Saturday, August 22, 2015

Quantum Biology in Plain English

Life on the Edge is a book about quantum biology. Quantum biology is a relatively new field that uses quantum physics and mechanics to explain biological processes. The authors of the book are established researchers at a world-renowned university (University of Surrey), so they are extremely qualified in writing the book.

Each chapter of the book opens with a specific biological puzzle, such as migration and the copying of genes. The authors then explain difficult-to-grasp mechanisms that govern these processes in a language that is understandable to the layperson. They then explain how quantum mechanics play a role in each of these processes.

Life on the Edge is an excellent book for anybody who is curious about how the world works, who asked questions such as "how do the birds know where to go for the winter?" or "how our mind works?" The book answers those questions plus many more. 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book through Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

The Best Job Search Manual

What Color Is You Parachute? by Richard Bolles is by far the best job-search guide for those entering the workforce for the first time as well as experienced employees who are thinking about changing jobs. It is written in clear and detailed language and thus very easy to understand. At more than 300 pages, the book deals with anything from how to effectively search for jobs to salary negotiations and career changes. It is filled with helpful tips as well as exercises that can be helpful in securing your dream job.

What I found about this book is that it can, and is intended to be, read in any order. For example, if your interviewing skills are lacking, you can read the chapter on interview tips. Likewise, if you need tips on how to write a resume that will get on the hiring manager's desk, you can read the corresponding chapter. If you are a looking for your dream job, this book is definitely for you.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.


Sunday, August 9, 2015

A Review of Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice

Our criminal justice system is imperfect. Oftentimes, we put blame on the actors of the system such as police officers, prosecutors, judges, etc. However, very often this is not the case. The new book by Adam Benforado sheds light on this problem. Benforado rightfully argues that humans are very judgmental. For example, we tend to cross the street when they see a person of African-American descent walking towards them because we associate this race with higher crime rates. 

This book is not about the criminal justice system itself, per se, but about the psychology of it. 
There are three parts to the book, each dedicated to a specific process in the criminal justice system from investigation to punishment and reform. Moreover, each chapter in those parts to a particular player of the criminal justice system, starting from the victim and ending with the prisoner. Most chapters start with an account of a specific case study, where the author provides the reader with all the details. Later on, he delves into deep analysis using neuroscience and psychology. Lastly, the final chapter is where the author makes conclusions and offers ways to reform our criminal justice system.

Overall, I found the author's writing to be rather clear and concise. Benforado does a great job weaving together the stories and the science. Hopefully, this book will give us new perspectives in reforming our criminal justice system. 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Monday, August 3, 2015

A Spy Among Friends

A Spy Among Friends written by Ben Macintyre tells the story of one of Britain's most famous spies, Kim Philby, who sold intelligence secrets to the Soviet Union and was ultimately granted asylum there and buried with full honor. In Macintyre's book, Philby is presented through the prism of his friends and acquaintances, such as Nicholas Elliott who worked together with Philby in the MI6. Therefore, Macintyre not only presents Philby's biography but that of his friends as well, each of whom were very loyal to him and stood by him until the very end.

I found the book to be very thoughtful and engaging. Macintyre does a great job of covering almost every aspect of Philby and his circle of friends' lives. He is very methodical in telling his story from all angles and leaves no stone unturned. While this book is entertaining, the storyline really makes you think. I really recommend this book if you like reading spy novels.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.