Gladwell explores the mind's capability to "thin slice" - gathering surprisingly accurate perceptions of situations within, literally, a blink of an eye and with a limited amount of information. He recounts several case studies from marriage counselors, art curators, car salesman, ER doctors, and police officers in which this technique has been used -- sometimes successfully, other times ending in disaster. Within these case studies, he explores how the mind subconsciously makes perceptions based on race, age, gender, facial expressions, etc.
He presents his argument intriguingly in the first two chapters of the book but then I became less convinced, or at least more skeptical, of his argument as I read further into the book. It seemed unclear of when it is helpful to rely on this immediate decision making and when it's dangerous.
He makes the argument that people are, in some cases, hindered in making accurate decisions by having too much information and that decisions can be made more quickly and accurately with a small amount of right information. However, figuring out which information is the right information takes a lot of information. Furthermore, that contradicts the way all of us have been taught in thinking critically and analytically, which Gladwell is aware of. He really does make a compelling case, but I found it difficult to determine when thin slicing works and when it results in disaster. For example, in one instance its saving a life in an ER room and in another it ends up in several policemen emptying their guns into an innocent young man.
The case studies he presents make the book very approachable and are appropriate for proving his point. I think that it's a useful book to help you be aware of what you are thinking and, in any case, the book has gotten enough attention that it's worth being familiar with his premise. The chapter about the psychologist predicting whether a married couple would still be together in fifteen years based listening to a brief conversation (with a 90% success rate) was my favorite anecdote.
I'm aware that I've recommended reading almost all of the books I have reviewed thus far. I don't retract any of those endorsements. But being aware of how you may subconsciously make decisions seems of a bit more relevance and importance than others I've read and suggested.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Jack Kerouac's Big Sur
Big Sur followed Kerouac's definitive On the Road and portrays a vastly different life and dark mindset of Kerouac, although one that brings On the Road full circle. I read On the Road three years ago while driving out Seattle via Denver and absolutely fell in love with the plans-be-damned storyline and the writing style that Truman Capote famously said "isn't writing at all, it's typing".
I was expecting more of the enthralling, hundred-mile-an-hour-story in Big Sur that I had found so appealing in On The Road, but instead it shows Kerouac coping with the stardom that accompanied his "Beat-epic" and his attempt to find some sort an escape; but it is obvious that he has trouble embracing any other life than the one that made him famous. Some of my favorite parts of Big Sur is when Kerouac describes beatnik kids coming up to him and telling him about their life hoping to get some sort of confirmation from the "Beat king" that they were doing life right. Kerouac refuses and is unable to provide that sort of direction. Even more telling about Kerouac's inner dispute is his relationship from characters from On the Road , such as Neal Cassady (named Cody in Big Sur) who has a wife and family with a regular job - a much different character than OTR.
Initially, I was pretty disappointed in this different tone because I wanted to be inspired with that restless feeling that On The Road had captured so well and romanticized. Big Sur shows Kerouac losing his mind unable to find a peaceful resolution and the eroding relationships around him. However, after completing it, I feel like it completes the story of On the Road - just not in the way I dreamed. During On the Road, I never got the feeling that anyone could keep up that lifestyle forever and Big Sur reveals On The Road perhaps finally catching up with Kerouac.
Some other media suggestions related to Big Sur. There was a documentary made in 2008, which I haven't seen yet but will probably try to find it in the next week or so. Also, Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard released an album that, I think, served as the soundtrack for the documentary, but I'm not sure. That album is called "One Fast Move or I'm Gone" and is pretty good, especially after reading the book, I think they capture that mood of the writing quite well. Gibbard also talked about Kerouac and Big Sur in an article for Paste Magazine entitled "The Meaning of Life".
Like I said, I read Big Sur trying to recapture a sense of restless adventure that I feel like I've been craving as of late. That didn't happen. So.... I'm probably going to re-read On The Road quite soon. If you've read Kerouac's stuff, I think you have to read Big Sur as it continues the story and sheds a bit more light on life post-stardom. If you're interested in checking this out, I think you'll appreciate it more after reading On The Road.
I was expecting more of the enthralling, hundred-mile-an-hour-story in Big Sur that I had found so appealing in On The Road, but instead it shows Kerouac coping with the stardom that accompanied his "Beat-epic" and his attempt to find some sort an escape; but it is obvious that he has trouble embracing any other life than the one that made him famous. Some of my favorite parts of Big Sur is when Kerouac describes beatnik kids coming up to him and telling him about their life hoping to get some sort of confirmation from the "Beat king" that they were doing life right. Kerouac refuses and is unable to provide that sort of direction. Even more telling about Kerouac's inner dispute is his relationship from characters from On the Road , such as Neal Cassady (named Cody in Big Sur) who has a wife and family with a regular job - a much different character than OTR.
