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richardbakare's reviews
399 reviews
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
4.0
Gladwell possesses a beautiful writing style that can pull you into any topic in a way, such that you never want to pull away. He applies that skill masterfully here in assessing the true nature of Strengths and Weaknesses. Navigating through different periods of history he dissects Paper Champions (Goliaths) who lost to or at least could not dissuade the Davids on the other side of the valley. Using the narratives of the overlooked stories of the voices history often forgets, Gladwell demonstrates three key phenomena that demonstrate how we often over estimate strengths and focus in too greatly on apparent weaknesses.
Without giving away spoilers, the three concepts I found most fascinating in this book were most importantly, our inability to see past advantageous and disadvantages on the surface. The tale of David and Goliath being the most prominent allegory of this dilema. The second key concept is the problem of the Inverted U-Shaped Curve. This problem illustrates how more is not often better and after a certain point does more harm than good; i.e. you cannot always just throw money and resources at the problem. Lastly, Gladwell does a great job detailing how Power / Leadership cannot succeed without Legitimacy. Moreover, that it cannot be won through brute force but must happen at the ground level, eye-to-eye.
Every time I read Gladwell, I feel like I am getting a MasterClass in history. Talking to Strangers remains my favorite of his books but they are all amazing in their own way. This one in particular is especially meaningful right now in 2020. The stories and perspectives in it may be the best guide on how to persevere and resist in the face of seemingly overwhelming circumstances.
Without giving away spoilers, the three concepts I found most fascinating in this book were most importantly, our inability to see past advantageous and disadvantages on the surface. The tale of David and Goliath being the most prominent allegory of this dilema. The second key concept is the problem of the Inverted U-Shaped Curve. This problem illustrates how more is not often better and after a certain point does more harm than good; i.e. you cannot always just throw money and resources at the problem. Lastly, Gladwell does a great job detailing how Power / Leadership cannot succeed without Legitimacy. Moreover, that it cannot be won through brute force but must happen at the ground level, eye-to-eye.
Every time I read Gladwell, I feel like I am getting a MasterClass in history. Talking to Strangers remains my favorite of his books but they are all amazing in their own way. This one in particular is especially meaningful right now in 2020. The stories and perspectives in it may be the best guide on how to persevere and resist in the face of seemingly overwhelming circumstances.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
4.0
As a black male in America, to say the story of the Obamas is deeply inspiring would be an understatement. And like all moving stories we tend to view the figures behind them in un-relatable and ungrounded realities. Biographies like this one really help bring back that connective tissue between the common man and public personas. Their struggles, triumphs, and all of the minutiae in between.
In Michelle Obama’s case, it was particularly the optimism, drive, and pragmatism of her story through everything that was so connecting for me. The unending drive that moves them to make see the world as it should be. The examples of personal and family sacrifice for public and career commitments. The need for a balancing pragmatic lens as a guiding light through ups and downs. All of us can identify with these human experiences at some time or another.
I recommend this book if you want to get an additional perspective on the behind the scenes details on life inside the White House. Mrs. Obama also does a great job of explaining the struggle for privacy & normalcy while under the public spotlight. And it’s also worth seeing her candid opinion on the outcome of the 2016 campaign, Republicans, the political talking heads, and Trump.
In Michelle Obama’s case, it was particularly the optimism, drive, and pragmatism of her story through everything that was so connecting for me. The unending drive that moves them to make see the world as it should be. The examples of personal and family sacrifice for public and career commitments. The need for a balancing pragmatic lens as a guiding light through ups and downs. All of us can identify with these human experiences at some time or another.
I recommend this book if you want to get an additional perspective on the behind the scenes details on life inside the White House. Mrs. Obama also does a great job of explaining the struggle for privacy & normalcy while under the public spotlight. And it’s also worth seeing her candid opinion on the outcome of the 2016 campaign, Republicans, the political talking heads, and Trump.
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama
5.0
The tapestry of experiences that are put together to form the life of a person is truly amazing. Often we try to create a formulaic life for ourselves and others. Painting by numbers to ensure a final canvass that looks just as we want it to. Doing so, we fail to remember that the fluidity of life and its challenges are character building themselves. Barack Obama’s life is a prime example of how disrupted plans and a myriad of circumstances can take you out of your comfort zone; molding a person worth admiring.
