Jason Cox

3.4 stars.

This is an important book in Science Fiction. More specifically, hard-SF. Overall, the story is quite interesting with somewhat interesting characters. The events within the story are also interesting.

So why only 3.4 stars?

Revelation Space was slow. Plodding. Really didn't even start to get going until about 3/4 of the way through the book. Stuff happens, but you have no way of knowing the significance. The characters are... not likable. Not a group of individuals I could find myself identifying with. They're all clearly driven, but mostly their drive doesn't make a lot of sense. And later, you find out that their motivation is almost universally driven by factors you don't learn until the final pages of the book, and those external motivations are essentially alien, hence the reason that little of it seems to make sense.

So, while I'm glad I've read this one, I don't find myself eager to get on to the sequel Redempton Ark (or prequel Chasm City). As I get older, I find that there are tons of books out there that are incredibly awesome. All the way through. That are both deep and fun. Or fast and fun. Cryptonomicon, Seveneves, The Martian, Ender's Game, the Bobiverse, etc. Do you have time for plodding? I wish the originality of ideas and the universe descripted here were presented... better.

If you've read them, please let me know what you think about other Revelation Space books. More of the same, or does it get better?

This book is a bit of a whirlwind with main characters that shift and weave through the book, while always remaining interesting. The SF concepts are extremely interesting and one of the major themes of the book is immortality. Specifically, how long would you have to live and how much good would you have to do to overcome some amount of evil you did early in your life.
The author does a great job of changing your perception on the characters in the second half of the book, which may be jarring for some. I can't say much more about that without major spoilers. But it is done well and actually in a plausible way, given the constraints of his universe. Speaking of which, his universe is very broad and well thought-out. There are aliens who are very nearly incomprehensible, but still quite interesting. Relativistic space travel is also considered throughout the book with generation ships featuring throughout.

In the end, I highly recommend this book. I wish I had read it before Revelation space and will need to go back and re-read that one now to see if it is more digestible on the 2nd time around.

Reading this adventurous romp for the first time since the mid or early eighties reminded me of why this short series was/is so much fun. Brian Daley was, to some extent, a favorite author, with his Alacrity FitzHugh and Hobart Floyt series remaining my favorite “space opera” to this day. On the other hand, on this re-read, some of the blandness of the book is almost painfully obvious. It may just be a consequence of when it was written, or maybe my tastes have changed (almost certainly so).

Still, if you love the characters (and who doesn't love Han Solo and Chewie!), this is a super-fun and fast read.

3.5 Stars

Part 3 of the John Scalzi Old Man's War series carries the torch quite well, delivering a good story, advancing/developing the characters we meet and ones we've come to enjoy in the previous 2 books.

Very briefly, this is a continuation of the story with John Perry and Jane Sagan as the primary protagonists. They've settled down as colonists on a human planet when the United Defense Force comes calling. Along the way, they are tricked and cornered. Scalzi continues his excellent way of telling stories, infusing suspense, action, and humor while producing a story that ends up feeling satisfyingly deep and nuanced.

If you haven't read any of these, definitely start with Old Man's War (which is first in the series) before moving on to The Ghost Brigades prior to picking up this one. Those are both 5-star reads, so it's worth the time and effort. This is a good series to invest your time.

Overall, if you enjoy the Vlad Taltos books, I would find it hard to believe you wouldn't like this. Moreover, if you also enjoyed the Khaavren books, you'll finally get to see the joining of those two “lines” in this novel.

The book essentially includes 3 “Parts” or novellas which are all connected by a thread. The first part concerns an episode from Vlad's past, primarily during the time of his engagement to Cawti.

The second part focuses on a consequence to this first episode, told in Cawti's perspective, but involving Norathar, the Empress, and the Countess of Whitecrest (Khaavren's wife). This occurs after Vlad and Cawti's separation while Vlad is apparently back East somewhere.

The final part is told from Khaavren's perspective, similarly to that you've seen in the books focused on the head of the Phoenix Guards. Yes, including some of the same banter and stylistic elements you'd expect in those books. This was excellently done, however, and you really get to see the care that the Empress has for Vlad and you see the respect for him grow in Khaavren throughout as well.