Initially, I was pretty disappointed in this different tone because I wanted to be inspired with that restless feeling that On The Road had captured so well and romanticized. Big Sur shows Kerouac losing his mind unable to find a peaceful resolution and the eroding relationships around him. However, after completing it, I feel like it completes the story of On the Road - just not in the way I dreamed. During On the Road, I never got the feeling that anyone could keep up that lifestyle forever and Big Sur reveals On The Road perhaps finally catching up with Kerouac.
Some other media suggestions related to Big Sur. There was a documentary made in 2008, which I haven't seen yet but will probably try to find it in the next week or so. Also, Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard released an album that, I think, served as the soundtrack for the documentary, but I'm not sure. That album is called "One Fast Move or I'm Gone" and is pretty good, especially after reading the book, I think they capture that mood of the writing quite well. Gibbard also talked about Kerouac and Big Sur in an article for Paste Magazine entitled "The Meaning of Life".
Like I said, I read Big Sur trying to recapture a sense of restless adventure that I feel like I've been craving as of late. That didn't happen. So.... I'm probably going to re-read On The Road quite soon. If you've read Kerouac's stuff, I think you have to read Big Sur as it continues the story and sheds a bit more light on life post-stardom. If you're interested in checking this out, I think you'll appreciate it more after reading On The Road.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Endurance by F.A. Worsley
This book recounts the tale of a Trans-Antartica expedition beginning in 1914 that goes terribly wrong. Endurance, the name of the ship which gets trapped in the ice, is an understated description of the mentality of the sailors and their leaders.
The book immediately begins with the Endurance trapped in the ice and describing the peril of their situation. However, the premise of Worsley's account centers on the inspiring leadership of Ernest Shackleton and his ability to lead the men through the worst situations. The sailors are forced to pitch camp on land until Shackelton, Worsley, and a few others embark on an 800 mile sailing journey to the closest "civilization" in the middle of the Antartic winter while the rest of the expedition await rescue for four months. The conditions that they endure are unbelievable and I can't imagine more things falling apart in the way they did. I literally was shaking my head in disbelief during the majority of the book. Even more amazing is that not a single person died on the trip despite the lack of food, provisions, shelter, and dangerous encounters. I'm not sure that men like this are made anymore.
I was so looking forward to finish this book so I could write a review about it, but this post does a poor job of capturing the story so you should just read the book for yourself. Thanks, Richard, for the recommendation and book swap!
The book immediately begins with the Endurance trapped in the ice and describing the peril of their situation. However, the premise of Worsley's account centers on the inspiring leadership of Ernest Shackleton and his ability to lead the men through the worst situations. The sailors are forced to pitch camp on land until Shackelton, Worsley, and a few others embark on an 800 mile sailing journey to the closest "civilization" in the middle of the Antartic winter while the rest of the expedition await rescue for four months. The conditions that they endure are unbelievable and I can't imagine more things falling apart in the way they did. I literally was shaking my head in disbelief during the majority of the book. Even more amazing is that not a single person died on the trip despite the lack of food, provisions, shelter, and dangerous encounters. I'm not sure that men like this are made anymore.
I was so looking forward to finish this book so I could write a review about it, but this post does a poor job of capturing the story so you should just read the book for yourself. Thanks, Richard, for the recommendation and book swap!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Palmer, Collier, Befus
Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer
I will admit that I am very hesitant and prematurely skeptical of motivational, leadership, and "life" books. This one came highly recommended from both my mother and father, who I have the greatest respect and admiration for, so I was willing to give this one a chance.
The reason I don't like most of these "life" books is that I feel that most of them are saying the same thing but with different words and metaphors. Although somehow it seems all of them include a story about rappelling (this book included!) and comparing to stepping of the edge to some decision in life. Plus, I have never been attracted to the idea of someone who I've never met giving me life advice and revealing an easy step by step process of finding what I should do with my life. I feel like that advice is best given by close friends and is revealed within myself.
I believe that God puts innate passions, compassions, interests, and desires within us and that finding a purpose of what we are supposed to do is a matter of following these - step by step, logical decision by logical decision. I think Palmer understands that and that is really the premise of his book, exemplified by his title.
My favorite part of the book was the final chapter dealing with the seasons of life. Although I'm sure not totally original, I read it at a good time in my life - timing really is everything. Palmer presents different periods of life into the seasons of nature and discusses how each should be enjoyed and how it naturally progresses and is connected to the other seasons. Although most everyone enjoys the warm weather of spring and summer, he talks about how these aren't possible without the death that comes with winter. Each season, each period in life is important and is preparing for the next natural progression. Learning to enjoy each season for what it offers and what it is preparing you for is not easy and I think only comes with maturity and patience. I'm trying to enjoy whatever situation I am currently in rather than always discounting where I am because I'm always anxiously waiting to move on to the next phase. Although I'm naturally always looking to make the next step in life, I've realized that doing that causes me to overlook the people I am with now and the opportunities that I have, even though it might not be my ideal situation. It's a season and it's temporary...
