Posts on Reading Is A Lifestyle

30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

288 Pages, Published In 2011

CURRENT READ

…

It's Okay . . . by Jaya Kishori

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

240 Pages, Published In 2025

CURRENT READ

…

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

448 Pages, Published In 2023

CURRENT READ

…

King Sorrow by Joe Hill

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

896 Pages, Published In 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved this epic fantasy of dragon and adventure. At its heart, it is a story about friendship and love, the mistakes we make, and the forgiveness that follows. Loved the characters—real, flawed, and unforgettable. The action never lets up, and despite its 896 pages, the story never felt boring. Along the way, there were several twists I didn’t see coming, including a few that left me genuinely sad. This book traveled with me across Europe and Asia throughout June–my true travel companion.

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

242 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Psychology of Money is not only a book about money—it is also a book about life. Morgan Housel reminds us that financial success is less about intelligence and more about behavior, habits, patience, and perspective. Key insights include the importance of knowing when you have enough, and that wealth is often your income minus your ego. The book isn’t really about money at all—it’s about living a good life and making decisions that let you sleep well at night. Everyone should read it.

The Memory of an Elephant by Alex Lasker

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

238 Pages, Published In 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

…

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

350 Pages, Published In 1998

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

…

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Drawing on more than a decade of research in pulmonology, human anatomy, and ancient breathing practices, Breath shows how something as simple—and often overlooked—as breathing can have a profound impact on our health. My key takeaways are to breathe deeply through the nose, which naturally filters and regulates airflow, and to chew tougher foods, which help develop healthier jaw structure and improve breathing mechanics. A thought-provoking book with practical lessons for everyday life.

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

312 Pages, Published In 2019

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The novel opens with a murdered prostitute dumped in a trash bin in Istanbul. Her heart has stopped, yet her brain remains active for the next 10m 38s, carrying her through fragments of memory—birth, childhood, family, friendships, and life in Istanbul. Beautifully written, as always by Shafak, the book feels both like a lament and a love letter to Istanbul—a deeply conflicted city suspended between East and West, religions and secularism, tradition and modernity. Dark, humane, and moving.

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

280 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐

…

Twice by Mitch Albom

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐

…

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

645 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An epic 645-page family saga set in post-2008-crash Dublin, constantly shifting between punctuated and unpunctuated prose, 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-person narration, even scenes written like a play. Chapters swing from 40-page immersions to 3-page fragments. It reads like a kaleidoscope. Everyone carries a dark secret as the tension quietly builds and the mystery slowly unravels. Dark, haunting, with a multi-metaphorical title and a mystifying ending. I hated every character yet loved the book.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

250 Pages, Published In 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐

…

One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

208 Pages, Published In 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A harsh, unsettling nonfiction by journalist Omar El Akkad, drawing on his personal and professional experiences, offering a devastating critique of Western ideals—freedom and justice—and the hypocrisy of supporting inhumane wars and mass violence. “An eighteen-month-old with a bullet wound to the forehead. Maybe the sniper was aiming elsewhere. Maybe there’s some explanation. Maybe it was necessary.” There is no explanation. It was not necessary. We cannot rationalize the unjustifiable.

The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

485 Pages, Published In 2012

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An epic tale of Italian immigrants journeying from the northern Italian Alps to Little Italy in NYC, and eventually to Minnesota. Spanning three generations, they carry their traditions with them—honing the crafts of shoemaking and seamstressing while building new lives in a foreign land. Set against the backdrop of two World Wars, the novel is a moving portrait of loss, family, love, loyalty, and endurance—of people bound by heritage and devotion, finding ways to hold on to one another.

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

432 Pages, Published In 2003

CURRENT READ

…

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

488 Pages, Published In 1897

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dracula (1897) is a gothic classic that masterfully balances bone-chilling horror with a deep sense of intimacy. The atmospheric castle and looming vampires are so vivid that I avoided reading at night for fear of nightmares. Told through journals and letters, it feels as though the characters are whispering their secrets directly into your ear. Nearly 500 pages, never a dull moment. It is a powerful journey of conquering evil through the strength of friendship, love, trust, and sacrifice.

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

128 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nita Prose’s The Mistletoe Mystery (Molly the Maid, 2.5) is a cozy Christmas novella. At under 200 pages, this short, holiday read is exactly what we need in the heart of a brutally cold winter. Returning to the familiar Regency Grand Hotel and endearing character Molly Gray’s orderly world brings so much comfort to the page. This heartwarming story explores love, trust, and vulnerability in a way that feels both tender and necessary in today’s world.

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

98 Pages, Published In 1998

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spencer Johnson’s Who Moved My Cheese? (1998) remains a timeless business classic that offers profound lessons on navigating uncertainty. Its core message—to stay adaptable and proactive—is more relevant today than ever in our rapidly changing world. At fewer than 100 pages, this short, concise fable resonates with both professional and personal life. A gift from my boss 20 years ago is now being passed on to the next generation, as its insights into managing change are truly ageless.

