Mere Mortals Book Reviews

“The Fourth Age not only discusses what the rise of A.I. will mean for us, it also forces readers to challenge their preconceptions. And it manages to do all this in a way that is both entertaining and engaging.” —The New York TimesJuan tackles the book The Fourth Age: Smart Robots, Conscious Computers, and the Future of Humanity by Byron Reese. This book proved to be a great read if you want to think about AI and machines from a primal basis, based on the way we might think of our universe at large.Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction and overview(0:35) - How deep does the rabbit hole go in the book(2:20) - The Fourth Age(3:25) - The three key questions(5:45) - Trying to emulate a nematode's brainAs always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

In today's bonus episode we have some additional notes taken by Kyrin while reading Plato's 'Republic'. These expand upon some of the deeper themes encountered in the book and there were not covered in the previously released episode of the actual book review. These include: Kyrin's personal opinions on 'justice' and the treatment it received in the dialogues, game theory and how modern knowledge and techniques can be applied to age old questions and the defects in Socrates' arguments as well as some of his faulty assumptions.Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction(0:53) - Justice is the repayment of debts(4:28) - Justice is the interest of the stronger(12:38) - Game theory applied to justice(15:05) - Thoughts on Socrates(16:58) - Faulty assumptions & ethical qualms(23:23) - Summary of the chapters(26:25) - An intriguing bookConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

What is the experience of reading English literature in Spanish? 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' is the classic fictional account of carefree youth in the American antebellum south. We follow Tom and his faithful companions through adventures of piracy, playing hooky and finding buried treasure. The book evokes the childlike naivety/innocence that we all once experienced as well as the superstitions and simple mindedness of the people in the American south.Kyrin had this to say of the tale. "I read the translated Spanish version of this book and the iconic Mark Twain style still resonates throughout. He is amazingly witty and the storytelling from scene to scene is superb. I highly enjoyed the adventures and also gained more respect of Samuel Clemens after learning about his own adventures through his life. A superb book written by a superb human being!"Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction and overview(2:20) - Childlike naivety and innocence(5:24) - Superstitions and simple mindedness(11:22) - Reading Mark Twain in Spanish(13:58) - Amazing storytelling and an amazing person(16:39) - A superb book(17:02) - Pragmatic takeaway: become a doerAs always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

How does one become a 'Philosopher King'? Plato's 'Republic' is one of the seminal works of philosophy and one that has had a tremendous impact on critical thought and culture. It follows Socrates as he converses with friends and interlocutors on the purpose of defining the nature of 'justice'. As part of his argument, Socrates develops the concept of a perfect 'Republic' led by his Philosopher Kings. Another famous cultural icon to emerge from the book was his allegory of the cave (Plato's Cave), a way to describe the effect of education and seeking higher knowledge.Kyrin had this to say about 'Republic': "It was hugely influential and a pivotal book that requires attention and work. This isn't the sort of book that you can read flippantly and think that you've got it. For me it was largely not enjoyable but did provoke some insights. I feel this is one of those books you need to read a couple of times to really delve into all of its themes."Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction & synopsis(2:17) - The nature of 'justice'(5:07) - Philosopher Kings and finding the true reality(7:43) - The 5 types of regimes(10:25) - Personal observations(14:14) - Summary(15:18) - Pragmatic takeaway: compassionAs always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

If you enjoy long, boring, tedious, conversation filled books, then look no further. 'Sons And Lovers' is the fictional story of a lower class English family living in the 19th century. It revolves largely around Gertrude Morel's two sons (William & Paul) and their unsatisfying relationships due to their overbearing mother. Her prolonged estrangement from her husband and vicarious living through her sons ultimately ends in a ruinous end for the whole family.I summarised the book as follows. "I take full responsibility for my lack of enjoyment and even the harshness of this review. After reading 10% I pretty much knew that this book had very little to offer me, but I stuck through it for the sole purpose of achieving my arbitrary yearly goal of reading 50 books. I found the writing overly descriptive and honestly think the same result could have been achieved in half the pages. Not my favourite book and one of the worst reviews I have given out in the past year."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Intro & upcoming changes(1:10) - Synopsis(5:18) - Stifled ambition & vicarious living(8:25) - Asexuality; divorcing the soul from the physical(14:09) - Evocative and enchanting scenery(14:47) - Interactions between the characters(18:05) - A long, boring, tedious book(18:50) - Pragmatic outcome; no book goalsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Is there a price for everlasting life? 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is the origin story of the most famous vampire in literary and movie culture. We follow Dr Van Helsing and other intrepid heroes on their mission to destroy the undead creature after his relocation from Transylvania to London in the pursuit of fresh victims. The story evokes our fear of the unknown and the everyday qualities of normal people who transform into heroes.Kyrin had this to say of his reading experience. "It was great to read the original source material of the infamous Count Dracula and see just how different he has become in the modern cultural scene. It really is a masterful story and the character development is wonderful to behold. Personally I don't enjoy the gothic/scary genre so much but I was able to appreciate where the legend came from."Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction and overview(2:57) - That which we fear is the unknown(4:23) - A hero voluntarily faces their fears(6:04) - Natural laws and the desire for immortality(8:22) - Personal observations(10:36) - In summary; a masterful story(11:28) - Pragmatic takeaway: research origin storiesAs always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

