of his experiences, especially in Japan and Korea. From his own account he was a man of intellect, foresight, and planning ability. Surprising that he didn't become president but being a lifetime military man he didn't have the interest in doing so. Judging by the way he brought Japan out of their post-war depths he may well have done a brilliant job. Reading this I was left in no doubt as to why he was a revered five-star general. Information about his wife and son was almost non-existent which was a pity.

I picked this book up in an op shop whilst waiting to meet an old school friend in Mount Barker, South Australia. It's a first edition, published in 1964, and cost me the grand sum of $3.50. What a bargain. Serendipity, some would call it.