February Book Review
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
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“Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari is a fascinating and thought-provoking read that deeply explores our identity as a species and our journey to the present day. Harari’s engaging narrative is sprinkled with humor, making complex ideas accessible and enjoyable. He challenges the very foundations of our existence, encouraging readers to ponder our place in the universe and our ultimate purpose. Whether or not one agrees with his explanations, the book succeeds in stimulating deep reflection.
Harari’s insights on happiness are particularly compelling. He demystifies the concept, suggesting that our pursuit of happiness is often misguided and fleeting, regardless of our achievements or circumstances. The discussion on happiness, especially its biological underpinnings and the transient nature of our contentment, is eye-opening. Harari provides a refreshing perspective on what truly matters in the quest for happiness and how to live a fulfilling life, making “Sapiens” a must-read for those seeking to understand humanity’s past, present, and future.
Masters of Doom by David Kushner
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Diving back into the nostalgia of my youth, when arcades were a haven and skipping school for games was the norm, I fondly recall the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game from 1989 as a personal favorite, into which I poured countless quarters.
Halfway through “Masters of Doom,” I began to foresee the reasons behind the business failures of the Johns and their lack of revolutionary ideas since the early 2000s. Having worked in the gaming industry from 2008 for about a decade, I witnessed its transformation from the “wild west” of the early ’90s. The era of endless 12-hour days and individualistic approaches had ended.
Now, as a manager, I’ve come to realize that having one brilliant but self-centered employee can be more detrimental than beneficial, undermining team cohesion. John Carmack’s genius and contributions to gaming are undeniable, yet his approach might not fit well within larger organizations, potentially leading to a demoralized team and a toxic work environment, as seen at id Software. The success of Unreal Tournament, achieved without a “Carmack-style” approach, suggests that such a method may be not only outdated but harmful.
While individual brilliance can spark innovation, the increasing complexity of the world and the gaming industry demands collaborative efforts over solitary endeavors. The story of the two Johns is a testament to their synergy at a small scale; however, their rapid rise was also their undoing, outpacing their management skills. Lacking a strong managerial figure to harness their talents, id Software could not sustain its early momentum, becoming a shadow of its former glory.
The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
⭐⭐⭐
Navigating “The Three-Body Problem” was challenging for me, potentially due to cultural differences that made it difficult to grasp the plot fully. Some character-building chapters seemed unrelated to the overarching story, complicating my understanding of the characters’ struggles. The non-linear timeline and shifts in focus between characters contributed to a sense of disconnection.
Despite these obstacles, intriguing moments kept me engaged and curious about the story’s direction. Given that this book is the first in a trilogy designed to unfold gradually, I remained hopeful that alignment and engagement would improve by its conclusion.
As I progressed, the final chapters began to tie up initial loose ends, though reaching this point felt somewhat laborious. The frequent character switches and seemingly irrelevant subplots made it hard to stay consistently engaged, a sentiment perhaps influenced by a storytelling style that didn’t fully resonate with me at the time. Nonetheless, the narrative aligns with my interest in science fiction.
Aware that two more books complete the series and promise to cohesively tie the story together, I plan to continue with them after taking some time to reflect on the complex narrative presented so far.
The Murder of Sara Barton by Lance McMillian
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Diving into Audible’s free offerings occasionally leads to delightful discoveries, and “The Murder of Sara Barton” is one such gem. This compelling story captured my attention with its easy listening experience. I often gauge a book’s impact by how swiftly I move through it. A book that engrosses me to the point of finishing in nearly one sitting is a testament to its excellence, as it manages to keep me engaged throughout. Conversely, books that require me to pause, reflect, and deliberately carve out time to proceed are more challenging for me to connect with.
“The Murder of Sara Barton” effortlessly falls into the quick-read category; I was surprised by how rapidly I consumed it. The narrative is grounded, the characters are relatable, and the drama is believable, devoid of unnecessary exaggeration. It’s easy to imagine such events unfolding in reality, adding to the story’s appeal.
The Justice by James Patterson and Aaron Cooley
⭐⭐⭐
“The Justice” strikes me as somewhat far-fetched, though it features engaging drama and excellent voice acting that’s a pleasure to listen to. The story itself is decent, making it a light and quick listen with minimal commitment required. This book fits nicely between heavier, more intensive reads, particularly those from which you’re seeking to derive some lessons.
The plot draws interesting parallels to contemporary issues like the dynamics within multi-billion-dollar corporations and insider trading, which adds a layer of relevance. I appreciate the immersive experience provided by Audible’s production, complete with sound effects that bring scenes to life, from the sound of opening doors and smoking to ambient background noises that convincingly place characters within their environments.
By the book’s conclusion, I found myself fully drawn into the story, despite its resemblance to the kind of action drama commonly found on Netflix. It wouldn’t surprise me if “The Justice” were adapted into a movie in the near future.
The Death of Darcy Allan Sheppard by Canadian True Crime Podcast (Episode 111–116)
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Just as with my January book list, I tuned into a story from the Canadian True Crime Podcast and was again pleasantly surprised. This time, it was about Darcy Allan Sheppard, which took place just 10km from my then workplace in downtown Toronto. It’s both unsettling and fascinating to learn about such compelling events happening so close to home. This episode stood out because it depicted the stark contrast between the rich and powerful versus the poor and forgotten. The organization and presentation of information were exceptional, earning big kudos to Kristi Lee for producing such a captivating podcast.
