2023
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340 BOOKS
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My Books 2023
The first 4 (4-1) read!
24-5
44-25
64-45
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Top 2023
This is my order, yours may be different!
- The Winners - Fredrick Backman (AT)
- Boulevard Wren + Other Stories - Blindboy Boatclub (AT)
- Anecdotes - Kathryn Mockler (AT)
- The Skull - Jon Klassen (AT)
- She's a Killer - Kristen McDougall
- (6) Queer Like Me - Michael V. Smith
- (6) People You Know, Places You've Been - Hana Shafi
- The Memory Police - Yoko Ogawa (AT)
- The Year of the Locust - Terry Hayes
- Love Notes to Grievers - Angela E. Morris (AT)
- I'm Still Here - Austin Channing Brown (AT)
- I'm a Fan - Sheema Patel
- All the World's a Mall - Rimmy Gremaud
- The Andes Dissappeared - Caroline Dawson
- An Astronomer in Love - Antoinne Laurain
- Strange Sally Diamond - Liz Nugent (AT)
- Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird - Augustina Bazterrica (AT)
- Crying Wolf - Eden Boudreau
- SUPERFAN - Jen Sookfong Lee
- The Outsider - Albert Camus (AT)
- Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn (AT)
- The Last Story of Mina Lee - Nancy Jooyoun Kim
- Bright Young Women - Jessica Knoll
- Second Best - David Foenkinos
- Walk the Darkness Down - Daniel Magariel
- East Grand Lake - Tim Ryan
- The Fury - Alex Michaelides
- The Secret Memory of Men - Mohamed Mbougar Sarr
- My Work - Olga Ravn
- True Reconcilliation - Jody Wilson-Raybould
- Like Water for Chocolate - Laura Esquivel
- The Woman Inside - M. T. Edvardsson
- The Next Girl - Pip Drysdale
- What We Keep to Ourselves - Nancy Jooyoun Kim
- Beautiful Boy - David Cheff
- Closer By Sea - Perry Chafe
- Oprheus Buids a Girl - Heather Parry
- Her Body Amongst Animals - Paola Ferrante
- Last Standing Woman - Winona LaDuke
- Not Here - Rob Goodman
- Indelicacy - Amina Cain
- Places Like These - Laruen Carter
- Heating the Outdoors - Marie Andree Gill
- The Devil of Miss Prym - Paulo Coelho
- The Furrows - Namwali Serpell
- Dislocations - Karen Enns
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin
- The Loneliness in Lydia Ernman's Life - Rune Christiansen
- Big Shadow - Mara Balecwicz
- Sedating Elaine - Dawn Winter
- Sadie X - Clara Dupuis-Morency
- Every Vow You Break - Peter Swanson
- The Tenant Class - Ricardo Tranjan
- Gull Island - Anna Porter
- East Side Story: Growing up at the PNE - Nick Marino
- When My Ghost Sings - Tara Sidhoo Fraser
- Body Works - Dennis Cooley
- Call Me Hunter - Jim Shockey
- The Future is Now - Bob McDonald
- Mercury - Amy Jo Burns
- Fear of a Black Nation - David Austin
- Counterpunch - Meg Frisbee
- The Whiteness of Wealth - Dorothy A. Brown
- A Castle in Brooklyn - Shirley Russak Watchel
BLUE = MEMOIR OR BIOGRAPHICAL
BLACK = FICTION
DARK RED = EDUCATIONAL + Historical Fiction
PURPLE = ESSAY OR STORIES
ORANGE = POETRY
BLACK = FICTION
DARK RED = EDUCATIONAL + Historical Fiction
PURPLE = ESSAY OR STORIES
ORANGE = POETRY
Books Read in 2023
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My thirst for its words is insatiable.
How did the book make me feel/think?
