Norse Mythology
I listened to Neil Gaiman read this on audiobook, and it was wonderful. I love his prose at all times, but using it for familiar stories just highlights for me Gaiman's gift. The freedoms he makes with familiar stories are delightful. Thor is just that little bit more dumb, Loki that little bit more sly, Freida that little bit more angry. I loved hearing his voice throughout it all, but I'm sure I would have enjoyed it just as much reading the text.
4/5
Really enjoyed Gaiman's reading of it. Great audiobook.
DuneIt was a good book, but I didn't really connect with the characters that much. There was a lot of fast-forwarding and hand-waving that was a barrier for me. Well written and a cool concept though.
3/5
1491A book about the best anthropological evidence of the America's before colonization and how much we get wrong when we learn about it in school. It's a fascinating read, and convincing in its arguments. There was a far vaster and more advanced civilization here than I realized.
4/5
Harry Potter: A History of MagicA nice companion piece to the Potter books exploring myths and legends the book utilizes in its own mythology. Some really interesting tidbits here. One thing that was a bit annoying is they don't have any insight from Rowling herself. I mean the book and the museum is put out by her company, but they treat the subject as if Rowling was an author from a century ago. Stuff like "well we know from studying her initial draft that the notes in the margin suggest she was thinking about...". Uh, why not just ask her?
3/5
Leadership: In Turbulent TimesReally enjoyed this, which takes a look at 4 presidents: Lincoln, both Roosevelts, and LBJ, and explores there early life, there rise, their struggles and how they lead. I learned a lot about them and found new respect for them as presidents.
4/5
21 Lessons for the 21st CenturyI enjoyed Sapiens quite a bit, but didn't read Homo Deus, so I didn't have really strong opinions on Yuval Noah Harari either way. But I came out of reading this really enjoying his thought process. He brings up a lot of interesting things to think about on how we as a people operate and where we may end up.
4/5
A Tale of Two CitiesI struggled with this one for awhile before it all came together for me. A great classic. The French Revolution isn't a period I have read much about and seeing it as the backdrop for this story certainly paints a picture. Very emotionally rich story telling.
4/5