Keith Klein – Google

Shape's about reason, logic, mathematics & much more... I love the scope of this book; from explaining the rigor of Abraham Lincoln immersing himself "till I could give any propositions in the six books of Euclid at sight" to applying the inherent reasoning and logic of demonstrating proof to far-flung human undertakings. Ellenberg is a math professor who can write. His speaking style, while forthright, cannot fully contain his enthusiasm for his subject matter. His narration is conversational and reminds me of the best of the Great Lectures books I've enjoyed. Rational thought and reasoning can be applied to everything from geometry to maps to politics, artificial intelligence to genealogy and biology. The best arguments are "self-evident," and Ellenberg weaves mathematical, cultural and political history into Shape, elucidating great advances in math and other endeavors, from Ancient Greece to the American Revolution; from the thinking of Abraham Lincoln, to gerrymandering today. Shape will make you think...without making your head hurt too much in the process. What a treat! I'll be up for a second, and perhaps a third listen. And based on Shape, I'm up for trying Ellenberg's other work as well.

Buying In is a well-written and very well-narrated collection of insights for anyone interested in marketing and/or human nature. The book gives a particularly good analysis of buzz marketing, a variation of word-of-mouth advertising – easily the best marketing tool around in my opinion. As another reviewer observed, this book is not a how-to manual. Nevertheless, anyone interested in marketing would do well to read Buying In, and to synthesize their thoughts on the content into any formal or informal marketing efforts. The book made me a better observer of testimonials shared in dialogues among family, friends, clients and trade associations. Even those conversations I engage in or overhear at a restaurant, tavern or farmers market feel more intimate when people share their thoughts on products and services…I feel I have a better ear for what they’re saying and a greater knowledge of why they may be sharing their thoughts after listening to Buying In. The book delivers a great chapter on Ethcs as well. The book encouraged this post. My goal is to read or hear at least fifty books a year. I often share my opinions on what I’m reading with others. This book validated my interest in writing my opinions as well. This review first appeared at KeithKlein.me