I’m ensnared by the literary leviathan clutched in my hands—“The Year of the Locust,” Terry Hayes’ odyssey into the chasms of espionage, factions of terror, and the dusty whispers of the Middle East. A tome boasting 789 pages that stretches its intricate narrative across continents and conspiracies, it’s a daunting textual beast that has somehow managed to ensnare my psyche within its paper jaws, its author’s spectral fingers clutching at me, inexorably pulling me into its depths.
My thirst for its words is insatiable.
WRITTEN: 16 December 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
I’m ensnared by the literary leviathan clutched in my hands—“The Year of the Locust,” Terry Hayes’ odyssey into the chasms of espionage, factions of terror, and the dusty whispers of the Middle East. A tome boasting 789 pages that stretches its intricate narrative across continents and conspiracies, it’s a daunting textual beast that has somehow managed to ensnare my psyche within its paper jaws, its author’s spectral fingers clutching at me, inexorably pulling me into its depths.
My thirst for its words is insatiable.
WRITTEN: 16 December 2023
A cross between “Clue” and “Knives Out.”
How did the book make me feel/think?
A group of fawning, self-absorbed narcissists seek to flaunt their fading glory, escaping the dreariness of England for the idyllic, sun-drenched Greek islands.
These characters are fixated on one thing: their reflections. As a fading star dims, their stories of opulence and excess turn the pages, gripping readers and transporting them through lives most can only imagine. It offers a glimpse, to us common folk, into a world that begs the question: why would anyone want to live in it?
“The Fury” by Alex Michaelides stands out as a refreshingly original tale, with his narration inviting readers to dive into this new twist on a tried-and-true genre. It reads like a cross between “Clue” and “Knives Out.”
For those who enjoy this genre and fancy the idea of escaping the monotony of everyday life for a glimpse into the ephemeral world of fleeting celebrity, this book will leave you breathless as you navigate the gauntlet of surprises that await you on every page.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
A group of fawning, self-absorbed narcissists seek to flaunt their fading glory, escaping the dreariness of England for the idyllic, sun-drenched Greek islands.
These characters are fixated on one thing: their reflections. As a fading star dims, their stories of opulence and excess turn the pages, gripping readers and transporting them through lives most can only imagine. It offers a glimpse, to us common folk, into a world that begs the question: why would anyone want to live in it?
“The Fury” by Alex Michaelides stands out as a refreshingly original tale, with his narration inviting readers to dive into this new twist on a tried-and-true genre. It reads like a cross between “Clue” and “Knives Out.”
For those who enjoy this genre and fancy the idea of escaping the monotony of everyday life for a glimpse into the ephemeral world of fleeting celebrity, this book will leave you breathless as you navigate the gauntlet of surprises that await you on every page.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
Connects with readers by mirroring common familial dynamics…
How did the book make me feel/think?
In the novel ‘Mercury” by Amy Jo Burns, a once vibrant town is reinvigorated by the arrival of an outsider. This individual integrates into a prestigious local family, known for their roofing business—a trio of sons, a father shadowed by his experiences in Vietnam, and a self-sacrificing matriarch, Elise, who suppresses her own needs to tend to her masculine household.
Upon meeting Marley, the newcomer, Elise (an underlying condition lurks inside her) struggles with feelings of isolation, her ability to lead dimmed by the toll of her lifelong dedication to her family.
“Mercury” paints a relatable portrait of life in the fading towns scattered across America. The narrative brings together familiar elements: a fractured patriarch and a set of brothers competing for recognition, particularly the middle son, whom everyone views as special.
The tale connects with readers by mirroring common familial dynamics without resorting to excess or improbability. However, the story takes a sharp turn. Abruptly, two characters are revealed to be gay—a lazy revelation that alters the direction of the family drama. This shift, somewhat unexplained, left me perplexed about its purpose in the narrative.
I am hesitant to expand further on my thoughts, wary of possibly sounding insensitive.
“Thankfully, the writer avoided the cliché of diversifying the cast merely through the love interest's ethnicity.”
