Very insightful and well-written
926135
[Originally published on Goodreads]
Mr. Crain displays an uncanny ability to observe day-to-day human conditions that often go unspoken, and almost reminded me of Louis C.K. in this observational ability, and serious humor.
The novel does seem to get slow at times, as there is not much happening, plotwise, in the conventional, TV-drama sense (the protagonist, an american teacher in Prag gay, not that there is anything wrong with that , finds a Czech lover, has a friend visiting, witnesses two friends getting romantically close, has another lover etc.)
But what the novel 'lacks' in event-bombardment, it more than makes up for with the beauty of the prose, its observational subtlety, and humor, I'm not accustomed to observing  literary humor to this extent in a dead-serious book, since reading some of my favorite DFW or  Nabokov novels.
AND it does get better and better as you progress. Many of the last 100 pages left me thinking 'nobody should be allowed to write this good',  and hurriedly copying passages to my quote book (I know).
635012
The book is clearly the result of a thoughtful, thought-provoking analysis by a writer well versed in the topic.  Highly recommended
2780570
It really is a pleasure to read such well written essays.  The author does a wonderful job of explaining an opinion in a short period of time.  As you have read the book is in three parts, columns before September 11, columns after September 11th and some commentary at the end of the book to expand on his columns.  He just provides a clear and insightful way to look at the issues surrounding the Middle East - I found myself learning a good deal from the book.  I also found his comments about Bush 2 and Clinton interesting, I felt he gave them both equal amounts of praise and grief.  I also found the descriptions of the current cultural situations in places like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait interesting and eye-opening, although it did seam that the author has a bone to pick with Saudi Arabia and probably rightly so.
I think the only issue I would have with the book is that many thoughts are repeated.  Given that 60% of the book were bi-weekly columns I understand why he needed to repeat themes and statements for the column reader, but in a book it tends to be a little repetitive.  I got the most enjoyment out of his overview in the back.  I would suggest that you spread the book out of a week or so, so that the repeating issues are not so much in the forefront of your view of the book.  Other then this minor point the book is very interesting and well written.  I read it over a weekend, it moved very fast.  He has some very unique ideas that make you stop and think about how you perceive a certain situation.
3040927
A friend and I get together for breakfast once a week for some Bible study, and decided to read through this book. Copan's writing is engaging and actually interesting to read, but he doesn't skimp on the details. He's very thorough in his evaluation and offers a lot of great insight.

As Christians, it's sometimes hard for us to reconcile the "Old Testament God" with the "New Testament God." Copan does a great job at explaining how completely consistent God is throughout the Bible, while putting so much of the Bible into a historical context. Often times, we read the Bible as if it was written somewhat recently, but we have to remember that it was written thousands of years ago. So while it is absolutely relevant to our lives today, it's important to understand the cultural situation in which it was written.

I definitely think this is an important read for all Christians.
4341098
The book is actually very insightful and gives in-depth explanations as well as first-person accounts that one can easily relate to. The author explains many common misconceptions about cleaning and organization, and offers an easy-to-understand method of truly cleaning one's home. I have just finished the book, and one can tell the author isn't talking out of her bum. The writing flowed very smoothly so it was a fast read that really stuck. I am better for happening across this book, and my room and office (which I am sadly limited to as I live in a shared space) are much cleaner for it. Fortunately, those I live with are starting to pick up on it and are taking better care themselves. Cleanliness is contagious.

I am no longer suffering from constantly cleaning and getting nowhere. This may not work for everyone, but I am definitely grateful for having found this. If you suffer from cluttered spaces that can never be straightened up no matter how you try, I definitely recommend this book.
3088319
Very insightful and enjoyable. This book helps one develop strong, focused insight into just what happened over the last one hundred years and why we --the world-- finds itself where we are today. Reading this book will help one see the world much more vividly, and, to be honest, humbly; and from that one can begin to see why some people today --like President Barack Obama-- are now viewed as NOT being American Exceptionalists in foreign policy and others --like Senator John McCain-- seem to be those who learn nothing and forget nothing.
  But, a caution. It's very readable, but will take some effort. It is not for the faint hearted or very casual reader. And, finally, more illustrations/maps are needed while numerous interesting photographs make the characters of the period come to life very well.
3626811
This book addresses a very applicable, much-needed/necessary subject for these days.  The writing was very heart-felt and powerful, based upon experiences of the author, and soundly founded in scripture.

My husband had a personal experience with a situation that happened two decades ago, in which he was done wrong by a company that failed to pay him for a project.  No only was it just a company, but friends that were senior managers in the company.  He finally, after reading this book, came to the point of forgiving the people involved, and felt a tremendous burden lifted.

