James Orlin

Nate Silver is really knowledgeable, and he covered an array of topics that he knows a lot about.

Silver gives an interesting perspective on many topics on which he is knowledgeable. But he does not do nearly so good a job of explaining "why so many predictions fail but some don't." My summary of his explanation of the subtitle is "There is not enough information (or signal) to make good forecasts in the areas where forecasting is bad." This provides little insight if one is considering forecasts on a topic not covered in his book. I was disappointed because I was interested in learning more about forecasting in general.

Silver loves focusing on the rich details that relate to forecasting in politics, sports, economics, and more. I believe that most of the readers who follow Nate Silver will enjoy this book.

Fascinating; not Zen

When the author revealed that he had had a mental illness.

This was the first time I listened to Pressman. His performance was really gripping. Pressman seemed to inhabit the narrator in the book. He was simultaneously brilliant (just as the author was brilliant) while giving a strong sense that there was a lot underneath his surface (as one would expect of the very best actors).

The ending

For many readers, this may be their primary knowledge of Zen Buddhism. While there are some connections to Zen, the author is presenting his own philosophy as well as rich personal details. Readers will not learn much about Zen. Having said that, the book is excellent for other reasons.

For those who believe in an all-powerful God, Kushner describes a theology in which God does not prevent bad things from happening, but He is great at helping those who have had bad things happen to them. This permits those who are suffering to continue their belief in God while not believing that they deserve the suffering.

The narrator is the author. He sounded like the rabbi from an episode of Seinfeld. Most likely the rabbi on Seinfeld deliberately sounded like Kushner.

Disappointment

Once I understood Kushner's beliefs about God, there was little additional value obtained by listening to the rest of the book.