kurtliske's reviews
42 reviews

Foster by Claire Keegan

4.5

I was told this was a story where "not much happens, but it's still really good." Definitely agree. Claire Keegan seems to make each sentence do work. There is little filler here, each line carries water and adds the story. She has a remarkable way of making the mundane suspenseful. The ending is exactly what you knew it would be, and yet Keegan still manages to find away to make it gut-wrenching. An excellent example of strong writing. Of the economy of words.

Predatory Thinking by Dave Trott

3.75

Short essays/blogs essentially, on varying forms of creativity and marketing. Easy to read, digestible and at times inspiring. This is a book best enjoyed in small doses, doled out over time so as to inspire and encourage you to think outside the box. 

The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic by Mike Duncan

4.5

Fantastic. Can’t help but hear Mike Duncan’s voice at various points. Much like his podcast Duncan makes this monumental story digestible, engaging and entertaining. Will be loaning this book out to any friend that is willing to give it a shot. Big fan. 

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

4.25

Really enjoyed. Almost hard to believe she wrote this as a teen. Intense and relatable. Will make Eliza read this. 

The Status Game: On Social Position and How We Use It by Will Storr

4.5

Very informative, extremely thought provoking. Is changing the way I view the actions of people and groups. Taking away LOTS of notes. The second W. Storr book I’ve read, I really like his style. 

The Truth Detector, Volume 2: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide for Getting People to Reveal the Truth by Jack Schafer

4.25

Extremely actionable. Slightly unnerving due to how simple elicitation appears after reading this book. A lot to ponder, skills/tactics to incorporate. A book I’ll be thinking about during numerous future conversations no doubt

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

3.75

Interestingly and unexpectedly engaging. A semi-slow burn that ratchets up steadily in intensity. Enjoyed several of Fitzgerald’s lines and word play. 

Sales Pitch: How to Craft a Story to Stand Out and Win by April Dunford

4.25

Exceptionally insightful. I’m not in the tech industry but the concepts outlined can be rolled into most any B2B interaction/pitch. Took lots of notes, which I’m confident will shape future transactions. 

Touch the Wounds: On Suffering, Trust, and Transformation by Tomáš Halík
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.

Solid content, took several notes and provided valuable insights on the “triune God” but very dense. Became a slog, which makes me a bit sad because I liked the content. 

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel H. Pink

4.0

Great read. Especially timely to read this now (Dec. 2023) as AI/Large Language Models are taking over the world. D. Pink provides as close to a roadmap forward as can be hoped for.