soroushtorkian's reviews
104 reviews
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
3.0
For in-depth book notes and reviews, click here
Rating: 2.5 (rounded up)
This is a book that aims to motivate readers to push beyond their limits and achieve their goals. While the book offers practical advice and inspiring stories, it's important to note that the author comes across as overly self-centered at times. Goggins' value system appears to be solely focused on his physical accomplishments, which can make the book feel repetitive and self-indulgent.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of mental toughness. Goggins encourages readers to believe in their abilities and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. He stresses the value of visualization, goal-setting, and discipline in achieving success.
However, the book's heavy emphasis on physical feats can feel unbalanced and at times, even frustrating. While his accomplishments are certainly impressive, it would have been nice to see more focus on personal growth and relationships. In addition, Goggins mentions getting someone pregnant but doesn't delve into this issue further, leaving readers to wonder about the impact it had on his life and motivations.
Can't Hurt Me is still an inspiring read that can help motivate readers to achieve their goals. A more balanced approach that includes personal growth and relationships would have made for an even more compelling read.
This book was the most motivating to read (well, listen to on Audible) while working out, so perhaps it was targeted towards THAT audience.
Rating: 2.5 (rounded up)
This is a book that aims to motivate readers to push beyond their limits and achieve their goals. While the book offers practical advice and inspiring stories, it's important to note that the author comes across as overly self-centered at times. Goggins' value system appears to be solely focused on his physical accomplishments, which can make the book feel repetitive and self-indulgent.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of mental toughness. Goggins encourages readers to believe in their abilities and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. He stresses the value of visualization, goal-setting, and discipline in achieving success.
However, the book's heavy emphasis on physical feats can feel unbalanced and at times, even frustrating. While his accomplishments are certainly impressive, it would have been nice to see more focus on personal growth and relationships. In addition, Goggins mentions getting someone pregnant but doesn't delve into this issue further, leaving readers to wonder about the impact it had on his life and motivations.
Can't Hurt Me is still an inspiring read that can help motivate readers to achieve their goals. A more balanced approach that includes personal growth and relationships would have made for an even more compelling read.
This book was the most motivating to read (well, listen to on Audible) while working out, so perhaps it was targeted towards THAT audience.
Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry
3.0
Listening to Mythos on audiobook was an enjoyable experience. Stephen Fry retelling makes the reading accessible even to those of us with no prior knowledge of Greek mythology or any of the classics. The journey through the pantheon of gods, and monsters were both enlightening and entertaining. It's astonishing to realize how many Greek myths and characters have lent their names and stories to the vast array of Greek loanwords that are sprinkled into the arts and sciences in the English language.
It's clear Stephen has taken some artistic license in his retellings, but this only serves to make the tales more engaging and relatable for modern readers. The wit and humour with which Fry approaches these ancient stories is simply unparalleled. Mythos isn't just a retelling; it's a celebration of the tales that have shaped cultures and languages for millennia.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to dive into the world of Greek mythology with a guide who's both knowledgeable and delightfully entertaining.
This isn't the only way to gain access into Greek Myths. I noticed a few of the stories were basically part of Aesop's fables as well. It's just formatted differently to have the Stephen Fry-esque commentary style in a few parts.
It's clear Stephen has taken some artistic license in his retellings, but this only serves to make the tales more engaging and relatable for modern readers. The wit and humour with which Fry approaches these ancient stories is simply unparalleled. Mythos isn't just a retelling; it's a celebration of the tales that have shaped cultures and languages for millennia.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to dive into the world of Greek mythology with a guide who's both knowledgeable and delightfully entertaining.
This isn't the only way to gain access into Greek Myths. I noticed a few of the stories were basically part of Aesop's fables as well. It's just formatted differently to have the Stephen Fry-esque commentary style in a few parts.
Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings by Abolqasem Ferdowsi
4.0
Listened to it on Audiobook in English.
Wanted to "get back to my roots" since I haven't read any Persian classics at all.
It was pretty entertaining. There were many common Persian names in the story. Some more poetic than others. The story has myths about how certain festivals and things came to be in Iran / Persia, and that's something to remember, they are myths!. Like all mythical stories, it is not meant to be taken literally.
As a side note, I didn't expect to see my own name appear but it was fitting since "Soroush" means messenger angel.
Wanted to "get back to my roots" since I haven't read any Persian classics at all.
It was pretty entertaining. There were many common Persian names in the story. Some more poetic than others. The story has myths about how certain festivals and things came to be in Iran / Persia, and that's something to remember, they are myths!. Like all mythical stories, it is not meant to be taken literally.
As a side note, I didn't expect to see my own name appear but it was fitting since "Soroush" means messenger angel.