Wars, Guns, and Votes by Paul Collier
Paul Collier, an economist at Oxford Univeristy, follows up The Bottom Billion (a book Collier claims is an economics book you can read at the beach) with a book building on additional research about "democracy in dangerous places".
First of all, let's talk about The Bottom Billion, a book I became familiar with because it was on my graduate summer reading. Anyone who is remotely interested in global poverty, humanitarian work, or international affairs should read this book. It literally is that important. Collier lays out four traps that countries housing the bottom billion poorest people - mostly in Africa, but not exclusively - find themselves in. It is surprisingly readable for an economics book. In my opinion, economists are the most well-equipped professionals to form solutions for global poverty and it is about time that we start listening to them. Let me explicitly say, you need to read The Bottom Billion. In fact, you need to read it before Wars, Guns, and Votes, but let's talk about this one.
Democracy is a beautiful thing when it works, but, as Collier shows in this book, it is a dangerous thing when it a country is not ready for it. Countries that lack the ability to provide essential basic public goods (meaning security for its citizens. this is way before they start considering education or healthcare) find themselves in a dangerous cycle of violence and elections and under the constant threat of a coup and civil war - essentially economic development in reverse. Most importantly, do not mistake elections for democracy. In countries that are plagued be corruption, it is not an accurate portrayal of democratic elections. Collier, a development expert, insists that security is tantamount before any amount of investment or development can be done.
I loved this book. I love the subject matter it deals with, Collier's style of writing based on extensive quantitative data, and the conclusions and recommends that he finishes with. But like I said, this should be read after The Bottom Billion, which puts everything he says into context.
Where There Are No Jobs by David Befus
I'm not going to talk too much about this one, as its intended audience is extremely focused. Befus writes this book towards those who are looking to start or be involved in a microfinance business in poor, underdeveloped countries. He outlines an organizational structure, management strategies, and financially sustainable policies for developing and maintaining a microfinance venture.
It you're interested in microfinance, I'd recommend checking it out because it gives good advice on how to do good work and how to do it well. It's a little too dense for someone with a casual interest in development economics. I'd suggest skipping this and reading The Bottom Billion.
I will admit that I am very hesitant and prematurely skeptical of motivational, leadership, and "life" books. This one came highly recommended from both my mother and father, who I have the greatest respect and admiration for, so I was willing to give this one a chance.
The reason I don't like most of these "life" books is that I feel that most of them are saying the same thing but with different words and metaphors. Although somehow it seems all of them include a story about rappelling (this book included!) and comparing to stepping of the edge to some decision in life. Plus, I have never been attracted to the idea of someone who I've never met giving me life advice and revealing an easy step by step process of finding what I should do with my life. I feel like that advice is best given by close friends and is revealed within myself.
I believe that God puts innate passions, compassions, interests, and desires within us and that finding a purpose of what we are supposed to do is a matter of following these - step by step, logical decision by logical decision. I think Palmer understands that and that is really the premise of his book, exemplified by his title.
My favorite part of the book was the final chapter dealing with the seasons of life. Although I'm sure not totally original, I read it at a good time in my life - timing really is everything. Palmer presents different periods of life into the seasons of nature and discusses how each should be enjoyed and how it naturally progresses and is connected to the other seasons. Although most everyone enjoys the warm weather of spring and summer, he talks about how these aren't possible without the death that comes with winter. Each season, each period in life is important and is preparing for the next natural progression. Learning to enjoy each season for what it offers and what it is preparing you for is not easy and I think only comes with maturity and patience. I'm trying to enjoy whatever situation I am currently in rather than always discounting where I am because I'm always anxiously waiting to move on to the next phase. Although I'm naturally always looking to make the next step in life, I've realized that doing that causes me to overlook the people I am with now and the opportunities that I have, even though it might not be my ideal situation. It's a season and it's temporary...
Wars, Guns, and Votes by Paul Collier
Paul Collier, an economist at Oxford Univeristy, follows up The Bottom Billion (a book Collier claims is an economics book you can read at the beach) with a book building on additional research about "democracy in dangerous places".
First of all, let's talk about The Bottom Billion, a book I became familiar with because it was on my graduate summer reading. Anyone who is remotely interested in global poverty, humanitarian work, or international affairs should read this book. It literally is that important. Collier lays out four traps that countries housing the bottom billion poorest people - mostly in Africa, but not exclusively - find themselves in. It is surprisingly readable for an economics book. In my opinion, economists are the most well-equipped professionals to form solutions for global poverty and it is about time that we start listening to them. Let me explicitly say, you need to read The Bottom Billion. In fact, you need to read it before Wars, Guns, and Votes, but let's talk about this one.
