Eric San JuanBesprekingen

I am not quite sure what I was expecting with this book, but I know it wasn't what the book actually was. It was an extremely quick read, and very dependent on your geek pop culture knowledge (which I discovered was lacking). It was fluffy though, and a bit less philosophical and more quick musings on the potential deeper meaning of certain lines from what the authors considered cult classics of geek culture.

Cute enough but I always find these sort of books unsatisfying, when what I really wanted was less a walk down the aisle of a candy store and more Tao of Pooh introspection. I do have a list of new books and movies to check out though.½

"Geek-hood," I realize, is all relative. I'd like to think that I have the street cred to call myself a geek or nerd. Graduate degrees in science. Book-lover. Technophile. Fantasy author. But as I read through the snippets of "wisdom" in this book, I kept thinking perhaps my grown daughter is more of a geek than I am. I got most of the pop culture references, but I think she might've gotten more of them. And (a look of embarrassment crosses his face) I am Doctor-Who-illiterate (gasp!).

The "sacred teachings" were at times mildly humorous, or cute. But surely the editors could've found some profound gems of wisdom to throw in! Perhaps I expected too much. I just didn't get much out of this.

And there was no mention of "Nerds," the candy. Too bad.

The Films of Martin Scorsese: Gangsters, Greed, and Guilt by Eric San Juan presents a coherent understanding of Scorsese's oeuvre by looking closely at each film in chronological order.

If you have studied film or are a big Scorsese fan you may not learn a lot of new "facts" that you didn't already know. But that isn't the point of the book, it is a deeper look at what makes a Scorsese film a Scorsese film. Not just the surface elements that fall neatly under the heading of technique, though they certainly are important aspects. San Juan looks closely at relationships in the films, in Scorsese's life, and between films. This framing or contextualizing of what we have all seen and read about numerous times is the real strength of this book.

While this looks at the films at a deeper level than many film books, it is not an academic book. Some of the ideas would be at home in academia but this book is far more accessible than many academic books on film and film history. Each chapter is more like listening to a friend who loves the film being discussed tell you what they get out of it. There isn't any claim to any "correct" reading of the films but the case is made for each as a viable reading.

While this is not an academic book, I would have considered using it, or chapters from it, in courses I taught that would have included one of the films. Not because I think it is definitive but because it opens space for discussion and further thought. As a book for casual reading, it serves that same purpose, you will watch some of these films again with a slightly different perspective, maybe with a different understanding or appreciation. If you're like me, you will choose a few in particular to watch almost immediately so you can consider what San Juan is arguing as well as how you have understood the film. For me, the first three re-watches are Cape Fear, Alice Doesn't Live Here Any More, and Shutter Island. Results may vary.

I recommend this to any film history buff as well as anyone who likes to think about what a film might be saying in addition to the surface story or meaning. Scorsese fans, of course, will find a lot to appreciate here. The writing and ideas are accessible to any reader but is also deep enough for students of film to benefit.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

I've read this book off and on for years and years.½

What can we learn from Geek culture? As it turns out, a lot.

This book is sourced from a ton of books, shows, movies and even a few internet memes from at least the last 30 years, so you can expect a lot more that just a cheesy "5 things I learned from videogames" crappy listicle.

It's made of several column-like articles with a quote or two from geek media and the lesson one can learn from it, grouped in six big categories: The self, relationships, humankind, conflict, the universe and the future.

I think it's a great book, under certain circumstances and for those who want to learn (I wrote more about that here). If you're looking for pre-digested feel-good "wisdom", you won't find it here.

Instead, this book can show you how lessons can be learned anywhere, from pretty much anyone. In that sense, this is a great book for geeks and non-geeks alike.

What can we learn from Geek culture? As it turns out, a lot.

This book is sourced from a ton of books, shows, movies and even a few internet memes from at least the last 30 years, so you can expect a lot more that just a cheesy "5 things I learned from videogames" crappy listicle.

It's made of several column-like articles with a quote or two from geek media and the lesson one can learn from it, grouped in six big categories: The self, relationships, humankind, conflict, the universe and the future.

I think it's a great book, under certain circumstances and for those who want to learn (I wrote more about that here). If you're looking for pre-digested feel-good "wisdom", you won't find it here.

