J. Kinkley

Chicago History

Revisado: 12-31-24

So this is the Royko I’ve heard so much about. This book should be required reading for every Chicagoan. A compelling story well told by the finest in journalism. To the point, clear, compelling about one of the most influential figures in Chicago history.

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On brand

Revisado: 11-25-24

What will probably be received as unsettling to those not already familiar with her work, Miranda July’s On All Fours delivers her brand of quixotic, unexpected and strangely beautiful work. The trope of the trip as autobiography is quickly flipped in the beginning and a twisting, largely sexual odyssey ensues. There is a lot in here that will shock and ruffle but her vulnerability and the gripping story will keep readers’ rapt attention.

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Another Impressive Biography by Adrian Goldsworthy

Revisado: 11-11-24

The modern world is fortunate to have Adrian Goldsworthy to bring history to life. Caesar remains one of the most interesting figures from ancient times and the salient anecdotes and notable achievements from his life are highlighted and told in balanced ways by the author. A portrait of how a consequential person driven by high energy, conquest and desire for power in service to the public and himself that led to his undoing, emerges.

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Impassioned defense of Enlightenment ideals

Revisado: 09-09-24

Pinker’s argument for progress, reason, humanism and science is sound and especially needed in this age of irrationality in politics, religion and social media. If only more would take up this calling. More of this please, thank you.

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Not helpful

Revisado: 07-24-24

Picked up this title because I’m interested in what code or ethics and morals that today’s largely securely society should have to guide our lives. I thought the title indicated this book was in part about that. Instead it offers such lengthy ‘hot takes’ as slavery and fossil fuels are bad and how people changed opinions on these subjects and policies over time. Thanks, everyone knows that. It focuses largely on how civilization collapse and poor quality life could be avoided but spends far less time on ways to increase the quality of life or make a case for morality and ethics apart from ‘do no harm’. It also neglects to credit democracy and capitalism as the twin forces driving increases in life quality. Unfortunately the ‘we’ it refers to in the title is the collective ‘we’ and not “what we (as in individuals) owe the future.” The last chapter begins to barely scratch the surface of a prescription for individual action, and these suggestions are pretty weak and uninspiring such as ‘donate to environmental charities.’

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Steinbeck is well-suited for audio books

Revisado: 07-10-24

Much fiction is difficult to follow in audio format but not Steinbeck. His works are as ‘readable’ via audio as print. His last work published during his lifetime, Winter of Our Discontent has great characters, is well told and paced, and captures the US struggle with morality in the middle of the 20th century. Yet it avoids simple lesson of many morality tales with a picture of morality in all complexity. But more than its concept and meaning, Steinbeck is just a delight to read for its small moments, its dialogue, and facile but deep insights on life. Recommend.

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Dizzying doer

Revisado: 03-29-24

Anyone interested in time management and output would do well to read this book and learn from Edison. Thinkers AND doers are rare and few if any could equal his achievements. The format of telling the story in reverse doesn’t add value and confuses things a bit but it’s high quality as a biography makes up for this flaw.

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A fine short story of dark fantasy

Revisado: 02-20-24

After seeing Eyes Wide Shut this story was always on my list. It is surprising how closely the film tracks the short story with some scenes nearly mediated verbatim. What was provocative in the late 90s must have been scandalous in 1897. The same themes of sex, monogamy, fantasy and human nature are all there. Very diverting and transportive with great themes and plot development and characters and just as long as it needs to be, a characteristic more authors would benefit from replicating.

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Long yet essential bio

Revisado: 02-15-24

Isaacson is the best bio writer of our time and this is no exception. Thoroughness in detail is an understatement for this book, although at times it feels a bit too granular. Yet Isaacson’s ability to immerse himself with his subjects and zoom out and weigh their actions and their impact on the world and how things might have gone differently is a priceless ability. A portrait of Kissinger is revealed in all his depth and complexity.

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A journey in need of greater purpose

Revisado: 01-12-24

The format of an author telling the story of researching a historical moment is compelling. Erik Larson should do that at some point. In a work that blends fiction and autobiography, The Lazarus Project chronicles the process of an author researching the death of an immigrant in Chicago by the police. What is missing is the why. The immigrant story isn’t particularly sympathetic and the known facts that he was an anarchist and violated the home of the chief of police with a gun where he was unsurprisingly killed aren’t necessarily redeeming, This isn’t a story about an authors quest for redemption of Lazarus. And the protagonist shares a great deal of vulnerability and honesty which helps the reader forgive some otherwise fairly unlikable behavior. Without having a better sense of ‘why’, it is difficult to care about the plot, other than finding value in getting some glimpses into Chicago and eastern europe past and present. No regrets about reading this but some questions remain unanswered.

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