Move Over, Ishmael Wang
922346
...a new trader just docked at the orbital.

I've been watching this book for a few months now because I'm passionate about the genre. In particular space opera that's not based on a backdrop of war but on a more common footing of commerce.

Michael Fletcher has a few rough edges. He makes some really dumb decisions but Thompson manages to keep him from falling into the trap of "too dumb to live" while giving him all the air line he needs to strangle himself. He's supported by a cast of characters that lean heavily on cliche--hooker with the heart of gold, criminal mastermind, martinet captain--but they flesh out the tale in a satisfactory manner.

The plot takes a few obvious turns and a couple of course corrections that I didn't see coming. There are a lot of threads spun out with ends left dangling for the later books to pick up and weave. Yet this story comes to a satisfactory conclusion without any sign of the obligatory cliff-hanger.

The world building is terse and very well done. I loved the feel of the ships and the characterizations of the stations. Sights and smells, sparsely textured but all the more real for being there with a light touch.

Are there warts? Of course, but they didn't bother me much and I'm kinda critical that way. Uncle Hans was a bit cardboardy but considering the main character's POV it worked fine and I think Thompson redeemed Captain Schneider in the end. I would have liked to see more character development and a smaller cast, but this was a good introduction to the various actors. There's plenty of room for finding old friends in future books in the series and Thompson makes it pretty clear we'll be seeing some of these people again.

I suspect everybody will find something different to not like in detail, but overall this is a darn fine piece of work. Kinda makes me wanna get back out into the Deep Dark myself.

Dan Thompson has a great series started with Ships Of My Fathers. I hope he doesn't wait too long to publish book two.
489919
I was a huge fan of Three Cups of Tea, and couldn't wait for Greg's next book to come out.  If it has been a while since you read Three Cups of Tea (which it had been for me), I was happy to find that the author uses the first chapter to reintroduce you to the main characters of the Central Asia Institute. I also enjoy that the book is written in the first person.  I was also very appreciative of how Greg walks you through who all the major players are in the United States Military, as while I do read the news, I don't know each commander's name necessarily.  A big chunk of the story does describe the USA's involvement in Afghanistan, which was also enlightening to read about from Greg's first person perspective.

Amazing story: can't recommend it enough.

My small note of caution to Kindle Users:  I read this on my Kindle (world edition - so smaller screen than the Kindle DX).  Greg's goes to great lengths to describe just how rural these places are, but it's hard to visualize how far apart each of these projects can be.  When you first fire up the story in your Kindle, it will automatically jump to the first page of text.  Go back to the beginning and look at a map!  Bookmark that page so you can refer to it easily throughout the story.  I had an "ah ha!" moment at the end of the book when I realized that there was in fact a map.  Also each chapter has a photo at the beginning of it, and they look terrible on the Kindle's small black and white screen.  Just a small sacrifice I suppose for the ease of using such a device, but if that type of thing is important to you, I'd probably buy the actual book.  Also this is the perfect type of book to read and then give to somebody to enjoy, so it sort of stinks that you can't (technically - I know I can Google just as well as anybody) re-gift it to someone.
3877228
This book is a survival guide for the urbanite. I see a few reviews on Amazon that claim they were disappointed in the book. This book is not Ishmael or Story of B. You can view those two works (as well as My Ishmael) as books that lay the groundwork for this book. Those books will change your cultural vision from its current state to one that works better. That is why they are so mind-bending. This book is the next step. It doesn't blow you away like it's forerunners. Instead, it says "Now that I've blown you away, here are some ideas of what that means for your life and the way we organize ourselves."
3383063
Picking up a couple of weeks after Hunger we jump right into the story.  This next section of the Hunger series buffet shows the bigger world with more problems, solutions and action that make Jeremiah Knight an author to keep an eye on.  Like Oliver Twist when I finished is book I asked aloud, "please sir can I have some more?"
526884
We, too, are accelerating and maybe should be excusing ourselves for being late in our own appreciation of the world we inhabit. Those who read this new book by Tom Friedman have a blueprint for improving the way we are in the world, no matter how contrary politicians may be.

Essentially the author takes on a speed trip through the three forces of acceleration: Mother Nature (climate change & biodiversity loss), Markets (globalization) and Moore's Law (technologypower of microchips doubling every two years). They are transforming our public, working and private lives, no matter how much we may deny or resist them. However, he reminds us that the human values of the Golden Rule (do unto others what you'd have them do to you) and Community, are the ways that individuals can reconnect with joy.

Following those two paths he suggests, that even if we take risks, this manifesto for us all will enable us to cope successfully with the consequences of the three accelerations, without being so late that we miss the train.

Climate Change: climate change deniers, who try to preserve their sandcastles through their misguided bleating and actions (if they are in government) are no more successful than King Canute at stopping the rising tide. The community has already taken action and will take more. For instance, two dozen of the world's most successful business leaders, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists are investing up to $1 billion in a fund that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to almost zero by financing emerging clean energy technology. Breakthough Energy Ventures was established in the wake of the US Presidential election results. Cities across the US are going 100% renewable energy. Georgetown in oil-rich Texas, where I live, is on the point of achieving it, for example.

