Friday, November 21, 2008

Ronicky Doone

by Max Brand

*** [3/5]

A classic western tale of adventure and chivalry. Ronicky decides to help a friend rescue a female letter correspondent from a fate of enforced criminality. He ends up embroiled in a mob which requires all his cunning and wit to extract himself from. Good light reading for a Saturday.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Fortune's Formula: The Untold Story of the Scientific Betting System That Beat the Casinos and Wall Street

by William Poundstone

***** [5/5]

This book is a fascinating history of some of the first mathematicians to use the slight odds on blackjack to consistently win against the casinos. Beyond this the underlying theme of the book is a method for decision making when confronting risk. Well worth the read, the history lesson alone is almost magical.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

As Far as you can go without a Passport: A view from the end of the road

Tom Bodett
** [2/5]

This book is a compilation of short essays by Tom Bodett about life in Alaska. The book is a quick read, but not the best I picked up in the last year. Some nice insights and moments but neither deep or hilarious.