Mere Mortals Book Reviews

The ultimate male fantasy is rather flat & boring.'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is told from the point of view of an unnamed narrator. It takes place in a USA where there has been an overthrown government and everything is now dystopian. Our girl is 33 yrs old & a handmaid, whose only purpose is to give birth. Life is very different: family structures changed, super totalitarian (everyone is watched), a lot of violence (capital punishment/suicide/torture), monotonous routine & a sprinkle of religiosity. It has very short chapters interspersed with her recollections of the past plus a little future historical context right at the end.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:46) Themes/Questions(00:24:30) Author & Extras(00:27:30) Summary(00:29:43) Value 4 Value(00:31:30) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 This review delves into "The Little Book of Versace," evaluating its limited depth and focus on visuals over meaningful insights. While the book covers Versace’s designs and runway moments, it lacks a cohesive narrative, leaving the reader to seek additional context elsewhere. Overall, it's deemed more of a coffee table accessory than an informative resource on the iconic brand.(00:00) - Introduction to the Book Review(00:51) - The Versace Legacy in Brief(01:16) - Thoughts on Book’s Structure and Style(02:28) - The Book’s Visual Appeal vs. Informational Value(03:15) - Focus on Gianni Versace’s Influence(04:05) - The Book’s Shallow Dive into Fashion Culture(05:03) - Personal Research for Versace’s Backstory(05:58) - The Medusa Symbolism Explained(06:36) - Supermodels & Versace’s Influence(07:23) - Coffee Table Book or Fashion Reference?(08:08) - Final Thoughts and RecommendationValue 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/@meremortalspodcastWelcome back to  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Are people more cruel or simply the passing of time itself?'East Of Eden' by John Steinbeck is straight up one of the best books I've ever read. We follow various families across the generations as they live & die in 19/20th century America. It's uplifting in some sections and then will follow up with a brutality that brings you to your knees. Easily some of the best written characters and dialogue that I've encountered in all my reading.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:05:49) Themes/Questions(00:18:41) Author & Extras(00:26:19) Summary(00:28:46) Value 4 Value(00:30:08) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

I'm begging you, please don't make this mistake!Today is a special episode where I am diving into some of the reasons why I have stopped reading many books. I'm also giving a list of these books so that you don't have to waste your time on them (assuming you trust my judgement).Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:18) Structure/Style(00:14:21) Length(00:17:41) Content & Summary(00:28:32) Value 4 Value(00:31:09) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this podcast, I dive into Peter Attia's Outlive, discussing key lessons from the book on longevity and modern medicine. I highlight the surprising flaws in current medical guidelines, explore how centenarians' genetic traits can be mimicked through lifestyle changes, and busts myths about dietary habits like egg consumption. It’s an insightful conversation on optimizing health and balancing extreme views on nutrition and fitness.(00:00) - Welcome and Introduction to Outlive(00:39) - First Learning: Flaws in Type 2 Diabetes Guidelines(02:15) - Black and White in Medicine vs. Grey Areas(04:45) - Breaking the Myth: “First Do No Harm” Wasn't Hippocrates(05:44) - Mimicking Centenarians: Can We Extend Our Lifespan?(07:05) - Chapter Eight: The Crisis of Abundance and Modern Diets(09:33) - The Misunderstanding of Metabolic Syndrome(12:00) - The Humble Egg: Debunking Decades-Old Myths(13:32) - Balancing Extremes in Nutrition and Fitness(14:04) - Final Thoughts on Outlive and Longevity

Why is everyone so mistaken about this book?'The Kama Sutra' by Vātsyāyana is a how-to guide on courtship & sexual pleasure, as opposed to a graphic explanation of sexual positions. All of this comes from an Indian context from that era (so more addressed to the educated man/woman). Split into 7 parts and is about things like sexual union, class & social status differences, acquiring a wife & pleasing her, cheating, courtesans & sexual aids. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:00) Themes/Questions(00:08:52) Author & Extras(00:16:05) Summary(00:20:55) Value 4 Value(00:22:05) Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this episode, we dive into "Outlive: The Science of Longevity" by Dr. Peter Attia. The review explores key themes like emotional health, the importance of living better rather than just longer, and practical tips for increasing both lifespan and health span. The review highlights Attia's structured breakdown of science-based tactics to improve longevity and emotional well-being.(00:00) - Introduction to the Episode(00:17) - What is Outlive About?(01:06) - Peter Attia's Background and Credentials(02:53) - Overview of the Book's Structure(04:32) - Health Span vs. Lifespan: The Longevity Curve(05:46) - The Four Horsemen of Health: Key Diseases(06:49) - Exercise, Sleep, and Nutrition: Key Health Tactics(09:01) - Peter Attia's Writing Style and Analogies(11:08) - Emotional Health: The Final Chapter(12:21) - Conclusion and Overall Rating of the BookValue 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/@meremortalspodcastWelcome back to

Do your prefer old Dutch horror stories or refined English gentry?'The Sketchbook Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent' by Washington Irving is a mix of short stories (mostly about English observations from an American). It alternates between nonfiction & fiction, mostly told from the POV of the author. It's most famous for the two Dutch inspired stories of Rip Van Winkle & The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow but you'll also be entertained by Christmas with an eccentric nobleman, why American literature is being discounted, hunting for Shakespeare relics & tales of lovers & princes.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:29) - Themes/Questions(6:57) - Author & Extras(11:51) - Summary(16:06) - Value 4 Value(17:49) - Join Live!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/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

What does it take to market & sell new technology?'Crossing The Chasm' by Geoffrey A. Moore is a how-to book for entrepreneurs & small businesses to get their product to a larger market. He defines & addresses this problem of the chasm and his suggestions for solving it. Inside you'll find lots of jargon, tech speak and industry specific framing such as the whole product, distribution channels, marketing strategy & pricing.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:04) - Themes/Questions(14:45) - Author & Extras(16:32) - Summary(18:38) - Value 4 Value(19:59) - Join Live!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/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

A Bahian trance reflecting the best & worse of Brazilian childhood.'Capitães Da Areia' by Jorge Amado ('Captains Of The Sands' in English) is a coming of age story set in a 1930's Brazilian beach town. We follow a group orphaned adolescents who live without care under a pier. They know the streets better than anyone and are a menace to the city authorities. Under the leadership of their chief Pedro Bala we see them grow from young teenagers into young men through a haze of good & bad experiences.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:21) - Themes/Questions(17:20) - Author & Extras(21:35) - Summary(23:54) - Value 4 Value(25:44) - Join Live!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/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast