P. Friel

A great story and a great narration

Revisado: 09-11-23

I came to this novel after reading a very favorable review by Sam Sacks in the Wall Street Journal. I wasn’t disappointed. The suffering of the Korean people during the twentieth century is told by a woman who was intelligent and crafty enough to survive it. My favorite lives were about her reunion with her husband. The narration was flawless.

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Excellent short history of epidemics

Revisado: 06-29-23

Pathogenesis is well worth reading. I agree with some other reviewers that the last part of the book focuses on what the state can do for the health of its people, but his arguments make a lot of sense to me. If history teaches us that government initiatives to provide sewer systems and clean water resulted in major health benefits for the people, so be it. This is more like a fact than a political opinion. Some of our current epidemics like opioid misuse are not easy to control, but doesn’t the state owe it to its citizens to try hard to end the scourge?

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An outstanding memoir

Revisado: 05-20-23

Amy Bloom’s In Love is beautifully written, seems utterly honest, and is heartbreaking. It tells the story of her husband Brian’s medically assisted suicide, after a diagnosis of early onset dementia. This is not a criticism, but Amy’s description of memory care is one dimensional. My wife developed early onset dementia similar to Brian’s 11 years ago. She was an MSW, and had talked about assisted suicide for dementia when we were younger. When the time came, she wanted to live. I took care of her at home for 8 years, which was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Three years ago, I admitted her to an excellent memory care facility. She is one of the lucky ones who has found a happy place there. I visit her often and she enjoys my visits. She recognizes me in a general way, sometimes her father, sometimes her husband. On the flip side, memory care is very expensive, and drives some families into bankruptcy. Thank you Amy for this remarkable book.

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Best book for dementia caregivers I have read

Revisado: 05-14-23

I have been a dementia caregiver for my wife, who has early onset dementia, for over 10 years. After 8 years caring for her at home, I ran out of gas, and admitted her to an excellent memory care facility. I visit her just about every day. Travels to Unimaginable Lands is the best book for caregivers that I’ve read. It is sophisticated but understandable, explaining many things, such as why it is so exhausting to try to communicate with someone with dementia. Highly recommended.

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A masterpiece

Revisado: 04-24-23

Dr. Attia’s Outlive is a masterpiece of science writing. There is so much to learn from this book. The medical science is communicated beautifully, and Dr. Attia’s narration is outstanding. As a baby boomer, I only wish all this information had been available to me decades ago. I am recommending Outlive to my juniors all the time. See you at the gym!

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A fine time travel story; superb narration

Revisado: 03-09-23

I really enjoyed this time travel novella. It is fast paced and engaging, and highlights some of the paradoxes of time travel. A crystalline block universe that can still be altered! The narration is superb, and greatly improved the experience.

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Good story, outstanding narration

Revisado: 03-04-23

A short, evocative novella. A young conscript gets help from a mysterious Frenchwoman. Outstanding narration.

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A fine yarn

Revisado: 02-22-23

I really enjoyed this book. The story, set in the horrible, pivotal year of 1968, brought back many memories and moved me. The narration is outstanding.

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A fine novel and outstanding narration

Revisado: 12-28-22

Eversion is a very enjoyable novel that in some respects reminded me of Cloud Atlas, Engine Summer, and Life After Life. I highly recommend it. The narration is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. Thank you Harry Myers.

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Prescient and dark

Revisado: 05-28-20

I have a lot of respect for the author of this timely book. It is well worth reading. Wright's fictional virus is worse than Covid-19, it almost made me feel that we are fortunate to be dealing with a virus that kills "only" ~1% of victims. Many of the issues we face in response to Covid-19 are foreshadowed by The End of October. It's a shame that Wright is unable to go on a regular author tour due to the present need for social distancing. If I had a chance to ask him a question, it would be whether the book reflects his impression of our human condition, or a fictional worst case scenario?

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