Winter Reading
I have been trying to read more books recently. I read a lot of blogs and news, but struggle to find time for other reading. In December I read up about the formation of the Coaliton Government: ‘22 Days in May‘ and ‘5 Days to Power‘. There did seem to be a reasonable optimisim in forming the coalition, and the deal with Labour didn’t seem like it was ever going to materialise. It’ll be interesting to see how the coalition holds together in 2011 – and how they deal with new problems not covered by the agreement.
I have also just finished Tony Blair’s ‘A Journey‘, accompanied by Adam Boulton’s review of Blair’s time in office: ‘Tony’s Ten Years‘. I wanted to understand his rise to power, and the reforms that he was trying to accomplish before Iraq overshadowed his tenure. I wasn’t too political before 2005, so these books did add to my knowledge. I’m following it up by reading Michael Barber’s ‘Instruction to Deliver‘ – a review of getting things done in Tony Blair’s Government.
Time permitting, I hope to get through Paddy Ashdown’s ‘Swords and Plowshares‘ and Mark Oaten’s ‘Coalition‘ before the holiday is out.
I have been reading some of these on the Kindle app on my Mac and Phone. I am considering getting a full Kindle, but I’m not sure if the benefit is worth the price thanks to the apps I already have. I also joined the Mitchell Library, which I now live quite near to. Hopefully it will save me a lot of money in the new year!
What I've been reading
Recently I have been reading books on security, design, psychology, history and politics.
Schneir on Security – Bruce Schneier
Essays from a leading security expert. Presents common sense analysis of the security problems that we face in the post-9/11 world. To get a taste of the content, and to find essays from the book, you should read Bruce Schneier’s blog.
The Wayfinding Handbook – David Gibson
Inspired to read by the Slate series on signage. An overview of wayfinding and environmental graphic design presented in an attractive small book. Very readable for non-designers.
The Math Book – Clifford A. Pickover
A beautifully presented history of 250 milestones in maths. Excellent and interesting to flick through.
Up from Slavery – Booker T. Washington
I am always shocked at slavery. This is a good autobiography, with glimpses into a past that I don’t know enough about. The full text of this book can be found on Project Gutenberg.
59 Seconds – Richard Wiseman
A self-help book based on psychology. Familiar advice presented in a pop-science format. A good read. For a taste, read Richard Wiseman’s blog on science and psychology.
A History of the Queen Margaret Union – Gary R. Brown
Written and compiled by a good friend, the history is a series of interesting personal perspectives on one of the Unions at the University of Glasgow, including a short piece that I was honoured to contribute.
Why vote Liberal Democrat – Danny Alexander
One of the ‘Why vote’ series of books for the 2010 General Election. Provides an overview of Liberal Democrat principles and policy from a wide selection of authors. A small book that I intent to pass on to interested friends before the election. You can find out more about Lib Dem policy on the official Lib Dem website.
Queen Margaret Union – the book
I am please to have been able to contribute to the book Ladies First: A History of the Queen Margaret Union of the University of Glasgow
The book is an excellent look at the history of the Union in a series of articles written by the Presidents and Board Members of the Union from the 1940s onwards. I contributed an article on ‘Freshers’ Week’, focusing on the team spirit in the Freshers’ Weeks I ran in 2003 and 2004.
Experiments with Truth – Gandhi
Just finished reading Gandhi: The Story of My Experiments With The Truth.
The book explores his thoughts on politics, self-discipline and the meaning in his life. He discusses his experiments in diet, fasting, and medication. He explores non-violent struggle, religion and his work in South Africa and India.
Although it provided an insight into his complex life, there wasn’t any background given to some events. The autobiography is presented as a series of thoughts on subjects of interest to Gandhi, rather than as a complete history of his life.
I hadn’t read much before on Gandhi or the politics of his era. I would have prefered to have read a fuller biography, or a series of histories of the events and struggles in which he participated and led before reading this book.
Overall, a worthwhile purchase.
Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl
Just finished reading Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. The book has been referenced in several other books and essays I have read, most notably in Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
Viktor E. Frankl is a psychiatrist and a survivor of the Holocaust. The book is split into two parts: the first deals with his experience of the concentration camps, the second with a review of logotherapy.
The book explores meaning in life, through experience, attitude, love and suffering.
It is a short read, and well worth your time.
Jamie McHale 