作者：杨素秋
Rating: 
作者从大学教授挂职一年成为机关干部，从象牙塔迈入体制内。书的前半部以此身份转变切入，着力描写作者在制度与文化冲击中的所见所感，让读者好像也走进机关，看到那些平时难以接触的运作方式。后半部的主线转向作者从零开始建设图书馆的经历，同时穿插介绍了几位为作者推荐书单的人物。虽然这些人物插曲似乎偏离了主线，但却让一群独立鲜活的人物素描跃然纸上，也让书里官场之外的社会图景更丰富、更有趣。书中提到的书目也是阅读此书的一大收获。
Author: Manjit Kumar
Rating:
A good review of a familiar subject.
Author: Mark Bowden
Rating:
The book traces the dramatic rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. The brutal way in which Escobar seized power is shocking, and the effort to bring him down was distressing. Having just returned from Colombia, I was struck by the warmth of its people and the country’s stunning natural beauty. Yet, even forty years after Escobar’s death, this dark chapter of history continues to cast a shadow over Colombian society. Many locals prefer to forget the painful past and view the use of Escobar’s name as a tourist gimmick with contempt, especially while drug trafficking and the presence of paramilitary groups still linger.
The book offers a detailed account of the U.S. involvement in the manhunt and how it ultimately led to Escobar’s demise. The final moments of his life are particularly gripping. It also highlights the crucial, though controversial, role of the paramilitary group Los Pepes, whose campaign of terror against Escobar’s associates significantly contributed to his downfall. Their murky ties to both Colombian authorities and U.S. agents continue to raise questions and influence geopolitical discourse to this day.
Author: Nathan Vardi
Rating:
The book chronicles the dramatic journey of the development of the BTK inhibitor, one of the most groundbreaking drugs for CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia). It delves into the drug’s creation by Pharmacyclics and Acerta Pharma, highlighting the intricacies of the development process. The author also explores the role of venture capital in the biotech industry, as well as the struggles among key company members, driven by their differing personalities. A captivating and insightful read!
Author: Margaret MacMillan
Rating:
It is no overstatement to say that the modern world has been shaped by the First World War and the Paris Peace Conference that followed. The book provides a detailed account of the conference’s proceedings, highlighting the struggles among different states and the compromises that had to be made.
One of the author’s most memorable conclusions is that the treaty should not be blamed for the collapse of Germany’s economy after World War I, as is often argued today. Various conditions and workarounds were implemented to reduce Germany’s financial burden. Additionally, the book includes a chapter on how China became a victim during the conference.
Author: Peter Attia
Rating:
There are many books on the topic of longevity, but in this New York Times bestseller, Dr. Attia argues that extending healthspan, rather than just lifespan, is more important for modern humans. Through the concept of Medicine 3.0—which integrates early monitoring, diagnosis, and personalized treatment—we can more effectively combat the four major diseases responsible for most deaths: heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Additionally, exercise, quality sleep, mental health, and nutrition play crucial roles in promoting long-term well-being.
Author: Alvin E. Roth
Rating:
Competitive situations arise frequently in our daily lives, from school admissions and legal employment to organ allocation. In many cases, various limitations prevent participants from accessing the necessary information to make informed decisions or from exchanging the resources they need. Through numerous examples, the author illustrates how careful market design can create a thicker, more efficient, and fairer market.