If you're looking for “all the answers” to the dangling plotlines in the series, you are definitely not going to find them. Besides, there's going to be at least one book for each of the houses in the cycle anyway. Duh.

If you're looking for deep and thought-provoking reading... why on earth are you reading the Vlad books? These are meant to be light, fun, fast-paced reads with action and humor. Maybe tinged with a little dark reality, but still. Be realistic.

If you've read the other books in the series (either series, really) then you probably ought to just go ahead and get and read it. You know you're going to do so eventually :)

3.5 stars.
This one was just “OK” much like Restaurant at the End of the Universe. Some of the characters are slowly becoming more endearing, but the pacing is, well, just not enjoyable. There's still the occasional genuine “laugh out loud” moment, though getting rarer.

Not sure if I'm going to be able to push through all 5 books in the trilogy.

The first time I read this one, 20 or so years ago, I don't think I truly realized how good a book this is. On second reading, it is absolutely fantastic. This book is also a reasonable choice for a starting point for the Vlad Taltos series of books as the events in the book actually occur chronologically prior to the first published book, Jhereg. (Personally, I'd say read Jhereg first, but they're written in such a way that you can start almost anywhere and pick right up. There is a combination tome - The Book of Jhereg which collects the first three books by publishing order. Definitely go with that if you're just getting started).

Yendi is a very early story in the Vlad Taltos series, covering several very momentous events that set the tone for events later in the series. In this novel, Vlad fights a territory war against a competing Jhereg named Laris. Both sides are supported by unseen patrons, and the events become bad enough that the Empress even notices and feels the need to intervene.

Along the way, Vlad is assassinated, meets his wife and uncovers a plot that spans hundreds of years and ultimately determines the Dragon heir to the empire.

As with all of the Vlad Taltos books, this is a fast-paced fun read. Brust writes with a very humorous style that I always find brings me several laugh out loud moments per book. While the book is quite action-packed, the backbone of the book is really a sleuthing tale wherein Vlad tries to figure out what is going on and then sets things up to try and win his war against Laris. As always, it's a fun, engaging read and the details are what ends up making it. All of the usual characters are here - Morrolan, Aliera, Kragar. Cawti and Norathar also show up in dramatic fashion.

Definitely worth the read.

Overview: An excellent primer on the various current theories of possible multiple universes and explanations of how they have arisen through scientific, mathematic, and psychological principles.In More DetailIf you enjoy reading books that try to explain science on a layman's level, then you might want to consider this book. Especially, if you have a fairly basic understanding of physics and/or have read other significant books in this genre such as Stephen Hawking's excellent book A Brief History of Time If you would like to get your feet wet in the understanding of the physics of the universe, but don't have any current knowledge, then I would recommend starting there first.This book covers a LOT of ground. I consider myself fairly well versed in physics in a broader sense having always found that science quite interesting. Even following the field to some degree, it's easy to get “behind.” The Hidden Reality really did an excellent job of capturing my interest and discussing the topic at hand: multiple universe (multiverse) theories.Most of us have some idea of “parallel universes” based on science fiction television/movies or books. But this book covers 7 wildly different multiverse theories: The Quilted Multiverse, Inflationary Multiverse, Brane Multiverse, Cyclic Multiverse, Landscape Multiverse, Quantum Multiverse, Holographic Multiverse, Simulated Multiverse, and the Ultimate Multiverse. I knew of the existence of several of these theories, but none to the level of detail that I learned in the book.Even if you have little understanding of physics, Greene does spend several chapters giving a basic rundown of the physics involved or required for the understanding of several of these. I found these chapters to be quite interesting and worthwhile, for the most part. These specific chapters explain in basic language (and without any math required) classical mechanics, relativity, string theory (several different string theories, actually), Inference and Quantum Probability.More Like This[b:A Brief History of Time 3869 A Brief History of Time Stephen Hawking http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333578746s/3869.jpg 2192250] by Stephen Hawking[b:Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the Tenth Dimension 33426 Hyperspace A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the Tenth Dimension Michio Kaku http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347635932s/33426.jpg 629317] by Michio Kaku[b:Parallel Worlds: A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos 33418 Parallel Worlds A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos Michio Kaku http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320549351s/33418.jpg 33496] by Michio Kaku[b:Black Bodies and Quantum Cats: Tales from the Annals of Physics 276057 Black Bodies and Quantum Cats Tales from the Annals of Physics Jennifer Ouellette http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309209330s/276057.jpg 267705] by Jennifer Ouellette[b:Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries 22543 Death by Black Hole And Other Cosmic Quandaries Neil deGrasse Tyson http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347696841s/22543.jpg 1204936] by Neil deGrasse Tyson[b:The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory 771 The Elegant Universe Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory Brian Greene http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320504078s/771.jpg 907243] by Brian Greene (and just about anything else by Green, Kaku, or Hawking that isn't published in a journal)