I know a person that harbors grudges, forgiving no one.  She appears to be the most miserable person imaginable.  Perhaps she would find some peace by reading this book.

The book was well-organized.  It was very easy and a delight to read.  The examples and illustrations were especially helpful.

I look forward to future releases by this author.
2944192
very insightful and helpful- a problem I have been struggling with for a good while
2080965
This is an interesting, thought-provoking book with considerable insight and many fine suggestions.
4674966
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. it touches on a lot of issues from youth players and soccer players playing in the street to referees and the media. This is a very good book which is well written and is insightful
343046
This book is well written and fun to read.  I read it in one sitting, and found it very interesting and helpful.  Unlike some books in this space, the author seems more interested in sharing his knowledge and experiences in a genuine effort to help the readers make life improvements, not merely to showcase his own successes.  Also, check out the author's excellent podcasts at [...]  Warning, the podcasts can be highly addictive.
4647376
I have not finished this book just yet, but so far, it is quite well written.  The lady has a Masters in Divinity from Duke, and now lives in Durham, NC.  This is (thus far) more of an insight in her not wanting to commit to a church, but plainly there are Biblical references and the ability to examine why our churches may have difficulty in joining/committing to a church.  UPDATE:  I have finished reading this book and still am enthralled by her excellent, vibrant writing, with wisps of religion and Biblical quotations blended in.  Yes, this is quite a bit biographical, as it tells her story over one year---which church, if any, will she join...until it is narrowed down to the church that her insightful husband pastors or a local, smaller one where the people are as vibrant as Erin Lane's writing.  I have passed this book on to a part-time local pastor (who handles outreach and evangelism) for a United Methodist Church, while still holding down his other full-time job as a family law attorney.  Hope that he enjoys it as much as I did!.
1033942
The author's transparency in sharing his time of discouragement and confusion is refreshing. I found this book to be very well-written, honest and insightful. It not only encouraged me personally, but challenged me, as well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a friend.
4604171
Approached from a more philosophical and what-makes-people-tick perspective, this book provides outstanding insight into why some games work and others should be banished from the face of the Earth. The book is written in a general enough way that it could apply to any type of game (computer/video, board, card, playground, etc.) but it is clearly aimed at the interactive, high-tech entertainment experience. The writing is very conversational-- this is not a book on "how to" make games, but more a book on everything to consider before and during the design and making process. It's very practical in giving useful understanding of the development process (the stages a design goes through, iterations of tuning and balancing, etc.) without sinking into technological specifics. If you love video games, in particular, you might enjoy reading this book just for the sheer pleasure of it (without any aim to applying an of it)-- but it's been the most useful education I've had in the magic that leads to some of my favorite games, as well as insight into why I hate certain games that seem like I should love them.
1309384
Just looking at relationships as a constant negotiation between involvement and independence would be enough of an insight to make this book worth it, but there was so much more. I enjoyed her dissection of status (power vs. solidarity), insights into how pacing of speech makes a difference in how we interpret each others' intentions, how we often forget that others are reacting to us, how relationship dynamics can spin out of control due to "complementary schismogenesis", and some valuable advice on what you can fix--and what to expect when you try. Tannen writes in a clear, engaging style and concludes that mere understanding of these dynamics can have a huge impact in your life. I'm happy to have read it, and I hope it leads to more understanding and patience.
4396357
This guide is extremely well-written and insightful. Most people do not consider the struggles that come with being an interracial couple, such as myself and my husband of the last two years. Chris Campbell manages to not only identify these issues, but teaches you how to deal with them in a positive, productive way. I especially related to the section in Chapter Two titled "You", that talks about how your self is one of the most important factors of a successful interracial relationship. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering entering an interracial relationship, those who are already in one, or anyone who is interested in learning the dynamics of being an interracial couple. A+!
2101182
I really enjoyed this book.  It was very readable and well written.  I appreciated how the viewpoints and examples used were neutral and usable regardless of the reader's perspective on any issue.
Some of the more interesting points were: (1) an explanation of the pressure to conform, and why this pressure is surprisingly high even among those who consider themselves independent thinkers (2) the power of being first to speak in a group and the efficacy of a firm and confident tone (3) the two types of dissenters: contrarians and disclosers; and the importance of disclosing one's opinion and reasoning (4) discussion of "groupthink" and how group opinions form based on the group's members.
I appreciated Sunstein's frequent reference to psychological studies.  That made this book much more credible and useful than one where an author merely formulates theories and writes about them.