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clay1st's reviews
57 reviews
A History of Modern Britain by Andrew Marr
2.0
I feel mis-sold by the title of this book. More accurately it could have been titled "A history of 20th century British politics". Even this might be too broad in scope as it is primarily domestic and cabinet/mainstream politics discussed, as opposed to wider socio-political movements and influences. If that's what you're interested in, definitely read this book, it gives a good and at times mildly fascinating insight into the inner workings of the British political system and how it's changed over the last century or so.
Andrew does touch upon wider contexts throughout, which kept me reading, but never explores anything beyond the ins and outs of British domestic politics in depth.
Andrew does touch upon wider contexts throughout, which kept me reading, but never explores anything beyond the ins and outs of British domestic politics in depth.
Losing My Virginity: How I've Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way by Richard Branson
5.0
I listened to the abridged version of this as an audiobook, read by Richard himself, which I can thoroughly recommend. Richard recounts, stories and adventures from life, it's written simply and is has good pacing. Gives some interesting insights into areas I knew little about e.g. airline industry.
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
5.0
This is a world history book which which seeks to shift some emphasis towards events in the middle east as the primary influence on the course of global history. It is written in a roughly chronological fashion. As it progresses, the narrative becomes more focused on the rise of western powers, and in retrospect the book does feel a little bit like it's really another attempt to 'explain' the rise of the west rather than provide a truly eastern/silk-road-centric account of world history. It's something like guns germs and steel in that sense, but much better still, in my opinion.
I can see how if you're already a reasonably well versed historian and expecting something other than a condensed/popular world history with some interesting "different" (though not unique) perspectives - this book could disappoint.
Personally, I loved it.
I can see how if you're already a reasonably well versed historian and expecting something other than a condensed/popular world history with some interesting "different" (though not unique) perspectives - this book could disappoint.
Personally, I loved it.
The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity's Search for Meaning by Jeremy Lent
5.0
Comprehensive alternative take on the history of humanity. Accessible and easy read, well researched and fascinating at times.
Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for a Just Society by Eric A. Posner, E. Glen Weyl
3.0
This book is a compilation of ideas of how we could radically transform our economy through property rights reform / immigration labour market policy reform / tax reform / democracy reform / AI and automation. What's lacking is any real analysis of whether these ideas would work or be of the better than alternatives. I really wish the Authors had picked just one idea and actually had a think about whether the policy would work.
Sadly, instead the authors substitute counter-assertion for substantive and unbiased analysis throughout... In proposing a tax on human capital the author counter-asserts "some might say this is akin to slavery" without addressing the genuine tyrannical absurdity of their proposal at all.
3 stars because it'd be good food for thought if you've never heard of any of the ideas within.
Sadly, instead the authors substitute counter-assertion for substantive and unbiased analysis throughout... In proposing a tax on human capital the author counter-asserts "some might say this is akin to slavery" without addressing the genuine tyrannical absurdity of their proposal at all.
3 stars because it'd be good food for thought if you've never heard of any of the ideas within.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
4.0
Neither a slow burner nor a page turner. More enlightening than entertaining. An intriguing set of characters and an interesting exploration of human nature and our subsequent motives. A masterpiece of grotty, muddled realism that might require a little persistence and won't reward you for you effots with cheap thrills either.
The Stand by Stephen King
2.0
The story itself is simple and not terribly exciting, goodies vs baddies, but readable for sure. I found Larry's transformation rather unconvincing.
Some v dated misogynistic moments.
The sex scenes are also really really bad.
Put it this way - it's gonna be very hard for anyone to convince me to read another Stephen King novel after this.
Some v dated misogynistic moments.
The sex scenes are also really really bad.
Put it this way - it's gonna be very hard for anyone to convince me to read another Stephen King novel after this.
Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber by Mike Isaac
4.0
tales of 'rad' tech culture and borderline unbelievable antics of uber on the rise.
Gotta Get Theroux This: My Life and Strange Times in Television by Louis Theroux
4.0
I liked this because I am a big fan of Louis - definitely not worth reading if you're not familiar with his documentaries. I found the extra detail of his encounters with Saville very interesting.