How would your perspective change in the world of the giants or amongst the little people? 'Gulliver's Travels' is the classic 18th century travel adventure by Jonathan Swift. The book follows Lemuel Gulliver across his four adventures in strange lands amongst strange people. It deals with contrasting perspectives changed by viewpoint, the different types of government and the practicality of misanthropy.Kyrin had this to say of the book. "I found the book to be more enjoyable and thought provoking in hindsight. Unfortunately the actual reading experience is dampened by the outdated satire and old English language. Nevertheless it contains some real gems, highlighting why it has become a enduring classic for nearly 300 years."Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction(2:08) - Synopsis of the four adventures(4:04) - Contrasting perspectives changed by viewpoint(7:51) - No form of government will be perfect(9:32) - Can misanthropy be useful?(11:55) - Personal observations(15:12) - Summary and pragmatic takeawayAs always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Were the ghosts real or was the Governess crazy? 'The Turn Of The Screw' & 'The Aspern Papers' are two novellas written by the uber-prolific Henry James (seriously, the dude wrote a lot). Both stories deal with a central character losing themselves in their situation, whether it be an uncertain horror transported into everyday reality or a man single-mindedly pursuing what he wants.Kyrin had this to say of the two tales. "I really don't like horror and thrills so these probably weren't the best of books for me to read. Of the two I preferred 'The Aspern Papers', however both are written in an manner that incites intrigue and suspense. Unfortunately I didn't find that the tales ignited any new ideas or viewpoints and my actual enjoyment level while reading was minimal."Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction & synopsis(3:11) - Hysteria & madness(6:17) - What is ethical in the pursuit of value & truth?(7:52) - Kyrin is a scaredy-cat(9:24) - Creating a memorable character(10:42) - Overall summary and rating(11:28) - Pragmatic takeawayAs always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

The most enjoyable book that I have read all year! 'Life On The Mississippi' is a non-conventional book, alternating between memoirs, story telling, historical facts, reminisces of the past and cultural observations. Mark Twain gets the chance to recount his old adventures as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi river in his youth and explore some of the changes that he has seen from before and after the American Civil War and the effects of the Industrial Revolution.I summarised the book as follows. "I came into this book expecting it to be a descriptive but maybe somewhat boring recount of the American past. However, I had so many moments of deep belly laughs and became fascinated with the vivid picture that Mark Twain painted of this era. Not only that but he touches upon some of the questions we still ask ourselves today about technology, losing certain human abilities and adapting to the present moment. A great book if you are looking for an entertaining read and a transportation into the past."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction(1:42) - Life in different eras and vestiges of the past(4:05) - Not preparing for life's changes(6:42) - Technology and losing human abilities(11:28) - The fascinating intricacies from passionate people(13:10) - A wild time in history(14:10) - Mark Twain is hilarious(15:55) - An amazing book doesn't need to be conventional(17:42) - Pragmatic takeawayConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

"He smote his breast, and thus reproached his heart. Endure, my heart; far worst has thou endured." If you are looking for an uplifting tale of a man's struggle through life, then look no further. 'The Odyssey' is the second of the epic poems by the Greek author Homer. Kyrin from the Mere Mortals crew has already reviewed the well renowned 'The Iliad' and herein contains his opinions of the journey of Odysseus."The poem brings forth suggestive questions still applicable to a modern context. What is a hero? Why is the call of home so strong? What are the limits that a single person can endure? Though not answered implicitly, we can gain knowledge of these from the behaviour and speech of Odysseus and his companions. In comparison to 'The Iliad' I personally found this story a bit too drawn out and lacking in the specific details that we see when we follow the adventure of Achilles. Nevertheless it is a decent read and worth knowing the general tale, if for no other reason that it's still talked about and parodied (The Simpsons for example) in modern times."Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction(3:53) - What is a hero?(6:06) - The call of home and why people move(9:01) - Hospitality and how it can be abused(10:19) - Comparison to The Iliad(13:05) - Summary and pragmatic takeawayAs always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcastSupport the show

