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aneibauer's review against another edition
4.0
These vignettes were entertaining. At some point, they began to feel a bit repetitive, but worth the quick read. This is one of those mind-expanding books that I would recommend to read on any Sunday afternoon.
meginsanity's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this kind of random, interesting collection of stories about potential afterlives, but I felt like forty was a bit too much. It felt as though the author lost steam about two-thirds of the way through and had to just keep going. There was a lot of creativity behind the best stories, though; good points, and thought-provoking words.
davechua's review against another edition
4.0
Forty short pieces on imagined afterlives. Unfortunately, all appear to fall apart due to complications. Enjoyable and thoughtful, if not quite thought-provoking.
cryanclare's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nkaybun's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
super quick read. strange and amusing and generally fun
aameem's review against another edition
5.0
Sum, a collection of stories about "surprising" afterlives by neuroscientist David Eagleman, celebrates science, ideas, and the imagination, aiming to stretch the reader's. Eagleman presents various afterlife scenarios, nudging readers to think beyond the ordinary. He suggests imagining God in unconventional ways, like as a married couple. At one extreme, God exists as a microbe, unaware of our existence, while at the other, a towering Giantess, beyond our reach and comprehension. The afterlife accommodates a diverse array of beings and objects, from humble toasters to majestic grand pianos. Gods from human stories find a place in this book too. There's room for perplexity, such as when a committee, guided by angels, questions God's capacity to determine the fate of souls. Embracing a middle ground between belief and disbelief, Eagleman promotes exploring multiple ideas simultaneously, which if nothing else is an interesting position. Sum brings a light-hearted touch to discussions about the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of how we live our lives here and now, much like indirect call-to-actions in other favorites, such as [b:The Remains of the Day|28921|The Remains of the Day|Kazuo Ishiguro|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327128714l/28921._SY75_.jpg|3333111]. It encourages curiosity and reminds us to make the most of life on Earth, no matter what comes next.