Friday Night Lights
Review ★★★☆☆
I watched the Friday Night Lights television show years ago and really enjoyed it, so I decided to read the book. It focuses on the 1988 football season of the Permian High School Panthers in Odessa, Texas.
The book dives deep into Texas football culture and how it shapes the identity of the community. It also explores the personal lives of some players and coaches, giving insight into the immense pressure and expectations placed on high school athletes.
Overall, I thought the book was decent, but it didn’t captivate me as much as I had hoped. Perhaps it’s because we’re already so familiar with the sports culture in this country, especially when it comes to football. It’s a good story, but I think I ultimately preferred the television show.
ISBN: 0060974060
Choose happiness
Roughly two thirds of us don’t like our jobs[1] and are not engaged[2]. We spend our lives longing for weekends, holidays, and vacations—constantly waiting for a reprieve. Whether temporary or permanent, we’ve all experienced dissatisfaction at some point.
There appear to be two problems here:
- Situational
- Mindset
First, there’s a situational problem. We find ourselves in situations that are suboptimal. The obvious solution is to change the situation. But that can be easier said than done—and sometimes not possible at the moment.
Which leads us to consider the second problem—mindset. Happiness is a choice. Consider two individuals in the same difficult situation. One fixates on the negative while the other makes a decision to focus on the opportunities ahead.
I’m not suggesting this is easy. It’s hard, and sometimes it can feel impossible. But being happy is a conscious choice independent of external conditions. And we all deserve to be happy.
In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife
Review ★★★☆☆
This is a short book, and Sebastian’s writing is excellent—I truly enjoy his style. Through his narratives and personal experiences, he recounts his brush with death, offering insights into the profound impact of life and the idea that death need not be feared. He shares examples of near-death experiences and explores perspectives on the afterlife.
The book feels like a deeply personal and introspective journey. However, it can be somewhat disjointed, and while there were parts I enjoyed, as a whole, it fell a bit flat for me. Much of the book focuses on his own medical history and illness.
I picked up this book hoping for fresh insights on the afterlife, but I finished it with the same understanding I had before.
ISBN: 9781668050835
The Bitcoin Standard
Review ★★★★★
This was my first book on Bitcoin (BTC), recommended by a friend. It explores the history of currency, the future potential of digital money, and the technology behind Bitcoin.
Ammous argues that Bitcoin is a superior form of money and a viable alternative to traditional fiat currencies. The first half of the book provides a thorough review of economic history, which I found particularly insightful. The second half delves into digital currencies, with a primary focus on Bitcoin.
User adoption remains one of the biggest challenges for BTC’s growth. While it seems to have made significant progress in that area, the future remains uncertain. Nevertheless, after reading this book, it’s hard not to feel bullish about Bitcoin’s potential.
ISBN: 9781119473862
Up north to visit some family and get to our 9th and 10th MLB stadium
