Review by Vanessa Leong -- Puzzle of Fate
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Vanessa Leong
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Review by Vanessa Leong -- Puzzle of Fate
[Following is a volunteer review of "Puzzle of Fate" by A. Reza Kamarei.]
In life, we face situations that may or may not be what we deem as desirable or ideal. This can prompt us to question if there was something we could have done differently or if it was a predetermined outcome that we possessed no control over. I have pondered over this conundrum many a time when something in my life performed an unexpected turn. Puzzle of Fate, written by A. Reza Kamarei, explores this exact issue of fate and whether or not it is truly set in stone. What intrigued me the most about this book was the author’s scientific approach to this seemingly philosophical question. With a six-factor system or House of Fate, as the author illustrates, he systematically breaks down and explains the factors which he deems to play a role in building a person’s fate.
It is intriguing to think of something as abstract as fate as something that can be categorized into such tangible factors. The author delves into extensive detail in explaining each of these factors and subfactors in a very clear and consistent manner. I genuinely appreciated the cross-referencing of information from carefully cited sources, and it clearly shows that much meticulous research was done to provide the most elaborate analysis possible. From factors such as genetic makeup to environmental factors, he explains how each has no control, limited control, or free control over one’s life and fate. However, it is also this information-heavy structure and style of writing that causes a very draggy flow to the whole book. Sections were often long-winded and sometimes even redundant in my opinion, to the main point. For example, it is necessary to understand how different housing types can have an influence on one’s life but is it truly necessary to understand the detailed definition of an apartment, a house, and a village? It is the excessively detailed information like this appearing in large sections throughout the book that discourages me from giving the author my fullest attention.
Throughout the book, you can find snippets of the author’s personal thoughts regarding certain issues. I found this to be very refreshing and welcoming in a content-heavy environment. Reading the author’s somewhat sarcastic comment on chauvinistic men who blame women on the sex of their offspring was a pleasant break from the textbook information on chromosomes. Unfortunately, these brief snippets were few and far between. It would have been nice to read more personal thoughts and anecdotes throughout the book to break the mundane flow of information and provide a more relatable experience for the average reader.
A surprising element is an exam at the end of the book. The author invites the reader to complete a written analysis of his/her own life based on the six-factor system. I was under the impression that by the end, I would get an enlightening understanding and revelation. However, the answer that I received from it was somewhat underwhelming. I felt like I was being told something I already knew, just that the facts were now clearly laid out for me. Perhaps that is exactly what the author is attempting to bring across. Fate is neither an illusion nor is it something mystical. It is grounded in facts and physical influences if you are prepared to analyse and break it down enough. It becomes tangible enough to mould and shape (to an extent) if you choose to.
In conclusion, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars overall. While it may be long-winded and excessively detailed at times, it no doubt provides a novel approach to a long-discussed topic. With impressively extensive references and practically no errors, this is indeed a professionally written and well-edited book with unique insights and thorough analyses. While it was not personally life-changing, I would still recommend this book to anyone keen on discovering an alternative perspective on their life and their fate using this systematic method. However, if what you are anticipating is a philosophical discussion on the subject then I would politely suggest looking elsewhere. After reading this book, I for one somehow prefer the mysterious allure of fate that is not so observable.
******
Puzzle of Fate
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In life, we face situations that may or may not be what we deem as desirable or ideal. This can prompt us to question if there was something we could have done differently or if it was a predetermined outcome that we possessed no control over. I have pondered over this conundrum many a time when something in my life performed an unexpected turn. Puzzle of Fate, written by A. Reza Kamarei, explores this exact issue of fate and whether or not it is truly set in stone. What intrigued me the most about this book was the author’s scientific approach to this seemingly philosophical question. With a six-factor system or House of Fate, as the author illustrates, he systematically breaks down and explains the factors which he deems to play a role in building a person’s fate.
It is intriguing to think of something as abstract as fate as something that can be categorized into such tangible factors. The author delves into extensive detail in explaining each of these factors and subfactors in a very clear and consistent manner. I genuinely appreciated the cross-referencing of information from carefully cited sources, and it clearly shows that much meticulous research was done to provide the most elaborate analysis possible. From factors such as genetic makeup to environmental factors, he explains how each has no control, limited control, or free control over one’s life and fate. However, it is also this information-heavy structure and style of writing that causes a very draggy flow to the whole book. Sections were often long-winded and sometimes even redundant in my opinion, to the main point. For example, it is necessary to understand how different housing types can have an influence on one’s life but is it truly necessary to understand the detailed definition of an apartment, a house, and a village? It is the excessively detailed information like this appearing in large sections throughout the book that discourages me from giving the author my fullest attention.
Throughout the book, you can find snippets of the author’s personal thoughts regarding certain issues. I found this to be very refreshing and welcoming in a content-heavy environment. Reading the author’s somewhat sarcastic comment on chauvinistic men who blame women on the sex of their offspring was a pleasant break from the textbook information on chromosomes. Unfortunately, these brief snippets were few and far between. It would have been nice to read more personal thoughts and anecdotes throughout the book to break the mundane flow of information and provide a more relatable experience for the average reader.
A surprising element is an exam at the end of the book. The author invites the reader to complete a written analysis of his/her own life based on the six-factor system. I was under the impression that by the end, I would get an enlightening understanding and revelation. However, the answer that I received from it was somewhat underwhelming. I felt like I was being told something I already knew, just that the facts were now clearly laid out for me. Perhaps that is exactly what the author is attempting to bring across. Fate is neither an illusion nor is it something mystical. It is grounded in facts and physical influences if you are prepared to analyse and break it down enough. It becomes tangible enough to mould and shape (to an extent) if you choose to.
In conclusion, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars overall. While it may be long-winded and excessively detailed at times, it no doubt provides a novel approach to a long-discussed topic. With impressively extensive references and practically no errors, this is indeed a professionally written and well-edited book with unique insights and thorough analyses. While it was not personally life-changing, I would still recommend this book to anyone keen on discovering an alternative perspective on their life and their fate using this systematic method. However, if what you are anticipating is a philosophical discussion on the subject then I would politely suggest looking elsewhere. After reading this book, I for one somehow prefer the mysterious allure of fate that is not so observable.
******
Puzzle of Fate
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Puzzle of Fate by A. Reza Kamarei