Reflecting on what I’ve written, I wonder if I should have refrained from commenting further.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
In the novel ‘Mercury” by Amy Jo Burns, a once vibrant town is reinvigorated by the arrival of an outsider. This individual integrates into a prestigious local family, known for their roofing business—a trio of sons, a father shadowed by his experiences in Vietnam, and a self-sacrificing matriarch, Elise, who suppresses her own needs to tend to her masculine household.
Upon meeting Marley, the newcomer, Elise (an underlying condition lurks inside her) struggles with feelings of isolation, her ability to lead dimmed by the toll of her lifelong dedication to her family.
“Mercury” paints a relatable portrait of life in the fading towns scattered across America. The narrative brings together familiar elements: a fractured patriarch and a set of brothers competing for recognition, particularly the middle son, whom everyone views as special.
The tale connects with readers by mirroring common familial dynamics without resorting to excess or improbability. However, the story takes a sharp turn. Abruptly, two characters are revealed to be gay—a lazy revelation that alters the direction of the family drama. This shift, somewhat unexplained, left me perplexed about its purpose in the narrative.
I am hesitant to expand further on my thoughts, wary of possibly sounding insensitive.
“Thankfully, the writer avoided the cliché of diversifying the cast merely through the love interest's ethnicity.”
Reflecting on what I’ve written, I wonder if I should have refrained from commenting further.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
Are humans the last elephants in the room?
How did the book make me feel/think?
There’s no denying that we, as humans, are orchestrating our own downfall. Our planet, the cradle of our existence, is under threat due to our actions. The relentless hum of consumerism and the insatiable appetite for material wealth are testament to how our pursuit of a certain lifestyle has contributed to environmental devastation. The Industrial Revolution, which symbolized progress, ironically paved the way for the environmental crises we face today due to its excessive and unsustainable practices.
Warnings are sounding with an unmistakable sense of urgency to address these dire issues. However, the economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources present a multifaceted challenge. Economic factors often weigh heavily in the decision-making process, reflecting the complexity of embracing sustainable practices.
In the wild, animals consume only what they need for survival, either gradually heading towards extinction or being hastened to their end by human encroachment and habitat destruction, accelerating their demise as we prioritize our own lifestyle preferences.
For the duration of the Industrial Age, it is the mantra of ‘more is better’ that has defined progress, and we have embraced this wholeheartedly.
Now, we find ourselves in a precarious position, instructed that our compliance poses a danger to our continued existence. News reports continually highlight the predatory cost of living, urging a transformative change in how we live.
“The Future Is Now (maybe too late)” by Bob McDonald insightfully underscores how we possess the means and capacity to alter our trajectory and foster a greener world, potentially saving humanity. McDonald’s approach is nuanced, avoiding additional blame on an already bewildered populace. Instead, he illuminates the stark reality: while we have alternatives to fossil fuels, their significant economic costs are daunting. This brings us face-to-face with the proverbial ‘last elephant in the room’: the lack of economic willingness to implement necessary changes, especially when so many people are uncertain about their next meal.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
There’s no denying that we, as humans, are orchestrating our own downfall. Our planet, the cradle of our existence, is under threat due to our actions. The relentless hum of consumerism and the insatiable appetite for material wealth are testament to how our pursuit of a certain lifestyle has contributed to environmental devastation. The Industrial Revolution, which symbolized progress, ironically paved the way for the environmental crises we face today due to its excessive and unsustainable practices.
Warnings are sounding with an unmistakable sense of urgency to address these dire issues. However, the economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources present a multifaceted challenge. Economic factors often weigh heavily in the decision-making process, reflecting the complexity of embracing sustainable practices.
In the wild, animals consume only what they need for survival, either gradually heading towards extinction or being hastened to their end by human encroachment and habitat destruction, accelerating their demise as we prioritize our own lifestyle preferences.
For the duration of the Industrial Age, it is the mantra of ‘more is better’ that has defined progress, and we have embraced this wholeheartedly.
