I Read, Therefore I Blog

The Blurb On The Back:

When eleven-year-old Georgie befriends an eccentric retired scientist, she becomes the test subject for a thrilling new experiment: a virtual-reality 3D version of the future.

But then a deadly disease threatens the life of every dog in the country and Georgie’s beloved dog, Mr Mash, gets sick. And that’s only the start of her troubles.

Soon, Georgie and Mr Mash must embark on a desperate quest: to save every dog on earth, and maybe even all of humanity ...

... without actually leaving the room.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Ross Welford’s delightful SF book for children aged 9+ revisits the idea of time travel that he first wrote about in the excellent TIME TRAVELLING WITH A HAMSTER but this time takes a dog-mad protagonist to a grim future. The world building is great, Welford makes some excellent points about privilege and refugees courtesy of the ever optimistic Ramzy and Dr Pretorius is an interesting morally ambivalent character. This book is worth your time.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

In recent years, the so-called Alt-Right, a white nationalist movement, has grown at an alarming rate. Taking advantage of high levels of racial polarization, the Alt-Right seeks to normalize explicit white identity politics. Growing from a marginalized and disorganized group of Internet trolls and propagandists, the Alt-Right became one of the major news stories of the 2016 presidential election, and exploded into public consciousness after its mark through Charlottesville in summer 2017. Discussions of the Alt-Right are now a regular part of political discourse in the United States and beyond. In The Alt-Right: What Everyone Needs To Know, George Hawley, one of the world’s leading experts on the conservative movement and right-wing radicalism, provides a clear explanation of the ideas, tactics, history, and prominent figures of one of the most disturbing movements in America today. Although it presents itself as a new phenomenon, the Alt-Right is just the latest iteration of a longstanding radical right-wing political tradition. Throughout, Hawley discusses the other primary ideological influences on the Alt-Right: libertarianism, paleoconservatism, neo-reaction, and the Men’s Rights Movement. Dispassionate and accessible, this is an essential overview for anyone seeking to understand this disruptive and dangerous political movement.

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The Verdict:

George Hawley is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Alabama and in this concise, comprehensive (for an ever-developing movement) book that’s a must-read for anyone interested in the subject, he sets out what the Alt-Right is, how it’s comprised, how it developed, how it ties in with mainstream conservatism and (in what I found to be the least successful part of the book) how to challenge it.

THE ALT-RIGHT: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW was released in the United Kingdom on 28th February 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

AI For Marketing And Product Innovation offers product innovators, creative talent and marketing professionals a hands-on and highly accessible guide to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The authors (a team of experts at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, insights, and marketing) reveal how to harness AI and ML to accelerate product innovation and marketing. These two powerful new tools stand poised to revolutionize the way we sell products and make innovative breakthroughs.

This vital resource explores a wide range of business-related topics, from innovation, branding, pricing and promotions, creative storytelling to the future of market research and advertising agencies. All the techniques presented in the book have become algorithms and serve as real-life examples of AI and ML at work. In addition, the authors outline the resources, the skills, best practices, terminology, and metrics required to harness the unparalleled and rapidly expanding power of these twin technologies. AI For Marketing And Product Innovation provides an in-depth look at what AI is, what it can – and cannot – do, and contains practical ideas and insights on ways in which to apply that knowledge to your business and career development.

Throughout the book, the authors neither resort to mathematical mumbo-jumbo nor do they present an endless array of irrelevant case studies. Instead, they challenge us to “Think Different”. AI For Marketing And Product Innovation is filled with the information needed to understand the practical business implications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. In clear terms, the book shows how to put them to work to gain a competitive advantage in today’s increasingly digitally-driven economy.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Although Pradeep, Appel and Sthanunathan’s all have strong credentials in AI, ML and marketing and product innovation, I found this a really difficult book to follow because the early sections concentrate on the maths underpinning what AI and ML can do and it doesn’t really show you how AI and ML can make a difference to marketing and product strategy. If you’re already proficient in the subject, it may offer you more than it does to a beginner.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Teen Pioneers celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of twenty young people. From journalists to political activists, and from inventors to green entrepreneurs, each of these teenage pioneers has acted to help others and make our world a better place in which to live.

This book will inspire and empower you and prove that anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

In this inspirational YA book, Ben Hubbard compiles mini biographies on 21 people who were all teenagers when they acted to try and change the world. Some you may have heard of, e.g. Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and the Hong Kong activist, Joshua Wong, and others you will hear more of in the future. It’s the perfect book to wave at any grown-up who dares to complain about young people lacking motivation and seeking to take all the time.

TEEN PIONEERS: YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD was released in the United Kingdom on 11th April 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

”Because you’re worth it”, proclaims the classic cosmetics ad. “Just do it!” implores the global sports retailer. Everywhere we turn, we are constantly encouraged to experience as much as possible, for as long as possible, in as many ways as possible. FOMO – Fear of Missing Out – has become a central preoccupation in a world fixated on the never-ending pursuit of gratification and self-fulfilment.

