A Reader's reviews
| My Reviews - Page 1 of 1 | «1»
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-18 09:18:32 for Animal Farm.
(Language: English)
 
Written as vilification to former Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin, “Animal Farm” is a satire novella that exposes the errors of a totalitarian regime. The story revolves around a group of farm animals who under the influence of Old Major, an intelligent prized white boar (who represents Karl Marx), ousts their human owner through a (Bolshevik!) revolution and takes control of the farm. Under the philosophical mandate of Old Major’s “Seven Commandments of Animalism”, the farm animals attempt to create a Utopian farm in which all animals are to be equal. The early reform period showed great promise: food was plenty, labor was at a minimum, and liberty was open. However, things begin to change when Napoleon (a pig representing Joseph Stalin) and his pack of ferocious dogs (representing the KGB) takes leadership over the farm. Ruling the farm with an iron fist, Napoleon begins slaughtering animals that were suspected of cooperating with his exiled enemy, Snowball (a pig who represents Leon Trotsky). Under Napoleon’s psychological conditioning, none of the farm animals questioned his authority and they worked harder than they ever had with less food in return. Utopia was simply a fool’s errand. – “Animal Farm” is a social science masterpiece. Orwell’s method of persona association creates an entertaining read that embeds stark political and sociological messages. The literature paints a portrait that displays the paradox behind Marx’s ruling-class ideology: if it’s not the bourgeoisie in power, it will be someone else. Read “Animal Farm”, it will make you smarter.
|
Yes (0) 
No (0)
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-11 08:41:06 for The Communist Manifesto.
(Language: English)
Arguably the most controversial piece of literature ever written, “The Communist Manifesto” has altered the course of human history since publication. The political and social-economic ideologies of Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels created a facade of utopian life that significantly influenced some of the world’s greatest revolutionaries. With their intricately worded disclosure of the exploitative nature of the bourgeoisies, Marx and Engels frenzied the proletarians and brought an entire continent to its knees. Although written without genuine malicious intent, the oversight of human nature in the Manifesto’s vision would ultimately lead to the indirect decimation of over 100 million individuals. “The Communist Manifesto” is not book for everyone; it is a sophisticated read that could easily offend or entice readers. But regardless of one’s views, it is a book that is now forever ingrained into the fabrics of history and has become a must-read for all social scientists- who ironically are bourgeois.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-05-16 07:56:16 for Guns Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies.
(Language: English)
The colonial dominance of Europeans has been deeply engrained in the social and political fabrics of human history. With their guns, germs, and steel, these northerners decimated anyone who stood in their path for gold, god, and glory. So why were the Europeans so powerful? Why wasn’t it the Asians or Africans who colonized the world instead? For centuries, scholars believed it was because of biology; that is the Europeans were simply a superior race. However, social scientist Jared Diamond believes it was Europe’s advantageous geography that ultimately led them to supremacy, and he set out to validate this thesis in his Pulitzer winning masterpiece, “Guns, Germs, and Steel.” Diamond’s fundamental theory is that because the Eurasian Fertile Crescent allowed Europeans to grow a surplus of food, the population was able to focus on other aspects of living. With food no longer the center of all activity, Europeans were able to establish social stratification, political bureaucracy, division of labor, and technology. This explains why they had far superior weaponry, organization, and knowledge compared to their enemies. Moreover, because Europe had exposure to a larger variety of animals, the people were able to develop an evolutionary resistance to their diseases over time. As a result, when Europeans came in contact with outsiders (i.e. Amerindians), they wrecked havoc with pestilence. “Guns, Germs, and Steel” is a monumental contribution to the social sciences. Diamond’s literature completely changed our view of human history and made us contemplate the colossal effects geography might have had on the fates of societies. It is a book that everyone needs to read.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-04-22 05:27:42 for China, Inc.: How the Rise of the Next Superpower Challenges America and the World.
