Yassert Gonzalez

Roots of Wahhabism

Revisado: 11-11-19

This book describes in luxurious detail the key event that led the Saudi monarchy to embrace that virulent strain of religious extremism called "Wahhabism." It is required reading for all those interested in the roots of radical Islam. All modern terrorists groupsm can be traced back to Wahhabism.

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Another [edgy!?] self-help book!

Revisado: 10-30-19

I received the book as a gift via mail this summer. I drew a huge sigh! Put it aside. Thought it was not for me. Eventually, I got the audiobook. I started listening out of politeness. I also wanted to take break from the usual. Alas, these self-help books are not my bag. Honestly, the approach is effective and the author has many good points. The Scottish accent in the audio version is an added bonus. 😃. I am going to make a list of the most impactful phrases to keep near my workstation. They may come in handy.

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Lucid, sobering, and relatable economic analysis

Revisado: 10-14-19

We learned about this book in the Pitchfork Economics podcast. We read it right after Thomas Frank's Listen Liberal. This book dovetails nicely with it. Both of these are very accessible to a general audience.

The setting is the heart of former Speaker Paul Ryan's congressional district (Wisconsin's 1st).This books lays bare the many failures our current economic system. It also exposes the shocking lack of effective support available to our former manufacturing communities. Alas, neither party has made a difference. The stories were intimate and relatable.

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"Everything is Illuminated"

Revisado: 09-30-19

This is yet another authoritative work by Frank Thomas. Dr. Thomas is one of the keenest historians of his generation. This book could not possibly be more relevant today. No matter your political leanings, you will benefit greatly from reading this book. Cannot wait to read his next book. Enjoy!

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Fascinating, compelling and authoritative

Revisado: 09-14-19

As we make halting progress towards the full legalization of marihuana in the US, this book addresses the implications and blazes the way forward. This book exploded my mental block on the issue of drugs. I am a vastly more informed citizen/voter. This book will continue to guide my thinking on this issue for decades to come. If you spend any time thinking about our relationship with drugs, you need to read this book.

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Gripping and relevant story

Revisado: 05-06-19

This was an endlessly fascinating story. I bought the book after reading that famous article on Wired magazine. It's easy to underestimate the Herculean task of sifting through that massive digital archive in order to construct a cohesive and enthralling tale. The issues addressed in this book are still very relevant (e.g., libertarian philosophy, legality/illegality, guilt/innocence, running enterprises, encryption, corruption, etc.). The book also addresses the War on Drugs. Alas, as the current opiod crisis convincingly demonstrates, our enforcement-heavy/exclusive approach is failing.

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Most compelling and endearing!

Revisado: 04-24-19

I bought this book recently. So, customarily, it will be relegated to the bottom of the heap. Since I have an extensive reading list, it was going to be a long while before I got to it. However, the universe had other plans. I kept seeing references and mentions here and there. I felt compelled to read it next. As it happened, it was going to be a nice change from the previous book.

This book is magnificent! I laughed out loud and wept bitterly. There are several unforgettable and eminently quotable characters. There were several chapters I kept re-listening to because they were so rich in meaning and the writing was so transcendental. The author bared his soul. For this, I will be eternally grateful to him. Enjoy!

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Deeply researched and engrossing

Revisado: 04-15-19

I was sceptical at the beginning. I did not know the author. I bought it because this work was cited in a podcast about the subject. I was very impressed with how he dealt with this difficult, emotional, and wide ranging subject. This book allowed me to put all the facts I have learned here and there into perspective. It also greatly expanded my knowledge of the subject. The author weaves in tons of personal details. These details heightened my interest. I have ordered other books that expand on places, characters and events mentioned.

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Long overdue and compelling work

Revisado: 02-17-19

As a world history buff, I have come across several references to the Mongol incursions into Europe. Until this book, I never came a cross a comprehensive work on the subject. In my opinion, this is the definitive treatment of the Mongol Empire and its legacy. A legacy that has helped shaped our modern world. In terms of their long-term impact, the Mongols are criminally underrated.

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Historical bravura!

Revisado: 01-09-19

Indubitably, this is one of the best and most comprehensive historical non-fiction works I have read/heard. Ms. Miles did a fabulous job in the narration. As a fairly recent immigrant, I found numerous parallels between my personal immigration journey and those described there in. If you have any interest/curiosity about The Great Migration, you must read/listen to this book.

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