I truly respect and admire Obama’s transparency and openness about his life. In particular, I valued the way he layered the nuance that is the complex experience of being a black man in America. Especially, when half of your family is white and couldn’t even begin to understand your struggles.
Obama’s early life brings so many joyful and painful memories back for me. The later later experiences that reconnected him with his family, pull firmly on nostalgic threads in my own heart. It was truly inspiring reading a memoir that reminded me so much of the first quarter of my own life, minus the celebrity.
I truly respect and admire Obama’s transparency and openness about his life. In particular, I valued the way he layered the nuance that is the complex experience of being a black man in America. Especially, when half of your family is white and couldn’t even begin to understand your struggles.
Obama’s early life brings so many joyful and painful memories back for me. The later later experiences that reconnected him with his family, pull firmly on nostalgic threads in my own heart. It was truly inspiring reading a memoir that reminded me so much of the first quarter of my own life, minus the celebrity.
Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov
4.0
Sequels and installments of larger works, struggle under a heavy weight of expectation. They often cannot stand on their own, as they need the strong pull of thread of the larger narrative to keep the audience engaged. They have to tell a story in their confines but fit neatly into a larger whole. Too be independent while marching in lock step with the others.
This conundrum is why many follow-ups or parts often fall short of the original. I don’t envy anyone who tries to extend a story from one chapter to the next. All of those moving parts and the “glue” that keeps it together must be hard to sort out. That is what I see lacking in Foundation and Empire. The thread that connects it to the first book is stretched very thin. Perhaps that is Asimov’s intention. To not have this book be so heavily dependent on the first so that it cannot have its own meaningfulness.
The glue that holds the series together gets revealed nicely in the end. The book itself is nicely tied out and the scale and stakes of the overall arc across the books is take to new heights. Much like the main antagonist of the book, Asimov lulls you to sleep until the surprise is revealed in the end pulling you in deeper.
This conundrum is why many follow-ups or parts often fall short of the original. I don’t envy anyone who tries to extend a story from one chapter to the next. All of those moving parts and the “glue” that keeps it together must be hard to sort out. That is what I see lacking in Foundation and Empire. The thread that connects it to the first book is stretched very thin. Perhaps that is Asimov’s intention. To not have this book be so heavily dependent on the first so that it cannot have its own meaningfulness.
The glue that holds the series together gets revealed nicely in the end. The book itself is nicely tied out and the scale and stakes of the overall arc across the books is take to new heights. Much like the main antagonist of the book, Asimov lulls you to sleep until the surprise is revealed in the end pulling you in deeper.
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
5.0
Malcom Gladwell never disappoints. In another one of his careful analyses of correlation and causation in social dynamics, Gladwell delivers a unique dissection of the existing idea of Tipping Points. In a well structured format, he breaks down the three key factors that help identify when patterns “tip” into something inescapable. More importantly, he unpacks the details so that the concepts can be applied and not just understood. To that end I will try to use Covid as an allegory to explain the three key concepts.
Super Spreaders, so relevant to the containment of COVID. That 20% who 80 of the work or damage of propagating a social issue. Like the Butterfly Effect, a spreader acts as a rippling wave of small daily actions repeated blindly but putting the most people at impact based on our degrees of connectedness. Think of the popular person who seems to knows everyone; he or she passes it onto their social circle, who then pass it on to their networks.
Ideas that stick. When the wave hits the other 80%, it doesn’t simply wash over. The sand, sea urchins, and sting of the fast moving water stay with you the rest of the day. Ideas or issues are thus firmly implanted in the mind of all those it comes across. From a catchy jingle, to the latest hash tag challenge, or worse, a click bait conspiracy theory link haphazardly passed around social media. Those sticky ideas spread misinformation which only fuel the speed by promoting faulty logic.
Environmental conditions on the ground. As Gladwell puts it’ “Epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the times and places in which they occur.” Japan’s and New Zealand’s respective successes in handling Covid maybe more cultural than anything else. Each country familiar with mask use, limited physical contact, strong group ties, and a deference to scientific guidance.
The challenge is how to devise campaigns for social change that target the right 20%, to have a meaningful impact from small actions, and stick once they hit the mainstream. That is the deeper meaning and go forward challenge you get from The Tipping Point. Along with more of Gladwell’s beautiful narrative style and illustrative examples from unique perspectives on stories new and old.