Instead, this book can show you how lessons can be learned anywhere, from pretty much anyone. In that sense, this is a great book for geeks and non-geeks alike.

Tidbit's of very interesting knowledge presented in short excerpts.

That was an amazing book. Taking such, at times, simple quotes and expounding upon them so profoundly. Amazing. This book should be read by geeks and non-geeks alike. There is so much wisdom in this little book. I'm starting to think they should have made the cover blue. ;)

This romp through pop culture revels is the contributions of Geekdom. Except where it doesn't. Really this is just a collection of quotes from movies, novels and pop culture that the authors like. Some of these are Geek staples (like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc). Others are just things the author likes, like the Big Lebowski (because who doesn't like that abiding dude). Fun little collection, but not really Geeky enough or wise enough to be a compendium of Geek Wisdom.

A fun Hallmark book.

not at CLAN

Jag hade förväntningar på Geek Wisdom. Förväntningar är farliga. Jag förväntade mig en bok med diverse nördiga citat som lever på samma sätt som citat ur Shakespeare eller Bibeln. Jag förväntade mig att dessa skulle förklaras. Jag förväntade mig en bok för den som hört någon säga »I have been, and always shall be, your friend«, och undrat varför?

Jag fick förvisso en bok med citat – men inte så täckande jag egentligen velat (var är Hackers? The curse of Monkey island? Terry Pratchett?). Den förklarade förvisso dem, vad de säger för något, men på ett lite självgott sätt (mer om det senare). Den förklarade också vad citat betyder, var de kommer ifrån, varför de upprepas, men det är inte skälet till att de är med.

Nej, Geek wisdom är nördarnas motsvarighet till en katekes: detta är en bok som försöker ringa in vad det är att vara nörd, vad de har att lära andra, vilken vishet som finns förborgad i citat från Star Wars eller X-men. Med den utgångspunkten blir boken fylld av en otrevlig känsla för sin egen förträfflighet, med en beskrivning av en fri och inkluderande och allmänt god kultur (tack och lov finns åtminstone ett par stycken som förklarar att andra grupper som annars har låg status oftast har det i nördsammanhang också). De vanliga klagomålen på mobbing och liknande finns också, stereotyper som knappast behöver förstärkas.

För all del inte en helt tråkig bok, men inte den sorts bok jag väntade mig eller riktigt ville ha.

In Geek Wisdom: The Sacred Teachings of Nerd Culture, Stephen H. Segal et al. argues that, "if geek culture can offer fresh, new, alternative paths to all the eternal truths that religion and philosophy have managed to discover over the past few thousand years - paths that welcome those who've been turned away from the more traditional routes - then I say, let there be geekery" (p. 11). If geekdom is a new religion, then Geek Wisdom is its Book of Hadith, but whereas the Hadith draws from the sayings of Muhammad, Segal casts a wide net, quoting film, television, books, video games, cartoons, comic books, scientists, philosophers, and more.
Segal and company dare to draw comparisons between Yoda and George Washington Carver, Optimus Prime and Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rod Serling and Thomas Jefferson, all while using his selected quotes to speak to issues of truth, beauty, perseverance, and the struggles of being an outsider, whether due to one's interests or as a result of sex, race, or gender identity. He exhorts his readers to enjoy their passions without resorting to attacking or alienating their fellow geeks.
Segal and his co-authors open familiar texts to new interpretations, showing how these media are not simply cheap entertainment to be scoffed at. More to the point, as geek culture grows ever more mainstream and becomes an indelible part of our collective cultural mythology, Segal and company offer a way to interpret the texts of geekdom so that all may benefit from their wisdom and gain a greater enjoyment by pondering on the entertainment they consume.

I won this book right before I got engaged so perfect timing. I gave it to my fiance and he loved it. It was funny and offered some great advice.

Yep I am a female and nowhere close to being a groom but I was intrigued by this little book, which is about the size of your palm but packed full of goodies. And I am so jealous the guys have such a good book like this out and laying about :)

First of all I think it is probably safe to say that even though it is leaning towards grooms in general this book can be read by anyone. In fact I would even recommend it for a bride-to-be just since there is so much good and wise advice within the book for marriage and honeymoon planning that it will help her to be able to get some control of the perils that may be found or how to just relax while planning up on this great event.

