emberthestylesage's reviews
81 reviews

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

slow-paced

1.75

First, a major red flag for this book, and the author, is that Nassim says autistic people have no capacity for empathy. This is an objectively false stereotype, yet he states it as fact and inserts it when it isn't even necessary to make his point. This was the instance that really stood out to me, but there were a few sweeping statements made in this book that were not backed up and are unlikely to be true, as well as some that contradicted earlier ideas, which is something he attacks other people for, so worth mentioning. 

While there are some interesting points touched on in this book, they could pretty much all be boiled down to common sense (Nassim also acknowledges this, so it isn't news). That's not to say it's completely unhelpful to point out, reiterate and reframe common sense, but there are probably much better means of delivery for that than this book.

Nassim jumps around a lot in a way that makes it frustrating to read. He also just has a bad attitude; He is extremely arrogant and petty throughout the whole thing. It didn't need to be a full length book by any means, and it was mostly unpleasant to read. I honestly think this is the worst book I've ever finished.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: War and Bullying

Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

Sustainability and thrift/vintage shopping are big areas of interest for me so, while I was excited for this book, I was little worried it would just be a longwinded rewording of things I've already read or heard, but Adam actually dispelled a few of the commonly believed myths around secondhand items and markets in a compelling way.  This was an enjoyable and informative read. It makes you want to tidy up and become a better consumer, even if you already knew a fair amount about secondhand markets. 

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

4.25

This was so fast paced, not a single tear had the chance to roll down my cheek before Jennette moved on to another point, but it was really good. It was funny, thoughtful, and really relatable. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Vomit, Blood, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Panic attacks/disorders

Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste by Bianca Bosker

adventurous lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.25

I had a good time reading this book. It's light and fun, but still interesting as I expected.

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

adventurous inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

I've enjoyed every Robert Greene book I've read, but this one might be my favorite. He has such a talent for marrying great storytelling with valueable insights around humanity.

In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie by Cora Harrington

informative lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.5

I really enjoyed this. It's quick and light with just the right amount of detail to make each point and explain each topic in a clear and memorable way. I can tell this will be a great reference as well.

Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoğlu, James A. Robinson

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

2.75

This was drier and more drawn out than was needed to make the point.  If this were 1/2 the length, it would be a much better read, but I'm more of a social behavior girly than a history girly, so it wasn't engaging for me the way it may be for someone else. Some parts were interesting, nonetheless, and you certainly had plenty of opportunity to mull over the theory the book presents. 

At the end of the day, I wish I had looked for and read an abridged version instead. 

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Most of what this book laid out was in line with my preexisting beliefs, but it clarified some things and reminded me of other things I had moved to the back burner of my mind. An easy read that would be great for people just getting into managing their finances 

Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour by Dita Von Teese

funny informative lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.75

This was a fun read, and I even gleened some helpul self care tips.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

adventurous informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

It can be really hard to find a way to bring multifaceted solutions and empathy to the negotiating table in a way that is actually productive in the end and this book outlines some great tools to do just that.  I didn't find this to be over or under written, but just right for cairity, an easy and worthwhile read, for sure.