Book Reviews

The thesis of this book is that cities should be designed around pedestrians and more livable spaces rather than cars and commutes, and that this sort of design would make people happier. I wanted to like this book, and I even agree with the thesis, but the author’s approach was infuriating and left me less convinced than when I started. He often relies on anecdotes about super-commuters who bike through piles of snow and live happy, healthy lives. That may be great, but I can tell you that none of the residents in the 8 properties I own fit this category. The best parts are about acknowledging why people want privacy and want to drive, and I wish the entire book were an honest accounting of why people drive despite the obvious drawbacks, and the right way to think about urban design in a way that can accommodate these desires while improving on our suburban, low-density status-quo. ...

Fun, but I didn’t really like the protagonist, and this wasn’t as interesting as the ancillary series.

Fit together nicely. Different perspectives, enjoyable fantasy.

Very much a direct continuation of the first book, didn’t expand the world as much as I expected, but also didn’t feel like the first half of a story which was nice.

Satisfying conclusion, pulled some of the same tricks as the original on a grander scale, but ended the series on a good note. Worth reading this series to the finish.

The conceit got repetitive. It’s pretty rare that I get 90% through a book and am not motivated to finish.

Fun. Reminded me of all you need is kill, combined with Andy Weir.

Good fun. Feels like a similar tone to Andy Weir.

Not as good as I had hoped considering all the recommendations, but still interesting.

Great read. Some timeless lessons here about the ability of organizations to fool themselves, and small events leading to lasting consequences. This book is impressive in its ability to both zoom in , such as the chapter ’lives and limbs’, or Karzai’s deteriorating relationship with the US, and zoom out to reveal the 15 year ambling path of U.S. policy in the region.