|
|
|
The Observe and Rapport Newsletter
|
A weekly guide of my favorite books, articles, products, and lifestyle habits.
|
|
October 28th, 2022 | by Kyle Brennan
|
|
Want this newsletter delivered to your inbox every week?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I’d been wanting to read this classic for a while. I had high expectations, but they weren’t exactly met. I liked it enough to get through most of it but I found it to be a bit slow and drawn out. Ultimately not a whole lot happens in the story, and it takes 500 pages to get there. In fact, there are probably as many plot points in the 15-page epilogue as in the rest of the book.
However, I can say that parts of the journey were pretty good. Every few chapters there would be a high-intensity event that would draw me in, and I’d still recommend it to those interested in literature that stands the test of time, as it is beautifully written.
So what is it about?
Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders through the slums of St Petersburg and commits a random murder without remorse or regret. Though he gets away with it, he is pursued by the growing voice of his conscience and finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck.
Rating: 3.0 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
|
|
:focal(279x107:281x109)/CCR-Concert-Film-3-83122-150a0729d3d04a2da81fcd8dfae7f226.jpg)
|
In my opinion, CCR is the greatest American band ever, The Doors are a close second. In 1969 they were arguably the best rock band in the world, right up there with The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. John Fogerty has one of the most iconic voices in music and their sound was a unique blend of blues, country, and swamp rock. Proud Mary, Fortunate Son, Bad Moon Rising, Down on the Corner, Born on the Bayou, Green River, Lodi, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Up Around the Bend, Who'll Stop the Rain, Lookin' Out My Back Door, on and on and on. My dad grew up on CCR, and I thank him for introducing me to John Fogerty at an early age.
|
Music documentaries are my absolute favorite because I geek out on that band or artist for the next two weeks. This one features never-before-seen concert footage and is narrated by Jeff Bridges. The first half explores the origin story of CCR and their meteoric rise. The second half is the life concert in its entirety.
|
|
|
|
Last year, for my 29th birthday, I wrote 29 "life lessons" I’d gathered over the prior year and posted them on my blog. This year, I share 30 more pieces of advice (that I feel to be helpful but which I don't always follow). Check them out at observeandrapport.com
|
|
|
|
On the ground, a rock is just a rock. But when moving at high speed through the atmosphere, a rock becomes a meteor—alive with fire and burning bright. People are not so different. Without activity, we are lifeless and dull. When moving fast and taking action, we come alive.
- James Clear (@jamesclear)
|
|
|
Reminder to share this newsletter with friends and family! Subscribe link here
|
|
|
Reminder to Check Out My First Podcast with Keith Sullivan!
|
|
|
|
|
  
|
|
|
|
|
What's on My Reading List?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kyle's Published Work
|
|
|
|
|
|
33 Life Lessons on My 33rd Birthday
|
|
|
|
Thirty-three was a big one. Mostly because I became a dad. Our daughter was born on New Year’s Eve — a fitting arrival for a kid destined to reset everything. It’s been a beautiful, if slightly sleep-deprived blur ever since. I’ve only been “Dad” for less than ten months, but if I’m being honest, I’ve been preparing for the role for over …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depth Over Downloads: Why Spending Time with Books Still Matters
|
|
|
|
Everyone wants faster information. But no one asks if faster information leads to better understanding — or a better life. In the age of AI and tweet-sized wisdom, we’ve confused information with transformation. But there’s a massive difference between knowing what a book says and being changed by it. The Delusion of Instant Learning In a recent interview, political journalist Ezra Klein admitted he once believed …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Jack Reacher Approach to Never Being Caught Off Guard
|
|
|
|
There’s no difference between a pessimist who says, ‘Oh, it’s hopeless, so don’t bother doing anything,’ and an optimist who says, ‘Don’t bother doing anything, it’s going to turn out fine anyway.’ Either way, nothing happens.” —Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia I don’t read much fiction, but I’ve always been hooked on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. He’s not your typical …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
