erikstl's reviews
131 reviews

The Sloth Investor by R P Stevens

informative fast-paced

2.5

If you're coming at this book having heard nothing about investing or retirement planning, then you're all set.  The problem, though, is that several other authors have trod this same path before, and R P Stevens offers little in the way of new information that couldn't have been found by reading The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, or The Millionaire Next Door.  

With one exception -- he spends an inordinate amount of time talking about expatriates and their investing habits.  I was not aware that was what I was about to get into when I picked up this book.  As he is a English expat living in Canada, I suppose it's a relevant perspective for him, but it was completely useless for me.

The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism by George Monbiot, Peter Hutchison

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Inspiring and eye-opening. 

Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward

informative fast-paced

4.75

The book itself was great, but sometimes it was hard to follow as the timeline jumped around a bit.

Tiger Chair: A Short Story by Max Brooks

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell

challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Millionaire Mission: A 9-Step System to Level Up Your Finances and Build Wealth by Brian Preston

informative lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

Here’s the deal: this is a very informative book if you’re not a regular listener/watcher of The Money Guy podcast/show. 

That’s why the book gets 3.5 stars for me. It’s a good book, but I didn’t really get any new information or insights from it that I haven’t already gotten from following The Money Guy for the past 6 months. 

The Financial Order of Operations, which is essentially Preston’s answer to Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps is a solid plan that is simple enough to follow. Don’t let the low rating detract you. It’s solid information and well worth the read if you are trying to get your financial life on track and heading toward a comfortable retirement. 

The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.75

I took so many notes while reading this book. There is something interesting and reflective in practically every page. It really opened my eyes to my own view of how the world around me operates, particularly concerning the economy, and my financial future. 

Animal Farm by George Orwell

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I think I read this book a long time ago.  Likely in high school.  It's a much more enjoyable read now, as an adult, when I am better-equipped to draw the lines from the story to the real world.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

This is the only book I have read that has brought me to tears.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0