Mere Mortals Book Reviews

James Clear's "Atomic Habits" is a split atom of knowledge and humor. Clear writes with the precision of a scientist and the wit of a comedian, making this book a true pleasure to read. Whether you want to improve your health, get rich, or just become a smarter human, "Atomic Habits" has got the goods.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:30) - James and Habits(0:56) - What is this book about?(1:35) - Why Atomic Habits(2:40) - Book structure(3:10) - Laws(6:00) - Focus on the Process(7:50) - Don't be radical(9:40) - Personal Thoughts(11:11)  - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Should these book reviews be viewed as a cultural commons?'Common As Air' by Lewis Hyde is an argument against the enclosure of ideas in the modern age and a call to return to how cultural commons were treated back in the early days of the United States. Within are definitions of words, examples of recent IP/patent/copyright abuse and the principles exhibited by Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers.I summarised the book as follows. "It's not light reading but it was fascinating. A great book for me opens many avenues of investigation, which this certainly did. This pushed me close to the limit of my vocabulary & ability to hold complex concepts. And overall it makes me more excited to learn about V4V, property rights and the creativity of art/ideas."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:27) - Synopsis(2:26) -Commons: Defined by the people(9:34) - Encroachment: Copyright & patenting of ideas(21:00) - Observations/Takeaways(25:42) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

This is a classic that I just don't get?'The Catcher In The Rye' by J.D. Salinger is a fictional coming of age story about a rebellious teen in New York City. Holden Caulfield is expelled from an elite school and fills a couple of days with activities (illegal and otherwise) before returning home to confront his parents with the news.I summarised the book as follows. "If you want a whiny self-absorbed kid, you've got the right book. Maybe this resonated with the time but I feel no connection to Holden nor his predicament/way of life. Maybe he needs some phoniness because I really see no positive aspects in him as a character and adding in the stylistic choices of the repetitive writing made me give it a pretty low rating."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:25) - Synopsis(1:44) - Self-Absorption: The result of not being a phony(8:45) - Observations/Takeaways(12:33) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Sometimes you just need to read something to reconfirm that you don't like it.In January 2023 we reviewed 5 books on this channel. We had some Japanese self-help, a classic adventure novel, a Buddhist text that is hard to appreciate without all the background knowledge and two Stoic explanations by Ryan Holiday. Plus a bonus bit of a controversy regarding a certain thumbnail.Huge thanks to Petar, Cole McCormick and Joel W for supporting the show. Absolute legends!I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Welcome(0:42) - The Courage To Be Disliked(7:09) - Around The World In 80 Days(13:53) - Am I offensive?(17:24) - The Tibetan Book Of The Dead(20:06) - Courage Is Calling(22:32) - Stillness Is Key(24:22) - Value For Value(26:25) - Boostagram Lounge(35:05) - Coming Up In February 2023(36:48) - I also do these liveConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Is there still adventure to be found in this world?'Around The World In 80 Days' by Jules Verne is an adventure novel of a gentleman trying to win a bet. Phileas Fogg along with his manservant Passepartout attempt to circumnavigate the world by train, boat and any transport available in order to collect a £20,000 wager. Along the way they encounter mishaps & danger caused by self inflicted decisions and external circumstances.I summarised the book as follows. "Sometimes a book can just enthrall you .... this wasn't one of those times. There's not anything wrong with the book but I can't recall any compelling moments perse. Technically it's well written but I prefer other fictional books like 'Lost Horizon' which have deeper themes that I can learn from."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:28) - Synopsis(3:30) - Adventure: An exciting or daring experience(10:33) - Observations/Takeaways(14:10) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Do you have the courage to break your life-lie?'The Courage To Be Disliked' by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga is a Japanese version of a self-help/psychology book. It showcases Adlerian psychology through means of a Socratic dialogue between a philosopher and youth. It is primarily about how to change mental thought patterns by taking individual responsibility and not playing the victim card.I summarised the book as follows. "It's ultimately a useful tool for improvement. I believe much of life is tricking your own brain, body and habits into better outcomes. The philosopher did come across as a bit too assured and I would be curious to know the Adlerian view on pragmatism and whether other schools of psychology can work."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:28) - Synopsis(2:52) - Adlerian Psychology: The pill pill(8:46) - The Philosopher: Embodying the individual psychology(17:13) - Observations/Takeaways(24:03) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

What happens when we die? Maybe this book has the answers!'The Tibetan Book Of The Dead' by Padmasambhava is a hidden Tibetan text that explains the 'bardo', the intermediate zone between death & rebirth. It is a companion to be used as a guide for those transitions from life into the next process. There are clear instructions for loved ones/care givers to follow and what to expect in the days following cessation of life.I summarised the book as follows. "A large part of religion is finding meaning, with some practicality attached as well. I personally found this mostly useless but it did get me thinking about the actual logistics of death and caring for dying loved ones. I appreciate Buddhism more than most religions but draw the line at deities & unverifiable claims."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:38) - Synopsis(3:43) - Liberation: Steel manning Bardo(11:40) - Control: Criticising religion(19:27) - Observations/Takeaways(20:37) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Welcome back Mere Mortalites to another book review, this time on Courage is Calling by Ryan HolidayI enjoyed the new series by Ryan on the four virtues, and even with a few Ryan Holiday books under my belt this really shined.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:20) - New Series(2:00) - Synopsis(6:08) - Themes(10:00) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Stillness is the Key is a self-help book written by Ryan Holiday that explores the concept of stillness and how it can be used to improve one's life. The book argues that stillness, or the ability to be calm and focused in the face of chaos and distractions, is a key ingredient to success and happiness.Holiday also examines the ways in which stillness can be cultivated, including through meditation, exercise, and other mindfulness practices. He also offers practical advice on how to incorporate stillness into one's daily routine, and how to overcome common obstacles that may stand in the way of achieving stillness.Overall, Stillness is the Key is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that offers valuable insights into the power of stillness and mindfulness in helping us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Juan out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(0:53) - Synopsis(2:43) - Themes(6:27) - TakeawaysConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

I like recently published books for their utility, but for pure enjoyment and beauty it's hard for me to go past the classics.In December 2022 we upped the ante and reviewed 5 books on this channel. As usual I was all over the shop with Russian poetry, coding for kids, biographies from 2 millennia ago and Victorian England drama. I chose not to include Juan's upcoming review (didn't want to spoil it) so that will be recapped next month.Huge thanks to Petar the Slav for supporting the show, so greatly appreciated.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - I'm going live!(0:21) - Eugene Onegin: Alexander Pushkin(3:54) - Coding For Beginners Using Python: Louie Stowell(5:25) - The Age Of Alexander: Plutarch(9:54) - Tess Of The d'Urbervilles(15:53) - Stillness Is The Key: Ryan Holiday(16:30) - Boostagram Lounge(23:33) - Value For Value(25:41) - What's coming up for January 2023Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show