What I've been reading (Winter 2018)

TL;DR

A video discussing recent book reviews, including "The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars," "Brothers of the Snake," "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat," and "The Hidden Life of Trees."

Transcript

hey everyone in this video we're gonna be talking about some of the books I've been reading recently it's been a while since I've done a video giving an overall review of what I've reading so in some cases for these books I'm actually just gonna point you to other videos where I've reviewed them in full which is just as well because there's quite a... Read More

Key Insights

• 👊 Michael Mann's "The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars" delves into the attacks faced by climate scientists, highlighting the impact of political and economic interests on climate change denial.
• 😥 "Brothers of the Snake" by Dan Abnett serves as an excellent starting point for those interested in Warhammer 40,000, providing a comprehensive introduction to the universe.
• 😷 "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot offers a thought-provoking exploration of medical history, ethics, and the impact of unauthorized cell research on Henrietta Lacks and her family.
• 💅 Oliver Sacks' "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" presents intriguing neurological case studies, showcasing Sacks' engaging storytelling style and deep understanding of the human brain.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Michael Mann write "The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars"?

Michael Mann wrote the book to discuss his experiences as a climate scientist and the attacks faced by climate scientists from various groups with vested interests in denying climate change.

Q: Is "Brothers of the Snake" a good starting point for someone interested in Warhammer 40,000?

Yes, "Brothers of the Snake" by Dan Abnett is recommended as an excellent introduction to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, providing both action and a deeper understanding of the background.

Q: What is the main focus of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"?

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot focuses on the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without consent and became immortal in scientific research. The book also explores the impact on her family and ethical considerations.

Q: What makes "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" unique?

"The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" by Oliver Sacks stands out for its collection of neurological case studies, providing fascinating insight into rare neurological conditions and showcasing Sacks' distinctive writing style.

Q: What is the main drawback of "The Hidden Life of Trees"?

While "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben offers interesting perspectives on tree life and communication, the book's storytelling style can be fragmented and lacks a cohesive flow.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars by Michael Mann explores the attacks and opposition faced by climate scientists and the climate change movement.

• Brothers of the Snake by Dan Abnett serves as a great introduction to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, providing a comprehensive look at the background of the series.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot tells the fascinating story of the woman behind the immortal HeLa cells, offering insights into medical history and ethical dilemmas.

• The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks shares intriguing neurological case studies, showcasing Sacks' unique storytelling style.

• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben delves into the fascinating aspects of tree life and communication, although the fractured storytelling style may be a drawback.