Author: Adam

Exploring Urban Sketching: A Review of Archisketcher

If you’re interested in the world of urban sketching, you’re in for a good read with Simone Ridyard’s book, Archisketcher. This book serves as a good gateway into the art of sketching architecture and capturing the essence of urban landscapes. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who has dabbled in drawing, this book offers good insights and advice that can help you advance your skills.

Why Urban Sketching?

Urban sketching is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to engage with your surroundings.

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Exploring the Depths of Gary Snyder’s Earth House Hold

When I dive into a book like Earth House Hold by Gary Snyder, it’s definitely a challenge to my normal viewpoints and day to day thoughts. This book, which falls outside the typical areas of nonfiction reading that I do, provides a unique blend of nature, spirituality, and human observation that captivated me. In this post, I’ll share my insights and reflections on Snyder’s work, which is as much a personal journey as it is a broader commentary on society and the environment.… Read the rest

The Singularity Is Nearer Book Review & Insights

This review goes into ‘The Singularity Is Nearer’ by Ray Kurzweil, exploring some pretty fascinating predictions about technology’s future and its potential impact on humanity. This book review aims to unpack what I found to be the key points and insights that will shape our understanding leading up to the singularity and beyond.

Introduction to the Book

The book builds upon the foundational ideas presented in its predecessor from 2006, ‘The Singularity Is Near.’… Read the rest

Exploring Central Asia: Insights from a Traveler’s Companion

For those looking to understand the Central Asia region better, Kathleen Hopkirk’s book, “A Traveler’s Companion to Central Asia,” offers an insightful perspective. In this brief review I want to share the main themes and key takeaways from the book, highlighting its relevance even after three decades since its publication.

About the Author

Kathleen Hopkirk, the author of this book, provides a blend of narrative and factual information that makes for an engaging read.

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Exploring Patrick Leigh Fermor’s Travel Diaries: A Review

I’m happy to share with you a book that really caught my attention based on another book that I had read, which is The Notebook by Roland Allen. This book, A Time of Gifts, is a travel diary that follows Patrick Leigh Fermor as he journeys from the Hook of Holland, landing in Rotterdam from the UK, all the way to Constantinople, or Istanbul as it’s now known.

Map overview of Patrick Leigh Fermor's journey

There are lots of historical tidbits and really interesting pieces throughout the book, making it a must-read for anyone interested in travel diaries and logs, especially since Fermor undertook this trip on foot.… Read the rest