Books matching: construction challenges
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- #1
Tracy Kidder's 'House' is a detailed and captivating account of the construction of an American dream home, chronicling the journey from the first nail to the final coat of paint. Through the perspectives of the homeowners, architect, and construction crew, Kidder delves into the complexities and challenges of building a house, highlighting the personal stories, relationships, and struggles that unfold during the process. The book not only explores the technical aspects of construction but also delves deep into the emotions, tensions, and triumphs experienced by all involved, ultimately painting a vivid picture of the American Dream in the form of a family's first home.
1985•364 pages - #2
'Lighthouse Stevensons, The' by Bella Bathurst and Richard Dominick is a biography of the Stevenson family, spanning three generations of lighthouse builders in Scotland, including the renowned writer Robert Louis Stevenson. delves into the history of lighthouse building, the family's impact on engineering innovations, and their struggles to construct lighthouses in remote and challenging locations. Readers found the blend of biography, history, and engineering to be informative and engaging, even if they were not lighthouse enthusiasts or literary junkies.
Captain George Manby had reached the age of forty without having contributed significantly to life. His childhood in Yarmouth had been undistinguished, his military career nondescript, and by early mi...August 1999•306 pages A sweeping, well-researched, and surprisingly gripping account of one of history's greatest engineering feats - worth the time for anyone curious about history, even if you never thought you'd care about a canal!
David McCullough's 'The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914' delves into the intricate history of the Panama Canal construction with a focus on the challenges faced by both the French and American efforts. The book provides a detailed narrative of the political, economic, and engineering obstacles encountered during the building of the canal. Readers are taken on a journey through the failed French attempts, the successful American intervention, and the triumphs and setbacks that characterized this monumental project. McCullough's writing style immerses the reader in the time period, offering a blend of historical facts, personal anecdotes, and vivid descriptions of the key players involved in the creation of the Panama Canal.
The letter, several pages in length and signed by Secretary of the Navy George M. Robeson, was addressed to Commander Thomas O. Selfridge. It was an eminently clear, altogether formal document, as exp...1977•700 pages- #4
An intensely challenging but deeply influential work - "Being and Time" will change how you think about existence, if you can make it through the labyrinth. Approach with patience and, ideally, some philosophical backup!
'Being and Time' by Martin Heidegger is a challenging philosophical work that delves into the structures of everyday life, exploring concepts of authentic existence versus conformity to societal norms. The book introduces new terminology and complex ideas, requiring careful and patient reading to grasp Heidegger's unique perspective on human existence and temporality. Despite its difficulty, readers find value in the book's depth and thought-provoking content, even if it may be hard to fully comprehend.
1962•592 pages A quirky, bold, and mind-opening read that challenges everything you thought you knew about gender. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a must-read for curious minds and anyone interested in the evolution of gender discussions.
'Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us' by Kate Bornstein is an exploration of gender, challenging the traditional binary concept of male and female. The book delves into the idea of gender as a vibrant continuum rather than a strict binary, encouraging readers to question societal norms and stereotypes surrounding gender identity. Through a blend of biography, gender theory, and personal anecdotes, Bornstein presents a thought-provoking narrative that aims to dismantle traditional views on gender and sexuality.
I see fashion as a proclamation or manifestation of identity—so as long as identities are important, fashion will continue to be important. The link between fashion and identity begins to get real int...1992•296 pages- #6
'Slide Rule' by Nevil Shute is an autobiography that delves into the author's career as an aeronautical engineer, specifically focusing on his involvement in the aviation industry from pre-WWI era to the development of aircraft during WWII. The book provides a detailed account of the challenges, triumphs, and failures faced by Shute in the realm of airship and airplane construction, offering insights into the social and workplace conditions of the time.
Shute's writing style in 'Slide Rule' is described as easy, informative, and straightforward, offering readers a glimpse into the early days of aviation with a mix of personal anecdotes, historical events, and technical details. The book navigates through the revolutionary airframe designs, the competition between airships R100 and R101, and the overall evolution of the British aviation industry, providing a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations faced by engineers in a rapidly developing field.
1953•260 pages A witty, nostalgic glimpse into suburban living that still delivers laughs, but its humor is best appreciated if you share, or are curious about, Erma's era and perspective.
"The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank" by Erma Bombeck is a humorous take on suburban life in the 1940s and 1950s. The author chronicles her family's experiences of raising children and navigating the challenges of early suburbia with wit and sarcasm. The stories touch on various aspects of suburban living, from building a house and dealing with societal expectations to humorous family adventures like camping trips and scouting activities.
The suburbs were a wilderness with nothing to offer but wide, open spaces, virgin forests, and a cool breeze at night that made you breathe deep, close your eyes and sigh, “My God! Who's fertilizing w...1976•257 pages- #8
Andy, a young woman, decides to work with her estranged grandfather, Buck, in the male-dominated field of pipeline engineering. Throughout the story, Andy learns the ins and outs of pipelining, earns the respect of the all-male crew, and discovers a newfound appreciation for her grandfather. Along the way, she navigates relationships with her grandfather, Buck, and Rooster, the foreman, while also exploring themes of love, respect, and self-discovery in a unique setting of pipeline construction.
June 2017•364 pages - #9
The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin is a detailed account of the author's modern-day attempt to replicate the historic journey of Saint Brendan to the New World using a leather boat built with traditional materials and methods. The book intricately describes the challenges faced during the voyage, including survival in savage storms, icebergs, and fog, showcasing the crew's courage and seamanship. Severin's writing style combines historical research with real-life adventures, making the book a fascinating read for those interested in maritime tales and ancient technology.
The seventh wave is said to be the worst, the one that does the damage in the turmoil of an ocean gale. Modern oceanographers know this is just a superstition of the sea; they have complex wave-train...1978•301 pages - #10
In "Resenting the Hero" by Moira J. Moore, Dunleavy Mallorough, a talented Shield, is reluctantly bonded with the legendary and handsome Lord Shintaro Karish. Together, they are assigned to High Scape, a city besieged by disasters, where they must put aside their differences to combat an inexplicable force. The book delves into their dynamic, starting with Dunleavy's distrust towards Karish and their slow-building trust amidst the challenges they face. The story unfolds in a realm where magical abilities of bonded Pairs, Source and Shield, are crucial for maintaining the land's safety and habitability.
The narrative, told from Dunleavy's perspective, explores the complexities of their relationship and the world they inhabit, filled with political machinations and unexpected powers. As they navigate their first assignment together, facing disasters and threats, Dunleavy and Karish must learn to work together and overcome their initial misconceptions about each other. The book blends elements of fantasy, humor, and romance, offering a unique and engaging tale of magic, trust, and growth.
February 2006•307 pages