Democracy is a beautiful thing when it works, but, as Collier shows in this book, it is a dangerous thing when it a country is not ready for it. Countries that lack the ability to provide essential basic public goods (meaning security for its citizens. this is way before they start considering education or healthcare) find themselves in a dangerous cycle of violence and elections and under the constant threat of a coup and civil war - essentially economic development in reverse. Most importantly, do not mistake elections for democracy. In countries that are plagued be corruption, it is not an accurate portrayal of democratic elections. Collier, a development expert, insists that security is tantamount before any amount of investment or development can be done.
I loved this book. I love the subject matter it deals with, Collier's style of writing based on extensive quantitative data, and the conclusions and recommends that he finishes with. But like I said, this should be read after The Bottom Billion, which puts everything he says into context.
Where There Are No Jobs by David Befus
I'm not going to talk too much about this one, as its intended audience is extremely focused. Befus writes this book towards those who are looking to start or be involved in a microfinance business in poor, underdeveloped countries. He outlines an organizational structure, management strategies, and financially sustainable policies for developing and maintaining a microfinance venture.
It you're interested in microfinance, I'd recommend checking it out because it gives good advice on how to do good work and how to do it well. It's a little too dense for someone with a casual interest in development economics. I'd suggest skipping this and reading The Bottom Billion.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Achebe, Wilde, Rand
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
I'd started this book once before, two years ago if I remember correctly, but couldn't take to it. This time, however I found the story to move very quickly and extremely interesting. The novel is very "African" in nature and follows the story a African tribal leader, who is considered an alpha male due to his obsession with work, removal of emotional-driven actions, and harsh, blunt personality contrasted with his father, whom he despises.
The book follows the digression and his descent from a respected, prominent leader in his tribe to his 7 year exile for manslaughter and reemergence into the tribe only to discover his irrelevance and the lifestyle he put so much faith in being eroded by Christian missionaries.
I think the idea of a "strong man" is especially relevant in African culture, specifically in political leaders. African strong man range from inspiring examples of leadership to those who have plagued their countries with woeful, sometimes oppressive governance. Additionally, there's a part of me that wants to decry the colonialism of Africa, as represented by the Christian missionaries, but I'll resist. But the fact that Achebe includes a character that represents colonialism further shows that it is an ever-present issue in African countries.
I'd recommend this book for sure...
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
I'll be the first to admit that I haven't given much attempt to read plays in the past. I've struggled through some Shakespeare and enjoyed Death of a Salesman, but that's about the extent of it.
I read this book upon the recommendation of a wonderfully pleasant and friendly female co-worker of mine from New Zealand. All I care to say about this is that it's terribly clever and entertaining. I had never read anything written by Wilde before and I was literally laughing out loud reading this book. I thought this play was masterfully written as ironic social commentary, specifically on the institution and practice of marriage. It seems to treat the serious matters as trivial and the trivial matters are treated quite seriously.
One of the things I enjoy about reading plays is that it is strictly dialogue, thus it reads quite quickly. Do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon reading this, if nothing else for entertainment's sake. Thanks Therese for the recommendation!
Night of January Sixteenth by Ayn Rand
Another play! Rand is better known for her novels The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and Anthem, but this is a refreshing change and a well-thought out courtroom drama.
Originally produced in 1934, Rand lets the audience play an active role in the plot and direction of the verdict. Members of the audience volunteered to serve as the jurors and then determined the verdict. Equally damning and acquitting evidence is presented on the behalf of Karen Andre, the mistress of Bjorn Faulkner and accused of his murder.
A number of witnesses are called to testify and present conflicting stories, so some of them are lying, although the actors themselves are not aware of what is the "correct" story. The truth and verdict would change each night with a different audience. I found this extremely entertaining and would love to see it performed. In my opinion, Rand's greatest strength is character development, as exemplified through her more famous characters such as Howard Roark in The Fountainhead. She certainly knows her characters inside and out and is unforgiving in her presentation of them. I think this is shown in this play as I constantly changed my personal verdict of Andre with each new witness.
Again, its a quick read and I think you'll find it as intriguing as I did. Also, if you haven't read Rand before, she is an author you should become more familiar with.
I'd started this book once before, two years ago if I remember correctly, but couldn't take to it. This time, however I found the story to move very quickly and extremely interesting. The novel is very "African" in nature and follows the story a African tribal leader, who is considered an alpha male due to his obsession with work, removal of emotional-driven actions, and harsh, blunt personality contrasted with his father, whom he despises.
The book follows the digression and his descent from a respected, prominent leader in his tribe to his 7 year exile for manslaughter and reemergence into the tribe only to discover his irrelevance and the lifestyle he put so much faith in being eroded by Christian missionaries.
I think the idea of a "strong man" is especially relevant in African culture, specifically in political leaders. African strong man range from inspiring examples of leadership to those who have plagued their countries with woeful, sometimes oppressive governance. Additionally, there's a part of me that wants to decry the colonialism of Africa, as represented by the Christian missionaries, but I'll resist. But the fact that Achebe includes a character that represents colonialism further shows that it is an ever-present issue in African countries.
