Only part way through this book, maybe hits a little too close to home. The one thing that sticks with me so far, though, is when Deresiewicz mentions Only part way through this book, maybe hits a little too close to home. The one thing that sticks with me so far, though, is when Deresiewicz mentions a famous cartoon (Then a miracle occurs) to illustrate a point and add humor - yet fails to identify the cartoonist (Sydney Harris). Just seemed odd in a book that talks about creative artists having their work appropriated and used without compensation and how it's killing them, but then is okay with using an artist's idea (he doesn't reprint the cartoon, just describes it) without credit? Maybe it's just cartoonists that are seen as okay to be taken for granted and taken advantage of, though, because later on song lyrics are credited to the songwriter by name. Other than that, lots of depressing thoughts to chew on....more
A really interesting book to get you thinking about how you think, but the most impactful insight for me are Grandin's thoughts on education, especialA really interesting book to get you thinking about how you think, but the most impactful insight for me are Grandin's thoughts on education, especially how standardized testing and other aspects of the current American educational system are actually counterproductive to learning and succeeding in life outside of school....more
Funny, thoughtful and thought provoking short and sweet stories, filled with moments that are personal but speak to bigger issues...a book that toucheFunny, thoughtful and thought provoking short and sweet stories, filled with moments that are personal but speak to bigger issues...a book that touches on ways the world can be sad and outrageous, but rolls up its sleeves and carries on with heart and humor....more
I regret that it took me so long to finally read this book. If you haven't read it yet, you should read it. Eye opening, thought provoking, inspiring,I regret that it took me so long to finally read this book. If you haven't read it yet, you should read it. Eye opening, thought provoking, inspiring, and important....more
I'm really enjoying this book. It's funny. Nice bite sized distractions from the day to day, and a good mix of movies I know well and movies with titlI'm really enjoying this book. It's funny. Nice bite sized distractions from the day to day, and a good mix of movies I know well and movies with titles I recognize but have never watched. Or movies I watched and after reading Shea Serrano's take I want to go rewatch them. I like it....more
I love this book. Visually, it's amazing, and looks like the product of not just a ton of work, but something made by someone who was having fun workiI love this book. Visually, it's amazing, and looks like the product of not just a ton of work, but something made by someone who was having fun working. The story has multiple layers - Chicago history, world history, art history, comics/pop culture history, semi-auotbiographical personal history, all wrapped in the narrative of a fictional character. Can't wait for volume two....more
Although some of the meta-magic bits with the Commendatore feel a little disjointed, overall I thought this was one of Murakami's more cohesive novelsAlthough some of the meta-magic bits with the Commendatore feel a little disjointed, overall I thought this was one of Murakami's more cohesive novels. I actually thought of any of his books could be adapted for film, this would be a good one. ...more
Great to read this collected, a book I actually found hopeful in the end, and full of human moments both sad and funny. I also probably relate to RustGreat to read this collected, a book I actually found hopeful in the end, and full of human moments both sad and funny. I also probably relate to Rusty and Chalky as kids far more than is normal......more
Really enjoying this look at history, things I knew and didn't know, and also about how history is written, rewritten, or unwritten and why. To be faiReally enjoying this look at history, things I knew and didn't know, and also about how history is written, rewritten, or unwritten and why. To be fair, it's not the teachers that are lying necessarily, or intentionally, but certainly many textbooks....more
Just the right mix of lighthearted tone, amusing anecdotes, and scientific information. Great to have a look into some of our past misconceptions abouJust the right mix of lighthearted tone, amusing anecdotes, and scientific information. Great to have a look into some of our past misconceptions about animals, and how those misconceptions have evolved over time....more
This is a fun little book that I picked up basically because it had a Renee French cover. It's made me laugh out loud a few times, I love it.This is a fun little book that I picked up basically because it had a Renee French cover. It's made me laugh out loud a few times, I love it....more
Really enjoying this peak into the creative collaborative process, along with some interesting stories from the history of Pixar and the long road to Really enjoying this peak into the creative collaborative process, along with some interesting stories from the history of Pixar and the long road to making their animated films. The only thing missing is some more drama and intrigue, maybe some emotional stakes. Where's the evil villain that Pixar has to conquer, the hidden nefarious forces secretly working against them? It's a testament to Ed Catmull and the Pixar team that even when they face adversity, they take it in stride, and just keep working on making the best films they can....more
Unfortunately, we should all probably read this right away. Fortunately it's a quick and really good read.Unfortunately, we should all probably read this right away. Fortunately it's a quick and really good read....more