Eric San Juan does a great job in keeping the book clean and clear enough that it isn't heavy lecturing reading. There is also a lightheartedness to the pages while a brotherly tone that makes for fast reading since it is like he is in the same room and sharing with you, which in a sense you can say he is, but at a pace that doesn't seem like it's hurried.

And finally as a female I did some good giggles while I know that at the diner they were probably wondering what I was reading at the diner. Seems like I was in good company when reading the dedication....

**Received this book as part of the Members Giveaway at Librarything.com for free in exchange for a review**

Great little book. It contains wide information from before potentially becoming a groom, like getting engaged, popping the question, and all the other things that come right after.

Some cute gems, but not a lot of depth here, nor enough quotes and juxtapositions to really change my life or make me want to experience more geek culture.

I was lucky enough to win this book in Early Reviewers. My son is getting married this summer, and I can't think of a more perfect guide to give him. It appears to have been written by a man, thus looses the stuffy air some female written guides can have when it comes to etiquette. There is a casual, fun, yet knowledgable "I've been there" vibe to the book. As a more "mature" reader who is trying to hold on to the last vestigages of manners and grace in a text at the dinner table world, I especially enjoyed pointing out this chapter to my prospective bride and groom: "How to Meet and Greet Strangers". It has great advice on thanking people for their attendance, then gently extracating yourself and moving on. I really can't think of a better gift to give the brand new groom. Highly recommend!

Both entertaining and pertinent, this pocket sized groom's companion has it all! From proposal through marriage, this book has tongue-in-cheek but savvy information that anyone who is walking down the aisle (or thinking about it) should read. As a recently engaged bride, I received this book at just the right time to appreciate it (in the midst of planning my own wedding). This book has a ton of practical advice presented in organized and easily referenced sections, whether you are reading it from beginning to end or just jumping to the parts you need. A lot of this was not new information, however it is a compilation of some of the BEST information and advice that I've found, all in one handy book. I highly recommend this as a gift, or guide, for any would-be groom. I especially love that the author specifies that this can also apply to male/male relationship, though they use male and female pronouns for clarity throughout. It is a fabulous way to get the ball rolling, and its light-hearted tone reminds the reader that in the end, its all a celebration of love!

Very Useful book. Helpful and to the point. Isn't fluffy. Some funny comments.

I actually received this right after my daughter announced her engagement. So, I quickly read through it and passed it on to my future son-in-law. The advice has been perfect for his young mind and heart. It has kept him grounded and he now understands that my daughter likes the understated and simple beauty of things, not the flashy over the top stuff. The wedding planning has gone pretty smooth after the reading of this book, so who can argue with that??½

This book is a book every groom or prospective groom should have. It is written so well that no groom could wonder what to do, because the author Eric San Juan has covered every aspect for the groom's comfort and knowledge.

Engagement stuff is covered first and many points are considered. Wedding Planning Stuff is the next chapter and again covered in detail. Wedding Day Stuff, even covering the Wedding Night and encouragement for yuor married life. The final chapter is the After Wedding Stuff, such as the honeymoon and essential marriage coutesies.

Every man ready to pop the question should buy this book, becaue it covers every detail needed. Women have their female friends and their mother. Grooms now have a book to help them walk through to their dream wedding.

Loved the simplicity and humor of this book. Having been a groom, my wife and I had some fun with this little book with things I did right and some things I did not-so-right. I even let my brother-in-law who plans to get married later this year read the book. Good stuff for any groom.

This book was a delight. First, the format is very handy. The book's size makes it very portable and the quality of the binding and pages seems very good. Second, the book is made up of short chapters covering a variety of issues important to grooms-to-be. I can't think of anything that was left out that needed to be covered. Third, the information was comprehensive and pertinent - practical as well as informative. But mostly, it was simply a delight to read. Written in a lighthearted style, interspersed with humor, it shared useful information in a way that was easy to take. Any groom-to-be should find here the information he needs to make the ttransition "from 'yes!' to 'I do'"!

This well written, witty, and helpful guide was a very good read! The amount of men I know who have struggled for countless hours surfing the web trying to figure out the perfect ring to buy, where and how to propose, and other important wedding to-dos is astronomical. This handy little book is a complete guide to everything that a man could ever need to or want to know about wedding planning! I like that it prepares a groom for everything from proposing to the questions people will ask you to budgeting. I would recommend this to anyone who is even thinking about getting married.