Author: Nick Ryan

Doom – The Politics of Catastrophe

As I complete reading this book from Niall Ferguson, the topic of the Pandemic is front of mind as I’ve just been to my local pharmacy to get my latest Covid vaccine booster. This followed on from an SMS message from the HSE (our national health service in Ireland). I’m conscious how fortunate I am (and all of us) to be able to receive this inoculation and enable us to continue to live normal lives. I commented to the pharmacist that we shouldn’t take the vaccine for granted. We both agreed that while the pandemic (looking back from our autumn 2023 perspective) now seems like a dream, society shouldn’t forget the lessons learned nor the heavy price paid by those most vulnerable.

Continue reading Doom – The Politics of Catastrophe

The Hammer of God

Haven’t read Arthur C. Clarke in years. This short book “The Hammer of God” from 1993 reads well. Must re-read Rendezvous with Rama. Read in September 2023.

The Radetsky March

The Radetsky March was very atmospheric and probably had the most vivid description of alcohol and gambling addiction I’ve read. Joseph Roth describes the stagnant and failing Austro-Hungarian empire vividly through deep characters. A great novel. Read in June 2023.

Leviathan Wakes

After reading Leviathan Wakes, I can see that “The Expanse” TV series is so well cast. The book really is like a blockbuster movie. Great holiday reading from James S.A. Corey. Read in June 2023.

The Arabian Nights

Finally finished The Arabian Nights after many years of intermittent reading. Evident from the footnotes that Burton loved the Middle East and its culture and language. This version from 1884 is of its time – but still amazing. Read in June 2023.

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth

Maintaining posivity while always thinking about the next thing that can kill you. Chris Hadfield exudes humility alongside extreme competence gained from a lifetime of hard work and continuous learning. Read in May 2023.

Travels with Charley

John Steinbeck’s description of the protests over school integration in New Orleans in 1960 were chilling – “The little girl did not look at the howling crowd but from the side the whites of her eyes showed like those of a frightened fawn.” Read in April 2023.

What do You Care what Other People Think?

Part 2 of Richard Feynman’s bio. Excellent description of the Presidential Commission investigation into the Challenger explosion. Also a very moving account of his wife’s death when he worked at Los Alamos. Read in February 2023.

False Value

Magic and policing in London from Ben Aaronovitch. Was in the City of London with work when I read this in January 2023.