I decided that I need to keep up with my blog and actually provide some interesting content. Since it’s been months since I’ve posted, I have high hopes to write more frequent posts–we shall see if those hopes come to fruition. Over the past couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to read several interesting books. I’m grateful to have a well-stocked library relatively close to where I live and am a frequent patron. I thought I would highlight some especially interesting books that I’ve read.
Flawless: Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History
Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell
In 2003, a group of white-collar criminals raided a highly protective safe in the middle of the Diamond District of Antwerp, Belgium, where most of the world’s diamonds pass through at same point. These crooks made off with almost half a billion dollars worth of diamonds and other valuables people had stored in their safes inside a massive vault. The authors of the book tracked down the details of the heist and did their best to assemble an account of how it happened, from planning to execution of the heist to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Flawless is a fascinating read and, while it does basically contain historical research, is written in an interesting way and definitely holds your attention. It definitely reminded me of a heist movie like Ocean’s 11 or The Italian Job (both of which are referenced and quoted from in the book!), and it was interesting to compare/contrast how a plot develops in a movie versus in real life. Of course, in real life the process of getting ready for the heist drags out for months or even years and can consist of days on end of boring surveillance. The criminals did come up with innovative ways to get through all kinds of security measures and into an incredibly secure vault.
My only caveat was that at times it’s hard to distinguish when the authors are simply sharing their conjecture about what happened. Sometimes they let you know that they are speculating, and other times that they are providing sure facts, but several times in the book they mesh together speculation and actual known events and you can’t always figure out where they’re filling in the gaps. All in all, it is still a fascinating book and one that I’d recommend.
Son of Hamas : A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices
Mosab Hassan Yousef and Ron Brackin
I have been wanting to read this book ever since I heard about it several months ago, but unfortunately did not have time in grad school (yes, I had a few books to read then). This book provides a different perspective on Middle East issues from the mainstream information that you probably have heard , both from the media and from Christian sources. This man grew up in Palestine as the son of a leader of the terrorist group Hamas. He tells about the inside workings that he observed within Hamas, his involvement with Israeli intelligence as a double agent, and his eventually turning to Christ as Savior.
At first, the book seemed weak to me as far as having any solid gospel message. But in the very last chapter, he seemed to express genuine faith in Christ. It is incredible to see the power of God to change the heart of someone who grew up in the midst of Islam to turn to Jesus to save him.
There are also plenty of fascinating details about the inner workings of Hamas and Israeli intelligence. You see both sides presented as having genuine people with both positive sides and flaws. He also points out some legitimate criticisms in Israel’s treatment of Palestine and misunderstanding of how the Hamas group thinks. Yet he bluntly condemns the actions of his own father and people that he grew up around in Hamas.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Middle East, Israel, intelligence agencies, or simply incredible stories of Christ changing the lives of the most unthinkable people.
Buyology: Truth and Lies about Why We Buy
Martin Lindstrom, Paco Underhill
OK, I have a degree in mass communication and work for an advertising agency. I’ve always been fascinated with the science behind branding and making people want to buy one product over another. I couldn’t resist this book when I saw it sitting on the shelf.
This guy performed a study involving brain scanning to analyze people’s recognition of brands at the level of the mind. He talks about how effective (or ineffective) various techniques are at making people recognize a brand and want to buy it. Fascinating science behind various advertising techniques that can wire the brain to recognize and associate products when people see them. And some surprising revelations about alleged techniques that don’t actually work that well.
It can get a bit technical at times but overall, he explains his techniques fairly well. Great for anyone interested in advertising, marketing, etc.
The Total Money Makeover
Dave Ramsey
I’ve heard a fair amount about Ramsey but had never read any of his books. I picked this one up since I’m trying to read up on financial advice. It is definitely very well written and contains plenty of good advice on getting out of debt, starting out financially, choosing a mortgage, investing, and many other money-related answers.
The book does focus on getting out of debt, which I (thankfully) did not find relevant to my own situation, since I am not in any debt. However, there are still many other principles that are useful for anyone to learn. He talks about being very careful in spending on unnecessary items, saving and investing as much as possible, and not giving into the American mentality of having it all right away by buying on credit. Helpful advice on starting an emergency fund, saving for retirement early no matter how young you are, and planning in advance. Definitely a needed book for people who are blowing their money unnecessarily now and will regret it later. For anyone who actually is in debt, this book is hard-hitting but very helpful.
Bunch of interesting books, great way to fill time and enhance one’s knowledge on a range of topics. Oh yeah, and since I’m posting today I shouldn’t forget to say Happy 4th of July!!
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