Now, we find ourselves in a precarious position, instructed that our compliance poses a danger to our continued existence. News reports continually highlight the predatory cost of living, urging a transformative change in how we live.
“The Future Is Now (maybe too late)” by Bob McDonald insightfully underscores how we possess the means and capacity to alter our trajectory and foster a greener world, potentially saving humanity. McDonald’s approach is nuanced, avoiding additional blame on an already bewildered populace. Instead, he illuminates the stark reality: while we have alternatives to fossil fuels, their significant economic costs are daunting. This brings us face-to-face with the proverbial ‘last elephant in the room’: the lack of economic willingness to implement necessary changes, especially when so many people are uncertain about their next meal.
WRITTEN: 12 December 2023
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A finger on the pulse, one verse at a time.
How did the book make me feel/think?
In the hollow of my hand, I feel the beat,
The pulse that races, a rhythm so sweet,
A sign of life, a sign of fate,
A heart that beats, a soul that waits.
Hana Shafi’s hand on my wrist,
She checks the heart, she checks the soul,
A healer’s touch, a healer’s goal.
I walk the streets, I see the pain,
The suffering, the struggle, the strain,
The poor, the weak, the broken heart,
Their cries, their tears, their every part.
I relate to them, I understand,
Their struggles, their fears, their every hand,
For I have known the same, the same plight,
The same darkness, the same endless night.
But rich and poor, we all are one,
In our hearts, we are not undone,
For love and compassion, they know no bounds,
They know no riches; they know no crowns.
Walls are disappearing, the street calls our names,
Dinner is served, Corelle livingwear, unbreakable,
Forty years old, yet the dinner tastes the same.
So let us help, let us care,
For all of us, we all are there,
In the hollow of our hands, we hold,
The beat of life, the beat of gold.
Hana Shafi’s “People You Know, Places You've Been” immerses readers in the fabric of their everyday lives, a social construct that often leads us astray. Have we become too fixated on the wrong priorities? The homeless person on the street doesn’t comprehend the fear-mongering news that separates us from those in pain. Simultaneously, the media bombards us with messages about what we must purchase to project a facade of success and unattainable perfection. Shafi, with her poetic reimagining, skillfully reminds us of the importance of caring for one another in this chaotic world that seems to be spiralling out of control.
WRITTEN: 29 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
In the hollow of my hand, I feel the beat,
The pulse that races, a rhythm so sweet,
A sign of life, a sign of fate,
A heart that beats, a soul that waits.
Hana Shafi’s hand on my wrist,
She checks the heart, she checks the soul,
A healer’s touch, a healer’s goal.
I walk the streets, I see the pain,
The suffering, the struggle, the strain,
The poor, the weak, the broken heart,
Their cries, their tears, their every part.
I relate to them, I understand,
Their struggles, their fears, their every hand,
For I have known the same, the same plight,
The same darkness, the same endless night.
But rich and poor, we all are one,
In our hearts, we are not undone,
For love and compassion, they know no bounds,
They know no riches; they know no crowns.
Walls are disappearing, the street calls our names,
Dinner is served, Corelle livingwear, unbreakable,
Forty years old, yet the dinner tastes the same.
So let us help, let us care,
For all of us, we all are there,
In the hollow of our hands, we hold,
The beat of life, the beat of gold.
Hana Shafi’s “People You Know, Places You've Been” immerses readers in the fabric of their everyday lives, a social construct that often leads us astray. Have we become too fixated on the wrong priorities? The homeless person on the street doesn’t comprehend the fear-mongering news that separates us from those in pain. Simultaneously, the media bombards us with messages about what we must purchase to project a facade of success and unattainable perfection. Shafi, with her poetic reimagining, skillfully reminds us of the importance of caring for one another in this chaotic world that seems to be spiralling out of control.
WRITTEN: 29 September 2023
Reads like a musical track you’d set on repeat…
How did the book make me feel/think?
