Book round-up: 10 titles I couldn’t get my eyes off lately
Reading has always been my pastime, my form of learning, my meditation, my respite. I don’t even consider reading a hobby — it’s just something embedded in my being, something I need to do like breathing air.
I remember when I was a child and my grandma introduced me to our bookshelf. Everything felt intimidating. Old, musty books, and unknown titles everywhere.
She handed me a few copies of Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, A Journey to The Centre of The Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, but also Daniel Defoes’ Robinson Crusoe and Selma Lagerlöf’s The Wonderful Adventures of Nils.
These books felt wondrous — they transported me to another realm where travel and adventure was possible. My imagination craved for more ever since.
Today, I get my hands on all sorts of genres from psychology to historical fiction. Without any further ado, I am sharing a selection of the last 10 books that really kept me glued to their pages.
Fiction
Babel by R.F. Kuang
Babel is a gripping and intense fantasy novel written by R.F. Kuang. The book is a sequel to The Poppy War and The Dragon Republic, and was released in August 2021. The story follows protagonist Rin as she navigates the challenges of power, politics, and war in a world filled with magic and mythical creatures.
Babel is a book that explores themes of power and politics in a variety of ways. The story is set in a world where different factions are vying for control, and the consequences of their actions are felt by ordinary people. The book explores the idea of what it means to have power, and whether it is worth the cost. It also looks at the idea of morality, and whether it is possible to do the right thing in a world where there are no easy answers. The themes of power and politics are woven throughout the story, and they add a layer of depth and complexity that elevates the book to another level.
This book is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre, and those who have read the previous two books in the series.
The Morning Star by Karl Ove Knausgaard
“The Morning Star” is a novel about death, and the fear of death. The protagonist, an aging writer, is grappling with his own mortality while also dealing with the death of his father. Knausgaard’s exploration of death is unflinching, and he does not shy away from describing the physical and emotional toll that death takes on the living. Through the protagonist’s experiences, Knausgaard forces the reader to confront their own mortality and the inevitability of death.
Knausgaard’s exploration of death and memory ultimately leads to a search for meaning in life. The novel suggests that the search for meaning in life is a universal human experience, and that it is through our relationships with others that we find that meaning.
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
Hanya Yanagihara’s newest novel, To Paradise, is a sweeping epic that spans centuries and explores the human condition. The author, whose previous work includes the critically acclaimed novel A Little Life, has once again crafted a masterful tale that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience. In this post, we will take a closer look at To Paradise, examining its themes, characters, and overall impact.
One of the central themes of To Paradise is the idea of love and its many forms. The novel explores romantic love, familial love, and even the love that exists between friends. Yanagihara does an excellent job of illustrating the various ways in which love can manifest itself, and how it can both enrich and complicate our lives. Another important theme in the book is the concept of time and its impact on our lives. The story spans centuries, and Yanagihara uses this vast timeline to examine how our experiences and perspectives change over time. As readers, we are able to witness how the world and its inhabitants evolve, and how the characters adapt to these changes.
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
Young Mungo is also a coming-of-age story. Mungo is on the cusp of adolescence, and he is trying to make sense of the world around him. He is acutely aware of his surroundings, and he longs for a better life. However, he is also fiercely loyal to his mother and his community, and he struggles to reconcile his dreams with his sense of duty. Through Mungo’s experiences, Stuart examines the challenges of growing up and the ways in which they can shape our worldview.
ne of the most prominent themes in Young Mungo is poverty. Mungo and his mother live in a run-down flat in Glasgow, and they struggle to make ends meet. Stuart paints a vivid picture of their living conditions, describing the peeling wallpaper, the rusty sink, and the threadbare carpet. Despite their poverty, Mungo’s mother tries her best to provide for him, but her efforts are often thwarted by circumstances beyond her control. This theme of poverty is one that Stuart also explores in Shuggie Bain, where he examines the impact of poverty on the lives of working-class families in Glasgow.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
At the heart of Klara and the Sun is the exploration of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. The novel follows Klara, an Artificial Friend, designed to provide companionship to children who are unable to attend school. Through Klara’s eyes, we see the world from a unique perspective — one that is both childlike and wise. Ishiguro explores the idea of consciousness and the extent to which an artificial being can be considered “alive.” Klara’s character raises important questions about the nature of humanity and the role of technology in our lives.
