Bombs Away by Harry Tirtledove

Very depressing and realistic speculation about  a 1951 nuclear war. The characters were well developed but there is no story. 1/5 Stars.  Not recommended .

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mfw@wyle.org | 1.425.249.3936

To Be a Machine by Mark O’Connell

Better than expected.  4/5 stars.

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mfw@wyle.org | 1.425.249.3936

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen read by Kate Beckinsdale

Apple was giving away some audiobooks and on a whim I pulled this one down and listened to it.  The bizarre victorian moires and customs were a little difficult but the story and delivery were quite good.  I do not recommend the book anymore, 2/5 stars.

Anti-Fragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Interesting read. Mr. Taleb has some innovative ideas and an odd mix of sensibilities, ideas, & opinions.  He is extremely harsh and critical of many academic institutions as well as many branches of science and economics.  I found myself agreeing with him about how and why they are so broken about 60% of the time.  I think he is overly critical of medical science but justifiably critical of big pharma and medical doctors.  The book is highly entertaining but somewhat dense and abrupt.  5/5 stars.  I am going to read his other books now.

Starship liberator by B V Larsen and David van Dyke

The Mech suits in the starring role of this book are silly and impossible, as are the tactics and politics. 1/5 stars.

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mfw@wyle.org | 1.425.249.3936

Im Westen nichts neues

Absorbing, interesting, at times neausiating and very depressing book, 3/5 stars.

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mfw@wyle.org | 1.425.249.3936

Dancing with myself by Charles Sheffield

The bad stories and dated science essays overwhelm the good. 2/5 stars. Skip this one.

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mfw@wyle.org | 1.425.249.3936

Third Thoughts by Steven Weinberger

This collection of essays is not bad but somewhat dated and a little boring, 2/5 stars.

I enjoyed book 2 of the series and look forward to the others.  I don't really like the magic system but Sanderson writes well.  4/5 stars.

Brain Rules by John Medina

I finally read this one.  It is very dense and short, and well worth your time to read.  Some of the summaries are too short and cut out critical information.   I enjoyed it and recommend it highly.  5/5 Stars.