This is an excellent, well-detailed biography in the tradition of Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs.” And the comparisons clearly extend beyond the simple scope of the works, but to the great similarities between the two subjects. Vance makes periodic references to the two icons throughout the book, and there’s an especially interesting discussion about the differences between Read More …
Category: Book Reviews
These are my reflections on books immediately after I’ve finished reading them.
Book Review: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
OK, on GR’s five-star scale, I have to give this book a six. It’s not quite at the literary and narrative level of Mutherjee’s “The Gene,” but it’s definitely a must-read. Of course, you first have to read Harari’s first book, “Sapiens,” which I said actually should be the standard history text for all high Read More …
Book Review: Deadeye Dick
I first read this book 30 years ago and had categorized it as sort of a typically delightful Vonnegut book but not among his best. I might still say that after this second reading but doing so only emphasizes the greatness of Vonnegut’s wit and imagination. I read a description of the book that describes it Read More …
Book Review: The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
This is a very interesting story, well told. It features a fascinating, if somewhat confusing at times, array of characters, including a transgender protagonist, a courageous freedom fighter, an orphan adopted and raised by loving though unorthodox women, a renowned TV journalist and many more. Set in modern-day India and Kashimir, it has a wide Read More …
Book Review: News of the World
The prose and descriptions in this story from post-Civil War America are strongly reminiscent of Larry McMurtry. But this is a wholly original story. There is nothing derivative about it. The plot centers around an aging veteran of several conflicts – dating back to his participation in the War of 1812. At 71, he has Read More …
Book Review: A Life in Parts
The problem with this book is that there’s so much great material to work with. Cranston could have written 280 pages on his experiences as Walter White alone. That part is clearly the one that he’s most proud of, and fans of his work would be eager for more details, especially after the stirring scene Read More …
Review of Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
I’ve read a fair amount about this period in American history, but no work has brought it all together in the way that S.C. Gwynne’s Empire of the Summer Moon did. It is somewhat tempting to view this as a Plains Indians version of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, but the book is so Read More …
Review of ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ by J.D. Vance
As usual, I’m a couple of years behind in getting to this book, which some people seem to view as some sort of cultural touchstone. To the degree that it portrays a family living in a kind of cultural backwater – both geographically and symbolically – Hillbilly Elegy is interesting enough. Vance’s description of his Read More …
Review of “I’m Just A Person” by Tig Notaro
I picked up I’m Just A Person because the jacket said it was an autobiography by one of the most popular comics of our time, and, since I’d never heard of her, I thought I’d learn a little something and have a good laugh or two. Well, one for two. I learned much about Tig Notaro, but Read More …
Review of “Everybody’s Fool” by Richard Russo
Russo is one of my favorite contemporary writers. Everybody’s Fool is not one of my favorite books. Its predecessor, Nobody’s Fool, wasn’t either, though it was pleasant enough and a moderately accurate depiction of small town life and human nature. It certainly featured Russo’s depth and insight in drawing vivid characters and portraying them as Read More …