How To Build A Time Machine
Book Name : How To Build A Time Machine
Author : Paul Davies
What is it about : The book details the history, science, peoples and theories involved in this fascinating subject. Many of the scientists and authors are given good coverage in what they had contributed; these include colorful and famous characters such as Albert Einstein, Issac Newton, and H.G. Wells. Many films which are based on the idea of time travel are also described and these include Back To The Future.
Some thoughts after having read the book : The design, tone and packaging of this book initially gives you the impression that all is a breeze in the land of time travel. But as we know "never judge a book by its cover" - gradually the reader gets the feeling that he is actually reading a very real physics book and the author does not just skirt around the subject but expects the reader to follow like a college student. So, the book can get a bit hard going at times.
Would I recommend this book to you : If you have a good and solid background already in this BIG subject and are not particularly daunted with the theories of quantum uncertainties, naked singularities, time warping and wormholes, then this can be a fascinating read.
Author : Paul Davies
What is it about : The book details the history, science, peoples and theories involved in this fascinating subject. Many of the scientists and authors are given good coverage in what they had contributed; these include colorful and famous characters such as Albert Einstein, Issac Newton, and H.G. Wells. Many films which are based on the idea of time travel are also described and these include Back To The Future.
Some thoughts after having read the book : The design, tone and packaging of this book initially gives you the impression that all is a breeze in the land of time travel. But as we know "never judge a book by its cover" - gradually the reader gets the feeling that he is actually reading a very real physics book and the author does not just skirt around the subject but expects the reader to follow like a college student. So, the book can get a bit hard going at times.
Would I recommend this book to you : If you have a good and solid background already in this BIG subject and are not particularly daunted with the theories of quantum uncertainties, naked singularities, time warping and wormholes, then this can be a fascinating read.
Games Theory At Work
Book Name : Games Theory At Work
Author : James Miller
What is it about : The book comes alive with countless examples from criminal investigations, pricing of goods to calling the price at auctions that illustrate Games Theory playing a central role in determining the choices people make and the corresponding outcomes.
Some thoughts after having read the book : Games Theory fits in well with my very own central plank of life's many philosophies - getting the best compromise. And the best compromise being essentially the famous Nash Equilibrium a.k.a. stable selfish outcome. But of course, making choices in life is never so straightforward and mechanical but Games Theory does give you pause for thoughts and possibly clarity when faced with a dilemma.
Would I recommend this book to you : If you had ever wondered what Games Theory is all about and how you can best play your hand in a negotiation and come up tops, then read on. The examples can get a bit tiresome and repetitive and the numerous "stick" diagrams in the book, representing the situations and outcomes in different cases, although fine in illustrating the points and dilemma, they lack colors, liveliness and imagination.
Author : James Miller
What is it about : The book comes alive with countless examples from criminal investigations, pricing of goods to calling the price at auctions that illustrate Games Theory playing a central role in determining the choices people make and the corresponding outcomes.
Some thoughts after having read the book : Games Theory fits in well with my very own central plank of life's many philosophies - getting the best compromise. And the best compromise being essentially the famous Nash Equilibrium a.k.a. stable selfish outcome. But of course, making choices in life is never so straightforward and mechanical but Games Theory does give you pause for thoughts and possibly clarity when faced with a dilemma.
Would I recommend this book to you : If you had ever wondered what Games Theory is all about and how you can best play your hand in a negotiation and come up tops, then read on. The examples can get a bit tiresome and repetitive and the numerous "stick" diagrams in the book, representing the situations and outcomes in different cases, although fine in illustrating the points and dilemma, they lack colors, liveliness and imagination.
Evolution: The Triumph of An Idea
Book Name : Evolution: The Triumph of An Idea
Author : Carl Zimmer
What is it about : A pacey and fascinating account on Darwin's life, theories and his ideas that gave rise to the controversies surrounding religion, science and our very own history. The book is full of examples of this great man's endeavour, wisdom, sensitivity and thoroughness.
Some thoughts after having read the book : Those years Darwin spent travelling on The Beagle had to be hard work - he was faced with the prospects of infection from unknown deceases, danger at the open seas as well as wary natives (probably the spear throwing type). Putting his achievement in these contexts, the meticulous details and passion which he still managed to bring to his art and craft of planning, exploration, observation, collection and correlation, that led to his ground-breaking insights and conclusions, were just unbelievable. The man had the qualities of all men great - perseverance, patience and dare.
Would I recommend this book to you : Definitely ! The spectrum of arguments and the angles which the author brought to the crowded debate blew much life to the book. The many current and alive issues such as Creationism had been given vivid coverage; making the laymen readers aware of the forces at work (mainly detailed in the U.S.) which oppose Darwin's ideas or at least argue alternatives to the Great Man's thinking.
