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adamgolden's reviews
192 reviews
Bad Faith: When Religious Belief Undermines Modern Medicine by Paul A. Offit
4.0
(4/5★)
You really need to look no further than the title to understand what this book is about. That being said, Offit doesn't necessarily criticize the mainstream religions you'd expect him to. He focuses more on the smaller sects of certain religions that primarily practice faith-healing. Once you've read stories of how the Christian Scientists deal with sick children, they almost seem like more of a cult than a religion. It's fair to be skeptical of what you put in your body, but to outright deny proven medical treatment to instead suffer (often profusely) due to misguided manipulation from a "higher power" is wrong, and should be outright illegal - especially when it involves the lives of children that have no choice in the matter.
You really need to look no further than the title to understand what this book is about. That being said, Offit doesn't necessarily criticize the mainstream religions you'd expect him to. He focuses more on the smaller sects of certain religions that primarily practice faith-healing. Once you've read stories of how the Christian Scientists deal with sick children, they almost seem like more of a cult than a religion. It's fair to be skeptical of what you put in your body, but to outright deny proven medical treatment to instead suffer (often profusely) due to misguided manipulation from a "higher power" is wrong, and should be outright illegal - especially when it involves the lives of children that have no choice in the matter.
Factotum by Charles Bukowski
4.0
(4/5★)
Like most of Bukowski's work, Factotum, if described in one word, would be raw. Raw, unfiltered, uncompromising. For that reason, some of what he writes can be considered offensive - misogynistic in particular. Being that the lead role of this book is a man that is an alcoholic, can't stick with a job, or fit well into society in general, him being misogynistic isn't exactly unusual. Some men just are, and Bukowski doesn't shy away from that sort of thing, because he wants to have the reader feel like they are reading something authentic.
Like most of Bukowski's work, Factotum, if described in one word, would be raw. Raw, unfiltered, uncompromising. For that reason, some of what he writes can be considered offensive - misogynistic in particular. Being that the lead role of this book is a man that is an alcoholic, can't stick with a job, or fit well into society in general, him being misogynistic isn't exactly unusual. Some men just are, and Bukowski doesn't shy away from that sort of thing, because he wants to have the reader feel like they are reading something authentic.
A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
3.0
(3.5/5★)
Reading science fiction books from the late 1800's to early 1900's is always a trip! A Princess of Mars, written in 1912, is a fascinating read when you try to understand how he came up with a lot of the ideas that are in this book. Sure, sci-fi novels now are a completely different beasts, but probably wouldn't exist without writers like ERB who experimented with these concepts much earlier on. Considering there are 11 books in the Barsoom series, I'm curious to see how his ideas evolved over the years (especially considering the 11th book was released in 1964!) A good read and a great start to getting into Burroughs, along with his Tarzan books.
Reading science fiction books from the late 1800's to early 1900's is always a trip! A Princess of Mars, written in 1912, is a fascinating read when you try to understand how he came up with a lot of the ideas that are in this book. Sure, sci-fi novels now are a completely different beasts, but probably wouldn't exist without writers like ERB who experimented with these concepts much earlier on. Considering there are 11 books in the Barsoom series, I'm curious to see how his ideas evolved over the years (especially considering the 11th book was released in 1964!) A good read and a great start to getting into Burroughs, along with his Tarzan books.
Jack & Jill by James Patterson
3.0
(3/5★)
Part of me doesn't want to admit that Patterson knows how to write a page-turning thriller, because nearly every book I've read of his has been. On the other hand, the way he panders to certain audiences in his books always makes me roll my eyes. Whether it's the out-of-touch, "hip" references he uses to attract younger readers, or the corny and utterly predictable romance angles for middle-aged moms, the Cross series could be so much more if it was just a gritty crime-thriller through and through. Which most of his books are to some extent, including Jack and Jill. So even though his writing can be cringe-worthy at times, there's no denying there is an allure to his series about detective Alex Cross in particular.