I'd recommend this book for sure...
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
I'll be the first to admit that I haven't given much attempt to read plays in the past. I've struggled through some Shakespeare and enjoyed Death of a Salesman, but that's about the extent of it.
I read this book upon the recommendation of a wonderfully pleasant and friendly female co-worker of mine from New Zealand. All I care to say about this is that it's terribly clever and entertaining. I had never read anything written by Wilde before and I was literally laughing out loud reading this book. I thought this play was masterfully written as ironic social commentary, specifically on the institution and practice of marriage. It seems to treat the serious matters as trivial and the trivial matters are treated quite seriously.
One of the things I enjoy about reading plays is that it is strictly dialogue, thus it reads quite quickly. Do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon reading this, if nothing else for entertainment's sake. Thanks Therese for the recommendation!
Night of January Sixteenth by Ayn Rand
Another play! Rand is better known for her novels The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, and Anthem, but this is a refreshing change and a well-thought out courtroom drama.
Originally produced in 1934, Rand lets the audience play an active role in the plot and direction of the verdict. Members of the audience volunteered to serve as the jurors and then determined the verdict. Equally damning and acquitting evidence is presented on the behalf of Karen Andre, the mistress of Bjorn Faulkner and accused of his murder.
A number of witnesses are called to testify and present conflicting stories, so some of them are lying, although the actors themselves are not aware of what is the "correct" story. The truth and verdict would change each night with a different audience. I found this extremely entertaining and would love to see it performed. In my opinion, Rand's greatest strength is character development, as exemplified through her more famous characters such as Howard Roark in The Fountainhead. She certainly knows her characters inside and out and is unforgiving in her presentation of them. I think this is shown in this play as I constantly changed my personal verdict of Andre with each new witness.
Again, its a quick read and I think you'll find it as intriguing as I did. Also, if you haven't read Rand before, she is an author you should become more familiar with.
Sinclair, Martel, Cannon
Oil! by Upton Sinclair
This book got a lot of attention with the release of There Will Be Blood in 2007, which is how I became familiar with it. However, the movie is very loosely based on just the 100 pages or so of Sinclair's novel. I don't think that the makers of the movie had any desire to re-create the story that Sinclair presents, but gathers some inspiration and similar themes.
I'm only familiar with one other book written by Sinclair (The Jungle), but in both he does a marvelous job of framing a story with social commentary, specifically social injustice and economics, which I'm naturally attracted to.
The story follows an oil tycoon rise to prominence and wealth through a number of shrewd land acquisitions sitting on oceans of oil. Motivated by greed and fueled by corruption, Mr. Ross becomes influential in local and national politics to protect his industry. Ross's un-admirable characteristics allow him to succeed in his business and are contrasted by his son (Bunny) idealistic but naive perception of how the world should work. Bunny comes to idolize Paul Watkins, a friend whose attraction stems from his worldly exposure and free thinking. This due to his time spent in the military in Russia and comes to sympathize with the workers of the Bolshevik Revolution--he then attempts to re-create this within the United States and specifically among the oil workers, which threatens Ross's business and livelihood.
To me, the brilliance of this book is the dynamic between Bunny and his father (Ross). Bunny, who very impressionable, buys into Paul's "radical" ideas and comes to actively work on behalf of oil workers and to damage his father's business, while at the same time living extravagantly and taking advantage of his inherited wealth. Ross, despite his character flaws, gains the readers sympathy by funding his son's idealistic philosophy and finances bailing Paul out of prison time and time again.
Equally as interesting is the role of religion, played by a preacher (Paul's brother) who takes preys on his congregation to become as wealthy and influential as Ross in the local community. Ross sees through the hypocritical, paper-thin theology of the preacher but continues to involve him in the business and decisions as they affect the local town. It's a fascinating comparison of showing church as a business-- showing religion requiring just as much greed and corruption as Ross's oil industry.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
I read this book about three and a half years ago while living in Taiwan based on the recommendation of the two good friends I was living with at the time. I think its one of the most entertaining, thoughtful books I've read. I think I could re-read it several times and take new things away from it every time and have different interpretations of the ending.
The book's prelude starts out with the author describing how he came across the tale, including an ambitious statement saying that this story will make you believe in God. I'm not sure it lived up to that promise (I believe in God most days but for other reasons than this book), but its got interesting things to say about the mysticism and unknown aspects of spirituality.
The basic premise of the story revolves around an Indian boy (Pi) and a Bengal tiger (Richard Parker) end up on a lifeboat following a shipwreck. Pi, the son of a zookeeper, and his family are moving from the India to Canada, which gives you some context of how the story is set up.
