the 2 sentence review
Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China by Ezra F. Vogel
This information and insight contained within this book were invaluable to me in developing a more full understanding of China and why it is the way it is today. It is considered by scholars, as well as myself, as the definitive history on Communist China and explains why Deng was so important to the countries growth and development; Deng’s my favourite leader of all time from any country.
Don Quixote by Cervantes
A book of crazy adventures that Don Quixote de la Mancha and his trusty sidekick Sancho Panza embark on in a thoughtful and often hilarious way. The first best selling novel of all time and a good read for anyone willing to take on 900 pages of greatness and meta confusion.
Amy directed by Asif Kapadia
A beautiful story of a woman who seemingly, hurt too much in life early on and paid for it later. It’s a beautiful movie full of great music and a wonderful soul; she was common, she was all of us in a way.
Echo in the Canyon by Andrew Slater
This wonderful documentary takes you through the origins of the folk rock scene that came out of the Canyon near the sunset strip. Jakob Dylan is subtly hilarious as he interacts with the old guard and pays tremendous homage with his wonderful voice; i felt like i was flying in a wonderland exploring a world i don’t know enough about.
The Black Godfather by Reginald Hudlin
Just so fucking cool. Clarence Avant is the man in so many ways, to so many people, in so many different circles that he seamlessly brings together for a greater good whenever the need rises. This man, along with Clive Davis, seems to be, in a lot of ways, the foundation on which the music that we listen to today is built upon.
**Honourable Mention: as I mentioned Clive Davis, I would be doing a disservice not to mention the documentary centred around his life, as well. Clive Davis: the soundtrack of our lives is absolutely worth watching.
Everybody Wants Some!! by Richard Linklater
Put a smile on your face for two hours.
Range by David Epstein
Don’t feel behind in life, cast a wide net, take in lots of information and make connections! If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t good enough because you weren’t good enough at one thing, take a gander at this to shift the perspective you have on yourself.
What We Do In The Shadows
A great “The Office” style mocumentary that looks into the day-to-day lives of 4 Vampires and a companion. The every day non-schaulentness of of the show is easy to watch and hilarious as these “peers” navigate their corner of Staten Island. Worth the Watch.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
A really interesting look into the Culture and workings of a Restaurant and more specifically, kitchen’s with in a restaurant, while being a completely enjoyable and quick read. Mr. Bourdain is funny and real in his writing, and I consistently found myself saying, one more chapter.
The Bear by Christopher Storer
Great story telling from the jump, but truly finds the gears in Season 2; Gripping, funny, sad, and frustrating in all the ways a good show should be; sometimes all at the same time.
Iacocca: An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca
What a guy, some wild ideas that really panned out, and some opinions - around benefits and medical care in America, holidays and paid time off - that didn’t land with me at this time. He had a vision and idea about where America was headed, and in hindsight, doesn’t seem like he was that far off base. He appears to be a great, yet out there business executive.
A History of the American People by Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson provides, at first glance, a good foundation for how and why, America was built - but his history, is seemingly, told purely from the perspective of White Men, and as we progress through the book, closer to present day, White Conservative Men, or at least right leaning views. Good read and definitely worth checking out, if you also feel prepared to also take on other related books.