http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B3WZ4VY/?tag=dedasys-20
Space pirates vs a recruit in the space navy: fun space opera - if that's not your thing, this book is not for you!
But I love that kind of thing for a light, relaxing read, and thought this one was pretty good. It's less science fiction than "pirates in space" in some ways, as it does not rely much on technology or science as part of the plot in a way that some "harder" sci fi does: the whole thing could pretty easily be rewritten as an "age of sail" (Horatio Hornblower) book and not come across too much the worse for wear. But that's not what we're here for and the book does deliver plasma guns and space suits and faster than light jumps and that kind of fun stuff, so I'm happy.
The grand finale is a bit on the unbelievable side... but it's a space opera, so it gets a pass from me.
The ending sets things up for another book, which I'll be sure to get when it's out.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Q6XLF2/?tag=dedasys-20
Dread? No. But I've never studied statistics in a formal way, and thought "can't hurt" when I saw the book reviewed in The Economist.
Despite never having studied statistics formally, I found the book starting off a bit slowly. For instance, the difference between mean and median - three guys in a bar have a mean income of 50,000 a year, Bill Gates walks in, and that number jumps way up, whereas the median doesn't - standard deviation, and so on. Not complicated concepts. The writing is clear, pleasant, and efficient though, so I breezed through it pretty quickly.
The rest of the book delves into progressively more complex bits of statistics, but always ensures that the examples are comprehensible with examples that are easy to work out in your head.
The book feels a bit weak in terms of either telling people to "not try this at home" or to "go for it!", as they seem to do neither. I don't feel the book alone is really enough to let people attempt more complicated statistics on their own, but does a very good job giving you an idea what those terms mean, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. If you don't have much of a background in stats or math, and are curious, I'd recommend the book.
Dread? No. But I've never studied statistics in a formal way, and thought "can't hurt" when I saw the book reviewed in The Economist.
Despite never having studied statistics formally, I found the book starting off a bit slowly. For instance, the difference between mean and median - three guys in a bar have a mean income of 50,000 a year, Bill Gates walks in, and that number jumps way up, whereas the median doesn't - standard deviation, and so on. Not complicated concepts. The writing is clear, pleasant, and efficient though, so I breezed through it pretty quickly.
The rest of the book delves into progressively more complex bits of statistics, but always ensures that the examples are comprehensible with examples that are easy to work out in your head.
The book feels a bit weak in terms of either telling people to "not try this at home" or to "go for it!", as they seem to do neither. I don't feel the book alone is really enough to let people attempt more complicated statistics on their own, but does a very good job giving you an idea what those terms mean, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. If you don't have much of a background in stats or math, and are curious, I'd recommend the book.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Engineers of Victory: The Problem Solvers Who Turned The Tide in the Second World War
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004J4WNMG/?tag=dedasys-20
The title promises a bit more than this book delivers, somehow: I expected one of those books with a thesis along the lines of "the war was really one by X, Y, and Z". But the author is much too fair-minded, analytical and circumspect to get carried away with anything like that, so he ends up pointing out a series of innovations that moved things along in the allies favor, but it ends up feeling a bit anticlimactic.
The book is quite thorough, and interesting, and does take a unique approach to WWII history in that it examines what technology enabled the allies to win. Examples include radar small enough to be carried on board airplanes, and other anti-submarine systems, long range fighters, and the technology and, above all, organizational skills necessary to carry out amphibious landings both in Europe (operation Overlord), and in the Pacific theater.
Interestingly, he discounts, to some degree, the role of the code breakers, who have came out of obscurity in recent years. He agrees that they were helpful, but perhaps not really decisive, compared to improved weapons systems that, for instance, actually sank German submarines.
If you've never read any history of this war, there are more comprehensive books, but I enjoyed the focus and detail on a specific aspect of it. If you're not interested in the details of WWII, skip it.
When comparing this conflict to anything relatively recent, the amount of people who lost their lives is truly staggering and horrifying, and bears thinking about in the hopes that nothing like it ever happens again.
The title promises a bit more than this book delivers, somehow: I expected one of those books with a thesis along the lines of "the war was really one by X, Y, and Z". But the author is much too fair-minded, analytical and circumspect to get carried away with anything like that, so he ends up pointing out a series of innovations that moved things along in the allies favor, but it ends up feeling a bit anticlimactic.
The book is quite thorough, and interesting, and does take a unique approach to WWII history in that it examines what technology enabled the allies to win. Examples include radar small enough to be carried on board airplanes, and other anti-submarine systems, long range fighters, and the technology and, above all, organizational skills necessary to carry out amphibious landings both in Europe (operation Overlord), and in the Pacific theater.
Interestingly, he discounts, to some degree, the role of the code breakers, who have came out of obscurity in recent years. He agrees that they were helpful, but perhaps not really decisive, compared to improved weapons systems that, for instance, actually sank German submarines.
If you've never read any history of this war, there are more comprehensive books, but I enjoyed the focus and detail on a specific aspect of it. If you're not interested in the details of WWII, skip it.
When comparing this conflict to anything relatively recent, the amount of people who lost their lives is truly staggering and horrifying, and bears thinking about in the hopes that nothing like it ever happens again.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W0I00Q/?tag=dedasys-20
The flaw with this book is that it's not going to be read by the people who ought to read it. I thought it was well written, argued sensibly, and basically agree with almost everything that Carl Sagan writes. But in a certain sense, many of the ideas and concepts were not new.
Bits that did stand out include:
An excellent description of the broad open mindedness and skepticism that are both essential ingredients of good science. You have to always be willing to consider new hypothesis, and to look at data in a new light. But at the same time, you have to be ruthlessly skeptical in order to weed out ideas that don't work. This isn't easy; scientists are human too and suffer from the same defects we all do.
On religion:
In any event, lots of sensible ideas about the importance of science to society, and a passionate defense of science as an institution of human progress.
The problem though, is that the book likely won't convince anyone. If you're convinced that evolution is the work of the devil, logic and reason are not going to phase you. If you're on board with the idea of science, you'll nod in appreciation, but not learn much that's new. It'd make a fantastic book to give, say, high school students to read and discuss, but it's probably way too "controversial" for that.
The flaw with this book is that it's not going to be read by the people who ought to read it. I thought it was well written, argued sensibly, and basically agree with almost everything that Carl Sagan writes. But in a certain sense, many of the ideas and concepts were not new.
Bits that did stand out include:
An excellent description of the broad open mindedness and skepticism that are both essential ingredients of good science. You have to always be willing to consider new hypothesis, and to look at data in a new light. But at the same time, you have to be ruthlessly skeptical in order to weed out ideas that don't work. This isn't easy; scientists are human too and suffer from the same defects we all do.
On religion:
This is one of the reasons that the organized religions do not inspire me with confidence. Which leaders of the major faiths acknowledge that their beliefs might be incomplete or erroneous and establish institutes to uncover possible doctrinal deficiencies?The theories scientists hold on any given day are less important than the methods behind science. Theories can change depending on what's known at a given point in time from observations and experiments, but the relentless method of seeking the truth is what sets science apart: there is a method for sifting through the facts and arriving at what is the most promising theory, and those theories must change when new data arrives that contradicts them.
In any event, lots of sensible ideas about the importance of science to society, and a passionate defense of science as an institution of human progress.
The problem though, is that the book likely won't convince anyone. If you're convinced that evolution is the work of the devil, logic and reason are not going to phase you. If you're on board with the idea of science, you'll nod in appreciation, but not learn much that's new. It'd make a fantastic book to give, say, high school students to read and discuss, but it's probably way too "controversial" for that.
Monday, April 1, 2013
The Mongoliad: Book Three
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ML3ATA/?tag=dedasys-20
And so, the saga draws to an end. Mostly. After three books, they don't quite wrap things up, leaving plenty of room for more writing.
To be blunt, I'd buy pretty much anything Neal Stephenson writes, and this book bears some of his imprint. However, the fact that it's a collaboration does come through, as it feels a bit ... "paler", I guess I'd say than a pure Stephenson book.
There is also lots of fighting and fight scenes. Lots and lots of them. Generally, I'm ok with that - I like to read escapist fiction with heroes and villains clashing in battle, but after a while, even I started to get a bit weary of the very detailed descriptions of the swordplay. With the swordplay and violence comes a lot of blood - if that makes you squeamish, this is probably not the series for you.
Generally, though, along with the previous installments of the series, it was a good read, and I'd recommend it as something fun and distracting, even though it's not up to the level of some of Stephenson's other writing.