Michael V. Smith's poetry in “Queer Like Me” forms an intimate connection with readers. Poetry, being a personal and subjective art, often leaves readers feeling like outsiders. Yet, when stumbling upon a collection like this, the impact can be truly transformative.
Smith’s work can be described as a “lyrical memoir offering solace through acceptance.”
Poetry uniquely captures and expresses the essence of one’s experiences and emotions, defying the boundaries of traditional prose. Smith has masterfully achieved this, crafting a poetic journey that delves into both personal and universal themes of identity and individuality.
“Queer Like Me” reads like a melodic track on constant repeat. With each subsequent play (read), it evolves into a work of art that resonates so deeply that one is compelled to revisit it time and time again.
Undoubtedly, a contender for the Top 10 of the year!
WRITTEN: 23 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
Michael V. Smith's poetry in “Queer Like Me” forms an intimate connection with readers. Poetry, being a personal and subjective art, often leaves readers feeling like outsiders. Yet, when stumbling upon a collection like this, the impact can be truly transformative.
Smith’s work can be described as a “lyrical memoir offering solace through acceptance.”
Poetry uniquely captures and expresses the essence of one’s experiences and emotions, defying the boundaries of traditional prose. Smith has masterfully achieved this, crafting a poetic journey that delves into both personal and universal themes of identity and individuality.
“Queer Like Me” reads like a melodic track on constant repeat. With each subsequent play (read), it evolves into a work of art that resonates so deeply that one is compelled to revisit it time and time again.
Undoubtedly, a contender for the Top 10 of the year!
WRITTEN: 23 September 2023
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Family secrets and the search for identity, scorched onto every page.
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Anecdotes” by Kathryn Mockler is laced with unconventional storytelling. This collection of stories has indelibly impacted me, even as Mockler delved into challenging themes.
The first story had me simultaneously laughing and questioning my emotional response, highlighting the book’s ability to engage readers on deeply emotional, occasionally uncomfortable levels, even when tackling difficult subject matter. This juxtaposition of humour and discomfort is a central theme throughout the book, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
“Anecdotes” is a literary adventure, taking readers to places of wanton curiosity, underscoring its power to draw readers into its world. “Anecdotes” isn’t afraid to confront issues like sexuality, abuse, abandonment, and the struggle to make sense of a chaotic world.
The story “This Isn’t a Conversation” will leave readers wondering about the survival of the planet in the face of pending destiny, adding an intriguing layer to the book’s exploration of existential themes. It’s a testament to Mockler’s ability to blend laughter and pain to keep readers engaged and reflective.
“Anecdotes” bounces between the absurdities of life and the self-inflicted realities of humanity, painting a vivid picture of the book’s themes and tone.
“Anecdotes” is a thought-provoking, darkly hilarious, and emotionally charged read that challenges readers to confront the complexities of existence.
When I finally stop laughing, I must announce that “Anecdotes” is one of my favourite reads of 2023 and likely beyond, as hopefully, my past finally catches up to the future!
WRITTEN: 10 September 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
“Anecdotes” by Kathryn Mockler is laced with unconventional storytelling. This collection of stories has indelibly impacted me, even as Mockler delved into challenging themes.
The first story had me simultaneously laughing and questioning my emotional response, highlighting the book’s ability to engage readers on deeply emotional, occasionally uncomfortable levels, even when tackling difficult subject matter. This juxtaposition of humour and discomfort is a central theme throughout the book, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
“Anecdotes” is a literary adventure, taking readers to places of wanton curiosity, underscoring its power to draw readers into its world. “Anecdotes” isn’t afraid to confront issues like sexuality, abuse, abandonment, and the struggle to make sense of a chaotic world.
The story “This Isn’t a Conversation” will leave readers wondering about the survival of the planet in the face of pending destiny, adding an intriguing layer to the book’s exploration of existential themes. It’s a testament to Mockler’s ability to blend laughter and pain to keep readers engaged and reflective.