Author : Carl Zimmer
What is it about : A pacey and fascinating account on Darwin's life, theories and his ideas that gave rise to the controversies surrounding religion, science and our very own history. The book is full of examples of this great man's endeavour, wisdom, sensitivity and thoroughness.
Some thoughts after having read the book : Those years Darwin spent travelling on The Beagle had to be hard work - he was faced with the prospects of infection from unknown deceases, danger at the open seas as well as wary natives (probably the spear throwing type). Putting his achievement in these contexts, the meticulous details and passion which he still managed to bring to his art and craft of planning, exploration, observation, collection and correlation, that led to his ground-breaking insights and conclusions, were just unbelievable. The man had the qualities of all men great - perseverance, patience and dare.
Would I recommend this book to you : Definitely ! The spectrum of arguments and the angles which the author brought to the crowded debate blew much life to the book. The many current and alive issues such as Creationism had been given vivid coverage; making the laymen readers aware of the forces at work (mainly detailed in the U.S.) which oppose Darwin's ideas or at least argue alternatives to the Great Man's thinking.
On Natural Selection
Book Name : On Natural Selection
Author : Charles Darwin
What is it about : The extremely interesting subject of Natural Selection is presented in this book in the style of a first hand lecture by Charles Darwin. Packed with detailed descriptions of examples, the book gives an excellent scientific overview of Earth's many species' existence and struggles. The great man leads you through his observations, what he surmised and what he concluded with both specific cases as well as generalisations of say the relationship between insects and climate changes.
Some thoughts after having read the book : The English in this book is a pleasure to read for being straight forward, concise and detailed with plenty of scientific evidence to make it interesting and rewarding. Since this is a very contentious subject even till this day, with the many vocal Creationists communities around the world, the book conveys Darwin's humbleness (or even unwillingness at times), his careful approach in dealing not only with the science itself but also in the way he presented his Subject to the generally sceptical world around him in those days.
Would I recommend this book to you : Definitely. One of the best book I have read and felt fully gratified at the end of the reading. I felt the book should go on longer like the melancholy that lingered in one's mind, of leaving the theatre after a very memorable movie.
Author : Charles Darwin
What is it about : The extremely interesting subject of Natural Selection is presented in this book in the style of a first hand lecture by Charles Darwin. Packed with detailed descriptions of examples, the book gives an excellent scientific overview of Earth's many species' existence and struggles. The great man leads you through his observations, what he surmised and what he concluded with both specific cases as well as generalisations of say the relationship between insects and climate changes.
Some thoughts after having read the book : The English in this book is a pleasure to read for being straight forward, concise and detailed with plenty of scientific evidence to make it interesting and rewarding. Since this is a very contentious subject even till this day, with the many vocal Creationists communities around the world, the book conveys Darwin's humbleness (or even unwillingness at times), his careful approach in dealing not only with the science itself but also in the way he presented his Subject to the generally sceptical world around him in those days.
Would I recommend this book to you : Definitely. One of the best book I have read and felt fully gratified at the end of the reading. I felt the book should go on longer like the melancholy that lingered in one's mind, of leaving the theatre after a very memorable movie.
Science: A History
Book Name : Science : A History
Author : John Gribbin
What is it about : The history of scientific advances in the past 500 years are described in details with vivid accounts of the players, the breakthroughs, the controversies and the benefits to humanity. The book is broken down into chapters describing a specific scientific field to make easy reading and referencing.
Some thoughts after having read the book : The human race had come a long way from believing in a flat world, surmounting hurdles in the taming of incurable deceases, the breakdown of DNA to check "let's see what this guy is made of" and about time too that we get to use a really "mobile" phone ! But I kept thinking the many discoveries, inventions and advances still to come to make our lives easier; let's see - no more ironing to start with, followed by accident-free transport vehicles which don't treat the passengers as cattle, surely we are not asking too much to put foods on the plates for everybody. How long is it going to take for these breakthroughs to become reality ?
Would I recommend this book to you : Regardless of your background and interests and even though you are not a historian or scientist, you would derive both satisfaction and frustration after reading this book, in knowing how far we have come in treating science with an open mind and yet how minute we are in the vast universe of scientific knowledge. Episodes in the lives of many of the true Greats in science such as Newton, Darwin and Einstein also provide a lighter side for reading in balancing the significant advances and impact they made.
Author : John Gribbin
What is it about : The history of scientific advances in the past 500 years are described in details with vivid accounts of the players, the breakthroughs, the controversies and the benefits to humanity. The book is broken down into chapters describing a specific scientific field to make easy reading and referencing.
