kabelon97's reviews
21 reviews

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

emotional funny informative fast-paced

5.0

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read! So impressed, it’s moving, sad and hilarious at the same time. I was really skeptical since most celebrity books are terrible but this one was amazing. It touched on so many things, from the systematic oppression of apartheid and how we didn’t adequately address these issues as a country, to the hyper-masculinity culture present in South Africa that is killing women and emotionally stunting men. I am so impressed. As a South African man who grew up with a mother and grandmother who sacrificed everything for me, I related so much to the beautiful relationship Trevor had with his mom. Really made me emotional at times.I’m so glad I read this, and I’m definitely going to buy more copies just to give to friends and family!

The Test by Sylvain Neuvel

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

Enjoyable read, really interesting intersection with technology and social issues. If you enjoy Black mirror, you will enjoy this book.

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

5.0

Finished August 10 2022: One of my favourite books ever. I really enjoyed how it chronologically tracks our understanding of cancer, from Imhotep to german suppuration of the blood to our current understanding of somatic genetic mutation causing cancer. It was also fascinating learning about radical mastectomy and its perverse grip on breast cancer surgery and how the feminist movement helps push scientists to finding evidence for radical mastectomy's ineffectiveness. Also, learning about Sidney Farber and his importance in the leukemia and general cancer landscape. This book is long but near perfect and has really made me fall in love with research. I would recommend to everyone!

Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction by Jonathan Slack

4.0

Really enjoyed this book. Learnt soo much about stem cells and how they function. Also learnt about induced pluripotent stem cells and their application purposes in developing potential solutions for diabetes (developing beta cells from IPS cells) and epithelial cells (skin cells for burn victims). Really enjoyed the concision of this book as well and will definitely be reading more books from the very short series and from Jonathan slack himself. Its not the books fault but it did feel quite outdated already because of things like CRISPR and other technologies being developed after its release. Would be really interested in reading another iteration that is more up to date.

The Future of Humanity: Terraforming Mars, Interstellar Travel, Immortality and Our Destiny Beyond Earth by Michio Kaku

informative fast-paced

2.75

Good book. Very accessible for people interested in science but have not yet studied it in University as he always explains the scientific jargon in the book.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Good book. Really enjoyed listening to it while running in the mornings. Would highly recommend to people who are trying to dip their toes into the fantasy genre. 

Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon

informative lighthearted fast-paced

3.25

Really enjoyed the book and gave amazing advice that I plan on using in the future. I also loved how concise it is, showing that the author values our time. 

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee

hopeful informative slow-paced

5.0

One of my favourite books ever. I really enjoyed how it chronologically tracks our understanding of cancer, from Imhotep to german suppuration of the blood to our current understanding of somatic genetic mutation causing cancer. It was also fascinating learning about radical mastectomy and its perverse grip on breast cancer surgery and how the feminist movement helps push scientists to finding evidence for radical mastectomy's ineffectiveness. Also, learning about Sidney Farber and his importance in the leukemia and general cancer landscape. This book is long but near perfect. Would recommend to everyone! 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Cancer

A Crack in Creation by Jennifer A. Doudna

slow-paced

4.0

Great book really enjoyed it and learnt so much about gene editing, the human anatomy and the societal impacts that may arise as a result of gene editing. Really inspired me to go into the medical field through gene editing, especially for cancer cells. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Child death

The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

 Really good read. Short and sweet with a really good fight scene. Really enjoyed the story and how the author made me care about the characters especially, Shai and Gaotona. Would definitely recommend for people who are trying to dip their toes into fantasy but don't want to invest a lot of time reading 600 page books.