“Anecdotes” bounces between the absurdities of life and the self-inflicted realities of humanity, painting a vivid picture of the book’s themes and tone.
“Anecdotes” is a thought-provoking, darkly hilarious, and emotionally charged read that challenges readers to confront the complexities of existence.
When I finally stop laughing, I must announce that “Anecdotes” is one of my favourite reads of 2023 and likely beyond, as hopefully, my past finally catches up to the future!
WRITTEN: 10 September 2023
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An uproarious and relentless rollercoaster ride of laughter + much more!
How did the book make me feel/think?
I couldn't contain my laughter as I delved into the pages of “She's a Killer” by Kristen McDougall. Within the first 40 pages, I laughed so uproariously I had to put on noise-cancelling headphones to spare my eardrums. My raucous laughter caused such a disturbance I was promptly asked to leave the library where I had been residing.
As I continued reading, the story took an unexpected turn. The world was in dire straits, teetering on the brink of destruction. Everything was completely askew. New Zealand emerged as the last beacon of hope in this bleak scenario, the final paradise.
Our protagonist, a near-genius woman, trudged through life with a spectral imaginary friend by her side, simultaneously taunting her and offering guidance. The impending end of humanity rendered life utterly meaningless. To make matters worse, New Zealand was being invaded not by desperate refugees fleeing war-torn nations but by the ultra-wealthy individuals responsible for the destruction through the disease of greed and entitlement.
These “wealthugees” sought to purchase paradise, evading the inevitable downfall of humankind with their affluence. In the midst of this chaos, Alice, our near-genius protagonist, unexpectedly falls in love with a wealthugee who exhibits a conscience and a desire for a better world.
Their connection brings Erica, his daughter, into Alice’s orbit. Erica, surpassing Alice on the genius scale by two points, proves to be far more than she initially appears.
“She’s a Killer” takes readers on an uproarious and relentless rollercoaster ride of laughter and shines a blinding light on the true meaning of being a refugee. It challenges our preconceptions about those in need and those who have contributed to the mess in the first place.
With the final word devoured, I can guarantee readers will yearn for another page.
WRITTEN: 29 August 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
I couldn't contain my laughter as I delved into the pages of “She's a Killer” by Kristen McDougall. Within the first 40 pages, I laughed so uproariously I had to put on noise-cancelling headphones to spare my eardrums. My raucous laughter caused such a disturbance I was promptly asked to leave the library where I had been residing.
As I continued reading, the story took an unexpected turn. The world was in dire straits, teetering on the brink of destruction. Everything was completely askew. New Zealand emerged as the last beacon of hope in this bleak scenario, the final paradise.
Our protagonist, a near-genius woman, trudged through life with a spectral imaginary friend by her side, simultaneously taunting her and offering guidance. The impending end of humanity rendered life utterly meaningless. To make matters worse, New Zealand was being invaded not by desperate refugees fleeing war-torn nations but by the ultra-wealthy individuals responsible for the destruction through the disease of greed and entitlement.
These “wealthugees” sought to purchase paradise, evading the inevitable downfall of humankind with their affluence. In the midst of this chaos, Alice, our near-genius protagonist, unexpectedly falls in love with a wealthugee who exhibits a conscience and a desire for a better world.
Their connection brings Erica, his daughter, into Alice’s orbit. Erica, surpassing Alice on the genius scale by two points, proves to be far more than she initially appears.
“She’s a Killer” takes readers on an uproarious and relentless rollercoaster ride of laughter and shines a blinding light on the true meaning of being a refugee. It challenges our preconceptions about those in need and those who have contributed to the mess in the first place.
With the final word devoured, I can guarantee readers will yearn for another page.
WRITTEN: 29 August 2023
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Second Best reminds us that none of us are second best.
How did the book make me feel/think?
A boy named Martin is destined to become Harry Potter. It’s not necessarily his dream; it fell into his lap by chance.
