Book Blog #159: Civilization: The West and the Rest by Niall Ferguson

Title: Civilization: The West and the Rest
Author: Niall Ferguson
# of Pages: 432 (paperback)
Genre: Non-fiction, History, Economics
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Synopsis: How did the West overtake its Eastern rivals? And has the zenith of Western power now passed? Acclaimed historian Niall Ferguson argues that beginning in the fifteenth century, the West developed six powerful new concepts, or “killer applications”—competition, science, the rule of law, modern medicine, consumerism, and the work ethic—that the Rest lacked, allowing it to surge past all other competitors. Yet now, Ferguson shows how the Rest have downloaded the killer apps the West once monopolized, while the West has literally lost faith in itself. Chronicling the rise and fall of empires alongside clashes (and fusions) of civilizations, Civilization: The West and the Rest recasts world history with force and wit.
Review: I shouldn't have been surprised how pro-Western Ferguson was going to be.

Ferguson tries to be relatable by using apps on a phone as an analogy for the aspects of Western society that made them "superior" to the Rest. This analogy falls miserably flat; I thought he was going to compare competition, science, property, medicine, consumerism, and work ethic (the six "killer apps") to actual apps that could be found on a phone (Twitter, Instagram, Trivia Crack).

Despite this, the book had a strong start. I had heard that this book was difficult to get through, but I found it easier to read that The History of the World in 6 Glasses. However, the book got progressively worse until one reached the last chapter where Ferguson speculates about the end of the world.

Overall, not recommended.

Book Blog #158: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Title: To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
# of Pages: 376 (paperback)
Genre: YA, Classics, Historical Fiction
Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis: To Kill a Mockingbird is primarily a novel about growing up under extraordinary circumstances in the 1930s in the Southern United States. The story covers a span of three years, during which the main characters undergo significant changes. Scout Finch lives with her brother Jem and their father Atticus in the fictitious town of Maycomb, Alabama. Maycomb is a small, close-knit town, and every family has its social station depending on where they live, who their parents are, and how long their ancestors have lived in Maycomb.
Review: First Impressions - Before Reading

I had no idea what this book was about; I had avoided any synopsis, review, and discussion. The extent to my exposure to the book is someone accidentally telling me that there is a court case and that one of the characters is Boo Radley. If I were to guess what the book was about, looking at the cover in front of me, I would say it would be about a boy (in the 1900s, since this book is a classic) who is somehow involved in killing a mockingbird.

After Reading

This is probably the best book I've ever been required to read. Sure, George Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm were fine, but TKAM surpasses all of them.

I was totally wrong with my plot prediction before reading, and I was pleasantly surprised with Scout and her relatable personality (she was part of the reason why I loved this book so much). It was very revealing of life in the early-mid 20th century in southern America.

I defiantly recommend it!

(Sorry if this review is sloppy, I was writing it while watching Dan and Phil's live show).