The first hundred pages follow Pi's religious experiments with Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam and weighing each of their admirable characteristics and drawbacks. I remember three years ago when I read this being intrigued by this part of the story. I have really grown to appreciate the strengths and appealing parts of other religions. For instance, the social consciousness of Hinduism and the faithfulness and dedication in prayer of Islam are all concepts I admire. In the end, my theology ends up closer to Christianity than the others, but I think its healthy habit to appreciate the strengths of the religions, political views, people that you don't agree with rather than focusing on what you the differences.
I guess I'm really not sure how much more I feel comfortable sharing on this blog about the book because the ending is certainly the crux and I'd hate to remotely hint at it. I've always wanted to participate in a book club that studies this book cause I would love to hear other people's insights and thoughts on it. If you have read this book, I'd really value your take on it.
Revolutionary Cuba by Terence Cannon
The first non-fiction book to make the list! After reading Islands in the Stream and having my interest re-ignited in Cuba, my mother suggested this historical book for me to read. My mother grew up in Cuba and her parents were Methodist missionaries there around the time when Castro was coming into power and I'm beginning to look into PhD programs in economic history looking at the Cuba's economic development history. I mentioned before that I thought Iran was one of the most misunderstood countries and I would include Cuba on that list as well. Of course, part of that is their own fault for creating such closed, restrictive societies.
This book was written in 1980 and Cannon comes across as very sympathetic to Castro and how the Cuban Revolution developed in the late 1950's and throughout the 1960's. I found the economic history of Cuba incredibly interesting--beginning from its colonization by Spain to its dependence on the Soviet Union. Indeed, I think a proper understanding of this is necessary to figure out how the foreign policy of the U.S. is shaped towards Cuba--which I think to be one of the most backward, misconstrued relationships we have with a country.
Cannon suggests that Cuba was exploited through colonization and it become an economy that relied exclusively on sugar and, to a lesser degree, coffee exports. For the rest of its goods and services, Cuba heavily relief on imports from the United States, thus tying the standard of living on trade with the U.S. When the trade embargo was put into place, Cannon implies that Cuba had little alternative but to turn to the Soviet Union to substitute the goods it had previously imported from the United States.
Cannon's presentation of the Cuban Revolution, Castro, and his motives for replacing Batista is quite gracious and I think he makes several good points. Writing in 1980, Cannon seems very optimistic about Cuba and Castro's leadership and the direction of the economy. Of course, thirty years later with the benefit of hindsight, the reader can't help but feel like Cannon is driving blind towards a cliff. Clearly, Cannon misdiagnosed the scenario but this serves a useful commentary the economy, history, and Revolution.
This book got a lot of attention with the release of There Will Be Blood in 2007, which is how I became familiar with it. However, the movie is very loosely based on just the 100 pages or so of Sinclair's novel. I don't think that the makers of the movie had any desire to re-create the story that Sinclair presents, but gathers some inspiration and similar themes.
I'm only familiar with one other book written by Sinclair (The Jungle), but in both he does a marvelous job of framing a story with social commentary, specifically social injustice and economics, which I'm naturally attracted to.
The story follows an oil tycoon rise to prominence and wealth through a number of shrewd land acquisitions sitting on oceans of oil. Motivated by greed and fueled by corruption, Mr. Ross becomes influential in local and national politics to protect his industry. Ross's un-admirable characteristics allow him to succeed in his business and are contrasted by his son (Bunny) idealistic but naive perception of how the world should work. Bunny comes to idolize Paul Watkins, a friend whose attraction stems from his worldly exposure and free thinking. This due to his time spent in the military in Russia and comes to sympathize with the workers of the Bolshevik Revolution--he then attempts to re-create this within the United States and specifically among the oil workers, which threatens Ross's business and livelihood.
To me, the brilliance of this book is the dynamic between Bunny and his father (Ross). Bunny, who very impressionable, buys into Paul's "radical" ideas and comes to actively work on behalf of oil workers and to damage his father's business, while at the same time living extravagantly and taking advantage of his inherited wealth. Ross, despite his character flaws, gains the readers sympathy by funding his son's idealistic philosophy and finances bailing Paul out of prison time and time again.
Equally as interesting is the role of religion, played by a preacher (Paul's brother) who takes preys on his congregation to become as wealthy and influential as Ross in the local community. Ross sees through the hypocritical, paper-thin theology of the preacher but continues to involve him in the business and decisions as they affect the local town. It's a fascinating comparison of showing church as a business-- showing religion requiring just as much greed and corruption as Ross's oil industry.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
I read this book about three and a half years ago while living in Taiwan based on the recommendation of the two good friends I was living with at the time. I think its one of the most entertaining, thoughtful books I've read. I think I could re-read it several times and take new things away from it every time and have different interpretations of the ending.
The book's prelude starts out with the author describing how he came across the tale, including an ambitious statement saying that this story will make you believe in God. I'm not sure it lived up to that promise (I believe in God most days but for other reasons than this book), but its got interesting things to say about the mysticism and unknown aspects of spirituality.
