Review

It feels like this is the thesis that Pinker wanted to develop when he wrote ’the better angels of our nature.’ The fist half of the book, which dealt with how life has been getting better over time seemed both obvious, but also interesting in providing a concise overview for such a sweeping thesis. However I found the last part outlining both why the world has gotten better (hint: humanism and enlightenment principles) and what that should mean for the way we approach society today. ...

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.