A literary paradise where we celebrate books and the joy of reading. Our books are selected with input from fellow readers like you, ensuring an enriching and captivating reading experience.
BASSEY IKPI
"I'm Telling the Truth, but I'm Lying" by Bassey Ikpi is a profound exploration of mental illness and its societal stigma. The author fearlessly exposes her vulnerabilities, taking readers on an emotional journey that sheds light on the challenges of her mental health issues.
One poignant from the passage reads, “Anxiety is its own creature. It asks me to focus on the terrible things I’ve done, the people I’ve hurt, the promises I’ve broken. Anxiety tells me to make a list - mistakes, regrets, lies - a coil ready to spring.” The above I believe would resonate with a lot of us who have grappled with anxiety.
Even those resistant to embracing vulnerability will find this book enlightening. It reminds us that exploring and discussing mental health issues should be unavoidable.
In conclusion, despite the snarky title, this book tackles weighty subject matter that may trigger certain readers, so be warned. But its rawness makes it an important read for those seeking understanding and empathy towards mental health issues.
ARBINGER INSTITUTE
"Leadership and Self-Deception" offers practical insights on leadership and authenticity in personal and professional settings, promoting self-awareness and growth. It reminds readers of important principles often overlooked and encourages mindful behavior. I understand that common sense is supposed to be common but not always, so this book brings it back to life. This valuable book serves as a guide to becoming a better leader and creating a positive impact. Highly recommended for those seeking actionable advice on leadership and self-awareness.
ALI SMITH
The duality of the book "How to Be Both" by Ali Smith is mind-boggling. It is distinctive, creative, inventive, and frankly brilliant.
At one point, we meet Francesco, who is a woman, and then later on, we encounter George, whose gender remains ambiguous. This book plays with gender, art, and history cleverly and is almost enjoyable. However, I must admit that I am still struggling to fully comprehend it. While I find the intelligence behind its narrative captivating, I must admit that I am still grappling with its complexities, hence the duality - I guess? My journey with this book began in 2019, and even four years later, I am still unraveling its intricate layers and it is proving to be challenging. Perhaps, I will revisit it when age and wisdom have found me and clarity to this book becomes my reward, until then, fellow readers, farewell.
WON-PYUNG SOHN - 아몬드 "ALMOND"
This was a captivating exploration of friendship, medical mystery, and empathy. It teaches us to understand others' problems despite our differences. The writer skillfully portrays Yunjae's pain, leaving me teary-eyed. This thought-provoking narrative takes you on an emotional journey, providing insight into Yunjae's life-altering experiences. If you want a wholesome and meaningful read, this is it! I also listened to the English version of Audible.
GREG HOFFMAN
Allow me to present my perspective on this book: "Design by Emotion" is a book that is filled with interesting and enjoyable facts. I must say, some truly captivating points made me briefly envision myself working at Nike. While certain aspects of the book may not be applicable in a most working context, they can certainly be advantageous for entrepreneurs, as long as they are willing to prioritize design over profits. All in all, it was an enjoyable read, although it may not have been truly transformative. Nonetheless, I found it quite engaging.
DANNY WARSHLEY
This is the perfect guide for validating and testing business ideas. This book is essential for entrepreneurs navigating the entrepreneurial process. However, while Danny simplifies complex concepts, his oversimplification of financial capital requirements during startup stages left me wanting more! Money matters are always important, especially if you're not born privileged. Despite this minor critique, this was a fantastic read.
JOY HARJO
"The Poet Warrior" has left an indelible impact on my soul. Harjo's eloquent style seamlessly blends artistry and music, taking the reader on a lyrical journey through time. I felt as though I was witnessing the story unfold alongside her. As both a storyteller and narrator, she vividly gives voice to the experiences of Native Americans and her ancestors, showcasing the power of heartfelt words. This memoir is incredibly inspiring and beautifully written. I found myself shedding tears throughout the book, moved by Ma'am Joy's resilience and unwavering commitment to herself and her people. This has taught me the beauty of storytelling that is both polished and raw, yet kind in tone.
PAT FLYNN
"How To Be Better At (Almost) Everything" is a valuable resource for personal and professional growth. It offers unique insights to excel in various areas of life and business. The book encourages pursuing success without compromising passions, building systems for skill acquisition, and avoiding burnout. While it may not cater to those deeply entrenched in a specific field, it inspires readers to explore new passions and embrace diverse interests. I highly recommend giving it a chance for practical guidance on achieving aspirations.
CHIP HEATH & KARLA STARR
This book, titled "Making Word Counts," provides a comprehensive guide on effectively conveying numerical information to individuals who do not have a technical background. It highlights the significance of presenting numbers in a relatable and understandable manner, while also capturing their emotional impact. Although I appreciate the extensive research put into creating this book, I found the presentation to be somewhat lengthy and repetitive without offering any new insights. However, I believe that alternative formats such as TikTok videos or blog posts could have been equally effective in delivering the content. Please understand that my intention is not to diminish the value of this book; rather, I suggest that different formats may have better catered to its content.