Part of me doesn't want to admit that Patterson knows how to write a page-turning thriller, because nearly every book I've read of his has been. On the other hand, the way he panders to certain audiences in his books always makes me roll my eyes. Whether it's the out-of-touch, "hip" references he uses to attract younger readers, or the corny and utterly predictable romance angles for middle-aged moms, the Cross series could be so much more if it was just a gritty crime-thriller through and through. Which most of his books are to some extent, including Jack and Jill. So even though his writing can be cringe-worthy at times, there's no denying there is an allure to his series about detective Alex Cross in particular.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
5.0
(5/5★)
There aren't many books that have made me laugh aloud as consistently as A Confederacy of Dunces. This is my second reading of this book and I almost feel like I enjoyed it this time more than the last - there's something about each of the characters that truly draws you in, and keeps you interested. The book flows so well between each of their stories, you're never really left waiting for the return of the protagonist, even though his story is the most intriguing and humorous. It's a crying shame that Toole didn't receive the recognition and praise he deserved for this novel before he passed away - the open-ended ending, while fitting, could have easily continued into a worthwhile sequel.
There aren't many books that have made me laugh aloud as consistently as A Confederacy of Dunces. This is my second reading of this book and I almost feel like I enjoyed it this time more than the last - there's something about each of the characters that truly draws you in, and keeps you interested. The book flows so well between each of their stories, you're never really left waiting for the return of the protagonist, even though his story is the most intriguing and humorous. It's a crying shame that Toole didn't receive the recognition and praise he deserved for this novel before he passed away - the open-ended ending, while fitting, could have easily continued into a worthwhile sequel.
Marijuana Gateway to Health: How Cannabis Protects Us from Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease by Clint Werner
5.0
(5/5★)
A truly eye-opening book that dismantles every shred of "scientific evidence" and propaganda the government has been fabricating about cannabis for the past 80 years. Do you personally know someone that sincerely believes that cannabis is more dangerous than alcohol? That cannabis causes lung cancer, or destroys brain cells? This book will not only help prove false any argument that they may come up with, but also give insight as to why cannabis is actually a healthier alternative than most other man-made drugs. Not only an alternative; but a unique, harmless, natural drug that is remarkably beneficial for the human body in more ways than one.
A truly eye-opening book that dismantles every shred of "scientific evidence" and propaganda the government has been fabricating about cannabis for the past 80 years. Do you personally know someone that sincerely believes that cannabis is more dangerous than alcohol? That cannabis causes lung cancer, or destroys brain cells? This book will not only help prove false any argument that they may come up with, but also give insight as to why cannabis is actually a healthier alternative than most other man-made drugs. Not only an alternative; but a unique, harmless, natural drug that is remarkably beneficial for the human body in more ways than one.
A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick
5.0
(5/5★)
A Scanner Darkly has always been one of my favorite movies, and even though I knew it was based on a book, I never thought about reading it until now. On one hand, I wish I had read it earlier, because it is a great companion piece to the movie itself. On the other, I'm glad I read it now, as I have a more firm understanding of what addiction is like, and the (at times) negative effects that drugs can have on a person, such as paranoia, or psychosis.
While most of the novel deals with these themes, indicating a rather depressing and bleak look into the lives of the characters who are helplessly addicted, other parts are certainly comedic. The conversations they have are often hilarious and thought-provoking (in the sense that to understand them, you have to look at them from a weird, distorted perspective.) The inner dialogue of Robert Arctor is fascinating to watch progress, as he loses touch with himself and the reality surrounding him.
I also can't stress enough that this book was ahead of it's time - to think it was written over 40 years ago is a trip in and of itself. If you're a fan the movie, I highly recommend reading this book.
A Scanner Darkly has always been one of my favorite movies, and even though I knew it was based on a book, I never thought about reading it until now. On one hand, I wish I had read it earlier, because it is a great companion piece to the movie itself. On the other, I'm glad I read it now, as I have a more firm understanding of what addiction is like, and the (at times) negative effects that drugs can have on a person, such as paranoia, or psychosis.
While most of the novel deals with these themes, indicating a rather depressing and bleak look into the lives of the characters who are helplessly addicted, other parts are certainly comedic. The conversations they have are often hilarious and thought-provoking (in the sense that to understand them, you have to look at them from a weird, distorted perspective.) The inner dialogue of Robert Arctor is fascinating to watch progress, as he loses touch with himself and the reality surrounding him.
I also can't stress enough that this book was ahead of it's time - to think it was written over 40 years ago is a trip in and of itself. If you're a fan the movie, I highly recommend reading this book.