Near the end of the selection process, which seemed to be a lock for Martin, Daniel Radcliffe is asked to put his hat in the ring.
He’s not necessarily better than Martin, but he is selected.
Martin can’t escape the global phenomenon of the Harry Potter craze. Everywhere he looks, he sees and laments what could have been. While Daniel’s star soars into the prison and adulation of fame.
Have you ever found yourself pondering over certain decisions you made in life? Maybe you’ve thought about how things might have turned out differently if you had made a different choice during a big game. Or perhaps you’ve applied for a job in the past, got shortlisted, but ultimately didn’t get the position.
Poor Martin could never escape who he could have been, longing for it—suffering it.
I built a company during a fifteen-year career. No matter what I did, when it came time for the company to make a change, I never stood a chance because a coworker still had a silver spoon in his mouth. They released me from my job without any wrongdoing on my part. And the silver spoon got to stay. I was deemed second best.
Second Best reminds us that none of us are second best. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the cards are being dealt by someone else—and what you longed hard for was nothing more than an elusive and destructive dream. Being true to yourself and embracing your unique qualities is so important. Laughing and loving are also crucial for a happy and fulfilling life. But above all, showing kindness and empathy towards others can make a significant impact on the world. It’s incredible how much of a difference a small act of kindness can make.
WRITTEN: 4 July 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
A boy named Martin is destined to become Harry Potter. It’s not necessarily his dream; it fell into his lap by chance.
Near the end of the selection process, which seemed to be a lock for Martin, Daniel Radcliffe is asked to put his hat in the ring.
He’s not necessarily better than Martin, but he is selected.
Martin can’t escape the global phenomenon of the Harry Potter craze. Everywhere he looks, he sees and laments what could have been. While Daniel’s star soars into the prison and adulation of fame.
Have you ever found yourself pondering over certain decisions you made in life? Maybe you’ve thought about how things might have turned out differently if you had made a different choice during a big game. Or perhaps you’ve applied for a job in the past, got shortlisted, but ultimately didn’t get the position.
Poor Martin could never escape who he could have been, longing for it—suffering it.
I built a company during a fifteen-year career. No matter what I did, when it came time for the company to make a change, I never stood a chance because a coworker still had a silver spoon in his mouth. They released me from my job without any wrongdoing on my part. And the silver spoon got to stay. I was deemed second best.
Second Best reminds us that none of us are second best. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the cards are being dealt by someone else—and what you longed hard for was nothing more than an elusive and destructive dream. Being true to yourself and embracing your unique qualities is so important. Laughing and loving are also crucial for a happy and fulfilling life. But above all, showing kindness and empathy towards others can make a significant impact on the world. It’s incredible how much of a difference a small act of kindness can make.
WRITTEN: 4 July 2023
Read my Book Thoughts for all of the books in Batch 29 here ↓↓↓
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A Letter to the Irish Times is the funniest story I’ve ever read.
How did the book make me feel/think?
Crap, why is there a bee on my arm?
I’m trapped in a fever dream.
I’m stung.
A combine is harvesting my dreams, monetizing them—nothing is to be left untapped. Until…?
I’m on all fours, naked, and being chased by an amped-up bull—I want to be a bull. I think I might be a cow.
I sit in a food court, bite my taco, read a few pages, and laugh out loud.
There’s a short form of that. No. I won’t.
I take another bite. What am I reading? I cry. Why am I crying when I’m laughing? This is the funniest story I’ve ever read (A Letter to the Irish Times). Am I okay? Quit looking at me. I suggest you try to laugh occasionally. This book is craic.
I scratch where the Bee stung me. Oh no, the Bee was a Quantum Bee; my body was sucked into the sting hole (a black hole). Rhododendron. So long, purple. I’m inside out. My vital organs are on the outside. Gross. My skin is deep. They say beauty is skin deep. I must be beautiful.
I laugh again, even louder. LOLEL.