While the novel tackles grand themes such as the nature of consciousness and the role of technology, it is also a deeply intimate exploration of human relationships. Klara’s relationship with her owner, Josie, is at the center of the novel. Josie is a complex character, and Ishiguro masterfully portrays her struggles with illness and isolation. Through Klara’s interactions with Josie, we see the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which we rely on others for support and connection. The novel also explores the relationships between humans and their creations, particularly in the form of technology. Ishiguro raises important questions about the role of technology in our lives and how it affects our relationships with one another.
Non-fiction
Bittersweet by Susan Cain
Cain believes that emotions are an integral part of our lives and we should not suppress them. She argues that negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear can actually be beneficial if we learn to embrace and understand them. In Bittersweet, Cain emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our emotions and using them as a tool to build resilience. By accepting our emotions, we can learn to navigate difficult situations and grow from them.
Another key theme of Bittersweet is resilience. Cain argues that resilience is not about bouncing back to our original state, but rather, it is about adapting and growing from our experiences. Throughout the book, Cain shares personal stories and interviews with experts to illustrate the importance of resilience. By cultivating resilience, we can learn to thrive in the face of adversity and turn our hardships into opportunities for growth.
The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
One of the key takeaways from Zhuo’s book is the importance of building strong relationships with your team members. As a manager, it’s critical that you understand the needs and motivations of each individual on your team in order to effectively lead them. This means taking the time to get to know your team members on a personal level, listening to their feedback and concerns, and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed.
Another important aspect of effective management is providing clear and consistent feedback. Zhuo emphasizes the importance of giving feedback on a regular basis, rather than just during performance reviews. This can help your team members stay on track and make improvements in real time, rather than waiting until it’s too late to course correct.
One of the most challenging aspects of management is dealing with difficult conversations. Whether it’s delivering bad news or addressing performance issues, these conversations can be uncomfortable and stressful for both parties involved. Zhuo provides a framework for having these conversations in a constructive and empathetic way, emphasizing the importance of active listening, acknowledging the other person’s perspective, and working together to find a solution.
Think Again by Adam Grant
One of the central themes in “Think Again” is the importance of intellectual humility. Grant defines this as “the recognition that the things you believe in might be wrong”. According to him, people who possess intellectual humility are more open to feedback and more willing to change their minds. They are also less likely to be dogmatic and more likely to seek out diverse perspectives. In our current era of political polarization and echo chambers, intellectual humility is a valuable trait that can help us bridge divides and have more productive conversations.
Another key idea in “Think Again” is the importance of unlearning. Grant argues that we often cling to outdated beliefs and assumptions, even when they are no longer serving us. By unlearning these beliefs, we can free ourselves from mental constraints and open ourselves up to new possibilities. This process can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it can ultimately lead to personal growth and better decision-making. Grant provides several examples of individuals and organizations that have successfully unlearned old ways of thinking and achieved success as a result.
The School of Life by Alain de Botton
Emotions are a fundamental part of our lives. They influence our behavior, our relationships, and our overall well-being. Despite their importance, emotions are often neglected in traditional education systems. Alain de Botton, a well-known philosopher and author, recognized this gap and founded The School of Life, an organization dedicated to emotional education. In his book, “The School of Life: An Emotional Education,” de Botton provides insight into why emotional education is important and how we can cultivate emotional intelligence.
In “The School of Life: An Emotional Education,” de Botton argues that emotional education is essential for a fulfilling life. He notes that traditional education systems focus on developing cognitive intelligence, but neglect the equally important emotional intelligence. Emotional education helps us to better understand ourselves and others, enhances our communication skills, and enables us to build stronger relationships. By learning how to manage our emotions, we can also improve our mental health and overall well-being.
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
One of the main reasons why Atlas of the Heart is a must-read book is because it explores the power of emotions. Brown argues that emotions are not something to be avoided or ignored, but rather something to be embraced and understood. She encourages readers to engage with their emotions, to recognize their patterns, and to learn from them. By doing so, readers can develop emotional intelligence and become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
Another reason why Atlas of the Heart is a must-read book is because it emphasizes the importance of vulnerability. Brown argues that vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a strength. By being vulnerable, we can connect with others on a deeper level and build more meaningful relationships. Brown encourages readers to embrace vulnerability, to be authentic, and to share their stories with others. By doing so, readers can cultivate a sense of belonging and find greater meaning in their lives.