Globalization: whether or not governments legislate against international trade, it exists beyond their populist reach. Massive volumes of trade occurs between individuals across the planet and the Internet is not about to evaporate. Facilitated by many intermediaries and air freight, we can deal with suppliers half way round the world. I found my wedding ring on Ebay. It was made by a craftsman in Hong Kong and reached me in eight days. One of my gifts to my wife was a pair of earrings made by a woman in Thailand and made available to me in eleven days by Kiva, the micro-finance platform where I have made 157 loans in 43 countries using my revolving fund. These interconnections and opportunities are increasing like a hockey-stick graph. There's no stopping them, as community is as much global as on our own doorsteps.

Technology: by the Spring of 2016, M-Pesa, the mobile phone-based platform for money transfer and financial services founded in Kenya, had more than 25 million customers. A staggering 43 percent of Kenyas GDP flowed through M-Pesa, with over 237 million person-to-person transactions. From a largely unbanked economy, M-Pesa has enhanced the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans by giving them access to essential financial services through their mobile phones. Now in 11 countries, M-Pesa, for example is used by the Indian Government to disburse pre-natal health benefits. Also in India, Walmart is using M-Pesa to improve cash efficiency. This is but one example community application of advances in technology, often where in situation where governments fail to apply the Golden Rule themselves.
2435625
Fans of the audio versions of Nathan Lowell's books all want hard copy of this book. Get your Kindle version and find out what you've been missing.

This book stands alone, but if you want to know exactly how wet Mr. Wang's ears are, then go back to the beginning and work your way forward. (Ahem. No pun intended.)

In the deep dark, the Captain's word is Law. If your captain is corrupt, with a couple of loyal henchmen, you had better watch your step very carefully.

Even on this life-threatening voyage, 3rd Mate Ishmael Wang remains true to himself, encouraging crew to study for upgrades and bringing new meaning to the word "party" while figuring out who his friends are and how to watch his own back at all times.

Entertaining to the last page.
3755288
Who Am I and Where Is Home? by Andrea Jackson is the story of two Brooklyn womenCelia Antopolsky, the authors mother, and Celias best friend Lillian Shapirowho visit Palestine in 1930-1931.  The book is based on their correspondence with families and friends and on articles they wrote.
  Celia and Lillian are seasoned adventurers.  In high school they hitchhike from Brooklyn to Montreal.  After graduating from college they hitchhike across the United States and back.  In their mid-twenties, when most women settle into marriage and motherhood, these two free spirits are not ready to abandon independence.  Motivated by their love of new experiences and a longing to see the biblical homeland capturing imaginations throughout the Jewish community, they travel to Palestine on a cargo ship. Their voyage, which takes almost a month, involves buying guns they smuggle into Palestine for Jewish settlers who need self-protection.  The women, who both have boyfriends in New York, will be in Palestine for months and months, so there is also a timeless and compelling sub-story about the psychology of independent women as they contemplate marriage.
In elegant prose Celia and Lillian describe scenes of donkeys, camels, and vibrant bazaars.  Celia, the more romantic of the two women, describes Jerusalem an an old city laid on perhaps the ruins of ten civilizations, an old quarter teeming with Jewish-Arab life, strange smells, embroideries, food stuffs, leather workloud barter, squalling babies.  She writes, The full moon in Palestineis almost as light as the sun, and a whole world of silver light fills my heart with aching.  Lillian, perhaps more attuned to practicalities and the hard lives she sees, writes, There was no electricity.  The shops were lit with oil lamps.  To make a purchase one needed to know the fine points and nuances of bargaining. There were beggars at every turnand Arab boys who offered their services as guides.  Both women find jobs and adjust well to life in Palestine.
 The letters have political interest as well.  They describe reactions in Palestine and the United States to the pro-Arab, Anti-Zionist White Paper of October 1930 setting down British policy in Palestine that limited Jewish immigration and development.  One noteworthy example is a moving account by Celias friend Ellis Polonsky about the night that Einstein uncharacteristically consented to join the celebration of Chanukah in Madison Square Garden where all of New York Zionism gathered and cheered Einstein with gratitude.
The letters also make a contribution by addressing the inevitable changes that occur when young women abandon independence for marriage and children.  (Although psychologists have focused on the changes girls undergo when they become conscious of boys in general, more needs to be written about the changes that occur when young women narrow their focus from men in general to particular ones.) This situation is especially poignant for Celia because she must choose between a lawyer with a promising future, who chides Celia about her appearance and her poetic letters (which he regards as impersonal), and an already married man who deeply appreciates her artistic and adventurous nature and who charms her with his adoration.
It is fortunate both that Celia Antopolsky, Lillian Shapiro, and their correspondents had literary talents and that their letters survived.  Andrea Jackson did a masterful job of using these letters to create a fascinating book.  It is well-worth reading.
2999463
Not only is it some of the most deliciously subversive writing, but it's a crucial read for anyone who wants a glimpse into the metamorphic culture of our electronic future.

