laurenash's review against another edition
4.0
"No matter how strong we think we are, the mind is weak. We all think we're smart, perceptive, and beyond all else, rational--geeks especially think highly of the machine that is their mind, and often for good reason-- but fear, oppression, and hopelessness are weapons that can savage any mind."
I really, really enjoyed this book. It's another example of the perfect book at the perfect time. I've had the geek vs. nerd vs. dork conversation with coworkers before. I don't self-identify as a geek because I wasn't a part of the things that made someone a geek... Cultural things like World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars/Star Trek, etc. But, what was great about this book is that it's not completely exclusive to the in-group. Yes, there are a lot of references to those things but the "wisdom" is pretty straightforward. Choosing a standalone quote to summarize this book was really difficult, so here are my honorable mentions:
"Geeks understand that spending your time trying to "act normal" is a special kind of hell."
"We should all have friends who are similar enough to relate, but different enough to challenge us--who respect our thoughts and opinions even while they're telling us how wrong we are."
I really, really enjoyed this book. It's another example of the perfect book at the perfect time. I've had the geek vs. nerd vs. dork conversation with coworkers before. I don't self-identify as a geek because I wasn't a part of the things that made someone a geek... Cultural things like World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars/Star Trek, etc. But, what was great about this book is that it's not completely exclusive to the in-group. Yes, there are a lot of references to those things but the "wisdom" is pretty straightforward. Choosing a standalone quote to summarize this book was really difficult, so here are my honorable mentions:
"Geeks understand that spending your time trying to "act normal" is a special kind of hell."
"We should all have friends who are similar enough to relate, but different enough to challenge us--who respect our thoughts and opinions even while they're telling us how wrong we are."
chani_kynes's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I want a list of all the books and movies quoted in this book (in the digital version at least there isn't one).
coffeechug's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great read to have on your bedside or bathroom or in your work bag. It is not one of those books where you sit down on page 1 and just read straight through. I found myself bouncing around finding a quote that struck a chord with me and then reading the short essay.
This book will be in my collection and will be read over the course of a long time. Not because it is bad, but because I will read at moments when I just need some good old geek talk. I really liked reading the various quotes and remembering certain geek moments that I forgot all about.
One thing that I think this book should have is a companion website. I was looking online, but could not find one. Can you imagine how cool of an idea it would be to take this book and the basic concept, place it online and allow other geeks to add entries. Our very own Geek Wikipedia. That would be so cool.
Once again, I have hit a nice steak of excellent books. This one was a departure from the chapter book style and offered me little geek insights that I found very entertaining. Be sure to check this out at your bookstore over coffee and I guarantee you will walk out with this book in your hands.
This book will be in my collection and will be read over the course of a long time. Not because it is bad, but because I will read at moments when I just need some good old geek talk. I really liked reading the various quotes and remembering certain geek moments that I forgot all about.
One thing that I think this book should have is a companion website. I was looking online, but could not find one. Can you imagine how cool of an idea it would be to take this book and the basic concept, place it online and allow other geeks to add entries. Our very own Geek Wikipedia. That would be so cool.
Once again, I have hit a nice steak of excellent books. This one was a departure from the chapter book style and offered me little geek insights that I found very entertaining. Be sure to check this out at your bookstore over coffee and I guarantee you will walk out with this book in your hands.
spidergirl502's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I loved this one! It was great remembering the quotes and allusions I was familiar with and it gave me a few more to connect with in the future! Just a great read! Loved it!
readerofdafuk's review against another edition
5.0
this is perhaps one of the coolest books I have ever read. It is just filled with amazing quotes from the best places ever-Princess Bride, Ghost busters, Mario, etc- and it explains the quote, purpose, and point, and applies it to real life in our lives. It has really imploded my brain with all of this cool stuff. Everyone should read it.
szeglin's review against another edition
4.0
Copy received through the Goodreads First Reads program.
If you're a geek, you probably enjoy quotes. If you're an especially nerdy kind of geek, you might like your quotes annotated. If you're beyond that (like me), you will certainly enjoy that many of the quotes in Geek Wisdom also have footnotes.
This handy, pocket-size volume claims to explore the wisdom to be found in the holy texts of geekdom. Never fear--said explorations are bite-sized, keeping to a single page. Inside, you'll find a bit of philosophy, a bit of cultural studies, a bit of history, and so on. Quotes from favorite geeky movies, books, games, and more are analyzed not only within their original context, but within the context of the human experience (or cyborg experience, depending).
This book is probably best if it is not read in one sitting. Read a page or two and ponder what the geek canon has to tell you about life.
If you're a geek, you probably enjoy quotes. If you're an especially nerdy kind of geek, you might like your quotes annotated. If you're beyond that (like me), you will certainly enjoy that many of the quotes in Geek Wisdom also have footnotes.
This handy, pocket-size volume claims to explore the wisdom to be found in the holy texts of geekdom. Never fear--said explorations are bite-sized, keeping to a single page. Inside, you'll find a bit of philosophy, a bit of cultural studies, a bit of history, and so on. Quotes from favorite geeky movies, books, games, and more are analyzed not only within their original context, but within the context of the human experience (or cyborg experience, depending).
This book is probably best if it is not read in one sitting. Read a page or two and ponder what the geek canon has to tell you about life.
pirogoeth's review against another edition
5.0
That was an amazing book. Taking such, at times, simple quotes and expounding upon them so profoundly. Amazing. This book should be read by geeks and non-geeks alike. There is so much wisdom in this little book. I'm starting to think they should have made the cover blue. ;)
ulzeta's review against another edition
3.0
Combination of over-analysis and thoughtful thinking with sparkles of snowflake attitude. Still an interesting and fun read.
nithou's review against another edition
4.0
A nice compendium about the Geekdom and its "holy books/movies/actors/scientists/whatever". This book acts as a wisdom companion, giving teaching issued from our most beloved movies or books about several topics including : self acceptance, living in society, accepting the others, the universe, the futur (and everything). It's a nice read and it reminds us that you can find wisdom in many many places, after all : All that is gold does not glitter.
“TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO REALLY SCREW UP REQUIRES THE ROOT PASSWORD.”
“TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO REALLY SCREW UP REQUIRES THE ROOT PASSWORD.”