First and foremost, contrary to the author's claim that as an FT journalist, he had access to information about the racketeers that weren't accessibleFirst and foremost, contrary to the author's claim that as an FT journalist, he had access to information about the racketeers that weren't accessible to ordinary citizens; most of the book’s materials are already widely discussed elsewhere up to a degree that reading it could be very boring. Secondly, some materials like the parts on free trade seems to be very problematic because at least for the countries that are trading with the US, free trade and access to the US markets has been in aggregate a positive influence on growth and prosperity as the US has trade deficits with most of them to a degree that now the US is in favour of imposing tariffs on imports instead of advocating free trade. Secondly, arguing that South Korea and Taiwan growth were due to their protectionist economic policies raises this question that how can those countries pursue those policies while they have been so much dependent on the US support since their independence but South American countries couldn’t do that or pursue similar policies! There are few other countries on earth where the US has a bigger military presence than South Korea and South Korea have not been a democracy for a good portion of the previous centuries. Inconsistencies and contradictions in the book are not limited to the ones mentioned above but it’s major deficit in my opinion is that as I mentioned earlier, it has not provided new information or insights above what you could read in books written by authors with similar political views. The author has merely repeated what has been again and again proposed by leftist authors to a point that it raises the question that why raising them again in the format of a new book would be useful....more
Putting political partisanship aside, this book shows how corruption grows within a bureaucracy. The Kafaskeque atmosphere of "The Judgement" novel caPutting political partisanship aside, this book shows how corruption grows within a bureaucracy. The Kafaskeque atmosphere of "The Judgement" novel can be felt throughout the book....more
This book offers an insightful exploration of Henri Bergson’s life and philosophy, presenting a vivid portrait of a thinker who once captivated the woThis book offers an insightful exploration of Henri Bergson’s life and philosophy, presenting a vivid portrait of a thinker who once captivated the world. The author skillfully weaves Bergson's intellectual contributions with his time's social and cultural context, showing how his ideas resonated in an era of rapid technological and social change.
The book is clear and accessible without oversimplifying. It delves into Bergson’s public debates with figures like Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein. It also makes a strong case for the continued relevance of Bergson’s ideas to modern issues despite his decline in prominence after WWII. This work is valuable for those interested in philosophy, history, or the interplay between intellectual thought and cultural shifts.
However, the author’s repeated attempts to defend Bergson against criticisms of being reactionary, mystical, or unscientific create a bias that detracts from the balance of the narrative, which I found frustrating throughout the book....more
This book is a profoundly moving and meticulously researched exploration of a family grappling with the devastating impact of schizophrenia. The storyThis book is a profoundly moving and meticulously researched exploration of a family grappling with the devastating impact of schizophrenia. The story is both heartbreaking and illuminating, shedding light on the complexities of mental illness while also offering a fascinating look at the evolution of psychiatric science.
Kolker does an excellent job balancing the personal and the scientific. The narrative is compassionate and non-judgmental, giving readers a vivid picture of the Galvins' struggles without sensationalizing their pain. The book also dives into the history of schizophrenia research, providing context for the challenges and breakthroughs in understanding this mysterious and often misunderstood condition.
Kolker portrayed each family member with depth and empathy, from the parents, Don and Mimi, to the siblings, who suffered both directly and indirectly from the illness. The impact of the disease on the "well" siblings is explored thoughtfully, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of mental illness on families.
Overall, Hidden Valley Road is a powerful book that skillfully blends science, history, and personal narrative. It’s a story of resilience, tragedy, and hope that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It is a must-read for anyone interested in mental health, family dynamics, or the intersection of science and human experience....more
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