Mere Mortals Book Reviews

When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.'A Confederacy Of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a picaresque novel of a fat delusional man named Ignatius J. Reilly. He is a bombastic rogue living in a corrupt world and is forced to get a job by his domineering mother. His interactions with other zany characters progressively decline and become more and more outlandish.I summarised the book as follows. "Only a dunce would NOT find this funny. I only covered a couple of the anecdotes of the wonderful mishaps of Ignatius as they are numerous. Certainly is the type of person who is more fun in print than in real life. It lacks the deep cutting drive of something like Catch-22 but if you want a laugh I'd recommend this"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:31) - Synopsis(2:30) - Social Misfit: Someone that fits badly(7:49) - Delusion: A protection against life(14:36) - Observations/Takeaways(17:34) - SummaryConnect 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

Who else can create such vivid imagery?'Cannery Row' by John Steinbeck is a short novel of carefree life set during the 1930's in Monterey, California. A set of eclectic characters go about their everyday lives, showcasing their peculiar personalities along the way. There is no real plot as the story is broken into smaller vignettes that combine to form a semi-coherent narrative.I summarised the book as follows. "A beautiful meandering story with no purpose but with plenty of meaning. I normally struggle creating visual imagery in my head yet I could see this world/era/time period so clearly. Many laugh out loud moments and many sad moments as well. Steinbeck is a great writer and also highly recommend reading his other books."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:30) - Synopsis(3:03) - Nostalgia: Sentimental yearning for the past(7:21) - Nonconformist: Individuals who are unconventional(14:46) - Observations/Takeaways(18:44) - SummaryConnect 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

"Dad's Guide to Pregnancy For Dummies" provides a humorous and informative take on the experience of becoming a father, making it an enjoyable and practical read for any expecting dad.I really enjoyed the actionable writing within, and gave it an 8/10. Definitely a "this depends on your place in the world" but well worth the read if you need it.Connect 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

How often do you read a book to learn versus reading for pure pleasure?In March 2023 I reviewed 4 books on this channel. My favourite was Mr Franklin's autobiography, he's a fascinating guy. All the others I was reading to get something out of them. Whether it was learning more about bad psychoanalytical ideas, pondering the grief I will likely feel in the future, grinding through some Peruvian slang or realising just how much I lack creativity even in coding. Lot of stuff to hurt my brain or that felt like a slog.No boostagrams nor support this month. Very sad puppy :(I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:30) - Reading books for purposes other than pleasure(5:57) - The Autobiography: Benjamin Franklin(13:16) - Algorithms For Dummies: John Mueller & Luca Massaron(15:28) - On Grief & Grieving: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler(18:02) - The Denial Of Death: Ernest Becker(23:17) - Boostagram Lounge(24:42) - Coming up for April 2023?(26:23) - V4V: Please reach outConnect 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

How should you console someone after a loss?'On Grief & Grieving' by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler is a description of the grieving process after a loved on dies. It examines the common variables of what makes each experience unique through the inner and outer world. It's not so much advice perse as how to understand/think about dying and loss. It contains many mini examples of real stories but lacks stats or hard data to back up the 5 stage model of grief.I summarised the book as follows. "Much like DABDA, this book is a useful tool. I doubt it will help reduce the grief of a loss but can assist in reducing additional pain from internal anxiety or inadvertently hurting others. I think there is a lot to be learnt but just take it all with a grain of salt."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:31) - Synopsis(3:10) - DABDA: The five stages of grief(9:34) - Consolation: Using compassion to help others(20:37) - Observations/Takeaways(23:29) - SummaryConnect 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

Greatness requires self-improvement and a whole lot of striving!'The Autobiography' by Benjamin Franklin are reflections on his life plus notable letters/publications he made. It roughly follows him from childhood to his business dealings in Philadelphia and work as a diplomat in England/France. It's not standard as he skips large events (like America gaining independence) but does give insights into his various professions, philosophy, science, war and money making ventures.I summarised the book as follows. "It's self aggrandising but shows who he was, which is a rascal/funny/kind/industrious/entrepreneurial man. What he achieved was amazing but how he did it is much more impressive. Easily is in my top 10 people to emulate and if you want to learn to be a better person it's hard to look elsewhere."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:31) - Synopsis(4:11) - Polymath: A person of wide knowledge & learning(9:39) - Greatness: It comes from internal striving(18:50) - Observations/Takeaways(22:53) - SummaryConnect 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

Are you denying your anality?'The Denial Of Death' by Ernest Becker is a psychology theory that posits that civilisation and individuals behave in ways to obscure the knowledge of our mortality. This is done through transference to heroism, becoming immortal by participating in something that is bigger than ourselves.I summarised the book as follows. "From almost the beginning the main theory seemed unclear. If I concentrate I can put a positive spin on it, but required extra materials outside of the book to make sense of it. There are quite a few out of date conjectures and some loaded words which also don't help. I had higher hopes for this book and ended up skipping some sections towards the end."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:29) - Synopsis(2:45) - Heroism: Transference away from mortality(8:45) - Observations/Takeaways(15:31) - Similarity to Either/Or by Kierkegaard(17:24) - SummaryConnect 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

Have you got the steps to wrangle that data?'Algorithms For Dummies' by John Mueller & Luca Massaron is a textbook on the subject of .... you guessed it, algorithms! It's designed to teach and inform with a mix of theoretical explanations, real life applications and miniature examples using Python. Fundamental principles of graphs, different types of algorithms and terminology can be found within.I summarised the book as follows. "It's a solid book, however it seeps in slow. I didn't understand a lot but by going through the motions (much like an algorithm) produced results for me. I came out with an appreciation for the broader fundamentals of how algorithms work. Note: It's not likely to improve your Python or coding skills and much of the book will likely be forgotten."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:33) - Synopsis(2:39) - Algorithms: Programming the world(8:32) - Data: Chaotic information loops(16:48) - Observations/Takeaways(21:19) - SummaryConnect 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

Do you prefer books written more recently or those that have (hopefully) aged gracefully with time?In February 2023 we reviewed 4 books on this channel. My favourites were the two books written in the last 15 years concerning modern topics of copyright/commons and VR/simulation theory. And then I was just baffled at what is to be taken away from an asshole rebellious teenager. Juan also got some personal development in him and will hopefully have some atomic habits to show for it.Huge thanks to Petar and Kalamansihan for supporting the show. Rock solid!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - What is the book recap?(0:26) - Modern vs Classic debate(1:40) - Common As Air (Lewis Hyde)(7:01) - Reality+ (David Chalmers)(10:51) - The Catcher In The Rye (J.D. Salinger)(13:14) - Atomic Habits (James Clear)(15:52) - Boostagram Lounge(23:28) - Coming up for March 2023(25:51) - Value For ValueConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Do you believe you're grounded in reality?'Reality+' by David Chalmers is an examination of what reality actually is. The central thesis is that virtual reality is genuine reality, which will have implications for how we interact with it. There are two styles of arguments within that combine to form 'technophilosophy'; results from humanity's computing progress and various ideas from philosopher such as Decartes/Plato.I summarised the book as follows. "Ultimately it was a mixed bag. I thought it would start each section strong but get a bit lost/muddled towards the middle. Personally I wish there were more everyday examples and outcomes that would change how I interact with VR or my current reality. Is probably a good book for those who are at the beginner-intermediate stage of philosophical thought."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the simulation. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:25) - Synopsis(2:12) - Virtual Reality: Real as real can get(7:14) - Simulation Hypothesis: Philosophical word games(13:57) - Observations/Takeaways(17:08) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show