Some thoughts after having read the book : The human race had come a long way from believing in a flat world, surmounting hurdles in the taming of incurable deceases, the breakdown of DNA to check "let's see what this guy is made of" and about time too that we get to use a really "mobile" phone ! But I kept thinking the many discoveries, inventions and advances still to come to make our lives easier; let's see - no more ironing to start with, followed by accident-free transport vehicles which don't treat the passengers as cattle, surely we are not asking too much to put foods on the plates for everybody. How long is it going to take for these breakthroughs to become reality ?
Would I recommend this book to you : Regardless of your background and interests and even though you are not a historian or scientist, you would derive both satisfaction and frustration after reading this book, in knowing how far we have come in treating science with an open mind and yet how minute we are in the vast universe of scientific knowledge. Episodes in the lives of many of the true Greats in science such as Newton, Darwin and Einstein also provide a lighter side for reading in balancing the significant advances and impact they made.
The Interpretation of Financial Statements
Book Name : The Interpretation of Financial Statements
Author : Benjamin Graham
What is it about : An all-time classic which anyone remotely interested, involved or employed in the financial, business and accounting industries must have a thorough read. The book was written by Warren Buffet's mentor in a clear, concise and precise manner that left no stones unturned in this immensely interesting and complicated topic. In the end, the reader will have a good idea in un-raveling the ABCs of a typical financial statement.
Some thoughts after having read the book : Surprisingly readable, lucid, interesting and packed solid with explanations. Having seen the ups and downs of the stock markets and booms and busts of seemingly hopeless and meteoric companies, of the past three to four decades, the book oozes class and is still extremely relevant in the modern e-commerce days.
Would I recommend this book to you : If you enjoy reading company annual reports as a form of post-dinner relaxation or as a hobby like Warren Buffet, this book is a "must" as the book details all those technical jargons and what they really mean to your bottom line. However, this is really a sit-down-and-work-it book and so I would not be seen with it on a beach.
Author : Benjamin Graham
What is it about : An all-time classic which anyone remotely interested, involved or employed in the financial, business and accounting industries must have a thorough read. The book was written by Warren Buffet's mentor in a clear, concise and precise manner that left no stones unturned in this immensely interesting and complicated topic. In the end, the reader will have a good idea in un-raveling the ABCs of a typical financial statement.
Some thoughts after having read the book : Surprisingly readable, lucid, interesting and packed solid with explanations. Having seen the ups and downs of the stock markets and booms and busts of seemingly hopeless and meteoric companies, of the past three to four decades, the book oozes class and is still extremely relevant in the modern e-commerce days.
Would I recommend this book to you : If you enjoy reading company annual reports as a form of post-dinner relaxation or as a hobby like Warren Buffet, this book is a "must" as the book details all those technical jargons and what they really mean to your bottom line. However, this is really a sit-down-and-work-it book and so I would not be seen with it on a beach.
Random Walk Down Wall Street
Book Name : Random Walk Down Wall Street
Author : Burton G. Malkiel
What is it about : The amazing history and stories of the world's many stock markets are well presented here - from the tulip craze to the dotcom bust. The author also explains in great details the theories and methods used in predicting and analysing the stock indices and trends; namely fundamental analysis and technical analysis and conclude with the remarks that the end results differ little from a blind-folded monkey throwing random darts at the dart board.
Some thoughts after having read the book : But how very true ! The readers are presented with statistics and facts that make you wonder what is the point in paying the fund managers to do your investing, as they never beat the average ! The book is full of examples in demonstrating the herd instincts of the common investor with the often short-lived optimism and confidence followed by the dire end-of-the-world pessimism in picking the right/wrong stock.
Would I recommend this book to you : A fascinating read ! Even though you are not versed with the intricacies of the "technical" side of the stock markets, the history and the amazing crazy levels people can be elevated to, by their sheer greed and fear will make you turn the pages like a popular fiction.
Author : Burton G. Malkiel
What is it about : The amazing history and stories of the world's many stock markets are well presented here - from the tulip craze to the dotcom bust. The author also explains in great details the theories and methods used in predicting and analysing the stock indices and trends; namely fundamental analysis and technical analysis and conclude with the remarks that the end results differ little from a blind-folded monkey throwing random darts at the dart board.
Some thoughts after having read the book : But how very true ! The readers are presented with statistics and facts that make you wonder what is the point in paying the fund managers to do your investing, as they never beat the average ! The book is full of examples in demonstrating the herd instincts of the common investor with the often short-lived optimism and confidence followed by the dire end-of-the-world pessimism in picking the right/wrong stock.
Would I recommend this book to you : A fascinating read ! Even though you are not versed with the intricacies of the "technical" side of the stock markets, the history and the amazing crazy levels people can be elevated to, by their sheer greed and fear will make you turn the pages like a popular fiction.