Location: Australia
Member Since: Oct. 30, 2011

martinkari1941

Smashwords book reviews by martinkari1941

  • The Third Face of Coins on Nov. 21, 2011

    "Kari's ponderings on education, health, justice, and religion are presented with in-depth historical research. This is an extremely interesting book with much background detail and contemporary analysis. At no time does Kari exert his opinions; he merely invites readers to ponder the points and to 'join in the thinking process' with him." Robin Fleming, Acres Australia ----------------- Martin Kari is obviously a deep thinker and an observer who has developed some deep philosophies on life, death, and the hereafter. Martin encourages us all to open our minds and thoughts, not just isolate them to any chosen pattern. He is a self-admitted 'everyday' thinker and potential problem solver. If you, like me,are fed up with hearing the experts bully and chivvy us all into coming around to their beliefs, Martin's book might be just the one that can help you unlock your innermost thoughts." John Morrow's 'Pick of the Week'. ---------------- This is a thought provoking book on the many facets of today's society. It is based on the author's own observations and a life long inside experience of the nature and human societies on four continents and in many more countries. The book has been a refreshing reading experience for me. Working myself in the field of science I have appreciated the author's method of approach : he first sets the scene by taking an 'objective look' from a vantage point far outside the topic under study, e.g. when observing the life of the anthill society, in the first chapter of the book. But as it goes further into the essence of the topic the author brings in his own 'insider's view', often based on his own immediate experiences or independent personal thinking. One central message of the book, contained already in its title,is that the things in the society are seldom only 'black and white' (two faces of a coin) but there is always a whole spectrum of different nuances and colours between them. This state of affairs is systematically demonstrated in the balanced and well thought-through discussions in the twelve chapters of this book.The author is not out for 'selling' his own world view or interpretation of the things but he rather sets the scene for the reader's own thinking process to start and to continue after he has laid down the book . Unlike many books on philosophy or social affairs the author of this book is not trying to enforce another "-isms" which have in general brought much misfortune, and to act on the basis of common sense as exercised by a responsible wake-up individual :"Look at things from different viewing angles, solve problems though conversation." This receipe might be especially worth considering in the case of one of the most burning issues today, the terrorism. The author discusses this in the chapter "Terror-a disease". His central message is that this disease cannot be cured solely by hard sentences passed by a judge but rather by the 'medicine of conversations' prescribed by a doctor. One final point on the chapter on Education may be allowed since the undersigned has himself been working as an academic teacher. I fully subscribe to the priniple of 'on the job training' or 'learning by doing' as opposed to the 'formal education' through mass lectures and reading of textbooks. Even in the more theoretical topics like pure science a real learning is possible only via the student's own 'hands on' activity. Kalevi Mattila,Prof.Dr.,Sipoo,Finland.
  • One Migrant Experience on Nov. 21, 2011

    "One Migrant Experience" is a wise and personal guidebook for those who would jouney to another culture. Thank you for sharing those memories. They are treasures." Chris Elliott,Director,La Conner-Workshop,Wash.,USA ------------ "Martin Kari vividly depicts the first experiences of his immigrant family 'down-under'- the initial difficulties due to the severe climate, the tough labour market, but there is also the realization of the untamed beauty and great potential of this vast continent." Harro Grabolle, PhD. Heidelberg, Germany ------------ "This book gives an insight into the life of a migrant, how difficult it might become, even with the knowledge of the language- finding a way into the social fabric, the culture and values of a new country like Australia." Pirkko Leskinen, Sipoo, Finland ------------- "This book gives a great inside into how and why many migrants found their way to our shores and how difficult it must be. Many migrants have arrived in Australia for many reasons - cultural, political, social or with a desire to begin a new life." John Morrow's, Pick of the Week -------------- "The author is a man blessed with a sense of adventure, exploration, intelligence and humanity. For a man born of such impoverished and tragic beginnings during World War II he has defied the odds to become a 'global' citizen with many entertaining stories to tell. Martin also points out that it is our successful multiculturism that also makes Australia great - we have tolerance and mutual respect." Wendy O'Hanlon - Acres Australia
  • Madam Courage on Nov. 23, 2011

    " 'Madam Courage' was so interesting contemporary history that I had to read it in one go. The fifties and sixties in Finland were pictured so well that I started to think of my own childhood and youth. The author has written beautifully about his wife's growing up from a child and young adult to a global citizen around the world. 'Madam Courage'is the author's beautiful recognition for his wife and valuable history for his children about their mother's Finnish roots. My many thanks go to the author and his wife, a beautiful reading experience !" Pirkko Leskinen, Sipoo, Finland.
  • The Simple Life on Dec. 15, 2011

    " The Simple Life " can be regarded an entry-ticket into practical, contemporary philosophy as we all experience it. Not in code-written philosophy, but common sense approach of real down to earth stories help open the eyes of readers. Also some well known as well as author's own fables facilitate an understanding. Neither specialised knowledge nor an interpreter is needed."Simplicity" here speaks for itself. It does not mean "simplifying" the World and the Life but finding the essence, the core of the things around us and within ourselves, which - after all - is simple, though mysterious at the same time. Kalevi Mattila, professor emeritus of Astronomy, Sipoo, Finland.