Great depth and breadth for subject matter that calls for nothing less.
Far-reaching exploration of science, the mind, and the meaning of life.
Yang ambitiously tackles some of life’s biggest concepts, including knowledge, science, and religion, among others. He displays an impressive level of knowledge in an array of fields as well as keen sensitivity toward the topics presented. Despite many positives, the main drawback to Yang’s work is a high level of technical language—a probable put off for lay readers. He begins with a discussion of knowledge and how it is obtained. After this exploration of epistemology, Yang moves to a wide-ranging discussion of science. In fact, a section called “Lights from Science”—featuring quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, nonlinear and complex systems, etc.—is so detailed and expansive that he suggests readers less interested in science skip the chapter or read only the conclusion. Yang moves on to an equally impressive discussion of the human mind, dabbling in biology, psychology, and other aspects of the science behind thought. Eventually, the conversation moves on to applications for this knowledge, namely the philosophies of belief and religion. It is here that Yang gets to the heart of his inquiry, as he invites the reader to consider how knowledge and science are applied to life in all its certainty and uncertainty. However, Yang’s writing often seems too opaque and technical for most audiences. Few will follow along in a discussion about faith that concludes, “These concepts for metareality, either the archetypes in the psyche, or unknown parts of the world, are often collectively referred to in Western culture as God.” Yang avoids judging religion and ends with a look at one of humanity’s most important and intractable questions: what is the meaning of life? Though he doesn’t provide an answer, he invites the reader to continued consideration of the question.
Great depth and breadth for subject matter that calls for nothing less.Pub Date: April 28, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-692-37949-3
Page Count: 252
Publisher: HINT Press
Review Posted Online: July 17, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2015
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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