Anand

Thorough taking in multiple sources of information

Revisado: 03-31-25

Vikram Sampath writes this biography in a very engaging way, taking the pains to try and corroborate multiple sources into a single accurate narrative. He brings Savarkar's personality out showing the color of his poetry and his whiplash of emotions in sentencing.

The author's leanings towards Savarkar and other revolutionaries do come through, but he keeps it in check with quotes from people like Gandhi, who rightly criticized the killing of unarmed Englishmen. The author also glosses over Savarkar's views on Muslims some of which could have been problematic. He also doesn't discuss the limits of revolutionary nationalism

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Fascinating book, very carefully written

Revisado: 03-24-25

Sarah Wynn-Williams's audiobook, 'Careless People,' offers a compelling look into Facebook's pivotal years from 2011 to 2017. As a listener deeply interested in Facebook's growth, I found the insider view of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg's interactions with global governments particularly fascinating, surpassing the often-discussed controversies. One gets to experience, moments such as Sheryl Sandberg's meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister and Joel Kaplan's navigation of international censorship requests based on Mark Zuckerber's instructions, Wynn-Williams's meticulous attention to factual detail and her engaging storytelling make this audiobook a pleasure to listen to.

Her narration is also excellent, adding to the overall experience. However, her critical stance towards the end, especially regarding Zuckerberg's potential presidential aspirations, felt somewhat excessive. Additionally, the book's omission of Facebook's eventual decision to forgo expansion into China, despite the company's risk assessment efforts, seemed a notable oversight. While the revelations about Facebook's involvement in China and Myanmar were not new, the detailed revelations were pretty damning.

Despite these minor criticisms, 'Careless People' is a highly recommended listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Facebook's complex trajectory. Wynn-Williams delivers a well-researched and engaging narrative, fulfilling its promise to provide a comprehensive and insightful account.

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Raw and honest listen that nails the title

Revisado: 09-18-24

This book deserves all its critical acclaim. The honest matter of fact ways in which the author describes her life really convey what goes behind the scenes in a successful child star. She conveys so much without speculating or philosophizing by just choosing to tell us about the key moments in her life. At the end of it, I feel so grateful just to have had a normal childhood with functional parents.

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Honest and well written

Revisado: 08-27-24

Crystal Hefner pulls off the impossible of sharing her story in what led her through being Mrs. Hugh Hefner at the Playboy mansion. She takes responsibility for her choices and does a great job of explaining how she saw things at the time. Besides the hard parts of the life she found herself in, she is honest about things she enjoyed.

The book is well written, and the reader doesn't need to know any background. It covers a range of topics without overly dwelling on anything.

I also liked that the acknowledgements were generous.

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Comprehensive view of the grief landscape

Revisado: 07-20-24

"On Grief and Grieving" by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler offers a comprehensive exploration of grief, delving into various aspects of emotional responses to loss. While the book provides valuable insights and a framework for understanding grief, it can be emotionally challenging due to the inclusion of many personal stories of loss. The book also covers special situations such as natural disasters and grief in children. it is valuable both to people currently experiencing grief as well as those who know others experiencing grief.

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Straightforward guide to healing

Revisado: 07-14-24

This breakup guide by Oliver Heath specifically targets men and their journey through heartbreak. Acknowledging the tendency of men to suppress emotions, the book offers practical guidance on navigating the rollercoaster of emotions after a breakup.
Heath dives into the various stages of loss, outlining effective coping mechanisms for each.

What truly sets this book apart is its meticulous attention to detail. It even tackles the practicalities of dealing with your ex's belongings, a situation often overlooked in breakup guides.

While the absence of personal stories might leave some readers wanting a more relatable approach, the book's strength lies in its conciseness and to-the-point guidance. It provides a clear roadmap to healing, empowering men to navigate heartbreak in a healthy and productive way.

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Well thought through and written

Revisado: 07-08-24

Breakup Bootcamp by Amy Chan is a powerful resource for anyone struggling with heartbreak. Chan's guidance is especially helpful for those feeling lost and alone in the aftermath of a relationship.