(Language: English)
China: a country once ravaged by famine and Communist ideology has now become the center of world trade. Since the implementation of “The Four Modernizations Program”, the Middle Kingdom has experienced unparalleled growth and posterity. On the surface, China’s economic ascension seems like a positive force, as the cost of global consumer products has declined and multi-national businesses now have a new- and the largest- avenue to conduct commerce. But beneath it all, China’s growth is actually extremely unstable and filled with dire consequences. In an attempt to highlight the effects of China’s rapid industrialization on the rest of the world, former floor trader and Chicago Mercantile Exchange member, Ted Fishman, structures a collection of economic data and observations in his book, “China Inc.” Fishman’s book is a conglomeration of history, statistics, and evaluations; and primarily focuses on China’s poor business ethnics and its economic threat to the United States. Squarely written for those with a scant knowledge on China, this segmented economic excursion will illustrate for readers an uncritical and uncomplex vignette of the world’s most populous country. Although far from being the top literature on China’s economic rise, “China Inc.” is nonetheless a quality and easy read. The book has enough factual information that by the time it concludes, readers will be able to truly comprehend Napoleon’s famous quote: “Let China sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake this world.”
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-03-16 08:14:29 for Arab Political Demography: Population Growth And Natalist Policies (Sussex Studies in Demographic Developments and Socioeconomic).
(Language: English)
A must-read for any social science enthusiast or researcher, Onn Winckler’s “Arab Political Demography” is a scholarly examination into the nature of population growth in the Arab world. With a methodology that synthesizes temporal population statistics with historical events, APD provides readers with a concise thesis behind the region’s rapid population growth. Moreover, Winckler’s book discusses the myriad of deleterious consequences rapid growth has caused on the socioeconomic development and structural employment in the Arab world. In particular, APD focuses on the country of Egypt and discusses the natal policies of the country’s three previous leaders: Gamal Nasser, Anwar Sadat, and Hosni Mubarak. “Arab Political Demography” is an incredible piece of literature that is filled with accurate data and facts. The book is surprisingly easy to read and makes a great reference for anyone interested in researching the social science of the Arab world.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-02-27 10:39:47 for Blue Highways: A Journey into America.
(Language: English)
The premise to “Blue Highways” is an intriguing one: one man traveling through small road America in his hippie van, while visiting fascinating towns and meeting locals. Unfortunately for the author, the premise is the only attractive characteristic about the book. Possessing a doctorate in English, William Heat-Moon’s writing at times can be too sophisticated for a general audience who lacks the cultural capital to decipher his seamless messages. His descriptions of events seem to consistently surpass the limit of saturation, and his conversations with locals often bare no substance. Although the book does contain some vignettes of small-town charm, it is easily diluted by constant monotony- town after town, people after people. The story is subjective in its humor, bias in perception, and partisan in its philosophy. This book is a testament that good writers are not necessarily good story tellers. William Heat-Moon’s attempt at travel writing is a noble one, but academic journalism is where his talent should be utilized. “Blue Highways” is far from the travel classic that it is often labeled. This book really only appeals to those who romanticize the notion of roaming the country in a journey for freedom, exploration, and nostalgia. To everyone else, there really isn't much appeal at all.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-30 11:15:50 for Building Suburbia: Green Fields and Urban Growth, 1820-2000.
(Language: English)
In the United States today, more people reside in suburban landscapes than in inner cities and rural areas combined. To contextualize what led to our peripheral migration, urban historian, Dolores Hayden timelines seven vernacular patterns in the history of suburban development. From the picturesque enclaves of the 1850s to the contemporary edge nodes, Hayden intricately documents the institutional policies and capitalistic motives that impacted suburban evolution. “Building Suburbia’s” fundamental theme discloses the notion that our preferential geography for habitation has always been covertly dictated by corporate America. Hayden’s research is didactic, eye-opening, and a great contribution to urban literature. “Building Suburbia” is only tarnished by its near mechanical flow and diminutive demographic reach, appealing only to urban and history enthusiasts and no one else.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-28 09:14:09 for River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze (P.S.).