Are great men born or made? Fyodor Dostoyevsky explores this question amongst many others in his extraordinary novel 'Crime And Punishment'. Published in 1866 this Russian masterpiece is still considered one of the greatest books ever written. It tells the story of Rodion Raskolnikov and his psychological undoing after committing a horrific crime in an insane intellectual pursuit. Raskolnikov's subsequent subconscious guilt and near descent to insanity is beautifully captured in a book that does not lack in thought provoking themes.I summarised the book as follows. "If you are even minutely interested in psychology this book is a must read. Dostoyevsky is probably one of the greatest writers to ever express the monologue and internal states of his characters. A personal highlight for me was Raskolnikov's rant at Sonya in Part 5 - Chapter 4. The book is long and deals with dreary themes but keeps delivering the reader new developments to consider."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction(3:34) - Do morals exist beyond the individual?(5:27) - Comparison with Thérèse Raquin(8:04) - Are great men born or made?(12:43) - Master of the monologue and psychology(14:26) - The quirks of fate(15:23) - Russian names and long reading(16:44) - Pragmatic lessonConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Following on from the review of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, Juan from the Mere Mortals digs into the learnings that he found through the book.As always, we hope you enjoy!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

You really get to know what Mr Murakami talks about when he talks about running. A really wonderful piece of literature which comprises a few short pieces throughout his time in 2005/06 , it goes through the trials and tribulations of preparing for a marathon as he has aged, not doing as well as he would have expected, running distances longer than a marathon, the feelings around that and many more. Tune in for Juan's short take on the book.As always, we hope you enjoy!If you would like to support our channel and grab the book as well, find our amazon link below:https://amzn.to/3yDRyetConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Is there a moral boundary that cannot be crossed, even by those who act unthinkingly? 'Thérèse Raquin' is a simple story with only four main characters. Set in 19th century Paris, it tells of passion, betrayal, murder, deception and ultimately, accountability. Émile Zola wrote the book in a literary style known as 'Naturalistic'. In the preface he expressly states that he was interested in the temperaments of the personas, rather than their characters. By this he explores how humans would behave in an extreme situation, where free will plays very little part.Kyrin of the Mere Mortals crew had this to say. "Overall it is gloomy and sad but manages to be very entertaining, even riveting at points. The simple plot and sparse use of characters makes it flow superbly, without the reader needing to backtrack and reconfirm previous passages. The descriptions of old grimy working-class Paris spring into the mind clearly. It prompts questions of unendurable suffering, the acceptability of suicide and how the sub-conscience interacts with morality. A fine read!"Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Are you willing to put it all on the line and to die for your beliefs? In 'The Trial And Death Of Socrates' we indeed find someone who is willing to do this. This short book is composed from three of the four Socratic Dialogues (Apology/Crito/Phaedo) by the Athenian philosopher, Plato. It mostly takes the form of monologues by Socrates with some short back and forth with his friends. It tells of his trial, reasons for not fleeing, musings on death & the soul before his final suicide by poison.Kyrin of the Mere Mortals crew had this to say. "What does one owe the state? Is suicide morally acceptable? Is the soul immortal? These are several questions that arise when one reads of Socrates final days and his rhetorical arguments. He obviously was a man who thought deeply and indeed contained much wisdom. Unfortunately his argumentative and holier than thou personality resulted in making too many enemies and subsequently led to his unfair punishment. A short and quick read but one that requires concentration, perfect for those who love philosophy."Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

“Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.” This is a wholly Mere Mortal endorsed quote from 'The Iliad'. Written sometime long ago (thought to be 8th century B.C.) by the poet Homer, it is an epic poem of part of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans outside the walled city of Ilium. The main focus of the numerous battles rests with two heroic fighters, the Trojan prince Hector and the demigod Achilles.I summarised the book as follows. "The poem is superbly written and easily understandable to this day. It reveals both the sublime and the ignoble of battle. The honour, glory and heroism is offset by the gore, sorrow and cowardice. The unpredictability and downright erratic nature of the gods can be observed throughout and calls to question why the ancients worshipped such capricious beings? The book is surprisingly fun, considering the brutal scenes within. Creative adjectives that go before each character is a unique style I also hadn't encountered before."Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares his book a Tribe of Mentors, a choose your own adventure type book where you can pick and reach from 130+ of the world's top successes. Hand in hand with the existing book review, the team went through some of the favourite quotes we encountered through this book (note there is a LOT of quotes in this one). Juan divulges why these quotes resonated so well with his Why's through this quote series. Enjoy!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, shares his book a Tribe of Mentors, a choose your own adventure type book where you can pick and reach from 130+ of the world's top successes. Tim uses a great selection of questions that allows each of the individuals in the book to share open and honest insights into their life and how they handle things like "how to say no" and "the best things they have bought under $100". An insightful book, best served as a pick up and read rather than going cover to cover. 8/10.Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

In this video I go over some of my favourite quotes from abridged version of 'The Gulag Archipelago'. These are select snippets that highlight the most important passages of the book where I will then adding my own personal reflections on the quote and why it struck me so deeply. If you are looking for a general overview of the book, please head to the Book Review, which gives a synopsis of the principal themes.I summarised the book as follows. "The Gulag Archipelago is a monumental work and truly exposes one of the worst regimes that humans have ever created. The quotes I picked out struck me for their poignancy and capture the literary style of Solzhenitsyn. Not for the faint of heart, they show how kids were given 10+ year prison sentences, the fear evoked by an arrest and the depravity of the gulag guards."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3ntvrVOTimeline:(0:00) - Purpose of the video(0:57) - Arrests as a pandemic(2:42) - War heroes as criminals(5:30) - Stalin the jackal(7:20) - Inefficient interrogation(8:53) - You today, me tomorrow(10:51) - The line dividing evil cuts every human heart(12:45) - Hunger strikes are useless(14:41) - No gas for the gas chambers(16:37) - Competing plans(18:22) - Conditions of the corpses(20:24) - Children were not spared(21:38) - Arrests never got easier(22:55) - Blatnye: the theives(24:15) - 10 years in the camps for a child(26:08) - Going over your life with a fine-tooth comb(28:10) - Crocodile tears(30:41) - Growing old overnightConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Nature vs Nurture, which is more influential? This is one of the queries that pop up when reading 'The Call Of The Wild' by Jack London. Probably the most well known of his works, it is very similar to 'White Fang' in many ways. We follow a St Bernard cross Scotch Collie named Buck as he returns to the icy wilderness of Northern Canada. Along his journey he rediscovers his baser, deep rooted instincts.Kyrin of the Mere Mortal crew had this to say. "Sometimes you can read two very similar books and only one of them will move you. This occurred for me with White Fang, leaving me slightly disappointed with Call Of The Wild. They both touch upon similar themes, have similar scenery and characters but something was just lacking. A decent book nevertheless and worth reading if you love dogs and the wilderness."Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

What can be learned from the senseless death of millions and how can we ensure it never happens again? 'The Gulag Archipelago' is a three-volume work that transformed the World's opinion on the USSR and communist ideology. The author, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, spent 8 years in the forced labour camps before being released under the sweeping reforms put in place after Stalin's death. He wrote of his experiences and those of his comrades in the frozen Russia tundra under essentially unliveable conditions. His work has had a recent revival of interest following the popularity of Jordan Peterson and his praise of the book.I read the abridged version of this mammoth work. "This book really hits home the suffering and utter misery that was inflicted upon a whole nation. Solzhenitsyn's words scream out the unimaginable cruelty and unanswered rage through compassionate stories, comedic sarcasm and plain facts. It really is a horrifying book, but is almost a masterpiece of revealing not only the misery we can create as a group, but the suffering we can endure as an individual.""There is a reason why this book had such a profound impact from the moment it was released. It touches upon the bare naked themes of humanities worst and greatest parts. If you desire to catch a glimpse of what Hell looks like (both physically and psychologically), then this will do it. Tough reading, but full of essential knowledge."As always, we hope you enjoy!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3ntvrVOTimeline:(0:00) - Solzhenitsyn Quote(0:33) - Synopsis(2:54) - Lack Of Integrity & Responsibility Of Individuals(6:10) - Human Nature Was Tested(10:22) - Personal Observations(14:35) - Summary(16:57) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Affirmation Of My ResponsibilityConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