The book's strength lies in its ability to address the complex emotions that arise during a breakup. Chan offers practical tools and techniques to navigate this challenging time.

While the book is geared towards heterosexual women, the core message of healing and self-discovery is based on sound principles and applies universally. Readers of all genders and sexual orientations can benefit from Chan's insights, though some may need to adapt the exercises to their specific experiences.

One minor critique is the book's tendency to attribute a significant amount of relationship problems to childhood experiences. While early experiences can influence our relationship patterns, it's important to acknowledge the role of current circumstances and partner dynamics as well.

Overall, Breakup Bootcamp is a well-written and thought-provoking guide for anyone seeking healing after a breakup. Chan's supportive approach and practical advice empower readers to move forward with greater self-awareness and strength.

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Delivers on the promise of its title

Revisado: 05-15-24

As someone that leans liberal, this book helped me see how the MAGA crowd thinks as well as why so many people voted Trump. Definitely recommend

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Comprehensive answers on why we like certain music

Revisado: 04-28-24

As a classically trained adult piano student and an amateur performer, music has always been a huge part of my life. I dabble in both Indian and Western music, but there were always these nagging questions I had about why certain music resonated with me, questions that most music experts seemed to skirt around. Plus, a lot of them held strong opinions about what constituted "good music."

Enter Nolan Gasser's "Why You Like It," a breath of fresh air in the world of music exploration. Gasser doesn't fall into the trap of musical snobbery. Instead, he offers a comprehensive and fascinating look at the elements that make us tick when it comes to music, regardless of genre.

Now, I'll admit, there were moments where the audiobook got a bit dense with music theory. (Maybe that's what all those years of music theory classes were for!) But the beauty of the audiobook format is that you can slow things down or even skip sections if needed. The real magic lies in the way Gasser explains these concepts. He uses clear, jargon-free language that even a casual listener can understand.

But what truly elevates this audiobook is the inclusion of well-chosen music samples. Hearing the theory Gasser discusses come to life in real music was a revelation. It helped me connect the dots and understand why I'm naturally drawn to both pop and classical music. Now, when I listen to new music, I find myself dissecting the different elements at play, a skill I owe entirely to Gasser's insightful exploration.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or simply a curious music lover, "Why You Like It" is a must-listen. It's a joyride through the science and culture of musical taste, and it might just help you understand why you like the music you like – and discover a whole new world of music to love in the process.

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Haunting First-Hand View of a Life Shaped by Sociopathy

Revisado: 04-10-24

Patric Gagne's memoir, "Sociopath: A Memoir," offers a powerful and unsettling glimpse into the mind of someone born without the typical emotional compass.

Strengths:

Vivid Self-Awareness: Gagne's ability to articulate her experiences with "stuck stress," a term she uses to describe the constant undercurrent of tension and emptiness she felt, is raw and honest. She doesn't shy away from describing the challenges of navigating social interactions and relationships without natural empathy.

Journey of Self-Discovery: The book follows Gagne's path from confusion and manipulation to a life-changing encounter with therapy. Her exploration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the possibility of managing sociopathy and building a meaningful life.

Compelling Narrative: Gagne's writing style is engaging, drawing the listener into her unique perspective.

What would have been nice

Limited Scope: While Gagne's story is impactful, the book would benefit from a broader perspective on sociopathy. Including experiences of other sociopaths, particularly their struggles and successes with managing the condition, would add depth and generalizability.

Overall

"Sociopath: A Memoir" is a thought-provoking and unsettling listen. It challenges our understanding of mental health and compels us to consider the complexities of human experience. While the lack of broader perspectives on sociopathy leaves room for further exploration, Gagne's personal journey is undeniably powerful.

Recommendation:

This audiobook is recommended for those interested in psychology, memoir, and unique perspectives on the human condition. Be prepared for a challenging but ultimately hopeful story. Narration is excellent.

(written with help from Google Gemini)

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