I need to reset myself. Pass me a baggy. The one marked Lindsay 1981. Straw me, snort.
That’s better. I’m restored.
What am I even talking about?
Boulevard Wren + Other Stories have etched its way into my all-time favourites. It might not be your cup of tea—but if you open your mind—take a sip; you will fall out of your chair cringing with laughter (an abdominal exercise).
Steer clear, of Bees and horny amped up bulls.
Where are we heading? Here?
Inside out is enlightening. And painful. And…
WRITTEN: 12 March 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
Crap, why is there a bee on my arm?
I’m trapped in a fever dream.
I’m stung.
A combine is harvesting my dreams, monetizing them—nothing is to be left untapped. Until…?
I’m on all fours, naked, and being chased by an amped-up bull—I want to be a bull. I think I might be a cow.
I sit in a food court, bite my taco, read a few pages, and laugh out loud.
There’s a short form of that. No. I won’t.
I take another bite. What am I reading? I cry. Why am I crying when I’m laughing? This is the funniest story I’ve ever read (A Letter to the Irish Times). Am I okay? Quit looking at me. I suggest you try to laugh occasionally. This book is craic.
I scratch where the Bee stung me. Oh no, the Bee was a Quantum Bee; my body was sucked into the sting hole (a black hole). Rhododendron. So long, purple. I’m inside out. My vital organs are on the outside. Gross. My skin is deep. They say beauty is skin deep. I must be beautiful.
I laugh again, even louder. LOLEL.
I need to reset myself. Pass me a baggy. The one marked Lindsay 1981. Straw me, snort.
That’s better. I’m restored.
What am I even talking about?
Boulevard Wren + Other Stories have etched its way into my all-time favourites. It might not be your cup of tea—but if you open your mind—take a sip; you will fall out of your chair cringing with laughter (an abdominal exercise).
Steer clear, of Bees and horny amped up bulls.
Where are we heading? Here?
Inside out is enlightening. And painful. And…
WRITTEN: 12 March 2023
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Paulo Coehlo
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Albert Camus
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Backman is one of my favourite authors.
How did the book make me feel/think?
Backman is one of my favourite authors; I started with Ove—a book I never wanted to end.
In the trilogy starting with Beartown and ending with The Winners, Backman doesn’t disappoint as he runs through the gamut of social issues plaguing humanity today—with drippings of a sardonic brush.
Backman writes from a place of consciousness, delivering readers easily digestible morsels of insight which are delightfully simple and peel the skin from the onion, revealing a capacity to care about the truth. On every page, Backman deftly throws the lights on for us, allowing the story to flow smoothly without the burden of trying to disseminate what’s going on.
In The Winners, readers will recognize the characters in the literal pictures Backman paints for us, stripping away the isolation of trying to cobble his words together piece by piece.
I think what I like most about Backman is his storytelling is accessible to all: When Backman tells a story, he simply tells a story in its simplest and purest form.
Backman has an incredible capacity to warm our souls and leave us feeling less alone.
WRITTEN: 6 March 2023
How did the book make me feel/think?
Backman is one of my favourite authors; I started with Ove—a book I never wanted to end.
In the trilogy starting with Beartown and ending with The Winners, Backman doesn’t disappoint as he runs through the gamut of social issues plaguing humanity today—with drippings of a sardonic brush.
Backman writes from a place of consciousness, delivering readers easily digestible morsels of insight which are delightfully simple and peel the skin from the onion, revealing a capacity to care about the truth. On every page, Backman deftly throws the lights on for us, allowing the story to flow smoothly without the burden of trying to disseminate what’s going on.
In The Winners, readers will recognize the characters in the literal pictures Backman paints for us, stripping away the isolation of trying to cobble his words together piece by piece.
I think what I like most about Backman is his storytelling is accessible to all: When Backman tells a story, he simply tells a story in its simplest and purest form.
Backman has an incredible capacity to warm our souls and leave us feeling less alone.
WRITTEN: 6 March 2023
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