Beartown
Review ★★★★★
This is a great book.
I don’t usually read fiction, but Beartown was a nice change from my routine. It’s a heavy story that feels real. The book takes place in a small hockey town that prioritizes the sport and idolizes its players. It looks at the consequences of actions and the bravery of a girl who stands up against a town that values sports over everything else.
ISBN: 150116077X
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
Review ★★★★★
I’ve long had concerns about social media, and a particular disdain for Facebook. In many ways, Careless People validated those feelings. It’s the memoir of Sarah Wynn-Williams’ time at Facebook, and it’s excellent—well-written, at times funny, often shocking, and above all, authentic.
You might question the accuracy of her claims, but it’s hard to dismiss them when Zuckerberg reportedly tried to block the book’s promotion via court order. The Verge has covered the backlash, which only adds credibility to her account.
I couldn’t put this book down. I wasn’t surprised by what I read—but I was still appalled. If Careless People prompts more people to delete their Facebook accounts, I’m all for it.
ISBN: 1250391237
Trapped: Life under Security Capitalism and How to Escape It
Review ★★★★☆
A thought-provoking and powerful read. This book prompted me to reflect deeply on some of my own life choices and the reasoning behind them. The authors take a bold, unapologetic stance on the meaning of security and how it shapes our world.
They explore the concept of security capitalism—a system where security is commodified, leading to the privatization and militarization of public spaces. The result is a society that feels increasingly unequal, controlled, and exclusive. And the most unsettling part is that we’ve played a role in building these constraints ourselves.
It’s a short but impactful read, and I found it both eye-opening and engaging.
ISBN: 1503632962
Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality
Review ★★★☆☆
How do genetics, cellular function, and life choices impact lifespan? This book discusses the biological mechanisms of aging and our pursuit of extending how long we live. The author spends a lot of time discussing the minutiae of cells and how we age, examining scientific advancements aimed at decelerating the aging process. I personally found this to be quite tedious and often found myself losing focus.
The final chapters focus on the ethical and societal implications of our search for immortality. He discusses what billionaires like Elon Musk are doing in this area and has strong opinions on what this means for society at large.
Overall, this book was quite boring and difficult for me to finish. There are other more fascinating books on the subject of aging and dying.
ISBN: 0063113287
