The Book Vipers discussion

The discussion thread is now open. Spoilers are allowed on this thread. Don't read on if you haven't finished the book. Can you also unclick the 'Add to my update feed' people don't see your comments in their home screen. Things to consider:

1. Did you like the book?
2. Do you think that the author covers the subject adequately?
3. Do you like the tone and language of the book?
4. Was there any part of the book that was important or significant to you?
5. Have you learnt anything from the book?
6. Has reading this encouraged you to look for other books on the subject?

Read this on holiday in July. It is not a bad book overall, but to cover all that he needs to it is quite sweeping and broad. Didn't really teach me anything that I didn't already know and his fascination with hunter gatherers was mildy amusing. My review is here

Hmm, that's kind of what's been holding me back from picking it up. Thanks for posting your views :)

You're welcome. I had got it from the library so unless it is dire, then nothing is wasted. You keeping well at the moment Pink?

Yes thank you. I haven't been posting here very much lately, but I've still been hovering around :)

Well I liked it. I'm always interested in a book that I find engrossing and exposes me to different ideas. I would definitely recommend it.

Glad to hear it Kevin. I have just acquired a copy of his latest one

I really enjoyed it; it threw up some interesting questions and thoughts, but I have to admit that I haven't read anything like it before, which I think influenced my opinion. Although I did find some of the more generalised, sweeping statements on events and periods that I was familiar with, such as Classical and Renaissance, slightly irksome, and the same for some of his generalising and dismissive comments about Christianity. I also didn't really find the final chapter to my taste, so I don't think that I'll be reading Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, which as I understand is an exploration of the ideas in the final chapter, but I will be looking out for more books along a similar vein, maybe something more specific on 'prehistory' (suggestions would be welcome!) My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Francis Pryor might be worth a look Katheryn

Thanks for the recommendation Paul

I enjoyed the first half of the book then felt my attention and interest starting to wane. It's very broad in its scope and that was always going to be ambitious.