(Language: English)
“River Town” is a memoir that paints an everlasting portrait of a nation stuck between stasis and change. Where decades of communist revolutions are vanishing beneath the metaphoric torrents of capitalistic modernity. Suffused with candor, compassion, and ethnography, “River Town” transcends biographic barriers and reveals to the world the true heart and soul of the Chinese people.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-10 10:11:10 for Dance Till Tomorrow, Vol. 1 (Pulp Graphic Novel).
(Language: English)
A far cry from your typical fairytale wishy-washy romantic-comedies, Naoki Yamamoto’s “Dance Till Tomorrow” is a contemporary contentious series that defies the genre. The story revolves around college student, Suekichi Teryama and his struggle to survive in modern Tokyo. Upon the passing of his grandfather, Suekichi is informed he will inherit $4.5 million dollars, under the condition that he graduates college and gets married. The morning after his grandfather’s funeral, Suekichi wakes up in the arms of a beautiful mysterious stranger named, Aya. A twisted relationship of love, betrayal, and sin would soon ensue. “Dance Till Tomorrow” is a series that explores the emotional foundation of the human psyche in a comedic manner. It shows the complexities of human relationships and challenges us to distinguish the difference between love and lust. Yamamoto’s story is humorous yet serious, straightforward but mysterious, touching yet sexual. It is a story that breaks away from the conventional and shows its readers the ugly side of love and life.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2009-10-20 07:32:31 for Runaway World: How Globalization is Reshaping Our Lives.
(Language: English)
Based on a series of lectures originally broadcast on the BBC, “Runaway World” confronts the geopolitical consequences of globalization and asserts that life in the coming century will amount to a precarious game of risk management. The book is broken up into five parts: Globalization, Risk, Tradition, Family, and Democracy. In Globalization, Giddens argues that the process creates an order unlike the one that existed before. For example, the emergence of the Renaissance destroyed the medieval order and now it seems it is time for us to bid farewell to the era of nations-states, as cultures are mixing at an immense rate. The second chapter evaluates the modern world’s replacement of the ideas of fate, chance, and nature with the relatively new idea of risk. Lives are no longer ruled by the unknown, but instead by statistical measures of calamity. “Runaway World” then leads to an eye-opening elucidation of fundamentalism in tradition. Explaining that tradition is based more on belief than factual reality, because many so-called traditions are less than a couple of hundred years old. The book then shifts to family and an analysis of how modern marriages are no longer a matter of nature but instead a weighted scale of jeopardy, balancing the possibility of emotional impairment for the chance of everlasting fulfillment. Giddens closes “Runaway World” with an argument that international democratization is the way to deal with the negative potentials of globalization. Giddens is convincing with his assertion that the impacts of globalization go well beyond trade and commerce. His thesis is well constructed and argued, making his point and his book, a sociologic powerhouse.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2009-10-13 09:22:05 for On Justice, Power and Human Nature: Essence of Thucydides' "History of the Peloponnesian War".
(Language: English)
“On Justice Power and Human Nature” is a selective translation from “The History of the Peloponnesian War”, a recount of the 5th century B.C. war between the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta and the Delian League led by Athens. This historic narrative was written by Thucydides, an Athenian general who served in the war. Due to his strict standard for veracity, “History” has been revered by historians throughout time. Thucydides is a superb author as he is able to construct stories that are cold and critical, yet emotionally symbolic. Moreover, his documentation contains pieces of a subtle thesis that all wars are acts of politics and that human nature is the cause of global crises. Thucydides was a scholar far ahead of his time and was projected as so through his writing. In spite of being a member of the Athenian military, Thucydides recorded the Peloponnesian War from an unbiased view, often questioning and criticizing his own state. “History’s” timeline begins with an evaluation to the origins of war, a record of the famous speech of Pericles, the plague of Athens, Corcyra’s civil war, and the Sicilian Expedition- which ultimately ended the war. This book may not be particularly entertaining but it is exceptionally accurate and is a must-read for any enthusiast of history. Especially since the Peloponnesian War was not your typical historic war. In this war, [spoiler] the heavy underdog actually prevails.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-27 09:07:28 for Korea's Place in the Sun: A Modern History, Updated Edition.