Wow, what an enjoyable read!

Neal Stephenson is one of those authors that until a couple of years ago had been notable because I had several of his books on my “to read” list (and on my shelves) who always seemed to get high praise, but for one reason or another, other books always kept leaping ahead of those. Now having read 4 of his books in the last 3 years (Snowcrash, The Diamond Age, Seveneves, and now Cryptonomicon), I think I'm going to have to read through everything he puts out. I think the main reason for my previous hesitation is the length of some of his works - he likes to publish thick books. Sometimes that's what I'm looking for, sometimes not. Also, he jumps genres and themes like no other author I've previously read.

Anyway, as for Cryptonomicon, here are a few things you should know:
1. This is not in any way, shape, or form a science fiction novel.
2. It isn't related to anything in the horror genre, either (in case you're thinking it is due to the Necronomicon, which is totally unrelated).
3. It IS historical speculative fiction with action and adventure
4. If you don't know anything about code-breaking, you will learn a lot. If you do, you'll have great fun with this one.

If you have a geeky background (like me), this book will likely hit your groove early and keep you happy for the entirety.

The construction of the book is interesting. There are essentially 2 timelines, one set in the WW2 era (late 30's to mid 40's) and one set in the “modern” era (2000-ish). The characters are wildly different, but through their efforts in the war, they intermingle around Bobby Shaftoe (early era) who seems to be the glue that ultimately binds them together. Lawrence Waterhouse is the “other” main character in the early era and you might also consider him the center of the whole story. He is the lead American cryptographer helping break codes to turn the tide of the war.

In the “modern era” story, the primary character is Randy Waterhouse, grandson of Lawrence mentioned above. Both eras have intriguing stories that ultimately come together in the modern era and weave it all together.

Along the way, you meet Historical figures such as Alan Turing and Douglas MacArthur. Travel around the world several times (with particular attention to the Philippines and Bletchley Park in Britain). Both eras have an interesting connection with cryptography, with Lawrence being a key contributor to the Cryptonomicon (a tome of Allied knowledge of code systems and code-breaking) and Randy working with a company focused on using cryptography to protect data and ultimately trying to establish an international data crypt storage facility/bank.

Other characters in the book flesh it out very well and really make the story about the people behind the events that they all seem to be caught up in and yet are out of their control. Bobby Shaftoe is an almost Forrest Gump type character who always seems to find himself in the middle of things, yet his single-minded determination and positive attitude take him extremely far. Goto Dengo is a Japanese officer who Shaftoe befriends early, before America is brought into the war with Pearl Harbor. Enoch Root is a somewhat mysterious figure who is a former member of the clergy who saves Shaftoe's life and ends up traveling with him on most of his adventures and yet also works with Lawrence Waterhouse and even makes it into the modern era storyline intact.

If the topic of cryptography seems intimidating to you, or boring, don't let that sway you from picking this up for a read. While there is some technical jargon, the whole book has much more of an adventure feel to it. The pace is pretty fast-paced and moves you right along from beginning to end. That said, if you have some interest in computers or crypto, then I suspect that will just add to your enjoyment.

