September 2022 Book Reviews

A brief review of each of the books I read in the last month.

Chatter: the voice in our head (and how to harness it - Ethan Kross 5/5

This book is a must read for anyone with a functioning brain.

Kross discusses techniques for addressing the spiral of negative thoughts which inevitably flow through our heads in certain situations.

This can be done by, among other things, gaining a different perspective and distancing yourself.

Read it. 

A Runner's High: my life in motion - Dean Karnazes 4.5/5

Karnazes recounts anecdotes of ultra marathons he has run in the past with culmination of his 100 mile Western States run.

If you are interested in running or human endurance, have a read.

Make Your Bed: little things that can change your life... and maybe the world - William H. McRaven 4.5/5

A short, yet thoroughly enjoyable read.

McRaven tells thrilling anecdotes of his time as a Navy SEAL to illustrate the following messages:

1. Start your day with a task complete (make your bed)

2. You can't go it alone - rely on teamwork

3. Only the size of your heart matters, not your traits or background

4. Life is not fair - push forward

5. Failure can make you stronger

6. Dare greatly - be brave

7. Stand up to bullies

8. Rise to the occasion 

9. Be a catalyst of hope

10. Never quit!

It was the anecdotes that made me rate this so highly.

Parallel Worlds: a journey through creation, higher dimensions, and the future of the cosmos - Michio Kaku 4.5/5

Another great book by Kaku.

This is the earliest of the six books I have read by Michio Kaku and whilst there is a lot of overlap in the topics discussed in his books, I cannot help but thoroughly enjoy each of them.

Kaku's books typically describe the history of our understanding of the cosmos and make a point for String Theory being the coveted but incomplete theory of everything.

I intend to continue reading Kaku's books as they are released, and would encourage anyone interested in possible futures of our universe to do the same.

Better: a surgeon's notes on performance - Atul Gawande 4/5

Gawande recounts stories from interviews with others and from personal experience on what it takes to become better as a surgeon.

Gawande speaks of the many opportunities and challenges that come with practicing as a surgeon.

A fascinating and insightful read.

Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart: thirty true things you need to know now - Gordon Livingston 4/5

Some nuggets of wisdom blended with some perhaps outdated ideas.

Worth reading a detailed review to mine the nuggets of wisdom.

The Longevity Paradox: how to die young at a ripe old age - Steven Gundry 3/5

Whilst I am sure that adhering to the program recommended in this book would be healthy, I do not think I could tame my hedonistic tendencies to even try the program.

The book is largely about supporting your "gut buddies" in your microbiome through dietary choices and restriction.

I often calibrate my bullshit radar by reading sections in health books where the author talks about exercise (they do more often than not), as this is an area about which I know a great deal. Gundry does not claim to be an expert on exercise, but I found his exercise recommendations underwhelming and this may have had a negative effect on my perception of him.

If you are interested in cutting out the most delicious foods and fasting to improve your health, give this book a read.