But this pursuit can become a treadmill leading nowhere. How can we break out of it? In this refreshing book, bestselling Danish philosopher and psychologist Svend Brinkmann reveals the many virtues of missing out on the constant choices and temptations that dominate our experience-obsessed consumer society. By cultivating self-restraint and celebrating moderation we can develop a more fulfilling way of living that enriches ourselves and our fellow humans and protects the planet we all share – in short, we can discover the joy of missing out.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Svend Brinkmann is professor of psychology at Aalborg University and in this readable book (translated from Danish by Tam McTurk) he examines the values of self-restraint and moderation to combat the Fear Of Missing Out lifestyle. However, while Brinkmann makes strong psychological and philosophical arguments for why moderation is good for you, he doesn’t give any guidance on how to practice it and so it feels a little half-done as a subject.

THE JOY OF MISSING OUT was released in the United Kingdom on 8th February 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Do you like waffles? They’re pretty much amazing. Just like this book!

I wouldn’t pour syrup on it, though. That would make it hard to read.

It’s full of awesome stuff like a sea monkey and a robot and … waffles of course.

Yum! Waffles!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Ben Clanton’s charming self-illustrated picture book for children aged 5+ (the first in a series) is a cute story about friendship, envy and imagination and includes some cool facts about narwhals and jellyfish such that both adults and kids will get a kick out of it.

NARWHAL – UNICORN OF THE SEA was released in the United Kingdom on 2nd May 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

To: Gentle Human Readers of This Book.

From: Office of the Deputy Commissioner

POLITE WARNING!

You have picked up the personal journals of one RONAN BOYLE, the youngest and lowliest recruit to the secret garda – the Irish police force that handles the misdeeds of numerous magical creatures.

Despite Ronan’s small size, horrible eyesight, absurd number of allergies, and social awkwardness, he knows he’s the only one who can prove that his parents were UNJUSTLY IMPRISONED. To prove their innocence, Ronan must venture into TIR NA NOG, the land of the leprechauns.

This account features hair-raising and disturbing tales of law-breaking LEPRECHAUNS, sly FAERIE folk, and a mysterious and probably evil man named LORD DESMOND DOOLEY.

It also features acts of HEROISM and SACRIFICE, deep and lasting FRIENDSHIPS, reasonably priced FOOD, and the world’s best Irish wolfhound, LILY.

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Thomas Lennon’s fantasy novel for children aged 9+ (the first in a series and illustrated by John Hendrix) relies heavily on Oirish stereotypes and the world building never really gels (particularly the link between the fantasy and real world elements) and feels intended for an older audience. There are some laughs from the dialogue but the pacing is uneven and the cliff hanger ending didn’t interest me enough to want to read the sequel.

RONAN BOYLE AND THE BRIDGE OF RIDDLES was released in the United Kingdom on 5th March 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Alex Verus is tracking down dangerous magical items unleashed into the world by Dark Mages – however; when the Light Council decides they need his help in negotiating with the perpetrators, Alex must use all his cunning and magic to strike a deal.

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The Verdict:

The 9th in Benedict Jacka’s ALEX VERUS SERIES is another action-packed adventure that also advances and complicates the political background that Verus is operating in while also (finally) advancing a romance plotline with Anne that’s been rumbling on for too long and its ending leaves the overall board in an interesting position, such that I will definitely check out book 10.

The Blurb On The Back:

Racism, extremism, anti-democratic sentiment – our increasingly polarized world is dominated by a type of thinking that doubts others’ positions but never its own.

In a powerful challenge to fundamentalism in all its forms, Carolin Emcke, one of Germany’s leading intellectuals, argues that we can only preserve individual freedom and protect people’s rights by cherishing and celebrating diversity. If we want to safeguard democracy, we must have the courage to challenge hatred and the will to fight for and defend plurality in our societies. Emcke rises to the challenge that identitarian dogmas and populist narratives pose, exposing the way in which they simplify and distort our perception of the world.

Against Hate is an impassioned call to fight intolerance and defend liberal ideals. It will be of great interest to anyone concerned about the darkening politics of our time and searching for ways forward.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Carolin Emcke is a journalist, academic and self-described “intellectual” and in this book (translated from German by Tony Crawford) she rehashes the familiar intellectual arguments brought out against hate-based actions and populism and in favour of diversity and in doing so, makes the mistake of thinking that rational argument can counter rather than legitimise and help publicise an emotion and politics that works on a base emotional level.

AGAINST HATE was released in the United Kingdom on 18th January 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Susan Calman’s enthusiasm and happiness at being on Strictly Come Dancing was an inspiration to all of us. Cheer Up Love, Susan’s first book, had a clear aim: to help people understand depression. Sunny Side Up has a similarly clear path: to persuade people to be kinder to each other and spread more joy.

These are extremely difficult and confusing times – people are cross and shouty. It’s exhausting! But more than anything, people like Susan, people who don’t hate other people, are apologising for the way they think. Susan wants to make sure that they don’t.

She wants them to know that it’s ok to love people, that kindness and community are wonderful and brilliant, and to bring on the joy in the little things in life and help defeat the hate and fear.

Susan is a one-woman army of hope and joy, and she’s ready to lead the nation in a different direction.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Susan Calman is a corporate lawyer-turned-comedian who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. In this book, which refers heavily to her Strictly experiences, she urges readers to practice kindness and thereby bring joy to themselves and others. It’s not the deepest of messages but I liked the wry, at times pointed, humour she deploys when sharing her experiences and making her arguments and I hope that it brings her more fans.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.