Did I find any negatives to the book? There was some language, which I tend to find unnecessary, but others seem to think adds to the “grittiness” or authenticity of a book that is often about conversations between soldiers. There is some sex and sexual references that might be off-putting to some, but at the end of the day don't add up to any kind of deal-breaker. It might make it more appropriate for college-age readers, but some of the technical discussions would probably attract adult readers more than teenagers anyway.

I listened to the audiobook version and it weighed in at a hefty 42 hours and 53 minutes, but I enjoyed it immensely. As things wrapped up in the end, I really didn't want it to end at all. To me, that's a sign of a truly good book. Great world-building. Personable characters who change and grow. And a fantastic plot. All told, this is simply a fantastic book.

This is an excellent book for anyone looking to shape some change into your organization or even your own life. A lot of people have difficulty with change and this book is an excellent resource for both learning about why we are resistant to change and how to make it easier and more successful.

Chip & Dan Heath look at the problem of “Change” and use an excellent analogy of an elephant and its rider to describe the emotional and logical components that fuel our actions and can effect direction change in our life. Sometimes change is hard because we can't see the logical benefit of the change. Often times, however, we are battling the emotional elephant that is resistant to change for deeper reasons that we may not even be aware. When you understand that analogy, you can start looking at problems and the need to change in another way and find solutions to tackling the problem that engage “the rider” or “the elephant” or, preferably, both to make the change happen and make it stick.

Throughout the book, the authors use colorful real-life stories to illustrate problems and how they have been overcome. They break down techniques directed at directing “the rider” and motivating “the elephant” in ways that I thought were thought-provoking, interesting, and very applicable to life and business. Change isn't just about getting other people to do what needs to be done, often it is about getting yourself to do it, too.

Finally, they talk about changing the environment to make the change either easier to happen, or more likely to stick. This is more broad-based thinking, but still is illustrative of how we often need to “look outside the box” at the problems behind the problem that keep our best efforts from succeeding.

I'm giving this book 4/5 stars because it's really a great read. The 5th star is taken simply because a lot of these ideas aren't new and if you've done a significant amount of reading in this genre, you've probably read much of this before. But, I give the authors full credit for putting those ideas together with a super-functional analogy that makes it memorable, and using modern references that most Americans will recognize and identify.

I really enjoyed this one, the 3rd installment of the Heechee Saga, quite a bit. Detailing the further adventures of Robinette Broadhead and his wife, but also involving crazed lunatic who grew up as a feral human in a Heechee ship, a former acquaintance of Robin's and his wife, and an old flame from the previous books. And ultimately, there is the titular meeting of the aliens spoken of so frequently but never before met in the series.

While I know there are subsequent installments in the series, I don't know if I'll move on to the next ones as this felt like an entirely satisfying ending to the series. What do you think? Is it worth moving on to the next books?

Fantastic book! It has been years since I read this originally, long enough that I'd essentially forgotten everything about it. It was definitely worth the re-read, though. The concept of the “Zones of thought” is so original, but makes a sort of sense that may have you wondering if it's scientific truth. And the way the concept is explored is pretty fantastic. It has some hard science edges to it that are reminiscent of Alastair Reynold's revelation space books, but I have to admit I prefer Vinge's prose. The characters are well fleshed out with motivations that make sense.

The plot line is also very well done. It's essentially a race in space. As I'm writing this, I find myself thinking of the race that makes up the majority of The Last Jedi movie and how horribly done that is compared to this one. Whereas TLJ's race is dumbfounding, making no sense from a scientific or plot line point of view, this one is exciting. You know the risks. The consequences. And it's a huge thing for not only those involved in the race itself, but essentially the rest of the galaxy as well.

This is essential reading for any fan of science fiction. One of the absolute best books out here.

Fall of Hyperion is a continuation of the story starting in Hyperion. Honestly, these two books seem more like one cohesive story than separate books or stories to me. That said, this does bring the story arc to a point where it feels like the first “book” is complete, but definitely sets up for wanting to know what happens next.

If there is one SF book that I've had on my “to read” shelf the longest at this point, it's probably Hyperion. I remember the buzz from when it came out and won some awards, but for some reason, reading the cover blurb it just didn't capture my imagination of something interesting. I have had the paperback for probably 30 years (so I've moved that book with me at least half a dozen times). But lately, I've just been hearing about Hyperion it seems like all the time (is there a movie in the works or something? Netflix adaptation?) and my buddy at work started it and so I finally got it in audiobook format.

