edriessen's reviews
253 reviews

Technics and Civilization by Lewis Mumford

5.0

This is hands down one the best non fiction reads I’ve read. In this ~90 year old book, Mr Mumford shares his (philosophical) thoughts on the rise of machines, the history of the industrial revolution, how it impacted the western world, and what we can improve. It is a very enjoyable and accessible read that made it just a little clearer how and why our society works in the way it does. I took about 50 notes from it. It is really good.

If have a technical job, if you are interested in technology, or just want to know a bit more about the workings of modern western society, go treat yourself and read this book.

Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking

2.0

I expected the book to be a good fit for me, but thought it was a bit too technical at times. Some chapters are very readable, others get quite technical. I enjoyed his Brief History of Time more, which I think has a better technical pacing. Probably because it’s focused around a single topic. If you want to read one of his books, I recommend that one.

Over de Nedelandse versie: ik vond de vertaling mwa. Het lijkt er soms op dat de vertaling te veel de Engelse zinsstructuur aanhoudt. Dit leest soms onnodig moeilijk.

The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby

4.0

I like books that deliver on what they promise. This one is no exception. Filled with examples from famous movies, it lays out the structure of stories. I was mainly interested in it to improve my own storytelling (which are mostly just presentations), and even though this book was a bit ‘overkill’ for that purpose, it did provide valuable insights.

The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

5.0

I really enjoyed reading this book. In a time where more and more of what we do is based on data, technology, and associated predictions, Black Swan offers a refreshing new sound. We cannot predict everything, and attempting to do so can be harmful.

Personal note: right around the time I finished the book, Daft Punk announced their retirement. It’s probably not the type of event the book is talking about, but I consider it a personal mini black swan. Or maybe it’s dark gray.

The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal

3.0

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

5.0

Oh how I love a good biography. This one is a somewhat odd blend: part Matthew’s life, part self-help , and some of his personal poetry and quotes here and there. What I like most is his optimistic mindset. It resonated with me. And the book made me laugh several times. It deserves 5 stars just for that. Everything else was a bonus. I consider finding out about the book and enjoying it a greenlight. If you want to have a good time, go read this book.

Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger, Mark A. McDaniel

3.0

Waarom je altijd wilt winnen van je navigatiesysteem: en 99 andere belangrijke technologische vragen van deze tijd by Rens van der Vorst

4.0

Leuk en toegankelijk boek, met een paar goede technologische observaties en grappen.

Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change by Victor Papanek

4.0

Do you design for the money or the many? That got me thinking.

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon

4.0