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Recommend good factual reads

post #1 of 38
8/4/10 at 1:05pm
Thread Starter 
I usually read biogs and fiction but I am in the mood to read something factual- but not too specialized, and engrossing.

Nothing scientific or mathematical, political nor religious.

Maybe something where the worldss heading with technology, for example.
And by someone who can write.
Maybe something I wouldn't notionally expect to be fascinating. I hope this gives you an idea.
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post #2 of 38
8/4/10 at 1:07pm
The Prize by Dan Yergin The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto
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post #3 of 38
8/11/10 at 5:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chas View Post
The Prize by Dan Yergin
The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto

Thanks for the rec. This looks interesting... and long.
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post #4 of 38
8/11/10 at 5:43am
I've been listening to this on audiobook at work. It's light but interesting.

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post #5 of 38
8/11/10 at 6:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britalian View Post
Thanks for the rec. This looks interesting... and long.

It reads brilliantly.
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post #6 of 38
8/11/10 at 7:48am
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

What's "factual" about this book is so hawt the vampires are, zomg!
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post #7 of 38
8/11/10 at 10:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britalian View Post
Thanks for the rec. This looks interesting... and long.

If you read this book you will have a better understanding of the oil industry than most people in the oil industry - at least the history of it. It is incredibly comprehensive.
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post #8 of 38
8/11/10 at 12:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chas View Post
If you read this book you will have a better understanding of the oil industry than most people in the oil industry - at least the history of it. It is incredibly comprehensive.


I totally agree. I read this book early in my career when I started off in the offshore oil & gas industry. Another book worth reading while we are on the subject is:

Anthony Sampson. The Seven Sisters: The Great Oil Companies and the World They Shaped. New York: Viking Press, 1975. ISBN 0-553-20449-1.

BTW, The Prize was made into a documentary sometime back. Edutainment for a news junkie like me.
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post #9 of 38
8/11/10 at 2:11pm
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post #10 of 38
8/11/10 at 2:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britalian View Post
Thanks for the rec. This looks interesting... and long.

Glad I checked this thread - ordered.
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post #11 of 38
8/11/10 at 2:36pm
Freakonomics.
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post #12 of 38
8/11/10 at 2:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by boogaboogabooga View Post
Freakonomics.

x2. If you haven't read it yet it is quite good.
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post #13 of 38
8/11/10 at 3:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by StephenHero View Post
I've been listening to this on audiobook at work. It's light but interesting.


Wow, just noticed he had a new book out. Also, you could check out his books and language and the one on Shakespeare.

All books by Malcolm Gladwell, except maybe he latest.

These touch on politics and science, but nevertheless:

Risk by Dan Gardner
The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
The Eerie Silence by Paul Davies
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post #14 of 38
8/11/10 at 3:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britalian View Post
I usually read biogs and fiction but I am in the mood to read something factual- but not too specialized, and engrossing. Nothing scientific or mathematical, political nor religious. Maybe something where the worldss heading with technology, for example. And by someone who can write. Maybe something I wouldn't notionally expect to be fascinating. I hope this gives you an idea.
Currently reading this, it gives a nice overview of futurology and is easy to read but filled with facts and insights on the topic. http://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-.../dp/1582341087
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post #15 of 38
8/11/10 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Clean View Post
None of the books by Malcolm Gladwell, except maybe he latest.


FTFY

Gladwell is fucking terrible. His books are nothing more than a string of anecdotes to support his supposed theories. Waste of time.
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