Super Spreaders, so relevant to the containment of COVID. That 20% who 80 of the work or damage of propagating a social issue. Like the Butterfly Effect, a spreader acts as a rippling wave of small daily actions repeated blindly but putting the most people at impact based on our degrees of connectedness. Think of the popular person who seems to knows everyone; he or she passes it onto their social circle, who then pass it on to their networks.
Ideas that stick. When the wave hits the other 80%, it doesn’t simply wash over. The sand, sea urchins, and sting of the fast moving water stay with you the rest of the day. Ideas or issues are thus firmly implanted in the mind of all those it comes across. From a catchy jingle, to the latest hash tag challenge, or worse, a click bait conspiracy theory link haphazardly passed around social media. Those sticky ideas spread misinformation which only fuel the speed by promoting faulty logic.
Environmental conditions on the ground. As Gladwell puts it’ “Epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the times and places in which they occur.” Japan’s and New Zealand’s respective successes in handling Covid maybe more cultural than anything else. Each country familiar with mask use, limited physical contact, strong group ties, and a deference to scientific guidance.
The challenge is how to devise campaigns for social change that target the right 20%, to have a meaningful impact from small actions, and stick once they hit the mainstream. That is the deeper meaning and go forward challenge you get from The Tipping Point. Along with more of Gladwell’s beautiful narrative style and illustrative examples from unique perspectives on stories new and old.
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
5.0
“Values are faithfully applied to the facts before is, while ideology overrides whatever facts call theory into question.” This line is perhaps my favorite sentence in the book. It perfectly incapsulates the delicate balance that is politics. Intricately trying to navigate a mine field of passions from multiple sides to safely land on the other side.
This was a journey historically traveled collaboratively between members of all parties. Today, there seems to be only one of two ways, left or right. Either direction leaving some on the other side left behind if not gravely injured. In this book, President Obama attempts to revisit a third way. That forgotten middle ground between left and right. Built upon the deliberative and reflective debate we should be having with our beliefs and ideologies. In the end whatever truth we come to, grounded in the facts before us.
His ability to see compromise and maintain a balanced view is the benefit of a very complex personal journey. One in which he has both seen and experienced personal struggle, as well as with absorbing the full benefit of travel to countries beyond his own and immersion in foreign cultures. This worldliness provides the reflective backdrop that highlights how our own freedoms and luxuries are not so prevalent elsewhere. Reminding us to be grateful, preserve those luxuries, and spread them through example and effort.
This was a journey historically traveled collaboratively between members of all parties. Today, there seems to be only one of two ways, left or right. Either direction leaving some on the other side left behind if not gravely injured. In this book, President Obama attempts to revisit a third way. That forgotten middle ground between left and right. Built upon the deliberative and reflective debate we should be having with our beliefs and ideologies. In the end whatever truth we come to, grounded in the facts before us.
His ability to see compromise and maintain a balanced view is the benefit of a very complex personal journey. One in which he has both seen and experienced personal struggle, as well as with absorbing the full benefit of travel to countries beyond his own and immersion in foreign cultures. This worldliness provides the reflective backdrop that highlights how our own freedoms and luxuries are not so prevalent elsewhere. Reminding us to be grateful, preserve those luxuries, and spread them through example and effort.
Practical Positive Parenting: How To Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children Ages 2-7 By Empowering Confidence by Hannah Brooks
5.0
Children don’t come with an instruction manual and advice flows freely from everyone with an opinion. Moreover, your own worries will have you second guessing every decision you make. For all of those reasons and more, parents should allow themselves a little grace and seek resources like this book full of theory and practical guidance. Well structured and easy to use texts like this one will provide you with the necessary insight and perspective to employ more balanced style of parenting.
Hannah Brooks does a great job of explaining the Psychological principles and science behind various Positive Parenting techniques and methodologies. What I find particularly useful are the details on child psychological development that explains their behavior and why these strategies are the best responses to them. It’s like getting to look behind the curtain and see the machinery making your child act the way they do. What may seem like trying and petulant behavior is just a way for a young mind to navigate their way through an ever changing world for them.
