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Johnnie B

Johnnie B

has 4 followers and is following 2 people

I'm a professor of mathematics at the University of Montana. I like to read all types of books, from poetry to fiction to mathematics to spirituality to biography.

I'd like to read more than I do.

I'm married with kids and love the outdoors -- biking, skiing, backpacking, and chillin' -- here in Montana.
  • member since December 28, 2007

Reviews

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Displaying 1-10 of 75 reviews
  • The pass (Bantam giant)

    The pass (Bantam giant)

    by Thomas Savage
    • Rated 4 stars

    “This is a great book. Amazing that he wrote it in his 20's. And for a Montanan who loves the empty places in his home state best of all, the book calls to me. In fact it's interesting to me that the far SW corner of Montana, where this book takes place, is very rarely spoken of in 'wilderness circles', while I hear about the Rocky Mountain Front in the news once a week. There's something cool about forgotten places and authors. I recommend this read.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Swerve
    • Rated 4 stars

    “This is a fascinating read, particularly if you're into the history of culture and what has gotten us to where we are.

    There are many ideas that seem inevitable today, but that were once deeply contentious: that the earth is round and revolves around the sun, that all matter is made up of atoms.

    This book is about the ancient text 'On the Nature of Things' written by Lucretius in 50 BCE, its disappearance and rediscovery at the start of the renaissance, and the many ideas the text contains that we as humans have struggled with and fought against, but ultimately have come to realize to be true.

    Many of the ideas in this text remain contentious, and so the read is a provocative one as well. Good fun.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Wednesday, January 11, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Truman
    • Rated 5 stars

    “This is an awesome biography. What I love about it is that Truman was someone you could look at and think, 'That could be me.' But that was all on the outside: his humble background, mediocre performance in school, and early financial troubles and failed business. But then as president, he presided over some of the toughest and most consequential decisions in American history, and kicked ass! Check the ratings by historians of America's best presidents, and you'll see him near the top.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Thursday, January 5, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Mornings on Horseback
    • Rated 5 stars

    “This book focuses on TR's early life and the things that likely made him into the man who became president: an aristocratic upbringing in an amazingly talented and driven family, poor health into early adulthood, loss of father, mother, and wife in his early-to-mid twenties, years in North Dakota after his mother and wife died, tremendous energy and ambition, and excellent choices in those he chose to surround himself with. Some biographies you read and think, "That could be me if I was lucky." This one, I read and was humbled. TR was truly extraordinary, a rare man indeed.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Thursday, January 5, 2012. ( reply | permalink )
  • Theodore Rex
    • Rated 4 stars

    “A good biography, though it focuses entirely on his presidency, making it pretty wonkish. In other words, read it if your interested in the TR presidency AND the historical events that happened during those 7 years. The man shines through, but perhaps not as much as in a full biography such as Truman.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Wednesday, December 28, 2011. ( reply | permalink )
  • Galileo's Daughter
    • Rated 5 stars

    “I loved this book, both as a scientist and mathematician, but even more as a human being. The love between father and daughter is beautiful. ”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Wednesday, September 7, 2011. ( reply | permalink )
  • Anil's Ghost
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Good book, though I didn't like it as well as English Patient and Divisadero. Still good. He's able to create a aura like no other author.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Wednesday, September 7, 2011. ( reply | permalink )
  • John Adams
    • Rated 5 stars

    “McCullough writes about the most honorable men who've served as president. Adams is certainly among the most honorable. Clearly very ambitious and full of fire and very human, but always striving to do right and serve his country. One of my heros for sure after this read.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Wednesday, July 6, 2011. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Wave
    • Rated 5 stars

    “For a surfer and a scientist, such as I am, I found this an addictive read. And my son read it in one day, so there's two recommendations.”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Wednesday, July 6, 2011. ( reply | permalink )
  • Life
    • Rated 5 stars

    “What a great book. So honest. And KR turns out to be such a likeable fellow. What a great character. This was one of my favorite reads in a while. ”

    Johnnie B wrote this review Wednesday, July 6, 2011. ( reply | permalink )
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Displaying 1-10 of 75 reviews

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