The basic premise of the story revolves around an Indian boy (Pi) and a Bengal tiger (Richard Parker) end up on a lifeboat following a shipwreck. Pi, the son of a zookeeper, and his family are moving from the India to Canada, which gives you some context of how the story is set up.
The first hundred pages follow Pi's religious experiments with Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam and weighing each of their admirable characteristics and drawbacks. I remember three years ago when I read this being intrigued by this part of the story. I have really grown to appreciate the strengths and appealing parts of other religions. For instance, the social consciousness of Hinduism and the faithfulness and dedication in prayer of Islam are all concepts I admire. In the end, my theology ends up closer to Christianity than the others, but I think its healthy habit to appreciate the strengths of the religions, political views, people that you don't agree with rather than focusing on what you the differences.
I guess I'm really not sure how much more I feel comfortable sharing on this blog about the book because the ending is certainly the crux and I'd hate to remotely hint at it. I've always wanted to participate in a book club that studies this book cause I would love to hear other people's insights and thoughts on it. If you have read this book, I'd really value your take on it.
Revolutionary Cuba by Terence Cannon
The first non-fiction book to make the list! After reading Islands in the Stream and having my interest re-ignited in Cuba, my mother suggested this historical book for me to read. My mother grew up in Cuba and her parents were Methodist missionaries there around the time when Castro was coming into power and I'm beginning to look into PhD programs in economic history looking at the Cuba's economic development history. I mentioned before that I thought Iran was one of the most misunderstood countries and I would include Cuba on that list as well. Of course, part of that is their own fault for creating such closed, restrictive societies.
This book was written in 1980 and Cannon comes across as very sympathetic to Castro and how the Cuban Revolution developed in the late 1950's and throughout the 1960's. I found the economic history of Cuba incredibly interesting--beginning from its colonization by Spain to its dependence on the Soviet Union. Indeed, I think a proper understanding of this is necessary to figure out how the foreign policy of the U.S. is shaped towards Cuba--which I think to be one of the most backward, misconstrued relationships we have with a country.
Cannon suggests that Cuba was exploited through colonization and it become an economy that relied exclusively on sugar and, to a lesser degree, coffee exports. For the rest of its goods and services, Cuba heavily relief on imports from the United States, thus tying the standard of living on trade with the U.S. When the trade embargo was put into place, Cannon implies that Cuba had little alternative but to turn to the Soviet Union to substitute the goods it had previously imported from the United States.
Cannon's presentation of the Cuban Revolution, Castro, and his motives for replacing Batista is quite gracious and I think he makes several good points. Writing in 1980, Cannon seems very optimistic about Cuba and Castro's leadership and the direction of the economy. Of course, thirty years later with the benefit of hindsight, the reader can't help but feel like Cannon is driving blind towards a cliff. Clearly, Cannon misdiagnosed the scenario but this serves a useful commentary the economy, history, and Revolution.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Dostoyevsky, Satrapi, Hemingway
Islands in the Stream - Ernest Hemingway
I love Hemingway - his short, terse prose, masterful storytelling, tragically flawed characters, and the locations of his stories I find fascinating. The book, published posthumously, is broken up into 3 stories that follows Thomas Hudson through different stages of his life on Cuba. The first of the three short stories was by far my favorite. It's classic Hemingway in every sense. A strong protagonist but noticeably flawed - although the two aren't disconnected. It is his flaws that make him a strong character. I think I liked this first short story the best because the presence of Hudson's sons and the noticeable transfer of qualities--good and bad--from Hudson to his four sons. The section ends tragically leaving me with a feeling reminiscent of A Farewell to Arms, my favorite book--Hemingway or otherwise.
I felt like I liked each section less and less as I progressed throughout the book, but the book concluded with a sad, but satisfied ending--one that I felt was consistent with the character. I think that these are Hemingway's greatest strengths - character development and consistency. Maybe that's why readers (me, at least) connect so well with his characters and get invested in their personalities. Hemingway's writing lives in the thoughts of his characters and the reader is able to follow the protagonist's thought process and rationale. I would recommend (several) other Hemingway books before this one and actually I think this actually works better after reading other Hemingway writings and more familiar with his process and other characters.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel follows the progression of a young girl growing up in Iran after the Islamic Revolution. I wasn't familiar with this book until a professor at Patterson recommended and I had never read a graphic novel before. I was, and still am, I admit, quite ignorant about the history of Iran and I think it is probably one of the most misunderstood countries and that people are quick to make judgments without properly understanding its rich history and culture and the Persian pride that accompanies it.
Anyways, back to the book. I think that the comic drawings included in the book bring a lighter mood and sense of humor to an otherwise scary, repressive historical time. The book recounts Satrapi's childhood growing up in post-Shah Iran and a secular family adjusting to the harsh social restrictions placed on the Iranian people. The book chronicles social, religious, and political changes and happenings in Iran during the Revolution. It is a brief, but effective introduction in capturing the mood of an important historical event.
