I found Quammen's essays very engaging and entertaining, probably in part because I am a biologist. Some essays are rather dated, particularly the oneI found Quammen's essays very engaging and entertaining, probably in part because I am a biologist. Some essays are rather dated, particularly the ones on illegal immigration, but I was surprised how relevant they still are....more
When I first flipped through this book and read the title of each of the 28 principles, I essentially agreed with each principle as stated and as I reWhen I first flipped through this book and read the title of each of the 28 principles, I essentially agreed with each principle as stated and as I read, I did find some insights interesting. But, I found serious fault with the book's central premise, that the 'Founding Fathers' (the author uses the term as a single entity) had very specific ideas concerning government and all those ideas apply in today's world.
The Founding Fathers were diverse group of individuals that had very different opinions on how the Constitution should be interpreted and how the government run. This diversity and disagreement led to ruined relationships (Madison-Hamilton, Washington-Jefferson, Adams-Jefferson, Adams-Hamilton) and, ultimately, the death of a founder (Hamilton). But, the diversity also led to compromise, including compromises that were needed to establish the Constitution in the first place. This book completely ignores that diversity and paints a picture of unity between these individuals.
For each principle, the author gives his interpretation, gives a few cherry-picked quotes that supports his view-point and states that the "Founders agreed/believed/thought this". In a couple principles (1st and 9th), he ignores the founders completely, exclusively quotes from philosophers or historians and then states at the end of the chapter some version of "and the Founder's believed this."
I also found that many of his ideas ignored historical context of an issue and were often overly simplistic, such as his patronizing plan for integrating minorities (learn English and our culture and work hard and in a generation you will be integrated) or his argument that if the U.S. had stayed out of WWII the world would have been "much happier, more peaceful, and more prosperous".
2 stars is probably nice, I give it 1.5 stars...more
If the main characters are to be criminals, I need to find a reason to like them. This works if they have likable, entertaining personalities, are comIf the main characters are to be criminals, I need to find a reason to like them. This works if they have likable, entertaining personalities, are committing crimes against more nefarious bad guys, or have some noble purpose. The main characters of this story have none of these traits.
Artemis Fowl comes off as a spoiled little brat committing assault and aggravated kidnapping. The fantasy elements of the story were entertaining, but I could not get past the main character.
Maybe if I was 12, I would think differently. ...more
Imagine if Indiana Jones was a pilot. I found these short stories of pilot-adventurers all taking place during or shortly after WWII highly entertainiImagine if Indiana Jones was a pilot. I found these short stories of pilot-adventurers all taking place during or shortly after WWII highly entertaining. ...more
If I could, I would give this book 4 1/2 stars. My kids have been really into dinosaurs lately and I wanted to find a book that adequately explains thIf I could, I would give this book 4 1/2 stars. My kids have been really into dinosaurs lately and I wanted to find a book that adequately explains the evolution of dinosaurs (i.e., how all the different groups of dinosaurs are related) and what characteristics make them distinct from each other. The author does an excellent job describing these groups and describing dinosaur paleontology in general. The book is written at about a junior high level, but is very engaging. The art work is gorgeous and really brings the dinosaurs alive.
The only minor thing that bugged me was the artist's interpretation of some dinosaurs. It is generally understood that most, if not all, small theropods had some sort of feathers or proto-feathers, but the artist's effort to make the non-avian theropods look like birds is a bit overboard. For example, he gave turkey wattles to Deinonychus, the dinosaur that the velociraptors in the movie Jurassic Park are modeled after (imagine Alan Grant being attacked by giant turkeys!)
But, that is a minor beef. Overall a great read. ...more
Part of the problem is that we listened to this book on tape and the main character came off as whiny more than anything else. The plot was interestinPart of the problem is that we listened to this book on tape and the main character came off as whiny more than anything else. The plot was interesting enough, but the conclusion was not very exciting and rather predictable....more
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