Monday, June 6, 2011

1984 ****

This novel by George Orwell was written in 1948 as a warning of the dangers of socialism. The story is set in the midst of a socialistic society where the government (a.k.a Big Brother) maintains constant surveillance on each and ever citizen. Every action, no matter how small or insignificant, is scrutinized by Big Brother. Any hint of disloyalty is swiftly dealt with.
I was particularly impressed with the airtight system that Big Brother utilizes to control and dominate the will of the people. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the book for me was Orwell's belief that no matter how much the human spirit can be suppressed, it can never be completely dominated.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Hackers Cookbook: The Ultimate Book of Hacks, Mods, and Computer Tricks *****

This book by Jason Nigel contains some very powerful computer tricks, including hacking into a WiFi network, using emulators to play outdated video games, remotely controlling a computer, burning copies of DVDs and much much more. As I intend to pursue a career as an Ethical Hacker, this book has given me a few tools to loop under my belt. Additions are still being made to the book, despite already being a very satisfactory read. For amazing usefulness, I give this book five stars.

The Online Dating Guide: FOR MEN ONLY **

This book by Pink Panda Publishing was not so useful, but did contain several interesting strategies for landing a date with a girl. While it had some interesting suggestions, the book was mostly fluff. I give this book two stars.

101 Powerful Tips for Legally Improving Your Credit Score *****

This book by Pink Panda Publishing was very informative, and is a vast source of information on everything that the average man or woman needs to know about credit or money. I have always tried to be savvy about financial matters, but this book taught me some new tricks that I had previously been unaware of. I give this book five stars for it's outstanding usefulness.

The Shack *****

Finished reading The Shack by William Young. This is without a doubt the best book that I have ever read so far. While in all probability a work of fiction, this book still presented ideas and philosophies about God and life in general that I had never considered before. Reading it has changed the way that I see my life and my relationship with God. The book had a captivating story, and was not forceful or 'preachy' in it's approach. I may definitely read this book again in the future, and I would be thrilled if it were ever made into a movie. I give this book five stars!

The Picture of Dorian Gray ****

I finished reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. A book that I was not allowed to read as a child, I always felt a strong desire to read it if for that reason alone. But I've also always been fascinated with the idea of the human soul. The notion that one could see the condition of their own soul is very intriguing.
Throughout the book, Dorian becomes progressively more depraved and evil as he realizes that there are no true consequences for his actions, and comes to believe that the "only way to get rid of temptation is to satisfy it." I wonder how I would behave under similar circumstances. Would I remain a good person, or would the lack of moral consequences lead me to the worst kinds of immorality?