I have to say that YET AGAIN I regret not having read this earlier. Fantastic book. I generally don't like stories told from multiple characters' perspectives, but this is very well done. It's a bit confusing through much of the book with some time entropy stuff going on. The hard science parts of it are interesting concepts once you kind of get some understanding.

I think this is an area that “reading” the audiobook helped - it just forges through and you just have to “go with it.” Eventually understanding follows and things work themselves out. I think that reading this one physically would have significantly reduced my chance of getting through it, so maybe I was right to hold off all these years. At any rate, now I'm on the Hyperion train with seemingly everyone else. Will definitely pick up the next one and continue the series to find out what happens next.

Short synopsis: There's a strange world in the hegemon called Hyperion. On Hyperion, there are strange events due to the “Time Tombs” which have some crazy entropy field that prevents a lot of technology from working and therefore makes travel there and in their vicinity difficult other than literally walking. Also, there is a creature called the Shrike that some worship, some fear, and basically can kill at will. 7 travelers are chosen for a final pilgrimage to Hyperion as galactic war between two or three factions closes in on the planet. Each traveler tells his or her story (they are all strangers and none know why they were chosen to come) in order to find out why they are here and what they must do. A few are also in possession of knowledge that one of the 7 is a spy of the enemy faction, but none know who (except the spy, of course). It all comes together in the end, but does somewhat leave one on a cliff-hanger.

Having read this book as a young-is child (probably in the 10-12yo range), I had nothing but fond memories of Madeleine L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time series (then a trilogy). But re-reading these in the last year, AWiT held up well and was even better than remembered, A Wind in the Door was pretty good and definitely gave me that “feel of wonder” that I remember from so long ago. But A Swiftly Tilting Planet was entirely, well, ugh. I just didn't enjoy it at all.

The story opens in familiar territory: the Murry family is gathered together for Thanksgiving dinner, along with Calvin's mother, Mrs. O'Keefe (now Meg's mother-in-law). The phone rings and it's the president, calling Mr. Murry with a huge dilemma... they have reports that a South American dictator plans to nuke the U.S.A. the next day. Perhaps Mr. Murry will be able to help them figure out how to change. Suddenly Mrs. O'Keefe comes alive with something of a chant, and charges Charles Wallace to find a solution. He meets up with a unicorn and goes back in time, kything into other people at different points in history. I can't say much more about it without spoilers.

The thing about this book is that one has to keep in mind that it was written at the height of the cold war during a time of extreme international tension with the specter of nuclear war that permeated everything in society. That angst comes through loud and clear in ASTP. With the political climate the way it currently exists here in the states, I don't think I was in the mood for political undertones. And the plot is extremely slow-developing. And it has alternate history aspects (which is not something which I've ever enjoyed much). So maybe it's just a “not the right book for me at this moment” kind of thing, but I just didn't dig it all that much this time.

Fun and fast-paced sequel to Daemon.

The characters are fun and the situations are very interesting and although the book was written quite a while ago, the topic is very timely for our society today. Hot touchpoints include AI, liberty, political ruling classes, GMO big-Agriculture, and Augmented Reality.

The writing style and vocabulary is pretty simplistic, but that's what makes it a fun, fast read. The character development is a little thin, but the book takes place in what seems to have been less than a week's time (or close to it).

If you enjoyed Daemon, definitely pick this one up. If you have interest in the social aspects of high technology, especially those topics mentioned above, this is definitely worth the read. I enjoy the “world” that has been built here and would be very interested in a 3rd sequel.

(I'm currently reading Suarez' latest - Change Agent and enjoying it quite a lot)

Being a classic of the genre of science fiction, this has been on my “to read” list for a very long time. I think I kept postponing it because I always thought the movie was kind of boring (although I need to re-watch it now that I'm older, I think it might have just been too cerebral for me as a younger child when I first watched it).

