296 episodes

Hey I'm Kyrin and I review books of all genres/styles but with an emphasis on those that have stood the test of time (i.e., not recent releases). Join me as I cover the basic details before diving into the themes, ideas and learnings we can take away from the fascinating realm of literature. Weekly live episode on Thurs 10am AEST (Wed/Thurs Midnight UTC+0) plus bonus episodes from my cohost Juan every now and then.

Mere Mortals Book Reviews Kyrin Down & Juan Granados

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 18 Ratings

Hey I'm Kyrin and I review books of all genres/styles but with an emphasis on those that have stood the test of time (i.e., not recent releases). Join me as I cover the basic details before diving into the themes, ideas and learnings we can take away from the fascinating realm of literature. Weekly live episode on Thurs 10am AEST (Wed/Thurs Midnight UTC+0) plus bonus episodes from my cohost Juan every now and then.

    Beyond Bow Hunting and Ultra-Running | Endure (Cameron Hanes) BOOK REVIEW

    Beyond Bow Hunting and Ultra-Running | Endure (Cameron Hanes) BOOK REVIEW

    Join us in this episode of Mere Mortals Book Reviews as we dive into "Endure" by Cameron Haines, with a foreword by Joe Rogan. Discover the unique blend of memoir, motivational manifesto, and a deep dive into the world of bow hunting and ultra-running. Despite its motivational peaks and intriguing insights into Cameron Hanes's life, the book's structure might leave you wanting more coherence. We explore the highs and lows, the repetitive nature, and the book's occasional disconnect with its imagery. Whether you're a fan of bow hunting, ultra-running, or seeking motivational fuel, find out if "Endure" is the read for you. Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments and Boostagram in!00:29: First Impressions and Background of Cameron Hanes02:04: Book Structure03:00: Chapter Structure Analysis - Prey, Predator, Ultimate Predator03:29: Repetitiveness and Lack of Coherence04:17: Key Themes: Suffering, Motivation, and Bow Hunting Insights06:06: Personal Reflections and Critiques07:31: The Book's Impact: Motivational Takeaways vs. The Overall Experience08:55: Concluding Thoughts and Rating13:14: Wrap-Up and How to Support Mere MortalsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support)Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast)Connect With the Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/)Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU (https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU)Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod (https://twitter.com/meremortalspod)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast)

    • 13 min
    The Spirit Of The Japanese Poem | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) LEARNINGS

    The Spirit Of The Japanese Poem | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) LEARNINGS

    I explore the themes and insights from the book 'Japanese Death Poems' by Yoel Hoffman. I discussed the spirit of the Japanese people, their ability to embrace opposing ideas, and the complexity and simplicity of reality. I share selected death poems and provides analysis on their meaning. Reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. Finally, the delusion of death poems and emphasizing the value of embracing imperfection and taking action in life.Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction and Purpose(1:04) - The Spirit of the Japanese(3:53) - Selected Poems and Analysis(9:40) - The Last Day and the Delusion of Death Poems(12:51) - Conclusion and TakeawaysValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support)Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast)Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/)Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU (https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU)Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod (https://twitter.com/meremortalspod)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast)

    • 13 min
    Unravel The Soul's Final Whisper | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) BOOK REVIEW

    Unravel The Soul's Final Whisper | Japanese Death Poems (Yoel Hoffmann) BOOK REVIEW

    Japanese Death Poems by Yoel Hoffmann is a compelling anthology that explores the Japanese tradition of Jisei, or death poems. The book provides a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of these poems, reflecting on the life, death, and impermanence of existence through the lens of Zen Buddhism. It is divided into three main sections: an introduction, death poems by Zen monks, and death poems by haiku poets. While the book may not offer practical takeaways, it offers a somber and thought-provoking perspective on life and death.Takeaways:Japanese Death Poems offers a unique insight into the cultural and historical significance of Jisei, or death poems.The book is structured into three main sections: an introduction, death poems by Zen monks, and death poems by haiku poets.Readers should approach the book with the expectation of philosophical contemplation rather than practical takeaways.Japanese Death Poems is recommended for those interested in exploring somber and thought-provoking perspectives on life and death.Timeline:(0:00) - Introduction to Japanese Death Poems(1:04) - Structure of the Book(3:31) - Structure of the Poems(4:30) - Understanding the Purpose of Death Poems(5:00) - Expectations and Practicality(6:17) - Recommendation and Reflection(7:35) - Summary and Final ThoughtsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support)Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast)Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/)Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU (https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU)Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod (https://twitter.com/meremortalspod)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast)

