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soroushtorkian's reviews
133 reviews
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
3.0
For in-depth book notes and reviews, click here
Rating: 2.5 (rounded up)
This is a book that aims to motivate readers to push beyond their limits and achieve their goals. While the book offers practical advice and inspiring stories, it's important to note that the author comes across as overly self-centered at times. Goggins' value system appears to be solely focused on his physical accomplishments, which can make the book feel repetitive and self-indulgent.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of mental toughness. Goggins encourages readers to believe in their abilities and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. He stresses the value of visualization, goal-setting, and discipline in achieving success.
However, the book's heavy emphasis on physical feats can feel unbalanced and at times, even frustrating. While his accomplishments are certainly impressive, it would have been nice to see more focus on personal growth and relationships. In addition, Goggins mentions getting someone pregnant but doesn't delve into this issue further, leaving readers to wonder about the impact it had on his life and motivations.
Can't Hurt Me is still an inspiring read that can help motivate readers to achieve their goals. A more balanced approach that includes personal growth and relationships would have made for an even more compelling read.
This book was the most motivating to read (well, listen to on Audible) while working out, so perhaps it was targeted towards THAT audience.
Rating: 2.5 (rounded up)
This is a book that aims to motivate readers to push beyond their limits and achieve their goals. While the book offers practical advice and inspiring stories, it's important to note that the author comes across as overly self-centered at times. Goggins' value system appears to be solely focused on his physical accomplishments, which can make the book feel repetitive and self-indulgent.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of mental toughness. Goggins encourages readers to believe in their abilities and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. He stresses the value of visualization, goal-setting, and discipline in achieving success.
However, the book's heavy emphasis on physical feats can feel unbalanced and at times, even frustrating. While his accomplishments are certainly impressive, it would have been nice to see more focus on personal growth and relationships. In addition, Goggins mentions getting someone pregnant but doesn't delve into this issue further, leaving readers to wonder about the impact it had on his life and motivations.
Can't Hurt Me is still an inspiring read that can help motivate readers to achieve their goals. A more balanced approach that includes personal growth and relationships would have made for an even more compelling read.
This book was the most motivating to read (well, listen to on Audible) while working out, so perhaps it was targeted towards THAT audience.
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
4.0
For in-depth book notes and reviews, click here
One of the things I loved most about the book was Trevor's willingness to expose the dark sides of his past and the struggles he faced growing up in South Africa during the time of Apartheid. Despite these challenges, Trevor persevered and ultimately found success as a comedian and television host.
One of the most touching moments in the book for me was when Trevor spoke about his deep love and care for his mother. His relationship with his mother reminded me of the Tupac song "Mama," and it was one of the few times that a story has elicited such a strong, sentimental feeling in me.
Another thing that I appreciated about the book was Trevor's ability to put things into perspective. He talks about how differences in geography or culture can shape our perceptions of historical figures that have committed heinous atrocities, such as how Hitler is seen as a powerful leader and not an evil one, so his friend was named that way…
In some parts of the East, Genghis Khan is revered as a mighty leader. But in other parts of the world, both Hitler and Genghis Khan are seen as barbaric savages. This really made me think about how our experiences and backgrounds can shape our understanding of the world.
Overall, I highly recommend "Born a Crime." It's a thought-provoking and poignant look at Trevor's life and experiences, and it puts into perspective one of his jokes about his brother informing him about his mother being in the hospital on a very deep and sentimental level.
This book might be appreciated by Trevor’s fans but it may also be of interest to people who are curious about apartheid in South Africa in the eyes of an individual citizen who has lived there.
One of the things I loved most about the book was Trevor's willingness to expose the dark sides of his past and the struggles he faced growing up in South Africa during the time of Apartheid. Despite these challenges, Trevor persevered and ultimately found success as a comedian and television host.
One of the most touching moments in the book for me was when Trevor spoke about his deep love and care for his mother. His relationship with his mother reminded me of the Tupac song "Mama," and it was one of the few times that a story has elicited such a strong, sentimental feeling in me.
Another thing that I appreciated about the book was Trevor's ability to put things into perspective. He talks about how differences in geography or culture can shape our perceptions of historical figures that have committed heinous atrocities, such as how Hitler is seen as a powerful leader and not an evil one, so his friend was named that way…
In some parts of the East, Genghis Khan is revered as a mighty leader. But in other parts of the world, both Hitler and Genghis Khan are seen as barbaric savages. This really made me think about how our experiences and backgrounds can shape our understanding of the world.
Overall, I highly recommend "Born a Crime." It's a thought-provoking and poignant look at Trevor's life and experiences, and it puts into perspective one of his jokes about his brother informing him about his mother being in the hospital on a very deep and sentimental level.
This book might be appreciated by Trevor’s fans but it may also be of interest to people who are curious about apartheid in South Africa in the eyes of an individual citizen who has lived there.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
4.0
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of identity, storytelling, and the weight of history. Kuang delves into the complexities of Highlander Syndrome, exposing her own experiences and making the struggles of marginalized groups relatable. The author's masterful use of language and storytelling technique captivates readers, immersing them in the characters' emotions and the resonance of historical events like the domino theory. Kuang's compelling arguments challenge the limitations imposed on writers based on their identity, emphasizing the power of literature to build bridges and promote empathy.
The novel takes a look at the consequences of sharing personal information online, highlighting the vulnerability and fear that arise in the digital age. Kuang's exploration of the perils of online harassment serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and respect in an interconnected world. The discomfort the narrative evokes is a testament to the author's willingness to confront difficult subjects head-on and reveal the unspoken realities of history. Yellowface is a compelling and necessary read that pushes readers to reexamine their preconceived notions and understand the transformative power of literature in forging connections across cultural boundaries.
The novel takes a look at the consequences of sharing personal information online, highlighting the vulnerability and fear that arise in the digital age. Kuang's exploration of the perils of online harassment serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and respect in an interconnected world. The discomfort the narrative evokes is a testament to the author's willingness to confront difficult subjects head-on and reveal the unspoken realities of history. Yellowface is a compelling and necessary read that pushes readers to reexamine their preconceived notions and understand the transformative power of literature in forging connections across cultural boundaries.