This was my third Doctorow fiction novel. He's rapidly rising to the top of my favourite authors. While weaving a compelling story line, he sheds light on the true nature of our late-capitalist society and the systems that exacerbate disparity
Reviews and Comments
I love books. I used to read voraciously. Having kids killed that. Now that they're grown, I'm getting back into books.
Born in Treaty 7 (Calgary). Living in Gatineau, on unceded Algonquin Anishnaabee land. He/him.
Find me on my personal website: bdms.ca
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Martin reviewed The Bezzle by Cory Doctorow
Martin reviewed Truth Telling by Michelle Good
Strongly argued
5 stars
Michelle Good's collection of seven essays, each on a distinct theme in the broad topic of reconciliation, presents a good picture of the current status of the indigenous struggle for recognition and status, and convincing rationale for a change in attitude and approach by the colonial institutions and settler community. A worthwhile read.
Martin reviewed Disaster Capitalism by Antony Loewenstein
Mediocre presentation of an important subject
2 stars
This is a good book that could have been shorter. While useful to expose the closer relationship between governments and private companies, the stories often felt repetitive and the chapters lacked a clear flow. The point was made, and made again, and made again, but the successive iterations didn't really develop a deeper analysis or enhance understanding. Overall, while an interesting read, I found it to be underwhelming.
Martin finished reading Disaster Capitalism by Antony Loewenstein
This is a good book that could have been shorter. While useful to expose the closer relationship between governments and private companies, the stories often felt repetitive and the chapters lacked a clear flow. The point was made, and made again, and made again, but the successive iterations didn't really develop a deeper analysis or enhance understanding. Overall, while an interesting read, I found it to be underwhelming.
Martin rated Mindful Year: 5 stars
Martin finished reading Mindful Year by Alice Boyes
Reading this was a very worthwhile discipline for the year. While I didn't manage to read it every single day, each day I did I found the reflections to be thought provoking and encouraging. We've ordered a hard copy of the book to make available to my partners therapy clients while they await their appointments.
Martin reviewed The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Martin reviewed Julia: A Novel by Sandra Newman
Martin finished reading Julia: A Novel by Sandra Newman
This was really well done -- retelling the events of Orwell's 1984 from the point of view of the second main character, Winston's "girlfriend" Julia. Personally, I think this is much more interesting than 1984, and provides a richer character to everyone. Unfortunately, it ends up being one of those books that is hopeful and pessimistic at the same moment. Still, it's particularly relevant for our time.
Martin started reading Julia: A Novel by Sandra Newman
I had to re-read 1984 before starting this one, which I bought on recommendation of City Doctorow. It had been over 30 years, and my understanding of what I was reading had certainly shifted. It will be interesting to see how this other voice and perspective also shifts my understandings.
Martin finished reading The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter
Martin rated The Color of Magic: 5 stars

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett, Terry Pratchett (Discworld, #1)
Terry Pratchett's profoundly irreverent novels are consistent number one bestsellers in England, where they have garnered him a revered position …