Israel and the Clash of Civilisations: Iraq, Iran and the Plan to Remake the Middle East

After two serious stuff (supposed to be very serious stuff, but ended up boring like hell, LOL)... here I am with another serious stuff except changing it to something that really interest me all the while. First of all, I must admit that I am not familiar with Middle East historical stuff. This is why any books related to Middle East stuff will be my cup of tea. Secondly, I am back to history books. Any sources of historical books usually have special place in my heart. So, this book although published long time ago; I am pretty confidence that it will still be a book that helps to further enhance my knowledge...

Ended up... frankly, I spent quite a lot of time in digesting this book. Reason is... I thought the author did do well that it brought out a lot of questions in my mind. First of all, regardless whether you are pro-Israel or anti-Israel, nobody can deny the facts that occupation of Palestine land is similar to the colonial settler occupations. As such, the morale issue and perhaps a straight right or wrong, did enough to raise many questions in my head (which I thought the author did answered some while ignored some). Secondly, the author seems align with Hamas and Iranian government. Hence, I think readers worldwide may not agree with some of his points. Furthermore, Iranian government is no more the previous government (the time when the author wrote this book). As a result, certain things seem irrelevant to view from current situation.

Lastly, there will be a lot of debates when occupations by outsiders (which will usually end up as wars) are not justify and legalized in the first place. Pre-revolutionary China had proved in history that the final results will not favor mankind development in long run. Besides, there is a hidden element (oil) behind all this. Hence, the debate on this topic will goes on forever. Sad to say this... but it is a true facts.

Overall, I may not agree 100% with all the opinions from the author. However, the shrewd analysis of the Zionist state's schemes is really fantastic. As such, from a full rating of 10, I am going to give 7. This book certainly deserved some attention for those who love to read about Middle East.

The Futures: The Rise of the Speculator and the Origins of the World's Biggest Markets

This is another offering book bought during book fair. Well, the previous one failed partially in my humble opinion. Let us see how this one goes...

This is a book that traces the beginnings of future trading to the present days. The author did enough homework and this book recorded precisely the whole process on the origins and growth of the future markets. Overall, the story telling is clear and I think readers will find it easier to digest along the way.

However... I must admit that this is another boring book. In fact, it is the usual typical historical book and it is actually barely entertaining. In my humble opinion, the author focuses too much on the academical side of the story. At the end, there is no fun in reading this book.

Entertaining aside, I thought the author missed out some serious stuff too. This is a book about future markets. Yet, I found no charts or tables in the whole book. Well, statistics are the best tool to tell stories at times. As such, I found it weird to read a serious story without serious stuffs.

For a full rating of 10, I am going to rate this book at 4. It is again another book that failed to inspire me in any way. The fact is... it is always very hard to get excellent books during a fair. What a disappointment... 

Crisis Economics: A Crash Course in the Future of Finance

As I mentioned before, I am short of investment books at the moment. Hence, any book will be my choices right now. In fact, I do not mind reading lousy books. Reading itself is already an amazing journey. To be able to judge at the end of the journey means we did catch up something along the road. So, whether it is a good or bad journey, a journey is still a journey to appreciate...

This book was actually grabbed during a book fair. In fact, it was grouped in those offering books where I can buy the next one with RM1. Well, I admit I was in the rush that day and this book was simply bought to make up the number. At the end, I did not even realize that this is another book on 2008 financial crisis... Gosh, so boring, LOL!

Well, please do not get me wrong. This is not a lousy book. But, ever since 2008 sub-prime crisis, this kind of books are all over in the markets. With year 2015 is around the corner plus markets everywhere were making new highs recently, this book does not seems appealing at all. The author did an excellent analysis with tons of ideas as future solutions to face another possible "white swan" (as according to author) in long run. However, I do find that ideas presented although sounds logic with sense... the solutions will be costly. In fact, I do not think authority will react such a way. After all, we are passing 6th year since 2008 and those solutions may not sounds applicable and relevant anymore.

As a summary, this may be a good read right after the 2008 crisis. However, to read it in year 2014 does not seem right in the first place. Rating wise, out of 10, I am giving it 4. Overall, not much of refreshing thoughts throughout the whole reading process...