Pretty damn interesting take on decision making, mostly from a neuroscience perspective, which both makes me interested, and leaves me somewhat skeptical, given that my neuroscientist friends tend to tell me that in spite of all th fMRI hype, we really don't know much. But this book was basically pop neuro-economics, and that kind of shit fascinates me, whether the science is a bit shakey or not. But- it investigates how we make decisions whether we are poker players or whether we are shopping for cereal. Basically, its like a Malcolm Gladwell kinda book, but more neurosciencey, or pseudo-neuro-sciencey. But definitely entertaining and some good cocktail party fun facts.
Drive: Dan PinkMore pop-ish psychology and theory of human motivation. Accessibly written and explicated studies about creativity, ways to motivate yourself and others - be that at work or the classroom or home, and some interesting ideas and theories about tapping into intrinsic rather that pushing with extrinsic motivation. Pretty interesting, but a lot of overlap with some of the other similar stuff I tend to read.
Buy-ology - Martin Lindstrom
Honestly, kind of horrifying to read this and realize how much more money goes into scientifically researching consumer habits than probably the worldwide academic system can budget to study the entire remaining spectrum of human behavior. For that reason, this book was both fascinating and extremely depressing and disturbing all at once. Plus, the author was kind of pompous. Its a lot of trying to cite neuroscience research in understanding consumer decisions, aimed at a branding/marketing/advertising audience, not aimed at people like me - although, I find it important to know my enemy! Interesting studies about the history of product placement (ie, diamond companies paying hollywood to have engagement rings be diamonds fifty years ago until it became inculturated (sp?)), why cigarette warning labels don't work, how cigarette companies pay bars to paint and decorate their interiors with colors (ie, marlboro red) than encourage smoking, etc. Scenting stores to encourage buying, (ie, the Samsung store apparently has a faint melon scent), and the similarities between branding, religious experiences and sporting events at the neuro level. Crazy shit. Scary shit.
Pema Chodron: Getting UNstuckWow, I can't believe how incredibly good her stuff is! Seriously, I'd not picked up Tibetan Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron's stuff in a few years, and was bowled over at the crystal clarity and depth of her teachings and instruction on meditation and Buddhism. I got the audio from the library and sort of wanted to immediately re-listen to it as soon as I finished. Her ability to tie what could easily be obscure or esoteric Tibetan wisdom in a very practical way to our modern world is incredible. I'd highly recommend this for either beginners or for more advanced pratitioners.
How to See Yourself as You Truly Are: HH The Dalai LamaI was honestly a bit bummed out by this one and found it kind of dull, in contrast to a lot of his other works. Just couldnt really get into it, though I usually enjoy his works.
Nobody Move: Denis JohnsonQuick and super-entertaining romp California noir, though a very different feel and flavor from Already Dead, Denis Johnson's book from ten years ago. Great characters, and a solid story with Johnson using more spare language but very effectively writing outside his usual comfort zone in a way that didnt feel forced. Good one for the beach this summer.
Three Cups of Tea: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Renin I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it- I'd been putting it off for years as its seemed so cheesy inspirational, but then it turned out to be truly inspirational. Seriously, I was about to jump on a plane to go help build schools in Pakistan, pretty amazing stuff.
Buddha: Deepak ChopraHow could a novelization of the Buddha's life be boring? Well, this book pulled it off. Not sure why I was hoping for more out of this one, but I was really bored throughout. I guess I also know the story pretty well, so it didnt hold many surprises, but it didnt really build tension, make interesting characters, or otherwise do much for me. Not recommended, though did make me want to reread Siddhartha.