I listened to the audiobook, which was fantastic. Arthur C. Clarke read the introduction himself, which told how he wrote the book with Stanley Kubrick with the intention of making a movie. Also of note is they were writing this as the “space age” was in it's early infancy, which is cool to think about as you're reading the novel.

In the end, I enjoyed this quite a bit. Now, I'm wondering about reading 2010... What do you think? Is it worth it?

I enjoyed this novel. I've only read, to this point, a little bit of Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, specifically) and see clearly that his writing is fantastic.

The characters were very reasonable and made decisions that made sense. Motivations were also in-line with reality. The magic system is novel and integral to the set up and plot. The political and religious aspects of the plot were well done and an overall positive aspect of the book.

This definitely makes me look forward to reading more Sanderson titles. Very well done.

Simply Fantastic!

Sanderson's books have been recommended over and over again and now I see why. Totally loved this book. It has the most fascinating “magic system” i've yet encountered and the way he presented it was extremely well done. Also, the characters are fantastic and endearing. Vin. Kelsier. The whole crew. Definitely has a fantastic “high fantasy” feel. The story moved along (flowed) extremely well and the ending was both satisfying and left me wanting to pick up the next one immediately.

I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series so I can continue this journey.

Really, I'm quite blown away. Probably the best Fantasy novel I've read in years and years.

This was fantastic. Just finished reading and still absorbing it.

This sequel to The Final Empire (and book number 2 in the Mistborn series) takes place shortly after the events in the first book and takes most of the same characters through the consequences of what happened there, after the death of Kelcier and the Lord Emporer at Vin's hands. It is extremely well plotted and written. The characters are fantastic. There is intrigue, plot twists, surprise, battles and adventure.

...And loss.

Strong men make good times.
Good times make weak men.
Weak men make hard times.
Hard times make strong men.

Most of us have heard this saying at some point. But have you thought of the implications of this? Is there reason to believe this is even true?

The authors have taken the time to look into this and recognize there is a recurrent pattern through the history of Anglo-American civilization. Generations have characteristics based on where they are in the cycle (which turning). Cycles come in roughly 80 to 100-year periods (called saeculum). Our saeculum started with WW2.

This book was written in 1997 and is remarkably prescient and accurate on timing. As I've read through it, I've been amazed at the things they point out and predicted. It somewhat reminds me of Asimov's concept of psychohistory from the Foundation books. It's hard to predict what specifically will happen, but they do predict that something significant will happen in the early 2000's to end the 3rd turning and send us into the 4th turning and that in 2020-2025 there will be a major crisis.

We're right on time, folks. One of the most interesting sections of the book was the end where they talk about what actions we should consider taking these things into account. Sadly, it appears our world's leadership haven't read the book as they're not doing ANY of the things mentioned. Sadly, on a more local and individual level people aren't either. At least that can be attributed to ignorance. Now that you've read this review, don't let yourself fall into that category. I wish I had read this 10-15 years ago.

Sadly, most Christians rarely, if ever, put a second's thought into the doctrines of Christianity. Many may even find the title (Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe) to be offensive or controversial. Many, if not most, self-professing Christians may not even know what “doctrines” are or where they stand on the important doctrines that make up the Christian faith. All the more reason that every Christian should read this book (or listen to the audio version). No, not all Christians believe the same thing.

In this title, Mark Driscoll has chosen to go over 13 core Doctrines of Christianity:
1. The Trinity of God
2. Revelation: God Speaks
3. Creation
4. We are made in God's image
5. The Fall (and God's judgement)
6. Covenant: God's Pursuit of us
7. Incarnation of Christ
8. The Crucifixion of Christ
9. Resurrection
10. What exactly is The Church?
11. Worship
12. Stewardship
13. What is the Kingdom of God?

Each of these core doctrines is explained with direct Biblical reference from the perspective of the author. Many of these doctrines are debated differently by different groups and Driscoll devotes some time to discussing views different from his own. But he does clearly define his own view as he believes it and presents it to his church.