There is a sequel to Persepolis, which I haven't read, although I did see the highly acclaimed movie 2007 movie that follows the story Persepolis and Persepolis 2: The Story of Return. Although the movie follows closely to the book, story and graphically, I didn't really care for it. I thought the book and its comics were much more effective. Definitely check this one out... you can read it in an afternoon.
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Any Dostoyevsky is a tough read, but rewarding when you complete. This is the third book of his that I've read (Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov being the first two) and this is my least favorite of the three. The first 50-100 of most Dostoyevsky books are a dense but necessary character development and I always have trouble keeping the Russian character names straight, as nicknames are often used.
The story follows Prince Lev Nikolaevich Myshkin as he returns from living in Switzerland where he was being treated for epilepsy and his love and relationship towards two women, Nastasya Filipovna and Aglaya. I'll let you read the book or the synopsis of the story somewhere else, mostly because I don't feel like I adequately remember or followed it accurately enough.
I found it a dense, tough book to get through and struggled with it for a couple weeks. The last two hundred pages read much faster that the previous several hundred. I don't think this is a must read, by any means. I definitely felt a sense of accomplishment/satisfaction when I finished, but I think it was mostly pride that I'd survived the 700+ pages. I'm not sure that I had a complete resolution to the story that I was hoping, but again, I didn't follow the plot as well as I would've liked. Read Dostoyevsky - just maybe not this one.
I love Hemingway - his short, terse prose, masterful storytelling, tragically flawed characters, and the locations of his stories I find fascinating. The book, published posthumously, is broken up into 3 stories that follows Thomas Hudson through different stages of his life on Cuba. The first of the three short stories was by far my favorite. It's classic Hemingway in every sense. A strong protagonist but noticeably flawed - although the two aren't disconnected. It is his flaws that make him a strong character. I think I liked this first short story the best because the presence of Hudson's sons and the noticeable transfer of qualities--good and bad--from Hudson to his four sons. The section ends tragically leaving me with a feeling reminiscent of A Farewell to Arms, my favorite book--Hemingway or otherwise.
I felt like I liked each section less and less as I progressed throughout the book, but the book concluded with a sad, but satisfied ending--one that I felt was consistent with the character. I think that these are Hemingway's greatest strengths - character development and consistency. Maybe that's why readers (me, at least) connect so well with his characters and get invested in their personalities. Hemingway's writing lives in the thoughts of his characters and the reader is able to follow the protagonist's thought process and rationale. I would recommend (several) other Hemingway books before this one and actually I think this actually works better after reading other Hemingway writings and more familiar with his process and other characters.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel follows the progression of a young girl growing up in Iran after the Islamic Revolution. I wasn't familiar with this book until a professor at Patterson recommended and I had never read a graphic novel before. I was, and still am, I admit, quite ignorant about the history of Iran and I think it is probably one of the most misunderstood countries and that people are quick to make judgments without properly understanding its rich history and culture and the Persian pride that accompanies it.
Anyways, back to the book. I think that the comic drawings included in the book bring a lighter mood and sense of humor to an otherwise scary, repressive historical time. The book recounts Satrapi's childhood growing up in post-Shah Iran and a secular family adjusting to the harsh social restrictions placed on the Iranian people. The book chronicles social, religious, and political changes and happenings in Iran during the Revolution. It is a brief, but effective introduction in capturing the mood of an important historical event.
There is a sequel to Persepolis, which I haven't read, although I did see the highly acclaimed movie 2007 movie that follows the story Persepolis and Persepolis 2: The Story of Return. Although the movie follows closely to the book, story and graphically, I didn't really care for it. I thought the book and its comics were much more effective. Definitely check this one out... you can read it in an afternoon.
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Any Dostoyevsky is a tough read, but rewarding when you complete. This is the third book of his that I've read (Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov being the first two) and this is my least favorite of the three. The first 50-100 of most Dostoyevsky books are a dense but necessary character development and I always have trouble keeping the Russian character names straight, as nicknames are often used.
The story follows Prince Lev Nikolaevich Myshkin as he returns from living in Switzerland where he was being treated for epilepsy and his love and relationship towards two women, Nastasya Filipovna and Aglaya. I'll let you read the book or the synopsis of the story somewhere else, mostly because I don't feel like I adequately remember or followed it accurately enough.
I found it a dense, tough book to get through and struggled with it for a couple weeks. The last two hundred pages read much faster that the previous several hundred. I don't think this is a must read, by any means. I definitely felt a sense of accomplishment/satisfaction when I finished, but I think it was mostly pride that I'd survived the 700+ pages. I'm not sure that I had a complete resolution to the story that I was hoping, but again, I didn't follow the plot as well as I would've liked. Read Dostoyevsky - just maybe not this one.
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