Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Tolkien doesn’t write chapters; he builds civilisations. The Fellowship of the Ring is a slow, deliberate march through languages, histories and the lived feel of time, a marathon of meaning more than a sprint of action. I respect the scope, loved the journey, but prefer punchier reads.

(00:00) “You shall not pass.”
(00:09) Welcome & why review Fellowship now
(01:14) Trilogy intent & page heft (535pp!)
(01:34) Comparing to The ...

A world changing industry that kind of happened by coincidence.

'Chip War' by Chris Miller is a detailed history of the semiconductor industry from its origins in the 1950's to the present day. Important individuals/companies rise and fall as it goes from a new emerging technology created by theorists/tinkers to the global powerhouse companies influenced by countries. It's split into 8 parts with 52 chapters in total.

If you got valu...

In this Mere Mortals book review, we revisit Skeleton Key, the third Alex Rider novel, blending teenage espionage with lessons on stoicism, discipline, and composure. Beyond the action-packed spy drama, I explore how the book’s villain, the General, embodies a powerful, minimalistic strength that shaped my early understanding of discipline and quiet resilience. This isn’t just about the plot, it’s about the philosophy hidden betwee...

Not only is history written by the victors, but it's altered by the academics!

'The Lessons Of History' by Will & Ariel Durant is a small book that attempts to sum-up the history of humanity across several categories of human activity. They use examples from ancient civilisations but also add their own personal opinions into the mix. 13 chapters on Biology, Race, Character, Morals, Religion, Economics, Socialism, Government, War...

Move aside Sparta, there's a new power in town!

'Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy' by John R. Hale is a historical book that recounts the period from 483-322 BC of Ancient Greece and in particular the navy armada of Athens. We witness the rise and fall of Athenian power via not only sea battles with other empires but the decisions made by it's democratic governments as well as influent...

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?

(00:00) - Intro & Series Overview
(00:30) - What is Point Blank? A Quick Recap
(01:...

Be wary of association with the Wizard Of Wall St .... unless you are family or friends!

'The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth' by Trumbull White is a biography detailing the life of Jay Gould, at one point one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. It starts from his childhood and shows how he rose from poverty in the 1800's to become one of the robber barons of the Gilded Age. Plenty of stories showcasing his ruthless u...

In this episode, we dive into The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the timeless tale that launched the modern fantasy genre. You'll hear why Bilbo Baggins’ unlikely hero’s journey still resonates today, what Tolkien nailed in his storytelling, and how this short adventure carries deep philosophical punch. From dragons to dwarves to life-changing quotes, this one is pure gold.

(00:00) - Fog Over the Misty Mountains
(00:09) - Welcome & Wh...

The fun side of rather questionable behaviour.

'Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator' by Edwin Lefevre is a fictional 1st person account of a Wall St trader in the early 1900's, but largely based on the real life operator of Jesse Lauriston Livermore. He describes his early life trading in bucket shops before moving into more high leverage trading and ultimately market manipulation. Within you'll find amusing stories of trading hijinks...

In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it’s undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live with purpose and integrity, especially when no one is watching.

00:00 – Intro: What Th...

We're back from travelling, wiser & thankfully not sad about it.

In this special episode we are covering 3 books of essays/philosophical investigations by written by 3 authors in the 20th century. The books themselves are 'What Does It All Mean?' by Thomas Nagel, 'What Is Man & Other Essays' by Mark Twain & 'The Foundation Pit' by Andrey Platonov. All 3 books question meaning and have a tendency towards indulging in nihi...

In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It’s a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that’s hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn’t my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of life.

00:00 – Intro & Context on the Stoic Virtue Series 
00:30 – Book Stats...

A 14-year-old is thrust into the shadow world of espionage, where every move is a fight to survive—and grow up fast.

My book review on an oldie but a goodie, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horrowitz

(00:00) – You're Never Too Young to Die
(00:47) – First Encounter at 14
(02:15) – Spy Fantasy Meets Realism
(03:38) – Plot Recap & Absurd Action
(05:41) – Philosophy: Adapt to Survive
(07:18) – Final Reflections

Connect with Mere Mortals:
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In this episode, I explore the concrete takeaways from The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. These aren’t abstract ideals—they're raw, lived-in lessons. From why your mind and body are your first foundation, to how meaningful questions shape behaviour, this reflection dives deep into the book’s most impactful ideas and challenges conventional wisdom around leadership, communication, and culture.

(00:00) - Introduction to Learnings
(...

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett—an energetic, story-driven guide to business and life. This isn’t your typical theory-heavy read; it’s a tactical, quote-filled journey through 33 digestible laws forged from real experience. From mastering your skill set to navigating reputation and network, this book distils lessons from one of the most influential digital entrepreneurs of our ti...

The best example of human madness is found across the ages.

'Extraordinary Popular Delusions & The Madness Of Crowds' by Charles Mackay is a mammoth examination of the most ridiculous crazes across history, whether they be funny, bad or horrendous. Charles details some of the more well known financial bubbles (South Sea, Mississippi, Tulip Mania) but also catalogues well known alchemists/magnetisers & mob activities (The Cru...

Why don't I read recently published books?

Today is a special episode where I am going over how I find new books, ways I actively try to avoid wasting my time & some little tricks & tips to get the most out of your reading.

Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:11) Finding New Books
(00:14:05) Pre-Filtering
(00:23:20) Tips/Tricks
(00:34:09) Value 4 Value
(00...

What was I reviewing again?

'A Primer For Forgetting' by Lewis Hyde is a collection of intimate thoughts, stories, poems, mythological tales & quips. The primary theme is around forgetting & how this can be beneficial for an individual or groups, particularly when it relates to trauma. It's split into 4 parts (that he calls notebooks) about myth, self, nation & creation.

If you got value from the podcast please provide su...

Boy are cockroaches gross!

'Metamorphosis & Other Stories' by Franz Kafka is a collection of prose poems, short stories, sketches, allegories, and novelettes.  The longest is of Gregor Samsa, the travelling salesman who wakes up in his bed as a cockroach. You'll find others about conflict on a ship, dealing with annoying people on the street, etc. All are told in the surreal style he is known for, along with his dry humour.

...