Jason's Reviews

Straight up: This is Book One of the best dystopian trilogy I have ever read. The human population is all but wiped out by a deadly version of Viagra. The Crakers, weird simple-minded blue-penised clones, are the caretakers of the future. False prophet Snowman the Jimmy narrates this tale of what went wrong. You will speed-read through this book to find out what happens next. - Jason

The oldest soul in the world just can’t seem to reach perfection. He was a disciple of the Buddha, a superhero on an alien prison planet, a wise fisherman… but every single time, Milo doesn’t get it right. On a positive note, every time he dies, he reunites with his girlfriend, Death (who also goes by the name Susie). This book is totally goofy, sweet and wise. I loved the ending. - Jason

How can we improve our eco-karma? From the ashram to your personal life, this beautiful book will be your guide. One chapter shows how to use Gary Snyder’s poems to increase one’s environmental consciousness. Others contemplates Buddhist consumer activism, and ways to get your community directly involved. It’s time to bring your practice into the world. - Jason

A comprehensive and profound treatise on climate. Though much of the information paints a bleak future, I felt inspired to action upon reading. If it’s too much for you, buy it for the person in your life who can handle the darkest truths. This book feels important.  It is my early pick to win a 2019 Pulitzer. I am recommending it to anyone who will listen. - Jason

Want to understand how the 1% amassed all of their money and power? Want to take power back? Graeber, one of the minds behind Occupy, traces the history of money from the earliest civilizations up to the housing market crash of 2018 and (too big to fail) bail-outs. Graeber introduces new ideas for changing our broken financial system. Viva La Revolution! - Jason

This is a gut-wrenching and heart-opening. As Glennon recovers from multiple addictions, and deals with her husband’s infidelity, she goes on a deep spiritual journey and  rediscovers herself and a new relationship with god. She is a living example of how to be a Spiritual being, mother, and feminist. Impossible to put down, my wife and I both read this book in under three days. - Jason

Desmond, a Harvard sociologist, lived in low-income neighborhoods for three years, recording this true story of people in the slums of Milwaukee, as they struggled (and failed) to keep a roof over their heads. Evicted engages the topic of income inequality with honest reportage and real solutions to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. - Jason

What was Michael Jordan’s best season? Who was the greatest dunker ever? These and other explorations of hoops make this book so much fun. I totally geeked out on the Franken-player section, where you can combine the skills and attributes of multiple players to design a super-baller. (Mine got Steph Curry’s jumper.) It also has super cool illustrations. A must-have for anyone who loves sports. - Jason

Why are jellyfish populations growing? How does that growth relate to global warming? Oceanographer Juli Berwald goes on an epic adventure, including swimming with giant jellies off the shores of Japan and studying their stings in Israel. As she acquires more knowledge about the resilient (and in some cases immortal) jellyfish, she ends up learning even more about her own indomitable spirit. This is great memoir writing grounded by top-notch scientific research. Spineless is this year’s Soul of an Octopus. - Jason

I was immediately struck by the beauty of this book, which also contains an impressive survey of Buddhist teachings and is full of insights and instructions to assist us on our spiritual path. Jack Kornfield writes an excellent introduction and makes a case for this as an important addition to a personal collection of books on Eastern wisdom. For me, it was the many color-plated images of rare Tibetan paintings and sculptures that kept me turning pages. - Jason