And so, the saga draws to an end. Mostly. After three books, they don't quite wrap things up, leaving plenty of room for more writing.
To be blunt, I'd buy pretty much anything Neal Stephenson writes, and this book bears some of his imprint. However, the fact that it's a collaboration does come through, as it feels a bit ... "paler", I guess I'd say than a pure Stephenson book.
There is also lots of fighting and fight scenes. Lots and lots of them. Generally, I'm ok with that - I like to read escapist fiction with heroes and villains clashing in battle, but after a while, even I started to get a bit weary of the very detailed descriptions of the swordplay. With the swordplay and violence comes a lot of blood - if that makes you squeamish, this is probably not the series for you.
Generally, though, along with the previous installments of the series, it was a good read, and I'd recommend it as something fun and distracting, even though it's not up to the level of some of Stephenson's other writing.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008SGNLWM/?tag=dedasys-20
Relationship books? Me? I never would have thought so. It just goes to show the power of selling to a niche. As a genre, it's not something I've ever been much interested in, and in terms of my own life, I feel like I've done a pretty good job navigating my own path (with a lot of help from the example set by my parents): I'm happily married to a wonderful woman with two great kids. But when I saw this book, I figured it'd be worth the time and the money if I learned anything that would make our lives better.
The book was good; I got a few ideas from it, and would recommend it to others. But I think it could have been more. Or perhaps a book is not the best format: the authors, Brad and Amy interviewed a number of other entrepreneurial couples, and it's pretty clear that there is no One Formula for what works. For instance, the authors do not have children, which is a huge difference. They realize and acknowledge that, and dedicate a chapter to the subject via interviews with people who do have kids, but to be honest, I feel like you could write a whole book from the point of view of a couple with kids, and include a chapter for those who don't: "you may not realize it, but you have a crapload of time, and no one really depends on you for such basics as eating, sleeping, and hygiene - enjoy it!". Maybe some kind of internet group/forum/mailing list might be a useful addition. I felt like I wanted to compare some notes with the people with kids, rather than just read what they wrote and leave it there. How do you manage weekends? How much time do you work? Do you have any plans for 'the future' when the parent working less gets to "take their turn"? Did you have to curtail your startup because of your family?
Also, the book is a bit conditioned by "survivorship bias": Brad is an extremely successful entrepreneur and investor - in terms of money, he's set for life. That does not happen to everyone. What about the couples that tried... and failed, perhaps going back to regular jobs? How much did the failed attempt cost them in terms of their relationship? Maybe it made it stronger? At what point do you give up? Brad and Amy do interview people who are in different situations than their own, but since they're the authors, it's natural that their voice is the strongest throughout the book.
The book conveyed some important messages like communicating a lot, and communicating well, but those were, paradoxically, the more 'universal' bits of advice that matter in any relationship. As someone who is, by nature, not really an entrepreneur but who has taken some steps in that direction, I would have been more interested in advice that's specific to those going "off the beaten path" of life working a steady "9-5" style job.
One thing that's easy to overlook, but I liked was a thorough bibliography and suggestions for 'further reading'. If I were interested in reading more about certain subjects, I would not have the faintest idea how to select a book, so their suggestions are appreciated.
A further point that one might wish for: some statistics. That would not be easy, because to even get them, you'd have to define "entrepreneur" or some other set of people, and then find out if you could even obtain data on them. Still though, it'd be interesting to see.
If it sounds like I'm being harsh, it's mostly that the book got me to thinking and wishing I could talk to other like-minded individuals about these issues. The book is good, and I would recommend it. For a few dollars and a few hours of reading time, if it improves your relationship at all, I'd call that a huge win.
Relationship books? Me? I never would have thought so. It just goes to show the power of selling to a niche. As a genre, it's not something I've ever been much interested in, and in terms of my own life, I feel like I've done a pretty good job navigating my own path (with a lot of help from the example set by my parents): I'm happily married to a wonderful woman with two great kids. But when I saw this book, I figured it'd be worth the time and the money if I learned anything that would make our lives better.