There's no perfect world just worlds, endless, constantly unfolding  and our efforts to impose an order on the chaos often lead to cruelty and suffering.  BUT!  Imagine living as a playful prayer to change and transformation.  Live this moment to its fullest, let the need to fix it slip away, and you're starting to approach the future-nomad nature of "poetic terrorists" like Bey.

He says it better than I do.  Folks: this slim volume changed my life.  Get on it.
595655
Thank you, Nujood, for sharing such a personal story with the rest of the world. Your courage has already begun to change the culture and laws your part of the world, as well as that of other lands you will one day visit. This book is yet another expression of the huge changes taking place in the Middle East. Is it any wonder that there is so much turmoil there, as the ways of the old are pulling in the opposite direction of the push of new ways? I can only hope that the violence that ensues from such change is minimized in the future.

I read this book in one morning. It is short. It is direct. It is cogent in its impact on traditional ways. It is also inspirational in its focus on the future, especially on the issue of the exploitation of our youth. Sometimes, innocence can bring courage, for one who is so young, she might not have understood the full implications of the power she was taking on. Let that innocent courage lead to a better world.
3183359
What a fun, beautiful, and original book. Henry Lien's PEASPROUT CHEN transported me to Pearl, where the future practitioners of wu liu train. The world-building in this book is breathtaking from every angle. I won't write much for fear of spoilers, but I loved this book, it's brave, yet flawed, hero, and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing Peasprout's journey in a world where so much was not as it seemed.
4409214
A great sci-fi series about space traders. Ishmael Wang is wonderful interesting character. I loved seeing him get a command
3057359
As a sixteen year old, I feel lucky to have read Ishmael when I did.  "My eyes were opened"... yes, it's said over and over again when people read literature of this sort and caliber.  But myself, I found it the perfect reaction.  There is something wrong with what the history texts say, or at least the way they say what they do... Ishmael helped me realize that.  But more than that, there is something wrong with everything you hear.  The news, the cinema, the vast majority of books, your parents, your friends- after reading Ishmael, you experience what it's like to be a stranger.  Someone who has read Ishmael among billions who haven't!  What do you do except hope that others join you?  Luckily, many have, and most of those who have like what they hear.  Of course, critical reviews like the one from Kirkus Reviews can't tell you any of this.  They say things like, "he's too preachy".  Or, "his storytelling abilities are lacking",! !  but what else can they say?  Can the reviewer write a review like "this book changed my life like no other of the thousands I've read... in fact, all other books seem somewhat meaningless compared to Ishmael"?  Of course not, if the reviewer intends to retain his employment.  This book, in my view, should be required reading for the entire human race.  Daniel Quinn's views of Genesis, of the Agricultural Revolution, of environmental destruction, and of human cultural myth are timeless.  They are ideas that must be presented to you and I, to humanity.  They are ideas that challenge us to rethink everything we've ever held as dear... but most importantly, they are ideas that could save us. The only bad thought that sticks in my mind after Ishmael is "what if I had never read it?"
3427849
An amazing voice and a very Amazing man.  Read his bio and recognize he's a person with true talent.  Such a Gifted person.  His parents must be so proud. !!!
Find his bio here and be surprised!  :Leehom Wang:  Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
1855074
Jason Isbell's lyrics are so well written.  I first heard him on Fresh Air and based on his interview and some song moments, I had to hear his complete recording.  I was not disappointed.  His speaking voice is like silk and he vocals are smooth and rough at the same time.  In fact, I can't get enough of him.  My friend asked me to make a copy.  I declined.  Buy it, enjoy it.  He deserves your support.
1368704
I've followed the adventures of Ishmael Horatio Wang for several years.  Reading and listening to the audio books over an over.  I think I can truly say it has become my favorite collection of all time!

This new book picks up where the old series ended.  But at the same time as we meet new characters, we're reacquainted with old friends.  As much as I loved the old series I'm ready for each new story -- I had to read this in one sitting!

I think I'm more thrilled with reading this book than all the buildup I've had for "Star Wars - The Force Awakens"!

Safe Voyage Captain Wang!  See you around the docks...
4275734
I know MY eyes were opened real wide by Ishmael, and I found this "story of how Ishmael came to be written" very illuminating. When you realize that Ishmael is the result of fifty years of vision-questing,  and not just a quick novel Quinn typed up in response to Ted Turner's  offer, it brings about even more respect for the great work Ishmael  actually is. I highly recommend this to all fans of Ishmael.
79894
Strassman is a scientist willing to venture beyond the academic/industrial complex.  Implicit in the book is a professional memoir as well that should be valuable to all academics doing controversial research.  In a country so attached to its drug hysteria, he offers a plaintive and sensible route past our defensive clinging to "normality."  Still, it is sobering to see how fast enlightenment passes back into routine.  Don't say he didn't warn you.