TONI MORRISON
Although I am new to the works of Toni Morrison, "The Bluest Eye" left me profoundly disoriented. What I appreciated about this novel was its exploration of a different kind of literature and its depiction of the plight of children during the period discussed in the book, which unfortunately, still resonates in our present day. However, my overall impression of this book is one of deep sadness, darkness, and pain that no individual should endure.
One quote in particular stood out to me: "My mother's anger humiliates me; her words chafe my cheeks, and I am crying. I do not know that she is not angry at me but at my sickness." These powerful words shed light on how children often feel voiceless when adults fail to recognize and address the underlying issue but rather focus on things that often time leave a situation in misunderstanding. The fragmented sentences throughout the novel effectively convey heartbreak and rejection.
What troubled me most was how the victims' voices were suppressed while the voice of the rapist was unfortunately given prominence. Additionally, there were moments when the language used felt contrived and unnecessarily explicit, which detracted from my overall reading experience. I had hoped for a deeper exploration of the little girl's pain instead of focusing on the rapist desires.
Ultimately, this book left me feeling emotionally empty and morally drained as I progressed through its pages. My takeaway from it all is that it is never acceptable to elevate or dignify the voice of a rapist regardless of any perceived intention.
ROBERT GREENE
I deliberated on whether to not provide a review for this book, then decided that I could share my thoughts on it. Allow me to begin by giving you a brief overview of my perspective on this book solely based on the narration, presentation, and what I would assume is the intention of this book:
Manifesto of a Sociopath,
How to Be Miserable,
The ABC of Historic Vignettes, and
Egoistic Manual Book.
Now let's delve into the main points.
Pros: "The 48 Laws of Power" offers valuable insights into the understanding that human nature is not inherently virtuous, despite our desire to believe so. Simply being a good person does not shield you from individuals who thrive on manipulation and deceit, even those who may appear virtuous themselves. It is crucial to be discerning about your own intentions as well as the motives of those around you. Developing emotional intelligence and learning how to navigate complex relationships are essential skills. Not everyone prioritizes teamwork and collaboration. Human behavior can often be driven by calculated strategies rather than personal affronts. By studying historical events, we gain valuable lessons that can help us avoid becoming victims of similar patterns in the future.
The game of life is a complex one, and certain individuals consistently come out on top. This book delves into the subjective nature of power, acknowledging that not everyone will have the same experience with it. Rather than glorifying the book, my review is to present an objective and realistic view of the world around us through the lens of this book.
Now onto the drawbacks. The laws outlined in this book often seem contradictory, making it difficult to determine where the author truly stands on them. Additionally, these laws can make those who choose not to participate feel doomed or inferior, when in reality they are simply normal individuals who do not aspire to be sociopaths.
As someone who tends to see the best in others, this book was challenging for me to digest. However, there are a few laws that resonated with me:
Law 1: Understanding that it's important to never overshadow those in positions of authority
Law 4: Recognizing the power of restraint and knowing when to say less
Law 9: Demonstrating success through actions rather than engaging in fruitless arguments
Law 13: When seeking assistance, appealing to people's self-interest rather than relying on their mercy or gratitude
Law 18: Understanding that isolation can be dangerous and avoiding excessive fortification
Law 25: Embracing personal growth and transformation
Law 40: Rejecting the notion of free handouts
Law 46: Recognizing that appearing flawlessly perfect can create distance
There are several laws discussed in this book that I feel strongly against:
On the other hand, there are a few laws that I have a more neutral perspective on:
In conclusion, this book may not appeal to everyone. It challenges moral boundaries and can invoke curiosity. It is important to approach it with discernment and maturity- either choose to read it, continue reading it, or avoid it altogether. However, remember that outside the pages of this book lies real life with real individuals whom we must coexist with.
Greg McKeown
Greg McKeown's book, Essentialism, serves as a guide to effective planning and intentional decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of doing only what is necessary and focusing on what truly matters in life. The book explores the concept of "Less but better" and the disciplined pursuit of less as central themes.
Essentialism is a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their prioritization skills. Here are some key insights I gained from reading it:
While this book resonated with my inclination toward saying "no," I acknowledge that a constant refusal may not be beneficial for everyone.
The overall intention of Essentialism is advantageous for individuals who need guidance in prioritizing and making difficult decisions. However, it may not be suitable for those who cannot simply decline every request due to various commitments such as part-time work, school, or raising a family. Living an essentialist lifestyle comes with a cost, and saying "no" can be burdensome in certain circumstances.
In these situations, an essentialist mentality may not be applicable, which is where this book falls short. It may not be suited for everyone or may only be embraced during specific phases of life. It is possible to adopt certain aspects of the book at different times but not all at once.
Lastly, I appreciate the author's inclusion of citations throughout the book. It enhances the reading experience and supports the ideas presented. Overall, Essentialism proved to be an insightful self-help book, and I plan to incorporate its principles into various aspects of my life.
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