(Language: English)
Korea; a once unified nation north of the East China Sea is now two separate states with absolute contrasts. The North is a nation of starving people, brainwashed daily by the propagandas of their demented leader, Kim Jung-Il. The South has become a land of opportunity, where industrialization is carrying the country into becoming a future economic superpower. So what happened in the Korean Peninsula that resulted in such distinction? In order to solve the mysticism that is the former “Hermit Kingdom”, University of Chicago history professor, Bruce Cumings, compiles a recollection of Korean’s history in his book, “Korea’s Place in the Sun.” Cumings projects for readers a view of Korea from its prehistoric beginnings through to the current era. KPS provides vivid depictions of some of Korea’s most imperative events through history such as: the post-1905 years, the causes and impact of the Korea War, the aftermath of the Demilitarization of the 38th parallel, the emergence of “The Eternal Leader” Kim Il-Sung, the success of the South Korean Zaibatsu, and the possibilities- and ramifications- of unification. KPS is an incredible work of scholar and can arguably be used as a single source for Korean history. The only set-back with this literature is its lack of appeal for a general audience. Unless one is affectionately into Korean social science, Cumings’ book will be a bore. KPR is comprised of dates, conversations, and data- nothing more. Entertainment was never within Cumings’ sights for his aim from the beginning was to create a bible for Korean historic reference; which is exactly what “Korea’s Place in the Sun” is.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-04 03:14:53 for Sandman: Brief Lives: 7 (Sandman Collected Library).
(Language: English)
The seventh volume of “The Sandman” series is centered on the two members of “The Endless” family: Dream and Delirium; and their search for their brother, Destruction. Titled, “Brief Lives" this particular volume stands out from the rest for it reveals a deeper side to some of the characters in the series. Until this volume, readers were only given snippets of information on the members of The Endless outside of Dream and Death. Moreover, for the first time in the main story arc, Dream is no longer the sole protagonist but is forced to share the role with his sister, Delirium. Having Delirium in a leading role brings a fresh perspective into the dark veneer of “The Sandman,” for she brightens the series with her random banter and childlike innocence. The adventure that the protagonists embark on will also divulge to readers the evolution of Dream and the motive behind Destruction’s abandonment. On its own, “The Sandman” is already great, but “Brief Lives” definitely made it remarkable. More so than the others in the series, this particular volume is a sheer delight to read. A delight like Delirium of past.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-16 09:16:57 for The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World.
(Language: English)
In “The Geography of Bliss,” former NPR foreign correspondent, Eric Weiner journeys the globe in search for the world’s happiest places. A self-proclaimed grump, Weiner wanted answers to the mysticism of our internal content. His keen observations and comedic wit carries his literature to a height that surpasses even the great Bill Bryson. A reason why “The Geography of Bliss” reached the zenith of The New York Times Bestseller’s List is because Weiner ventures into countries rarely covered by the media and press. Countries like the Buddhist nation of Bhutan, where happiness is a political policy; Iceland, where its cold residents find happiness in their failures; and Qatar, a country without its own culture but has a vast supply of capital. Weiner’s study of these countries reveals happiness in its multi-faceted forms and encourages us to connect our geographic location to the fundamentalism of our bliss. “The Geography of Bliss” is a rare book. It is a book so unparalleled that it has now created a benchmark in the travel writing industry, forcing future writers to raise their bar of journalism fineness. It is a book that will undoubtedly make its readers…happy.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2009-06-09 09:26:47 for The Complete Persepolis.
