Post: #26

I'm about 40% of the way through the Feynman book, so I'm game to read the Roosevelt book as well this month.

Post: #27

(01-27-2014 07:32 PM)Faust Wrote:  Thomas-

Have you read Theodore Roosevelt's biography before? I think we might do better, at least while we're getting this started, if we stick to books that one of us has read before.

No I haven't. I generally hate rereading books. But your suggestion is reasonable.

Post: #28

Both books are on my 2014 list. Have we decided on February's choice? I'll prioritize that one.

Post: #29

I vote for the Teddy Roosevelt book.

Post: #30

Thomas, can you read like a chapter or two of Roosevelt and tell us if you think it'll be a good fit? Teddy's a cool guy, but some of the turn of the century authors tended to drone on a bit.
I do like the fact that it's free and easily available, so if you can give us the OK we'll go with it for Feb.

Post: #31

Misread, thought it was BFranklin's autobiography. I don't think I get a vote, but I'm in favor of Feynman.

Post: #32

(01-28-2014 09:05 PM)Faust Wrote:  Thomas, can you read like a chapter or two of Roosevelt and tell us if you think it'll be a good fit? Teddy's a cool guy, but some of the turn of the century authors tended to drone on a bit.
I do like the fact that it's free and easily available, so if you can give us the OK we'll go with it for Feb.

I'll do that tonight.

Post: #33

(01-29-2014 12:08 AM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  

(01-28-2014 09:05 PM)Faust Wrote:  Thomas, can you read like a chapter or two of Roosevelt and tell us if you think it'll be a good fit? Teddy's a cool guy, but some of the turn of the century authors tended to drone on a bit.
I do like the fact that it's free and easily available, so if you can give us the OK we'll go with it for Feb.

I'll do that tonight.

I realise now that only the first few chapters are his actual autobiography and that the rest of the book consists of political essays. I don't think it's a good nomination for the book club anymore. Let's go with Feynman.

Post: #34

That's a book with a lot of personality.

He is very liberal with his exclamation points!

Post: #35

Statsi, would you like me to make the thread for this month's? We should probably ask different questions than the default ones, since it's not a standard fiction story.

Post: #36

I'm about halfway through the Feynman book, enjoying it so far but a warning: it's 100% stream-of-consciousness. I've heard better-organized thought coming from a 22-yo discussing her last visit to the nail salon. Can't wait for the section re his red-pill awakening.

Post: #37

Read this over a couple of days and finished it a few days back. Pretty interesting book. Gives a bit of an insight into the beliefs and way of life back when this was written, and demonstrates how quickly political corruption can erode and destroy a state. I could talk about it more, but I'm a little stretched for time at this second

Post: #38

Yeah go for it Faust. Run in your own way, just keep it systemic and open.

Post: #39

Just finished.

I like the book for its interesting (I believe) insight into the mind of a great academic.

I'm irritated Feynmann somehow thinks sophisticated prose would undermine his message. College students have better prose than this guy.

I especially liked his thoughts on the justification of science and art, and I admire his attitude towards learning. He got it: the point of learning and knowledge is not that it serves any specific purpose. It's enjoyable for its own sake, and that's what elevates us from barbarians or animals.

He really jumps around, so I found myself only skimming the passages where he got sidetracked. The book would've been a better story with more details in his private life. Everything comes out looking so damn rosy. No challenges, no character development. He's just born the way he is and nothing ever changed, he never had to really STRUGGLE. Boring.

So, 3/5.