"To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation". This is a quote taken from the book 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It is a relatively short book of a simple story; a young shepherd goes on a journey to find his treasure. However the tale is enrapturing and one can't help but be drawn in and identify parts of oneself in Santiago, the Andalusian shepherd. Although it primarily addresses the spiritual/psychological barriers that prevent us from fulfilling our dreams, it also packs in practical wisdom for everyday use.I summarised the book as follows. "I came across this book in a pivotal point in my life, deciding whether to quit my job and fulfil my dream of travelling South America. Reading this book helped cement my decision. Nothing causes more regret and sorrow than cowing with fear away from pursuing a desired goal. A goal that is driven by an internal passion cannot be ignored."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3911qV0Timeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(2:03) - The Personal Legend(6:18) - Omens & The Soul of The World(11:00) - Personal Observations(15:52) - Summary(17:10) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Add to the Wisdom WorksheetConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Have you read one of the best books that Latin America has to offer? '100 Year of Solitude' is the magnus opus of the Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. Although only published in 1967 it is already a classic book of worldwide literature. It is a long meandering tale that tells the story of the Buendía family in the magical town of Macondo. Numerous generations are born and die as they interact with the introduction of technology, magic and oppression from within and without.I summarised the book as follows. "I spent 7 months deciphering this classic in Spanish so my impression of the book comes from the original text, however with a bit less comprehension as Spanish is not my native language. The book touches upon the changing of time and fortune & the strange sense of pleasure that can be derived from loneliness/nostalgia. One of the finest examples of 'magic realism' style and well worth the time invested to read. Definitely recommended for those who would describe themselves as nostalgic or wistful as the book exquisitely captures that essence of feeling. Viva Colombia!"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(3:27) - Strictness can lead to a stressful life(5:50) - A sense of nostalgia(9:23) - Reading it in Spanish(11:47) - Legacy: Time forgets all(16:58) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

How would 19th century British folk handle a situation of their children growing to the size of 4 story buildings? If you have ever asked yourself this very specific question than 'The Food of The Gods and How It Came To Earth' by H.G. Wells is the perfect book for you. The book raises some interesting questions one of these being: are there inventions/discoveries that can or should be un-invented?I was very excited after reading the initial pages and the basic premise of the plot, but was let down as the book went on. Fiction writers have a difficult job of choosing where to take the story from the initial conception and I personally wanted to see it head in a different direction than where it did go. The book wasn't all bad though as it contained one of my new favourite fictional characters, that being Cossar the engineer. To learn more about him and why I liked him, listen on.Hope you enjoy, Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3huqbh3Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

What is it like to have bipolar disorder? 'An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness' is a biography by Kay R. Jamison, a doctor/psychologist who researches this very topic and who also is afflicted with the same disorder. Previously known as manic depression, it is a mental disorder with a strong genetic component that results in intense mood swings with little ability of regulation. She tells of the highs and lows, public perception/misconceptions and the necessity of those afflicted to take their medication.I summarised the book as follows. "I was interested in this book as I wanted to read more about the subjective experience of depression. While the book does touch upon this issue, it is mostly an account of the life of the author and how she handled (or did not handle) living with a mental disorder that severely effected her life. For me it was a little boring as I was looking for something different, but it is always useful to get an honest first person account of something I will likely never experience myself."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3A8B2UYTimeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(4:48) - Social stigma & public reception(9:20) - Signs and manifestations of the disorder(11:39) - Personal Observations(13:17) - Summary(16:00) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Be less judgemental!Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'White Fang' is the tale of a wolf cub who is born in the wild, learning the call of the wild and the brutal lessons of nature. Through a gradual period of interacting with indigenous and white Americans, he gradually becomes tamer, but still with the spirit of a wolf within. The story lends itself to children but is masterfully told and can draw in a reader of any age.While a captivating tale, it is not exactly a pleasant story. White Fang fully experiences Thomas Hobbes description of life 'nasty, brutish and short'. He endures the suffering of famine, abusive owners, constant bullying and predation from other animals. Thankfully the book ends with an uplifting ending and there are moments of joy when he is living his life fully as a wolf. This is an enrapturing novel with great lessons throughout.As always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3tHDSxNConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'Meditations' are the reflections of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161-180 AD, renowned for his wise ruling as 'The Philosopher'. The book is a collection of personal notes to himself and is split into 12 chapters (or books) each containing many small quotes/larger thoughts on Stoic philosophy, the nature of Death, living in the present moment and dealing with emotions (amongst other subjects).He never intended for his writings to be published as a book, so we gain the unadulterated wisdom of one of the most powerful people to ever live. We are present to his own struggles with his emotions and of how to live the best life possible. In some parts the language used is difficult to interpret but the book is full of techniques and practical advice of how to endure through suffering and become a better person.If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3tBmpXQConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

