Robert

Pooping through the Apocolypse

Revisado: 07-15-17

After listening to the free short story "The Hospital" I was reluctant to give this a go. In that book, the main character seemed a bit shallow. The story, while good, was nothing exceptional that would make me want to commit to the entire series. However, I was going on a long trip and needed some new material, so decided to give this three volume set a try.

The books are great. Books 1 and 2 follow the character "Gus" from the first short story. After a while I started feeling sorry for the guy: one beating after another, a descent into alcoholism and long conversations with Captain Morgan. Literally - they would talk. By the end of book two you just want to say: for Pete's sake give the poor guy some rest!

After taking a pounding in books 1 and 2, book 3 gives him a vacation while another character, Scott, takes up the narration. No worries tho, Gus is back in book 4, and the mayhem continues and ties up the two main story lines.

The headline of this review refers to the seeming obsession of the main characters with toilet paper and finding someplace to relieve themselves. Weird. But, I have to say that in all the zombie/end-of-world books I've read this is the first time toilets have been mentioned so often.

That aside, this was one of the better zombie series' out there. Lots of action, humor, and a nod to the fact that technology (gas/batteries/machines/canned food) are not going to last forever.

Good book, well paced, great narration. The three volume package is definitely a deal.

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Fresh Concepts

Revisado: 07-15-17

I have to say that the concepts laid out in this book are unique. No spoilers, but the concepts introduced in the first book are expanded. The author takes a LOT of time to fully explain what is going on (in conversations between the characters), and takes great pains to address inconsistency.

Even better than the first one. Cannot wait to see how this develops in the third installment. Great job!

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Not really that "wacky".

Revisado: 02-07-15

I liked it - didn't love it, but liked it.

The description makes it out to be a book along the lines of Hitchhiker's Guide, or Monty Python. That wacky British humor.

It really isnt - there are some good quips and an interesting story line, but it really is more serious than the short blurb would make it out to be. I'd give it a 3.5 start rating in general.

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Ever have someone tell you to be assertive?

Revisado: 11-23-14

The modern world is one that rewards assertive, extroverted, and (lets face it) aggressive people. The author makes the argument that 1/3 to 1/2 of the people in the world are introverted: and more importantly, we need them.

The book does the somewhat obvious by telling us how important the quiet folks are, especially in a world where technology makes the face-to-face interactions a little less important.

More helpful is the rest of the book: how does a quiet person interact with the world? How do you "fake" being an extrovert when needed? How do you manage quiet employees? How do you help your quiet child interact in the loud world?

From discussion about the physiological reasons for introversion, to monitoring (and modifying) this behavior in order to function in the extroverts world.

A great book for those looking to understand and appreciate the introverted person, whether it be yourself or another person in your life.

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The title doesnt do the book justice.

Revisado: 11-10-14

The title of the book refers to the Marine tradition of having those of lowest rank eat first. It illustrates the principals of the book, but really doesn't do the material justice.

This is one of the few books I would consider life changing. It explains how our natural tendencies (and, looking to leaders is one of them) are being corrupted by our modern life of abundance. Humans are shaped by the conditions that defined life for most of our history - small groups struggling to survive in a harsh world with limited resources. Our current life with a surplus of everything we need, while disconnected from our "tribe", means we are unhappy and looking for something greater.

Leaders need to be aware of what we need as individuals, groups, and organizations, and how to harness our group power to make an environment where we can thrive. Profit doesn't inspire - sacrificing for the good of others is what we want.

Great book for those who never bought into the authoritarian leadership we see too often today.

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Its about discipline: it should be short

Revisado: 08-30-14

Great book on how to quiet the noise of your mental life and focus on what is important.

Its short, which is the point. Stripped down to the essentials, it is just what you need if you feel pulled in a lot of directions. The author speaks about his personal discoveries, so you don't get a lot of made-up stories to prove a point.

The short duration should not put you off. It is a solid listen you can do in a few days. And it is short enough so that you can re-listen when you need reinforcement.

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Young adult fiction

Revisado: 08-30-14

This is very close to the "Dead Like Me" TV series that ran around 2003. It is about a young girl recruited to be a reaper, collecting the souls of the dead.

I got this during a 2-1 credit deal and didn't really know much about it. Its clever, snarky, and light listening. Has some good humor. Not bad, but intended more for the YA crowd.

Its a fairly complete story, although it is set up to be a series. It is fine as a stand-along book.

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Great book for those looking to simplify

Revisado: 08-30-14

Do less, but better.

Okay I wanted to be simple, but I should expand. This book is essential for those of us who are overwhelmed by tasks. You'll hear why essentialism is important, how to decide was is essential, and what is not. Then it talks about how to apply it: how to stay focused, how to say no, and how to help those around you focus on what is important as well.

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esto le resultó útil a 30 personas

Almost a reboot

Revisado: 06-19-14

After so many installments to the story, I was beginning to get bogged down by the complexity of the storylines. So many characters and complex situations over so long a period made the last book feel very heavy.

Skin Game is the 15th book in the series, but it feels like one written much earlier. The number of characters involved is limited, and there are actually very few references to the events in past books. It is lighter in tone and faster in pace.

There would be very little problem with a person picking this book up as the first one read - the plot is simple and where some backstory is needed, there is a brief explanation. I recommend the entire series, but starting with this one will be a good intro if you didn't feel like going back to the beginning.

Great narration as always, Jim Marsters.

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A true original

Revisado: 06-02-14

This is one of the few books that made me go "wow"! The story and narration are great, but there are some real ideas here that you will think about for a long time after its over.

What does a society do when nanotechnology can provide all basic needs?
How do people get a "tribal" sense of belonging when there are no nations left?
Can you formulate a learning process customized to each individual child?

While these may sound like totally different topics, this and more are developed by this book. In some cases the ideas overshadowed the story: the ideas were fully formed, but there were some loose ends in the story. I would like a sequel just to know what happened to some of the characters.

Highly recommended.

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