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40 reviews for:
Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics
Charles Krauthammer
3.84 AVERAGE
40 reviews for:
Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics
Charles Krauthammer
3.84 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Good collection of one man's works. An interesting read for those who love the world of politics.
I’m rounding up here because although I disagree with him occasionally and came across several stances that haven’t aged well or were written on too soon with too much certainty, I found this collection highly readable, frequently entertaining, and thoughtfully worded. Perhaps just a couple were almost completely ignorant (The Myth of the Angry White Male, for example), but most were solid exemplifications of the more classical conservative thought espoused more by intellectuals than the representatives they contort themselves to defend. I haven’t read many article compilations, so this one makes me think they may have an edge given their selectivity and density. Krauthammer’s penchant for dense, selective argumentation, though, is clearly a strength regardless.
This book was good. After I got over the fact that there was really no new material to the book (the book is simply a collection of articles, essays, and columns) the book was easy to get through. To be honest, I find myself on the left end of the political spectrum but I try to read alternative view points and this book was such an attempt. I'm glad I read it. Krauthammer is a great author and I actually learned some things by looking at issues from his prospective. The book would have been 4 stars had there been any new material!
This is a wonderful collection of Krauthammer articles and writings from the past three decades from the Washington Post, The Weekly Standard, and others. I really admire Krauthammer's ability to cut through all the bull and hit the issue right on the head. He delivers things that are sorely lacking in this nation right now, common sense and the truth. From this, I will seek out more Krauthammer books and I recommend this book to all.
I put this on my "to read" list last year when it hit the New York Times bestseller list, but I didn't really understand what it was. I was correct in that it is Krauthammer's political commentary, but I didn't realize it is a collection of his published writings from the past 3 decades.
I was less interested in the older pieces, just because they were dated, and there were some essays I merely skimmed through, but others were fantastic and full of new ways for me to look at the world. I especially enjoyed Krauthammer's pieces on modern Jews and Israel; since he is an American Jew he has a uniquely pro-Israeli perspective that was somewhat new to me. I also learned so much from his pieces on post-Cold War unipolarity and the New Liberalism that is trying to shake off American hegemony. Krauthammer is unapologetically a conservative, so his writings only give one side of the story, but he does a great job representing his beliefs.
3.5 stars rounded up to a 4.
I was less interested in the older pieces, just because they were dated, and there were some essays I merely skimmed through, but others were fantastic and full of new ways for me to look at the world. I especially enjoyed Krauthammer's pieces on modern Jews and Israel; since he is an American Jew he has a uniquely pro-Israeli perspective that was somewhat new to me. I also learned so much from his pieces on post-Cold War unipolarity and the New Liberalism that is trying to shake off American hegemony. Krauthammer is unapologetically a conservative, so his writings only give one side of the story, but he does a great job representing his beliefs.
3.5 stars rounded up to a 4.
An intellectual trip through the past three decades with very insightful short articles by this entertaining analyst as he examines not only events as they affected the United Staes and the world but also moments in his life that were full of meaning and memories. I would strongly recommend this as worthwhile reading to anyone looking to understand social issues and how they played.
I miss Charles so much. His intelligence and writing has no equal. I wish his wise comments were still with us, especially in this time. This book is his essays and columns over the years. I enjoyed seeing him grow in his thoughts and commentary.
While I am not in complete agreement with all of his conservative opinions, I found this to be an excellent, thought-provoking book. The book is a collection of his newspaper and magazine columns, and speeches that he has given on many occasions. As the subtitle mentions, the essays cover thirty years of politics and history. Also, a few of the essays describe his own life. I've read some of his newspaper columns in the past, but I did not realize that he suffered a paralyzing accident while in medical school. He did not let that stop his education, and went on to become a practicing psychiatrist!
Krauthammer's writing style is excellent--it is easy to follow his train of thought, and he butresses all of his arguments with relevant facts. What is amazing about this book, is that it covers so many different topics. For example, he writes about the space program, Churchill, 9/11, Obama, terrorism, the Defense Department, liberal vs. conservative policies, Israel, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Washington Nationals baseball team.
I didn't read this book--I listened to the audiobook version. It was a little bit disconcerting, in that the first half or so was read by the author, while the second half was read by George Newbern. The narration was OK, but the sudden transition jolted me.
Krauthammer's writing style is excellent--it is easy to follow his train of thought, and he butresses all of his arguments with relevant facts. What is amazing about this book, is that it covers so many different topics. For example, he writes about the space program, Churchill, 9/11, Obama, terrorism, the Defense Department, liberal vs. conservative policies, Israel, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Washington Nationals baseball team.
I didn't read this book--I listened to the audiobook version. It was a little bit disconcerting, in that the first half or so was read by the author, while the second half was read by George Newbern. The narration was OK, but the sudden transition jolted me.