Book Reports
Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
September 4, 2018
My rating: 5 / 10
The book contains many interesting examples of common biases and logical fallacies, but it’s buried in a lot of bluster and fluff about how smart the author is. While it was likely groundbreaking when it was published in 2004, its ideas have since permeated into the mainstream. Reading it in 2018, the ideas feel neither novel nor original. Thinking Fast and Slow covers the same material with more depth and better writing.
Full reviewDeep Work by Cal Newport
August 26, 2018
My rating: 9 / 10
This was my favorite book of 2018. It profoundly impacted the way I approach my work and organize my time. After reading it, I find it easier to maintain concentration and to prioritize important tasks. It was also the final push I needed to un-addict myself from social media.
Full reviewHappy City by Charles Montgomery
August 6, 2018
My rating: 8 / 10
Given how much urban design affects our lives, it’s surprising how little we think about and participate in it. This book was eye-opening in terms of the way I look at cities and how its inhabitants interact with them.
I took for granted the idea that cities should be friendly to car-travel, but the book highlights many ways in which a focus on car-friendliness makes cities worse overall. It was interesting to see examples of how cities can flourish when they prioritize the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit.
Full review