Mere Mortals Book Reviews
Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Kyrin Down & Juan Granados

Overview
Episodes

Details

Hey I'm Kyrin and I review books of all genres/styles but with an emphasis on those that have stood the test of time (i.e., not recent releases). Join me as I cover the basic details before diving into the themes, ideas and learnings we can take away from the fascinating realm of literature. Weekly live episode on Thurs 11am AEST (Thurs 1am UTC+0) plus bonus episodes from my cohost Juan every now and then.

Recent Episodes

A Monotonous Dystopia Without Pleasure | The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood) BOOK REVIEW
NOV 13, 2024
A Monotonous Dystopia Without Pleasure | The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood) BOOK REVIEW
<p>The ultimate male fantasy is rather flat &amp; boring.<br /><br />'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is told from the point of view of an unnamed narrator. It takes place in a USA where there has been an overthrown government and everything is now dystopian. Our girl is 33 yrs old &amp; a handmaid, whose only purpose is to give birth. Life is very different: family structures changed, super totalitarian (everyone is watched), a lot of violence (capital punishment/suicide/torture), monotonous routine &amp; a sprinkle of religiosity. It has very short chapters interspersed with her recollections of the past plus a little future historical context right at the end.<br /><br />Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)<br /><br />Timeline:<br />(00:00:00) Intro<br />(00:02:46) Themes/Questions<br />(00:24:30) Author &amp; Extras<br />(00:27:30) Summary<br />(00:29:43) Value 4 Value<br />(00:31:30) Join Live!</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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34 MIN
A Fashion Icon’s Story Told in Snippets | The Little Book of Versace BOOK REVIEW
NOV 8, 2024
A Fashion Icon’s Story Told in Snippets | The Little Book of Versace BOOK REVIEW
<p>&nbsp;This review delves into "The Little Book of Versace," evaluating its limited depth and focus on visuals over meaningful insights. While the book covers Versace’s designs and runway moments, it lacks a cohesive narrative, leaving the reader to seek additional context elsewhere. Overall, it's deemed more of a coffee table accessory than an informative resource on the iconic brand.<br /><br />(00:00) - Introduction to the Book Review<br />(00:51) - The Versace Legacy in Brief<br />(01:16) - Thoughts on Book’s Structure and Style<br />(02:28) - The Book’s Visual Appeal vs. Informational Value<br />(03:15) - Focus on Gianni Versace’s Influence<br />(04:05) - The Book’s Shallow Dive into Fashion Culture<br />(05:03) - Personal Research for Versace’s Backstory<br />(05:58) - The Medusa Symbolism Explained<br />(06:36) - Supermodels &amp; Versace’s Influence<br />(07:23) - Coffee Table Book or Fashion Reference?<br />(08:08) - Final Thoughts and Recommendation<br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome</a> back to&nbsp;</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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9 MIN
Characters To Die For | East Of Eden (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW
NOV 6, 2024
Characters To Die For | East Of Eden (John Steinbeck) BOOK REVIEW
<p>Are people more cruel or simply the passing of time itself?<br /><br />'East Of Eden' by John Steinbeck is straight up one of the best books I've ever read. We follow various families across the generations as they live &amp; die in 19/20th century America. It's uplifting in some sections and then will follow up with a brutality that brings you to your knees. Easily some of the best written characters and dialogue that I've encountered in all my reading.<br /><br />Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)<br /><br />Timeline:<br />(00:00:00) Intro<br />(00:05:49) Themes/Questions<br />(00:18:41) Author &amp; Extras<br />(00:26:19) Summary<br />(00:28:46) Value 4 Value<br />(00:30:08) Join Live!</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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31 MIN
Don't Read Everything | Reasons To Stop Midway Through A Book
OCT 30, 2024
Don't Read Everything | Reasons To Stop Midway Through A Book
<p>I'm begging you, please don't make this mistake!<br /><br />Today is a special episode where I am diving into some of the reasons why I have stopped reading many books. I'm also giving a list of these books so that you don't have to waste your time on them (assuming you trust my judgement).<br /><br />Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)<br /><br />Timeline:<br />(00:00:00) Intro<br />(00:02:18) Structure/Style<br />(00:14:21) Length<br />(00:17:41) Content &amp; Summary<br />(00:28:32) Value 4 Value<br />(00:31:09) Join Live!</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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35 MIN
Outliving the Odds: Lessons on Longevity | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK LEARNINGS
OCT 25, 2024
Outliving the Odds: Lessons on Longevity | Outlive (Peter Attia) BOOK LEARNINGS
<p>In this podcast, I dive into Peter Attia's Outlive, discussing key lessons from the book on longevity and modern medicine. I highlight the surprising flaws in current medical guidelines, explore how centenarians' genetic traits can be mimicked through lifestyle changes, and busts myths about dietary habits like egg consumption. It’s an insightful conversation on optimizing health and balancing extreme views on nutrition and fitness.<br /><br /><br />(00:00) - Welcome and Introduction to Outlive<br />(00:39) - First Learning: Flaws in Type 2 Diabetes Guidelines<br />(02:15) - Black and White in Medicine vs. Grey Areas<br />(04:45) - Breaking the Myth: “First Do No Harm” Wasn't Hippocrates<br />(05:44) - Mimicking Centenarians: Can We Extend Our Lifespan?<br />(07:05) - Chapter Eight: The Crisis of Abundance and Modern Diets<br />(09:33) - The Misunderstanding of Metabolic Syndrome<br />(12:00) - The Humble Egg: Debunking Decades-Old Myths<br />(13:32) - Balancing Extremes in Nutrition and Fitness<br />(14:04) - Final Thoughts on Outlive and Longevity<br /><br /><br /></p>
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14 MIN