Author: Mark
Stevenson
Publisher: Profile
Books
Publish
date: 2017
ISBN: 13579108642
The book is
a collection of descriptions of innovative system ideas and implementations. I’ve
been wondering why we don’t have an online searchable resource of systems that
work well across the globe, and actually learn from them methodically – you know,
rather than piecemeal posts shared on social media with snippets about Iceland’s
education system or hydroponic farms. This is kind of what the book is aiming
towards, so in principle, I found it interesting.
In practice
it left me feeling I needed to put the book down and go and research the
subjects covered. More concrete information and stats, fewer transcripts of
exchanges between the author and the interviewees, would have had a much more
calming effect on my nerves. The 10th time I read how someone’s eyes
sparkled with excitement/charisma/pent up energy I rather felt the urge to
reach for the Mylanta. I am aware this sort of thing appeals to some people.
Not me. The style and grammar isn’t top notch either, and the writing has a bit
of a rough cotton-polyester feel to it. I do like a bit of style. More style
and stats, less flam.
However, that’s the worst of it. The best
is that the topics are genuinely thought-provoking, and the intention behind
the book is obviously positive. These two can be said about very few publications.
The subjects covered range from online
database exchange of information on medical conditions, to crowdsourcing
pharmaceutical development, to agricultural systems that move away from the
tenets of the Green Revolution, and compressed air engines and coolers for renewable
energy sources. These are not hypothetical solutions but ones that have been
put into place, so it’s certainly not an accumulation of pie-in-the-sky
theories. Every one of the cases is pretty convincing, at least going on the
amount of information provided.
In summary, I’d recommend this. Considering
most of the subjects are technical, it’s a pretty frothy read, which may be a
good thing if that’s what you fancy. Four hoofs up out of five.
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