    • 8 min
    Chivalry At It's Finest | Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (Unknown Poet) BOOK REVIEW

    Chivalry At It's Finest | Sir Gawain And The Green Knight (Unknown Poet) BOOK REVIEW

    Would you have the fortitude to stick to your principles, even in the face of certain death?'Sir Gawain And The Green Knight' by an unknown poet is a story from a 14th/15th century manuscript. It tells of Sir Gawain, a knight at Arthur's round table who accepts a challenge from a mysterious & magical being. This requires him to willingly offer up his life whilst first being tempted by the most beautiful lady in the land. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this little ditty and is a great example of poetry told in alliterative verse.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(4:10) - Themes/Questions(8:30) - Moral Learnings(19:21) - Author & Extras(23:28) - Summary(26:36) - Value 4 Value(28:33) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support)Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast)Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/)Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU (https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU)Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod (https://twitter.com/meremortalspod)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast)

    • 29 min
    A Different Type Of Travel | The Innocents Abroad (Mark Twain) BOOK REVIEW

    A Different Type Of Travel | The Innocents Abroad (Mark Twain) BOOK REVIEW

    Let's travel back to the days when people didn't take offense so easily ...... or did they?'The Innocents Abroad' by Mark Twain is a compendium of his adventures whilst travelling for 5 months across Europe & The Middle East. It is told in his usual humorous style of witty anecdotes and droll sarcastic one-liners. The bulk of it relates to visiting historic landmarks & places of cultural significance, with some parts on the actual travel journey itself. During his life it became his best selling book, also becoming renowned in the travel genre as well.Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(2:45) - Themes/Questions(15:44) - Author & Extras(19:32) - Summary(23:29) - Value 4 Value(25:04) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support)Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast)Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/)Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU (https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU)Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod (https://twitter.com/meremortalspod)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast)

    • 26 min
    Classic Feminist Literature | A Room Of One's Own (Virginia Woolf) BOOK REVIEW

    Classic Feminist Literature | A Room Of One's Own (Virginia Woolf) BOOK REVIEW

    Righteous anger can be useful .... if applied to the right people.'A Room Of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf is an essay critiquing woman's literature and female authors. Her core argument is that the lack of financial means, privacy and strict social norms has resulted in the inability for females to write great books. And that it is not due inherent feminine weakness or lack of genius. She also emphasises that women need to write in their own voice and spends a fair bit of time criticising authors like Charlotte Brontë and Mary Carmichael who don't do this adequately (in her opinion).Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)Timeline:(0:00) - Intro(1:49) - Themes/Questions(16:23) - Author & Extras(20:22) - Summary(23:05) - Value 4 Value(24:58) - Join Live!Value 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support)Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast)Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/ (https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/)Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU (https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU)Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod (https://twitter.com/meremortalspod)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast (https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast)

    • 27 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

Sixty-niner ,

Check here first

I love reading. But there are only so many hours in the day, and I can't read everything that has ever been published. MM is doing a great job of reviewing the books which are actually worth reading.

shaun_coop ,

Practical and entertatining.

Hats off to the Mere Mortals, taking the time to review some great books and share concepts within them, providing key takeaways and doing it while being entertaining.

Caught My Ear Podcast ,

Diverse and Insightful!

Great stuff from Mere Mortals with this book review podcast series. They touch on a real wide array of books and give some excellent insight and takeaways. Definitely one to get stuck into even if you aren’t a huge bibliophile

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