Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Who will end humanity first, the aliens or us?!'The Three-Body Problem' by Cixin Liu is a sci-fi novel involving aliens, science, warfare and politics. Unexplainable events start to occur to scientists after contact has been made with the Trisolaris world. We gradually learn about their unique ecosystem and why humanity might be in danger not just from the outside, but also within. I loved the first 2/3rds of the book for it's distinctive plot/style but was slightly disappointed at how rushed the end felt. Was still a great read overall though.Thanks to Petar and Joe Martin for supporting the show. Absolute legends!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:15) - Initial Impression(2:20) - Plot/Style(6:10) - Quote 1(8:26) - Themes/Questions(9:37) - Quote 2(15:00) - Themes/Questions (Continued)(18:34) - Author & Extras(21:10) - Quote 3(24:54) - Summary(27:47) - Boostagram Lounge(30:36) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Prepare for your heartstrings to be plucked.'The Harp In The South' by Ruth Park is a classic Australian book detailing the lives of the poverty stricken Darcy family. This fictional family lives in Surry Hills, which in the 1930's was an inner city slum of Sydney. There is no plot per se as it simply follow the lives of this small family, with particular attention shown to the young daughter Roie. The events that unfold are tragic but they battle through to find the moments of love that make all the pain bearable.Thanks to Cole McCormick & Sam Sethi for supporting the show. Absolute legends!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:03) - Initial Impression(2:16) - Plot/Style(4:34) - Young Love(6:30) - Themes/Questions(10:30) - Poverty(16:27) - Author & Extras(19:12) - Aussie Issues(23:04) - Summary(26:16) - Boostagram Lounge(28:29) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

Will the psychology of humans be compatible with the predicted tech future we face?'The Inevitable' by Kevin Kelly is a series of technological trends that he believes will dictate the future. It is primarily based on what is already happening and his educated guess as to how this will manifest in a couple of decades time. It is broken down into 12 themes which interact and merge with each other. It is somewhat utopic in nature but I feel does a decent job of showcasing what could be possible and at the very least is thought provoking.Thanks to Cole McCormick from the AMERICAPLUS podcast for the guest voice-over and Cole/Sam Sethi for the support.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:43) - Initial Impression(3:38) - Plot/Style(5:31) - Quote 1(7:48) - Themes/Questions(8:16) - Quote 2(11:26) - Privacy & Utopias(17:06) - Author & Extras(18:54) - Quote 3(20:43) - Summary(25:15) - Boostagram Lounge(29:55) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastConnect With Cole McCormick (Voice Actor):Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/colemccormick1Podcast: https://fountain.fm/show/6705669

The podcast discusses the book 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran, exploring its deep insights and mystical aspects. They analyze the book's plot, style, and themes, highlighting the difficulties in understanding its deeper meanings. The hosts critique the author's background and contradictory statements while relating them to psychological experiments. They also share engagement opportunities and upcoming book reviews on the show.

Today, I'm discussing "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor, one of my top book recommendations. This book brilliantly combines storytelling with scientific research, exploring the profound impact of breathing on our health and well-being. Nestor's personal journey to understand breathing is interwoven with just the right amount of technical detail, making it an engaging and enlightening read.For those interested in deeper exploration, the book provides extensive research references. It's a perfect read for anyone curious about the science behind one of our most basic yet transformative abilities. Highly recommended for its insightful and transformative approach.Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:20) - Synopsis(6:55) - Breathing(8:40) - TakeawaysValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

Sometimes you really can be too outlandish.'The Happy Prince & Other Stories' by Oscar Wilde are a collection of short stories. They have a childlike feel and are almost like fairytales except the moral of the story seems to be missing or is rather bleak. I've also included my review of 'The Importance Of Being Earnest', a separate play that showcases Wilde's wit and ability to construct a humorous narrative.Thanks to everyone for sending in kind messages about my Mum. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:21) - Initial Impression(3:07) - Plot/Style(7:53) - Themes/Questions(12:30) - Author & Extras(17:01) - Summary(19:39) - Boostagram Lounge(22:41) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

The grittier Australian version of magic realism.'Cloudstreet' by Tim Winton follows the merging lives of two families (the Lamb's & the Pickle's) as they move into a shared house in Perth. We see the hardships that individual characters go through and how family and kinship is what saves them. It incorporates real life events with absurd fictional elements to give a taste of Aussie life in the 1940's-1960's.Huge thanks to Sir TJ The Wrathful & Ashley Glenday for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:16) - Initial Impression(3:01) - Plot/Style(8:40) - Themes/Questions(18:22) - Author & Extras(21:25) - Summary(24:00) - Boostagram Lounge(27:28) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Never have I ever more wanted to be a homeless peasant!'Tortilla Flat' by John Steinbeck is the tale of how an eclectic bunch of friends live together in Monterey. Danny becomes a house owner and experiences the highs and lows of a raised social status. To help Danny his friends begin living with him and hijinks ensue. They rotate between fights, wine, fire and women whilst being lovable rascals.Huge thanks to Cole McCormick for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:00) - Initial Impression(2:19) - Plot/Style(9:06) - Themes/Questions(15:57) - Author & Extras(20:10) - Summary(24:24) - Boostagram Lounge(28:28) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Hopefully I'm not as boring as Cicero is ..... but don't count on it!'On Government' by Cicero is a collection of his writings set out in a chronological format. The large bulk are orations he delivered in front of the senate (or law court) and some smaller sections on his ideals for what a government should look like. I found it pretty boring to be honest but did give me some historical insights into the time period of ~100-0 BC and showcased why politics has always been a shitshow.Huge thanks to Petar & Cole McCormick for supporting the show. Very much appreciated!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:04) - Initial Impression(3:08) - Plot/Style(9:27) - Themes/Questions(18:56) - Author & Extras(22:31) - Summary(25:32) - Boostagram Lounge(27:29) - Value 4 ValueValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Join me as I dive into the heartwarming and insightful pages of "The Daily Dad" by Ryan Holiday, exploring 366 meditations on fatherhood, love, and raising great kids. This book, structured to be read daily, offers a unique blend of historical context, stoic principles, and practical advice, all condensed into one-page chapters. I share my personal journey of reading it aloud to my baby girl, turning it into a cherished daily ritual and sparking meaningful conversations with mypartner. Discover how this book, meant to be revisited year after year, can offer new perspectives and become a timeless guide for all.Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcastConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastSupport the show