A hectic account of trench warfare by a born soldier!'Storm of Steel' by Ernst Jünger is a first person account of life during World War I as told through the eyes of a young German soldier. There is no particular plot, closer to a diary of his experiences on the Western Front during engagements such as the: Battle of Ypres, Battle of Cambrai & the final German spring offensive. It's not a political book and is simply an account of what Jünger saw/felt during this period of his life.I summarised the book as follows. "Jünger faces unending blood, raining steel, bone-numbing cold, asphyxiating gas, energy snapping mud and a meeting with death. If you ever wanted to know what the experience of a modern day adrenaline junkie would be during war time, then this is the book for you. Though it might glorify war in some aspects 'Storm of Steel' is as real as it gets and the author is also as real as it gets."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3lnmgniTimeline:(0:00) - Intro & Synopsis(3:51) - Excitement of the fight(8:10) - The tricks & turns of fate(9:35) - Personal Observations(14:17) - Summary(16:12) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Start reading books in pairs of twoConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'All Quiet On The Western Front' is the harrowing experiences of fighting and dying, as told by a German WWI soldier. The author uses an alter-ego of Paul Baümer to fully describe the brutal reality of average life in the trenches. The book details the minutiae of frayed shell shocked nerves, mind-numbing boredom and explosive sudden bloodshed. One of the central themes we understand from the book is that nobody comes out of this experience for the better. Even those who survive come out apathetic and indifferent to the new daily monotony, their dreams have already been taken from them.For me this book really hit home the tragedy of the generation of men lost in not only WWI but WWII as well. This book has some vivid memorable scenes that I don't think I'll forget easily (the shelling in the recently buried cemetery for example). Reading it is not exactly a pleasant experience, but will give you gratitude for your current circumstances and a greater appreciation of the men and women protecting our countries. As always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3z31vSAConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi is the 1883 classic children's book of a puppet come to life . Though written for children it initially had a very tragic ending, with poor Pinocchio left for dead, hung by the neck from a tree. Thankfully Collodi added more chapters to the book and we now have an uplifting ending to the tale. It is is surprisingly deep with many life lessons (such as reaping what you sow, developing virtue, not to case pearls before swine, etc.,), which is why it is one of the most translated books of all time. The original tale is very different from the Disney movie and well worth a read, for young and old.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3zT7xqkConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

From one of the most distinguished admirals of our time and a former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, a meditation on leadership and character refracted through the lives of ten of the most illustrious naval commanders in history, alongside the 10 characteristics of effective leadership. Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."Above is a typical funny passage that one can find in 'The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe' by Douglas Adams. This is the 2nd book of the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy trilogy and follows the adventure of Arthur, Ford, Zaphod and Trillian as they continue their random, absurd, highly illogical journey. They travel through time and space to get a good meal and enjoy the end of the universe.I summarised the book as follows. "The plot (if you can even call it that) is so zany and has so little structure that each chapter could almost be read as a stand-alone short story. What comes out in the writing of Adams is the classic British deadpan humour and his unique gift with wordplay. A fun, forget the troubles of the world type of book. Hope you enjoy it as I did!"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3jJEsYsTimeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(2:58) - Wordplay and classic British deadpan(6:08) - Personal Observations(10:27) - Summary (11:55) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Learn some new wordsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'The Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith. This is a classic book of economics that lays out the general principles of wealth, particularly in relation to nations. It is a dense, long book to get through and has the old style of English language (it was first published in 1776), making it very difficult to read. I personally could only get through about 10% of the 570-something pages. A good book for those who want to read what would be one of the first ground-breaking books on economics, as long as you are prepared to grind away. I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