The book was good; I got a few ideas from it, and would recommend it to others. But I think it could have been more. Or perhaps a book is not the best format: the authors, Brad and Amy interviewed a number of other entrepreneurial couples, and it's pretty clear that there is no One Formula for what works. For instance, the authors do not have children, which is a huge difference. They realize and acknowledge that, and dedicate a chapter to the subject via interviews with people who do have kids, but to be honest, I feel like you could write a whole book from the point of view of a couple with kids, and include a chapter for those who don't: "you may not realize it, but you have a crapload of time, and no one really depends on you for such basics as eating, sleeping, and hygiene - enjoy it!". Maybe some kind of internet group/forum/mailing list might be a useful addition. I felt like I wanted to compare some notes with the people with kids, rather than just read what they wrote and leave it there. How do you manage weekends? How much time do you work? Do you have any plans for 'the future' when the parent working less gets to "take their turn"? Did you have to curtail your startup because of your family?
Also, the book is a bit conditioned by "survivorship bias": Brad is an extremely successful entrepreneur and investor - in terms of money, he's set for life. That does not happen to everyone. What about the couples that tried... and failed, perhaps going back to regular jobs? How much did the failed attempt cost them in terms of their relationship? Maybe it made it stronger? At what point do you give up? Brad and Amy do interview people who are in different situations than their own, but since they're the authors, it's natural that their voice is the strongest throughout the book.
The book conveyed some important messages like communicating a lot, and communicating well, but those were, paradoxically, the more 'universal' bits of advice that matter in any relationship. As someone who is, by nature, not really an entrepreneur but who has taken some steps in that direction, I would have been more interested in advice that's specific to those going "off the beaten path" of life working a steady "9-5" style job.
One thing that's easy to overlook, but I liked was a thorough bibliography and suggestions for 'further reading'. If I were interested in reading more about certain subjects, I would not have the faintest idea how to select a book, so their suggestions are appreciated.
A further point that one might wish for: some statistics. That would not be easy, because to even get them, you'd have to define "entrepreneur" or some other set of people, and then find out if you could even obtain data on them. Still though, it'd be interesting to see.
If it sounds like I'm being harsh, it's mostly that the book got me to thinking and wishing I could talk to other like-minded individuals about these issues. The book is good, and I would recommend it. For a few dollars and a few hours of reading time, if it improves your relationship at all, I'd call that a huge win.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sheriff Bo Tully Mysteries
This is actually something of a series, although you could easily read them independently of one another. Here's the first book:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FCKRME/?tag=dedasys-20
I got the stomach flu a few weekends ago, and needed something easy and relaxing to read while I was sick. A couple of these books were just what the doctor ordered.
If you're not familiar with Patrick McManus, he has written a series of humorous books with anecdotes and short stories about the outdoor life in the west - specifically the Idaho panhandle area, where he grew up. Some of them are pretty entertaining.
These books, rather than being an "embellished" account of his own experiences, are fictional stories set in "Blight County" Idaho. While they are murder mysteries, McManus' dry humor comes through loud and clear.
The cast of characters are entertaining, and the plots keep you curious about whodunnit.
With a thought to my Italian friends, I'm not sure how much of the books would be lost on someone not familiar with small towns in out of the way places in the US. On the other hand, they're also a fun glimpse into the sort of town not often visited by tourists from abroad.
I can recommend the first two books of the series, which I have read: they're good, unpretentious, fun and funny stories. A great distraction from a busy life in a not-so-out-of-doorsy place.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FCKRME/?tag=dedasys-20
I got the stomach flu a few weekends ago, and needed something easy and relaxing to read while I was sick. A couple of these books were just what the doctor ordered.
If you're not familiar with Patrick McManus, he has written a series of humorous books with anecdotes and short stories about the outdoor life in the west - specifically the Idaho panhandle area, where he grew up. Some of them are pretty entertaining.
These books, rather than being an "embellished" account of his own experiences, are fictional stories set in "Blight County" Idaho. While they are murder mysteries, McManus' dry humor comes through loud and clear.
The cast of characters are entertaining, and the plots keep you curious about whodunnit.
With a thought to my Italian friends, I'm not sure how much of the books would be lost on someone not familiar with small towns in out of the way places in the US. On the other hand, they're also a fun glimpse into the sort of town not often visited by tourists from abroad.
I can recommend the first two books of the series, which I have read: they're good, unpretentious, fun and funny stories. A great distraction from a busy life in a not-so-out-of-doorsy place.
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