The Life You Can Save
Peter Singer
(5/5)
Lifechanging. The message in this book was hard. Easy to understand but oh, so difficult to digest and even more difficult to forget. Singer, often described as the most influential living philosopher of our time, presents a series of thought experiments and ensuing logic which challenges us to question the ethics of our choices both small and large. It uses this logic to answer why, where and how much affluent people should give to help those most at need. The Live You Can Change elicits many uncomfortable feelings around one’s morality and I can see why many people don’t go past the ‘intentional spoiler’ at the start of the book. Singer could do more to empathise with the reader and address some of these feelings as it’s hard to know what to do with them – but that’s just not his shtick. My friends and colleagues are now dealing with the aftermath! The Life You Can Save is available as a free audiobook here.
Here are a few thinkers I've been exploring lately.
Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons
Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
(3.5/5)
I really, really wanted to love this book. But I didn’t. The structure was great – hypothesis based chapters investigated with research and interviews from female leaders including Hillary and Jacinda. The diversity was great including leaders from South America, Africa and Europe. The final discussion around mentorship and the paradox between authentically describing experiences and scaring young women away from politics was particularly insightful.
But, every night I found myself slogging through the pages….forcing myself to finish. That I would let down the cause if I didn’t. Was it the writing style? The tone? The structure (which on the surface I claim to love). It was almost as if there was something overly reserved or formal in the writing and interviewing. In short, the storytelling was missing. Notwithstanding, I’m happy I persevered.
Phosphorescence: On Awe, Wonder and Things That Sustain You When the World Gets Dark
Julia Baird
(3/5)
Started so strong – the title and the cover are gorgeous. The first few chapters were also very engaging - especially in audio as I walked the nature reserve near our house in the final weeks of lockdown. The time spent in Indigenous Communities, Baird’s personal survival story and personal writing style were all highlights. And I feel a bit bad saying this, but it just got a little too same same as the story went on….finishing off with a pet peeve – a letter to the children (eye roll). I didn’t mind it but I haven’t recommended it to anyone.
How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs
Guy Raz
(3.5/5)
This book felt a bit like a meme you don’t forward. Enjoyable for the fleeting time you engage with it, but pretty forgettable. Two weeks after finishing the book, all I can recall is that I enjoyed the read. Not really surprising given the storytelling talent of an ex-journo and podcast host. Guy Raz re-tells stories from the many entrepreneurs he has interviewed throughout his career. The entrepreneurial edicts of purpose and perseverance abound and an interesting discussion is skimmed around diversity – would have loved him to go deeper here. All in all it’s very ‘yee-ha’ American - it gives you that inspired, fuzzy feeling about making the world a better place. And we do all need that once in a while.
Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts
Carol Tavris, Elliot Aronson
(4/5)
This book examines cognitive dissonance (holding two competing ideas in your head at once). And I did just that – I definitely experienced cognitive dissonance in each and every chapter. From the benign – reflecting on my ardent defence of my recent air fryer purchase. To questioning deeply held beliefs around sexual trauma and recovered memory. I was thinking (and probably overthinking) on each and every page. In this 2020 edition (originally published in 2007) an analysis of the Trump administration was particularly interesting reading while watching the storming of Washington on the news. A book which allows the reader to experience the very concept it is trying to illustrate is quite an accomplishment.
Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here
Heather Rose
(4/5)
Love it when a fictional writher nails a non-fiction. Rose is brave to share her story in search of spiritual meaning. She opens up about her own experiences and choices, even in the face of criticism that ranges from deeming them far-fetched to outright narcissistic. Rose’s writing, which I fell in love with in her literary fiction The Museum of Modern Love, once again displays its beauty and magnetism. One significant gap, is an acknowledgment or stance regarding the appropriation of indigenous traditions for spiritual development by individuals who are not the rightful custodians of those cultural systems. This important topic, deserving of exploration and dialogue, could have further enriched the book's engagement with spirituality in a secular age.
A Bone of Fact
David Walsh
(5/5)
David Walsh is an unabashed, self-proclaimed wanker (this is a quote from the book – not my opinion). The minute I start thinking he is brilliant I read another page and think the book becomes a joke. A bone of fact is a rollercoaster. Like MONA (the amazing Museum of Old and New Art that Walsh established in Tasmania from gambling profits) the story, narrative, memoir, chronology (it’s hard to tell) is feels like you have entered Walsh’s stream of consciousness – and that’s a pretty weird place to be. It’s also a beautiful looking book and sits pride of place on our coffee table (now who’s the wanker?).
Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Barak Obama
(4/5)
Audio is a must for this one – can anyone ever get enough of Obama’s voice? A great memoir of the Obama’s early years that only add to his remarkable achievements. The description of many sliding door moments was a highlight – where Obama’s unwavering conviction and values based choices, now seen in hindsight, paved the path to the Oval Office. Dreams From My Father is a captivating exploration of his personal struggles and identity, interwoven with broader themes of race and heritage.
How to Save A Planet
Bill Gates
(4/5)
This book was soooooooo written by an engineer. It comprehensively breaks down a massive problem (climate change) into route causes and solutions. It’ slightly mansplainy. It’s slightly condescending. And, it was true to it’s title. It’s an opinion on the steps humanity needs to make to save the planet. Notwithstanding the somewhat arrogant tone it’s hard to argue that Gate’s big brain on this issue is a good thing. The most important question this book answered for me is whether my piddly day-to-day actions make a difference. And, the answer is yes. Market signals are important. And, when there are enough signals change will occur – maybe there’s hope yet!