An exploration into the inner world of yourself.'Demian' by Hermann Hesse is a psychological journey of facing fear, pursuing the inner voice and preparing oneself for a life of lonesome transcendence. Young Emil Sinclair grows out of adolescence into early manhood with the help from his enigmatic friend Max Demian. The book is narrated by Sinclair and reveals the challenges he must confront to transform beyond his initial, somewhat weak and naïve beginning. I summarised the book as follows. "Somewhat bizarre at times but the calm mood that runs throughout is perfect. I personally gained much wisdom from this book and believe there are many life lessons to be gained from it. Highly recommended, especially for those interested in understanding the inner voice/mind and how it can be used as a force for good."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3n4gBVvTimeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(4:40) - The inner voices(8:31) - Depression: Requires conscious confrontation to defeat(11:20) - The moral voice and unlearning preconceptions(14:42) - Summary(15:49) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'Invisible Man' is a commentary of American society in the late 1940's as told from the perspective of an unnamed African American narrator. The book is fictional but contains similarities to real events experienced by Ralph Ellison during his lifetime. It changes between pure narration to lyrical prose, poetic drama and even fantastical dreamlike scenarios. The narrator experiences a loss of identity due to the societal insistence of viewing him solely as part of his racial group. He undergoes a journey from hopeful and naïve to hardened and calloused, almost to the point of breaking. It is a sad, gloomy and at times, downright disgusting portrayal of American life (battle royal scene for example) as seen through the eyes of the narrator. Recommended for those looking for a perspective of American racism and willing to endure a long book (581 pages). As always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

A book that is 'For Madmen Only'!'Steppenwolf' by Hermann Hesse is the semi-fictional, semi-autobiographical tale of Harry Haller, a man whose nature is part man and part wolf. Hesse wrote this (his 10th novel) in 1927 during a prolonged existential crisis caused by the Great War, marriage problems and a severe depression. It explores themes of suicidal depression, the plurality of inner voices/desires and intense loneliness.I summarised the book as follows. "It's rather gloomy and sad with parts of ecstatic exuberance. It does explore some deep (rather unpleasant) aspects of the human condition and for certain types of people I think will really connect. However, I really didn't like the character of Haller, in fact I detested him. He displayed such bad personal qualities that I found it hard to empathise with him and the ending in the magical theatre was just a bit too weird for me.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here!https://amzn.to/3DNXHZ1Timeline:(0:00) - Intro & Synopsis(4:02) - Plurality of inner voices(8:26) - The importance of direction(10:00) - Personal Observations(14:54) - Summary(16:09) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Read more Hermann Hesse!Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

What can terrorists teach you about how to negotiate?'Never Split The Difference' by Chris Voss (with Tahl Raz) is about how to use negotiation skills in real life. The main author is an ex-FBI negotiator who learnt the principles of effective negotiation from real world experience with kidnappers, bank robbers, terrorists, sales people, academics and businessmen. The book is an exposition of his main lessons, told through a mix of history, stories, advice and psychology.I summarised the book as follows. "There are some key pieces of information that can be applied to negotiations in every day life. These range from using techniques (such as mirroring and finalising affirmation), creating empathy and controlling your emotions to simple advice (make sure you are negotiating with the people who actually make the decisions). A great book for someone looking to improve their negotiation skills, but without the whole 'system' that usually comes with such books." I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you enjoyed this review and would like to support the team, feel free to use our referral link here! https://amzn.to/3kOuEM6Timeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(4:49) - Negotiation tips(8:14) - Never split the difference(13:44) - Summary (15:22) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Examine my own negotiation skills Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'Elon Musk' by Ashlee Vance, published in 2015. The book is a biography of the billionaire and founder (somewhat disputed) of SpaceX, Tesla & SolarCity. We are taken through a journey from his early childhood in South Africa, rich tech startup kid to fighting for his businesses during the 2008 GFC and beyond. A somewhat polarising and temperamental figure at times, the book gives a good insight into his life as well as some of the personality traits that helped him to become one of the richest people on the planet. As always, hope you enjoy!Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill, published in 1859. The book is an essay of his ideas regarding freedom, liberty, the shortcomings of democracy, role of the government and human rights. It is split into 5 parts: introduction, of the liberty of thought and discussion, of individuality as one of the elements of well being, of the limits to the authority of society over the individual and applications.The book is extended in its reach and covers a lot of ground. This is a seminal text on the question of freedom and raises questions that are still asked in today's time. The book is short but the text is difficult to read due to the style and grammar structure of the 19th century. Worth a check out if you are into the ideas of liberty/freedom and are willing to work to understand them. As always, hope you enjoy!If you enjoyed this review and would like to support the team, feel free to use our referral link here! https://amzn.to/3DDbrWoConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

