There’s a certain child-like innocence in the simple, everyday act of picking up your cellphone. You unlock it, scroll, message, and carry on with life, trusting that your device belongs only to you. Pegasus by Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud shatters that comforting belief. The book reveals how modern spyware can transform any smartphone into a window for unseen observers, reaching deeper into personal lives than most people ever imagine. The book dives into how a tool originally presented as a weapon against crime and terrorism became something far more troubling. Their investigation follows the misuse of powerful surveillance technology by various governments, exposing how it has been turned on journalists, activists, political opponents, and ordinary citizens. The narrative unfolds like a thriller, yet the consequences are very real, showing how privacy, freedom, and democratic values can all be quietly undermined. Throughout the book, key themes emerge: the fragility of digital privacy, the growing reach of state surveillance, the vulnerability of global technology systems, and the essential role of investigative journalism in uncovering hidden abuse. The final message is unmistakable. Awareness is not paranoia. In a world where a phone can be silently transformed into a tool against its owner, being aware is simply being safer.
Great read. The real sting lies in how uncool and unserious the people at the top seem when faced with decisions that shaped global politics and social order. Wynn‑Williams documents misogyny, double standards, and a deeply obnoxious culture masquerading as innovation, painting a picture of a company that grew faster than its maturity ever could. The more power its leaders held, the less responsibility they seemed willing to shoulder, leaving the rest of us trapped in the digital The real sting lies in how absurdly unserious the people at the top seem when faced with decisions that shape global politics and social order. In short Careless People isn’t just a memoir. It’s a reminder that the world’s largest echo chamber was built by people who should never have been trusted with the volume knob in the first place and who should never have been trusted with the on button on all our algorithms from the offset.
In Japan you should never shop, eat, drink, or schmooze at street level. This fun story captures this mood with a premise of living life with no regrets.
Man’s Search for Meaning is Viktor Frankl’s powerful reflection on surviving Nazi concentration camps and the psychological discoveries that shaped his theory of logotherapy. Frankl shows how prisoners endured three mental stages: shock, apathy, and the struggle to rediscover purpose after liberation. His core insight is that even in the most dehumanizing conditions, humans retain the freedom to choose their attitude and find meaning through work, love, or suffering. The book blends memoir and philosophy into a final argument that purpose is the deepest human push pull, offering lessons on resilience, dignity, and the will to live.
Yearly re-read(listen) during reclaim the night hike.
Wolf Packs and loss aversion.
A favourite YouTuber in Japan has written his book. An Assistant Language Teacher grows something huge!
Listened to this on my run this morning. Remembering the days back in ‘19 when 90 percent of us in HK ‘ate teargas’ …
Gregor Paul’s book on Ian Foster is a lively look at the man behind the headlines. It celebrates Foster’s calm strength, honesty, and resilience towards pressure. Paul shows a leader who values integrity and people over ego. Foster the coach who stood tall through storms without losing his humanity. If you admire character this is a must-read.
Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art isn’t just a book it’s an alarm clock under your pillow. It reminds me that inevitably the greatest battle we fight is internal: against Resistance, that insidious force keeping us from our true potential. Pressfield’s message is clear just show up, do the work, and trust the plan. Art isn’t about waiting for lightning; it’s about building the storm through discipline. The lesson? Your calling matters. Lean into discomfort, embrace the grind, and create from a place of truth. Transformation begins when you begin.
Did a long hike with my relatives and read this on recovery breaks … quite a contrast from the beauty of the whenua.
Underworld by Jared Savage is pure mayhem; meth, money, murder, and nz gangs running wild. Savage tears the tab off the can of New Zealand’s darkest corners and shows how the underworld became a global beast. Brutal, fast, and unfiltered. The words hits hard and often.
A re-read of an enjoyed book. Good to reevaluate some paradigms.
Myanmar by Noah Gil-Smith is a vibrant and insightful look at a country full of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. The writing feels alive, painting scenes that remind you of Myanmar for yourself. Gil-Smith captures the spirit of everyday life with warmth and detail, offering readers a genuine sense of connection. What makes this book even more special is that it was written before the latest sad and disturbing military coup, reflecting a time of hope and possibility. It’s an inspiring read that celebrates resilience and beauty.