Books - Comments

Tommy Garvin comments on Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: The 5 Paths to Achieving Greatness in Business

Tommy Garvin — Wed, 30 May 2012 01:52:13 +0000

I just finished Steve Jobs earlier today. I admire how candid he is, yet I feel for those he alienated throughout his career. There were many things I never understood about Apple--closed systems being one of them. I get it now. And I feel I have a better understanding of a rather complex person. I have to say that some day if I read a Bill Gates biography, I expect that I will read something that paints him in as positive a light as Steve Jobs depicts its namesake. Yes, I really said that. Despite presenting Jobs as the person he was, I could not help but feel sympathetic toward him and to see him as a positive force in many ways.

Here's one thing I feel compelled to add to your list though:

6) Live your life so that should tragedy strike and cancer take you down, you don't need to commission a biography so your children will know you. Get to know them now, no matter how drive you are in your career or your job.

This biography was the easiest non-fiction work I have ever read. I cannot wait to pass it on to others.

Garvin

James Dugan comments on The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

James Dugan — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:07:17 +0000

Thanks for the comments. I can only picture London in the wonderful fog that covers it. I love its pretention and proclivity towards tragedy, but it is difficult to match my American optimism to its tone. Their tragedy is drawn out studies of struggle and redemption. Most American books, have the sudden burst of realism at the end that shakes us.

Matthew (@thebibliofreak) comments on The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

Matthew (@thebibliofreak) — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:54:18 +0000

I'd agree that The Sense of an Ending is filled with melancholy, and thus not an uplifting book. However, I think I'd disagreed that this is representative of a general theme to British fiction. Dickens is known to be a sucker for a happy ending, and Harry Potter, whilst leaving some of the main characters emotionally scarred, ultimately has good and positive messages. Can't argue with Hardy or Orwell, though. Still two of my favourites.

My review: The">http://www.bibliofreak.net/2012/05/review-sense-of-ending-by-julian-barnes.html">The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

James Dugan comments on Turning Over Pages: 3 Quick Book Reviews

James Dugan — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:32:34 +0000

A very diverse group and the words for Yellow Raft are stirring. I love when books move us to write. I try to do it with each book. I just try to find something I like about it and expound on a large lesson or something in the news. I also give a brief synopsis, but I don't want to review books, just entice someone to try it and find something new. I think you do that here.

I think if you spend five hours or 10 or 20 on a book, I think it should give you something to write. Writing is the digesting part for me now and I don't feel right just reading -- it is almost like stealing -- I owe the writer at least my take.

I hope you continue this -- I appreciate your passion for books. Welcome to lunch.

Patrick Edmonds comments on Turning Over Pages: 3 Quick Book Reviews

Patrick Edmonds — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:29:05 +0000

Great stuff! These were excellent reviews, and although concise, they pack a sincerely powerful persuasion. I think your sincerity in how the book affected you is what does it for me. I love the idea of characters from great literature becoming a part of our dreams, an extension of subconscious, sometimes inseparable from our own reality. Very few authors are able to mesmerize in such a way and create characters that stay with you well beyond your initial reading. I appreciate your recommendations and I will certainly check these books and authors out. Thank you and welcome to Lunch!

StevieJenks comments on The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

StevieJenks — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:27:36 +0000

I actually finished this book up about a month ago. You pretty much hit the nail on the head. It took me awhile to read due to the lack of action from Tony. His character and his nuances were often painful and you wonder, "WHY DON'T YOU JUST GET OVER IT?!?" But, I believe that is a true characteristic of the human nature. Our inability to let go is what holds us back and keeps us from seeing truth (much like Tony and the mysterious man that Veronica visits.

Very well-written story that I would recommend to anyone. There are some brilliant lines in this book that I must remember to go back and write down.

James Dugan comments on The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

James Dugan — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 01:20:37 +0000

It mostly takes place in London during the present, but it does go back into the life of this sixty year man. I do recommend it. I would like to see what you think. People react to it differently.

Ben Cheetham comments on A Few Thoughts On Self-Publishing And What It's Done For Me

Ben Cheetham — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:46:44 +0000

I'm glad you enjoyed my post, Patrick. Self-publishing is easy! The hard bit, as you say, is writing the book.
Sticking it to publishers was nothing to do with my decision to self-publish, though. I did it primarily just to see if I could make something happen. That's the beauty of self-publishing, it allows authors to take their destiny into their own hands. Big name publishers are understandably struggling to come up with a response. The balance of power has shifted to some extent from the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing world to authors and readers. I think that can only be a good thing.

Nick Carraway comments on The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

Nick Carraway — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:45:51 +0000

I can't believe you are characterizing Brit Lit as so depressing here. This book sounds good, but it must have really got you down. I guess you have a point that melancholy is a common theme in many British novels, and it is rewarding to read that style when done well. Maybe this is a good read for me to get re-acquainted with the genre. When and where in England is the book set?

Nick Carraway comments on A Few Thoughts On Self-Publishing And What It's Done For Me

Nick Carraway — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:38:07 +0000

Great to hear that persistence and hard work have paid off for you. Congrats! I heard today that just the sheer act of writing down our life goals takes them out of the abstract and into the concrete, and that this act goes a long way into helping us achieve them. I hope this blog you just posted takes you one step further towards making a living off your passion.