The discussions of each topic were fascinating. As a long time Christian (I am 42 as I write this and was saved at 12), I was honestly astounded at how little this content is discussed by Christians. Or at least that has been the case in my life, churches, and friends. That said, I found the book to be challenging and satisfying at the same time. The author doesn't just state “This is what you should believe” and leave it at that. There is explanation and discussion of what is said about it in the Bible. There is also discussion of pitfalls surrounding some of the doctrines and why people may believe things differently.

While the title states “What Christians Should Believe” it may have been even better to have stated “Why Christians Should Believe.” If you are a Christian but haven't really put much thought behind some of these topics, this is an excellent resource. Being Christian means putting your faith in the fact that Jesus Christ is the son of God, that he died on the cross in payment for our sins, and that we are all sinners and in need of His saving, healing grace, without which we are doomed to death and hell. Getting that is crucially important. But then we need to take our knowledge further and this book helps explain the foundations of our faith in a way you may never have considered it before.

Clearly, this book is targeted at Christians. However, if you're not a Christian, this book is still a good explanation of the core beliefs of Christianity. So often Christianity is misrepresented in the media and by people who call themselves Christian but who simply aren't. Going to a Christian church doesn't make a person Christian, nor does calling yourself one. It's deeper than that. If you are interested in learning more about it, this is a good resource. Even better would be to visit an active local church that teaches the Bible and start some discussions. Or read the Bible yourself. But honestly, this book isn't an impassioned presentation intended to “convert” you.

I should mention this book is not “preachy” at all. It is very straightforward “teaching.” Some people might consider it very “dry.” I felt that it was quite dry at first, but as I kept reading, it was just so interesting, it ended up reading fairly quickly.

A little over a year ago I heard about this book at a medical conference I attended where we were discussing the benefits of CPOE (Computerized Patient Order Entry) for hospital patients. Based on the recommendations of others at the conference I went ahead and bought the book and finally got to it a few weeks ago. I highly recommend you read this book.

About the Author:
Atul Gawande is a surgeon who both maintains a private practice and consults for the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding worldwide health issues. He has written several other books, and based on this one, I'll definitely be getting his others to read in the near future.

Basic Premise:
Gawande was presented with a statistical problem (epidemic) by the WHO - the rate of surgery and surgical complications is exploding in the world. That issue raises the question of what can be done to improve outcomes, not just in economically advanced countries but also in third world sites where surgery is still being performed at accelerating rates. While expensive solutions may be an option for developed nations, that isn't likely to be an option for those developing countries.

Dr. Gawande opens with a look into several medical cases as examples of the complexity of the medical decision-making process. These are, by the way, fascinating cases. He shows some failures and incredible successes. What makes the difference in these outcomes? He then takes the reader on a journey in which he looks for answers in different industries that could apply to the medical problem he is confronting. He looks at the construction industry, where incredibly complicated buildings are constructed in clockwork fashion taking into account thousands of natural variables. Those guys end up being able to do that with an incredibly small failure rate. Of course, when a building fails, it is likely to lead to many deaths. The same is true for medical cases. He discovers the value of a checklist in the construction world, but decides the type of checklist they use isn't really practical in medicine because while construction occurs over months to years, medical decisions must be made in seconds.

He then moves on to the airline industry, which is fascinating. This is a much more accurate fit with the medical problem and he finds again that checklists are in place in that industry leading to their very low rate of failure. Again he covers several interesting cases and how the implementation of checklists saved lives. Then he looks at the financial trading industry and how checklists have potential impact for that industry, but they fail to benefit from it due to the culture of the industry.

Finally, he gives some personal anecdotes as he implements a checklist in his own O.R. With success the outcome, of course.

Despite the setting of the book in the context of a medical issue, this book probably should be required reading for anyone who makes important decisions. The whole theme of the book, really, is that implementing checklists which ensure critical elements of any “process” aren't missed can and probably will result in improved outcomes. It's true in the construction and airline industry. There is evidence that it works even for institutional traders, if they'd use it, and the same is true for surgeons. How likely is it that your particular industry could do better with a checklist? I would suggest very likely. The Checklist Manifesto really raises a lot of questions about where can I benefit from developing checklists for my work as a hospitalist. There may even be room for a second book discussing how an organization should go about developing a checklist, although he does describe the process his team used. Consider the same for your own situation.