Hannah Brooks has really done a great job of building a toolkit for raising a well adjusted child. Moreover, the patience driven and reflective aspects of the method are healthy mindsets for the adults own well being; as well as for building the communication channels between the parents collectively. This period of childhood development that this book covers is particularly important because of the role of outside influences. From ages 2-7 you will be the primary model that will set your child up for emotional maturity and positive communication. So it is important that you as that model represent the positive image you wish to impart on them.
Hannah Brooks does a great job of explaining the Psychological principles and science behind various Positive Parenting techniques and methodologies. What I find particularly useful are the details on child psychological development that explains their behavior and why these strategies are the best responses to them. It’s like getting to look behind the curtain and see the machinery making your child act the way they do. What may seem like trying and petulant behavior is just a way for a young mind to navigate their way through an ever changing world for them.
Hannah Brooks has really done a great job of building a toolkit for raising a well adjusted child. Moreover, the patience driven and reflective aspects of the method are healthy mindsets for the adults own well being; as well as for building the communication channels between the parents collectively. This period of childhood development that this book covers is particularly important because of the role of outside influences. From ages 2-7 you will be the primary model that will set your child up for emotional maturity and positive communication. So it is important that you as that model represent the positive image you wish to impart on them.
Hanging Tree Guitars by Zoe Van Buren, Timothy Duffy, Freeman Vines
4.0
Settled Work, is sorely lacking in society today. A peaceful and lifelong relationship with a skill or hobby. Consuming us and leading us to personal and intellectual growth along the way. Sometimes amounting to something that pulls in the outside world or contributes to it.
Craftsmanship, an unrelenting standard for a signature style. To create without looking for adoration. It has the power to transform something dull into a thing of singular artisan ship. But when we know the deep history of an object, can it ever be full transformed into something else?
Vanishing History, creators are still out there and the search for singular artisan focus is more relevant than ever in a world of mass produced everything. But in the places like the deep woods of North Carolina or small towns across the US, there are people like Freeman Vines, whose works and stories may be lost to time of not captured. That’s why books like this one are so important. Zoe Van Buren and Timothy Duffy have weaved imagery and word into a twisting story of history, the land, and one man’s search for a sound.
Craftsmanship, an unrelenting standard for a signature style. To create without looking for adoration. It has the power to transform something dull into a thing of singular artisan ship. But when we know the deep history of an object, can it ever be full transformed into something else?
Vanishing History, creators are still out there and the search for singular artisan focus is more relevant than ever in a world of mass produced everything. But in the places like the deep woods of North Carolina or small towns across the US, there are people like Freeman Vines, whose works and stories may be lost to time of not captured. That’s why books like this one are so important. Zoe Van Buren and Timothy Duffy have weaved imagery and word into a twisting story of history, the land, and one man’s search for a sound.
The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick
3.0
What initially reads as a dated science-fiction story takes on new life after the year that has been 2020. The 2020 election and four years of Trumpism ominously mirror the narrative in The Simulacra. What initially turns me off to this work are the really dated misogynistic and prejudicial language. I also wish he had not coupled the story so firmly with specific dates and timelines. Those aspects make the reading of it now, a sometimes cringy process.
However, themes such as Nazism, Faciscm, Globalization, and Fake News link a 1964 story to present debates. Science-fiction has always intrigued me because of the projections its authors make about our future based on historical and contemporary events. Philip. Dick demonstrates precognition himself when you look at the 2020 political landscape and the themes this story projected.
Also rewarding are the references that tie this story to other Philip K. Dick books; such as Total Recall and Minority Report. Philip K. Dick was truly a visionary writer and when discounting the customs for the period in which he wrote, the books have an ever present warning about them. This one in particular. Though, I advise that you read “Simulacra and Simulation” by Baudrillard before reading this.
However, themes such as Nazism, Faciscm, Globalization, and Fake News link a 1964 story to present debates. Science-fiction has always intrigued me because of the projections its authors make about our future based on historical and contemporary events. Philip. Dick demonstrates precognition himself when you look at the 2020 political landscape and the themes this story projected.
Also rewarding are the references that tie this story to other Philip K. Dick books; such as Total Recall and Minority Report. Philip K. Dick was truly a visionary writer and when discounting the customs for the period in which he wrote, the books have an ever present warning about them. This one in particular. Though, I advise that you read “Simulacra and Simulation” by Baudrillard before reading this.