This episode of the Mere Mortals book review covers 'Scale: The Universal Laws of Life And Death In Organisms, Cities And Companies' by Geoffrey West. This book promised to deliver so much, but unfortunately fell a little bit short. In it a theoretical physicist turned biologist tries to discover what characteristics of animal, cities and companies are similar independent of size. He manages to show this in some very convincing graphs that occur throughout the book, one of the books actual strong points.The first three chapters are very solid and draw the attention with some interesting, not well known facts (such as that the average life span of heartbeats for just about every mammal is 1.5 billion). It begins to fade in the middle section of the book as he starts beginning some personal digressions, which while entirely in his right (it's his own damn book), are just not super interesting or written in a style that will make you agree/intrigued.He ends with his look at cities and companies, which unfortunately gets bogged down and to me felt like he could have shortened these chapters or make them 'pop' more. A decent book but nothing that will ever be known as a classic. 6.5/10.If you enjoyed this review and would like to support the team, feel free to use our referral link here! https://amzn.to/3DFeU6PConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

This episode of the Mere Mortal book review looks at 'The Rape of Nanking' written by Iris Chang and 'Man's Search For Meaning' by Viktor Frankl. Both books are focused on massacres that occurred during WWII, but take different perspectives. Chang's book is more of a history of the event, a way to highlight to the world the tragedy in Nanking. Frankl's book deals with the reason why we live and is a personalised account of his journey through the concentration camps as well as a treatise on Logotherapy, his own brand of psychotherapy. Both deal with unpleasant historical events, but are essential reading.Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Two books for the price of one!This episode of the Mere Mortals Book Reviews looks at 'The Hero With A Thousand Faces' by Joseph Campbell and 'Black Rednecks And White Liberals' by Thomas Sowell. Campbell explores the landscape of myth and story, following the archetypal journey of the hero throughout it's many phases. This book is somewhat known as a classic and its influence can still be seen today. Sowell's book is a collection of 6 essays: the similarity between redneck and black culture, exploring similarities of other minority groups like Jews, the history of slavery, German culture and history leading up to the Nazi era, black education post slavery, and history being viewed subjectively or objectively.I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

In this book review Kyrin goes over the books 'The Day Of The Triffids' by John Wyndham & 'A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man' by James Joyce. The first is a story of an apocalyptic world populated with dangerous plants and the second is of a young Irish boy growing into a young man. Neither books were spectacular in his opinion but did raise some questions of ethics being context dependent and the psychology of spiralling downwards. Hope these brought some insights into your own reading.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Welcome to the Mere Mortals Book Review channel!'Island' by Aldous Huxley is a utopian world set on the island of Pala. Will Farnaby is an embittered journalist who arrives to convince the ruler to sell the oil rights to his boss. As he stays longer he learns about the social setup and interconnected community of the inhabitants. The main themes focus on the interweaving of religion/meditation/psychedelics and how they play a part in the structure of the island.I summarised the book as follows. "An intriguing creation of a better world .... that probably could never exist. As a utopian ideal it's nice but nothing of this fictional world convinced me that this sort of community would be sustainable. I found the tone to be really preachy in parts and highlights the bad parts of the western philosophy without highlighting the good parts either. Overall it was a fun read though and emphasises the complexity of life and the need for balance."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you enjoyed this review and would like to support the team, feel free to use our referral link here! https://amzn.to/3mUZsNWTimeline:(0:00) - Welcome to the channel(1:25) - Synopsis(5:46) - The three parts of the story(11:07) - The religious & woo woo(16:42) - Golden nuggets in a stream full of diamonds(21:49) - Psychedelics and meditation(23:45) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'Ordinary Men' by Christopher R. Browning details the experiences of Reserve Police Battalion 101 during the occupation of Poland by Nazi Germany. It examines the role played by the battalion in the murder/exportation of the Jewish people in this era. Browning shares his thoughts on some of the psychological and ethical issues raised by the circumstances.I summarised the book as follows. "This was a sombre and difficult read. It's extremely detailed so be prepared to learn in excruciating detail about the gore & heartbreak of the mass shootings in cold blood. Psychologically there were so many aspects to explore and the author really goes deep. A stark reminder of what ordinary men (aka all of us) are capable of."As always, I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you enjoyed this review and would like to support the team, feel free to use our referral link here! https://amzn.to/3mUsTQjTimeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(3:59) - The circumstances of the mass killings(7:27) - Being a social misfit(12:46) - Ethical actions but with wrong moral reasonings(18:21) - Personal Observations(22:22) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show