(Language: English)
"Persepolis" is a graphic format memoir that takes its readers through the life of a Persian girl growing up during the Iran Revolution and the Persian Gulf Wars. In her biography, Marjane Satrapi showcases the sorrow and struggles of what it means to grow-up amidst a land of chaos. Her stories and adventures as a youth adjusting to growing pains of adulthood will leave readers reminiscing of their own personal trek through life. Perhaps the most refreshing element about this novel is Satrapi's ability to project the flaws of her own faith by casting aside the bias of her culture and challenges the world that is presented. "Persepolis" is an absolute literary- or should I say graphical- classic. A classic like the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis itself.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-08 11:03:54 for Battle Royale 10.
(Language: English)
In his first novel, Koushun Takami creates a controversial and violent thriller in which a random selected class of high school teenagers are forced onto an island by their own government, given weapons, and told to kill each other on live television. In order to promote bloodshed, each student is locked to a digital neck device that will explode if no one dies within every hour. This cruel event is known simply as “The Program.” The winner of The Program is the last student standing in this open cruel battle royale. This novel truly is a potent allegory of what it means to be living in a dog-eat-dog world. Takami writes with bravado and holds nothing back, depicting of friends killing friends; innocents murdered by the cynical; and the total decimation of an entire group of youths. Aside from his vision of madness, Takami also creates a handful of sinister antagonists that arguably surpasses some of the most memorial villains in fictional history. Antagonists from the sickle wielding, Mitsuko Souma, who proves beauty truly can kill; to the cold and emotionless, Kazuo Kiriyama, who leaves fate to the flip of a coin. “Battle Royale” is a ground-breaking contentious modern science-fiction masterpiece. It is not a novel for everyone, but those who choose to read it will undoubtedly be rewarded.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-04 06:17:19 for On the War for Greek Freedom Selections from the Histories.
(Language: English)
In "Herodotus: On The War For Greek Freedom", Samuel Shirley does a marvelous job translating and selecting the relevant portions from the famous nine-volume, "Histories." However, this review is not about Shirley, it is about Herodotus. For those of you who may not be familiar with Herodotus, he was a fifth-century historian who wrote about the Greco-Persian War. Often referred as the father of history, Herodotus’ writing has been met with criticism, praise, and controversy throughout all of antiquity and modernity. The pros and cons to Herodotus’ story is one in the same: mythology. Although Herodotus claims his work is historical, many historians are turned-off by his implementation of the supernatural. Many scholars believe Herodotus did this to amplify the entertainment value of his books in order to get his work read. But by doing so, he sacrificed accuracy, thus fracturing the historic part of his writing. Nonetheless "Histories" is still the best [and only] story on the Greco-Persian War. I believe Herodotus’ style of writing will appeal to readers of all levels. Compared to most ancient literature, Herodotus’ writing is very straightforward and concise. "Herodotus: On The War for Greek Freedom" is a wonderful read, for it provide its readers with historic knowledge, as well as entertainment.
|
 |
A Reader posted a review at 2009-04-30 12:10:14 for The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture.
(Language: English)
In The Chrysanthemum and the Sword, renowned anthropologist, Ruth Benedict, voyeurs into Japanese culture during World War II. The primary structure of her research was to compare the Japanese to Americans and Chinese. Benedict's thesis essentially labels Japan as a "shame culture", a culture where one’s self-image is based on societal perception. Contrary to American "guilt culture", which centers on mental self-image in relation to our superegos. Although The Chrysanthemum and the Sword is a well researched and well constructed literature, it is highly flawed. The problem with the book is not so much Benedict, but rather time. Majority of Benedict's depiction of the Japanese were taken during the Shogunate Era, a period when samurais still roamed the island. Moreover, during the time of her research, Japan was a nation on a path of military madness. Japan has since evolved. The country has been striped of its military and has now reached the height of economic supremacy. It is a nation of mild mannered, hard working individuals who hide from the shame of their past. The Chrysanthemum and the Sword is a wonderful read for anyone interested in Japanese history, culture, and anthropology. However, if you are looking to gain insight into modern Japan, you should look elsewhere.
|
| My Reviews - Page 1 of 1 | «1»
|