Book Reviews 2024 (In Progress)

1. Delta-v by Daniel Suarez

Rating: 7/10 

The first half felt lackluster, but the second half significantly picked up the pace. It’s a fun read, particularly appealing for those interested in space mining. A solid choice for an airplane book—combining space and mining is a win in my book!

2. Count Zero by William Gibson

Rating: 8/10

I found this much more engaging than Gibson’s more famous work, Neuromancer. While the setting was slightly less captivating, the plot was much easier to follow, making for a rewarding read.

3. Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence by Rafał Kosik

Rating: Did not complete

4. Negroni by Matt Hranek

Rating: 10/10

If you love negronis, this book is a must-read. It offers a delightful mix of history, entertaining quotes, and recipes. 

5. Amaro by Parsons

Rating: 10/10 

Similar to Negroni, this book is perfect for amaro enthusiasts. It delves deeper with more engaging stories and intriguing information about the various amari around the world, including the fascinating fernet-branca coin.

6. Democracy in America by De Tocqueville

Rating: Did not complete

7. The Luxury Strategy by Kapferer

Rating: Did not complete

8. World of Edena by Moebius

Rating: Did not complete

9. 2600: The Hacker Quarterly Winter Edition

Rating: 5/10

This one was worth a read for the vibes alone. I expected more technical content; instead, it resembled a Hacker News comment section—interesting but not something I’d seek out again.

10. American Affairs Winter 2023

Rating: Did not complete

11. Assembling California by John McPhee

Rating: Did not complete

12. Move Your DNA by Katy Bowman

Rating: 6/10

I find it necessary to separate my review of the book from its ideas. As a book, it’s merely serviceable, but as a vehicle for the principles of Nutritious Movement, it shines. I wholeheartedly agree with the ideas presented—10/10 for that! It serves as a compelling “why” to the “what” of Bowman’s blogs.

13. Reamde by Neal Stephenson

Rating: Did not complete

14. All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Rating: 7/10

A decent sci-fi offering that feels a bit pulpy and short. It fits nicely into the competence porn category and has the vibe of a well-crafted video game tie-in novel.

15. The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power by Daniel Yergin

Rating: Did not complete

16. Rereading Dragon’s Banker

Rating: Did not complete

17. Book of Disquiet by Pessoa

Rating: Did not complete

18. The Great Gambler by YRSD NYDU

Rating: 7/10

This was quite the ride! The beginning felt inspired by Stephenson, but it veered into deep philosophical territory too quickly. Still, it was an interesting read and aligned with my tastes.

19. Redacted by Redacted

Rating: Did not complete

20. Mastery by Robert Greene

Rating: Did not complete

21. Average Is Over by Cowen

Rating: Did not complete

22. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Rating: Did not complete

23. The Man Who Solved the Market by Zuckerman

Rating: 6/10

A solid biography that is straightforward and focused. If you’re interested in the life of Jim Simons, this is a great read; otherwise, it may not offer much to those unfamiliar with his significance.

24. Through The Eye Of A Needle by Peter Brown

Rating: Did not complete

25. NYC Zoning Handbook

Rating: Did not complete

26. High Output Management by Grove

Rating: Did not complete

27. Theft of Fire

Rating: 8/10 

This was an enjoyable read recommended by Patio11. It struck emotional chords and offered a mix of social commentary and technical insights, making it an excellent choice for an airplane trip. I would have preferred it to be slightly less risqué, but overall, it was a fantastic read.

28. The WEIRDest People in the World by Joseph Henrich

Rating: Did not complete

29. Breath by James Nestor

Rating: 7/10 

I’ve grown skeptical of the “journalist interviews experts” format in health literature, as many can feel formulaic and inaccurate. However, Nestor’s book successfully weaves together various facts and insights about breathing into an engaging narrative. It served as a useful introduction to the topic, especially given my recent interest in understanding my sleep apnea better. While it has its flaws, I would recommend it for anyone interested in breathing and health.

30. Cyberpunk 2077: Trauma Team

Rating: Did not complete

31. The Big Book of Cyberpunk

Rating: Did not complete

32. Slow Productivity and Deep Work by Cal Newport

Rating: 6/10

I’m a bit torn on how to rate these two books, as they cover similar topics. Both felt like extended blog posts, but I found Deep Work to be the stronger of the two. I appreciated how it changed my work habits—locking myself away from distractions like my cell phone and cat has been incredibly beneficial. While not groundbreaking, it’s a useful reminder to engage in focused work rather than getting lost in my inbox.

33. Pańszczyzna by Kamil Janicki

Rating: Did not complete

34. Book about Polish Serfdom

Rating: Did not complete

35. Cyropaedia by Xenophon

Rating: Did not complete

36. A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine

Rating: Did not complete

37. The Ottomans by Marc David Baer

Rating: 9/10

A remarkable introduction to the Ottoman Empire, Baer’s book is both readable and well-cited. It challenges common misconceptions by placing the empire in a broader European context, which I found enlightening. For instance, the Battle of Lepanto didn’t significantly hinder the Ottomans, who rebuilt their fleet within six months. The author explores the intricate relationships between Christianity and Islam, emphasizing periods of tolerance that are often overlooked. Baer’s approach offers fascinating insights into a society that cannot be reduced to simple narratives. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Ottoman history!

38. Robert’s Rules of Order In Brief

Rating: Did not complete

39. Happy Odyssey by Sir Adrian Carton De Wiart

Rating: 9/10 

A straightforward biography of a remarkable individual. Carton De Wiart’s life story is both entertaining and insightful, providing a glimpse into a fascinating era. Each chapter brings a smile, showcasing his adventurous spirit and resilience.

40. Europe in Autumn by Dave Hutchinson

Rating: Did not complete

41. The Prince by Machiavelli

Rating: Did not complete

42. Here Is New York by E.B. White

Rating: 7/10

I enjoyed this short piece reflecting on New York City. While it captures the essence of the city beautifully, I feel it didn’t fully resonate with my personal affection for New York. I may have to write my own tribute to the city someday.

43. A Beginner’s Guide To Recognizing Trees Of The Northeast by Mikolas

Rating: Did not complete

44. Outlive by Peter Attia

Rating: Did not complete


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