A new author for me, but it is clear from the recent books on this list that there is a bit of a theme going on.
George McConnell
A Matter of Perspective
I was watching TV the other evening and switching between a few channels to see what was on and came across something on BBC4 which was described as “A spectacular aerial journey following the world’s longest monument … in slow-TV style”. I have watched bits of other programmes which were “in slow-TV style” and generally they are, actually, rather attractive – in that they draw you in to watch what is, often, not very much!! This one was the same – although actually compared to the journey along a canal this was not quite so slow as it was more like ‘highlights’ than true “slow-TV”. Doing the maths they were in effect travelling at over 1500km/hr – hardly slow.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
I read this very quickly – and it was both thought provoking and slightly disappointing! The central thesis resonates strongly with my own outlook which can be found throughout the blog entries that there are lots of interconnections in our lives that we know little about – I could link to some of the specific entries that explore this but it permeates so much – whether it is external events that impact on our lives or ourselves unwittingly causing a change for someone else there are lots of “unknowns”.
Conclave
Change of pace – and a return to Rome. Just started this book – so far it is keeping me interested.
No spoilers, but nothing much happens in this book – well, that’s not strictly accurate, but for a ‘thriller’ it is for the most part devoid of action – perhaps best described as a “political intrigue”. For me, the book also failed to deliver any real surprises – again, that is part of the “nothing happens” feeling – but it did keep me hooked to see how things ended.
Clueless
Normally I put the entire title in the subject line – including any subtitle – but this time the subtitle is just a tad long
New research uncovers the story of two extraordinary financial mysteries, massive investor losses, and a brilliantly straightforward blueprint to achieve huge profits from investment funds
The Science of Meditation: How to Change Your Brain, Mind and Body
After a Rebus binge it is time for a ‘serious’ book – a return to non-fiction and the excellent Dan Goleman. Looking forward to exploring the “realities” of meditation and popular branches of that like mindfulness.
What Are Spiders For?
Can I just start this by saying that nowhere in this post will you find a definitive and precise answer to the question posed in the title. The poor spiders are chosen for investigation not because they are particularly relevant, nor because they have a great and mysterious purpose, but rather because there is one that has been web building outside our kitchen window for weeks and every time I do the washing up I am staring at it!!
Exit Music
Continuing the Rebus story – decided to work through the remaining novels
Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
First book after a long gap – fascinating it was too. It considered various options for the future as Artificial Intelligence is developed to what many see as its inevitable conclusion. Will probably blog on this subject, but the idea that in the same way as we now see great improvements in things like artificial limbs we could also see in artificial brains is – to say the least – interesting – as well as weird/concerning/worrying/downright scary in some respects.
Visit to Minneapolis 2018
Just a couple of days here at the end of the trip before flying home. This was the third time I have visited the Twin Cities – not many photos taken this time.