We'll Prescribe You Another Cat by Syou Ishida

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We’ll Prescribe You Another Cat is the 2nd book in this quietly magical series, centered on a mysterious clinic that prescribes cats instead of medicine. Warm, comforting, simple, yet philosophical, the novel captures the essence of contemporary Japanese literature, with a gentle touch of magical realism. At its heart, it celebrates the profound bond between humans and animals, suggesting that cats—and perhaps all creatures—hold a unique healing power by bringing comfort and connection.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

368 Pages, Published In 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Remarkably Bright Creatures, a debut by Shelby Van Pelt, is a warm and uplifting novel that explores friendship, grief, and human connection through the alternating perspectives of a giant Pacific octopus and a 70-year-old widow who is a cleaner at the aquarium. The story is surprisingly action-packed, with lovely characters and a mysterious plot that keeps readers cliff-hanging until the very end. And as the title gently suggests, the “remarkably bright creature” isn’t only the octopus.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

293 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose is a delightful second book in the Maid series, just as captivating as the first, The Maid. Told from the perspective of Molly, the neurodivergent head maid, the novel features beautiful, precise writing and an intriguing plot that keeps the mystery unsolved until the very end. When a famous writer is murdered at the hotel, Molly’s keen eye and ear for detail helps unravel the crime. Molly’s unique perspective make her an endearing and memorable protagonist.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

385 Pages, Published In 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson tells the story of two siblings uncovering their mother’s past and their Caribbean roots after her death, guided by a recording and a black cake left as inheritance. The novel weaves an intriguing plot with rich history and a compelling family saga, though the second half drags slightly.

The Joy of Connections by Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

176 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Joy of Connections by Dr. Ruth, the renowned sex therapist, offers 100 practical tips for creating and deepening meaningful connections, addressing the epidemic of loneliness in our era. Organized into five sections—self, family, friends and lovers, community, and technology—the book reminds us that ‘Connection is not a luxury—it is essential to our well-being.’

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

253 Pages, Published In 1890

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Set in late 19th-century Victorian London, Oscar Wilde’s classic presents an intriguing premise—an aristocrat who retains his youth by transferring aging to a portrait—and unfolds through dramatic turns that are deeply philosophical in their examination of life, beauty, and morality. The novel probes consciousness as the inescapable awareness of one’s wrongdoing, revealing how corruption permanently marks the soul even when it remains hidden. The stark, dramatic ending leaves much unsaid.

Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong by Katie Gee Salisbury

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

480 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A compelling biography of Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American actress to rise to Hollywood stardom. Born in 1905 in LA to Chinese immigrants, Wong battled racism and anti-miscegenation while navigating Hollywood, working across film, radio, and TV, and achieving international fame in Europe and Asia. Embracing her Chinese heritage as a modern American woman, talented, resilient, and far ahead of her time, at great personal cost, she paved the way for future Asian American performers.

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

272 Pages, Published In 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber is a cozy, warm 272-page holiday read about a group of strangers stranded on a ferry to Seattle for hours on Christmas Day. What begins as ruined plans and shared frustration slowly turns into unexpected connections and small Christmas miracles. Comforting and easy to read, the story delivers exactly the seasonal warmth you’d expect—though its feel-good turns are largely predictable.

The House of My Mother by Shari Franke

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A chilling memoir set in the age of social media that exposes the hidden trauma of a family of six raised under constant mental and emotional abuse by a controlling mother and her trusted relationship coach. Behind the viral 8 Passengers family YouTube vlog—which reached 2.5 million subscribers by 2020—the eldest daughter recounts a childhood shaped by fear, manipulation, and silence. The narrative culminates in the 2023 arrests of the two women and the shutdown of the viral channel.

You Are Your Own Gym by Mark Lauren

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

171 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The book proves you don’t need a gym or endless hours to achieve elite shape. The author, a former trainer for U.S. Special Operations forces, translates his military-proven method into a practical fitness guide for everyone. The core idea is to leverage your own body weight for effective training—anywhere, anytime. Building lean muscle is crucial to keep fat and weight in check. Workouts are organized into four movement categories—Push, Pull, Legs, and Core—to ensure a balanced approach.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

352 Pages, Published In 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Atmosphere follows the first female astronauts at NASA in the 1980s, weaving a love story through the high-pressure world of early spaceflight. For a 352-page novel, it feels a bit too ambitious—taking on heavy issues such as gender inequality, sexuality, parenting, loss, life meaning, and NASA politics and bureaucracy all at once. Loved the plot structure, told through two alternating timelines, with a shocking opening and an excellent ending. The middle, however, is more predictable.

Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

560 Pages, Published In 1983

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A young family moves from Chicago to a small town in Maine, settling into a home shadowed by a small cemetery on the hill behind it—where generations of locals have buried their beloved pets. The town and its burial ground carry a long, unsettling history, gradually tightening its grip on the family. Fast-paced. Action-packed. An ending leaving readers to extend the horror in their own minds. Dark. Horrific. Dramatic. “Sometimes, dead is better.” And it proves true. One of King’s scariest!

Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

720 Pages, Published In 1851

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Moby Dick (1851) is an ageless classic about the relentless hunt for the elusive white whale. At 751 pages, it reads like an encyclopedia of whales: types of whales, the history of whaling, whale anatomy from jaw to sprout hole to tail, plus the laws and lore of the whaling world. The middle section moves slowly, but the action picks up toward the end, and the finale is unexpected and dramatic. It’s a novel of brutality and beauty, of obsession and the sheer tenacity of its characters.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

184 Pages, Published In 1995

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I Who Have Never Known Men is a short, haunting dystopian novel built on a chilling premise: one child and 39 women escape a mysterious underground cell and struggle to survive in a empty, desolate world. The child, who has never known any life before captivity, contrasts starkly with the other 39 women, who carry memories of the world they lost. Dark and hopeless in tone, the novel lingers on a profound existential question: is the purpose of life to live, or merely to postpone death?

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

339 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ministry of Time is a captivating time-travel novel built on a brilliant premise: a secret UK government agency rescues historical figures from centuries past and brings them into the modern world. As these figures struggle to adapt to technology, culture, and shifting values, we reflect on what has changed—and what remains timeless—in human nature. Although the ending grows a little convoluted with overlapping timelines, it remains a thought-provoking and compelling read.

Why Calories Don't Count by Giles Yeo

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

368 Pages, Published In 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why Calories Don’t Count challenges the way we think about food labels, dieting, and weight loss. The calorie counts printed on packaging are misleading because they are not the energy our bodies actually absorb and use. While diets may differ, they operate on the same principle: energy balance—burning more than we consume. Advices: Eat more protein and fiber, avoid excessive free sugars, and minimize reliance on ultra-processed foods. An insightful book written with clarity and humor.

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

449 Pages, Published In 1997

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cold Mountain is a Civil War novel that, at its heart, is a love story—following a Confederate soldier’s long, perilous walk home to his prewar sweetheart. Told through two parallel timelines, it captures the harrowing nature of war with both tenderness and beauty. The narrative unfolds through stories within stories, slow-paced but never dull, with the dual timelines woven seamlessly. The ending is both unexpected and heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impression of the true cost of war.

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐

From Here to the Great Unknown is a deeply intimate memoir co-written by Lisa Marie Presley and completed by her daughter, Riley Keough, after Lisa Marie’s sudden death in 2023. It offers a rare look into the life of Elvis Presley’s only child—from her childhood at Graceland, through the loss of her father, to an adulthood shaped by complex relationships (including with Michael Jackson), struggles with addiction, and the grief of losing her son Benjamin to suicide. Raw, Tragical, Sad.

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

331 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar is a brilliant and moving story of a young, first-generation Iranian American grappling with grief, identity, and the search for meaning after his mother’s death when the US shot down a commercial airliner for a war jet. It’s about exploring the meaning of life—or rather, the meaning of death (or are they different?)—while navigating loss, addiction, recovery, friendship and love. Loved both the plot and the characters, and stunned by the unexpected twist at the end.

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

382 Pages, Published In 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The book offers an insider’s account of Facebook (Meta) through the eyes of a former executive, revealing how the tech giant operates internally and globally. It shows how Zuckerberg and Sandberg built and ran the company, the role in Trump’s election, relationships with world leaders, and how they treat its employees—exposing power, greed, hypocrisy and carelessness. No need to agree with all the conclusions, but her perspective and insights are invaluable for understanding today’s world.

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

509 Pages, Published In 2004

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A brilliant, genre-defying novel composed of six interwoven stories spanning time and space—from 19th-century colonial New Zealand to 1900s England, a dystopian Korea, and a post-apocalyptic world in Hawaii. The stories are interlinked, with characters are reincarnations across timelines. The structure is mind-blowing: the first five narratives are interrupted mid-sentence at pivotal moments, followed by the sixth; then it unfolds in reverse, completing each tale in a mirror: 12345654321.

What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry, Oprah Winfrey

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The book offers a profound shift in perspective—from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” The brain is modeled as an upside-down triangle, with the brainstem (reptilian brain) at the base, responsible for survival and regulation, and the cortex (rational brain) at the top, handling reasoning and decision-making. Data is processed from the bottom up—meaning trauma stored in the lower layers triggers reactions before the rational brain. The healing is through community.

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

335 Pages, Published In 2011

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Towles’ 2011 debut is an unhurried, beautifully written stroll through 1930s New York high society. It follows a young woman and her friends across decades, tracing the chain of events in a world of wealth, ambition, class, betrayal, choice, love and friendship. The plot can feel slow at times, but it’s elegantly told. Inspired from George Washington’s Rules of Civility, especially the final rule: “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”

The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

472 Pages, Published In 2008

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Three-Body Problem is a hard science fiction by Chinese author Liu Cixin, with an English translation by Ken Liu that won the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution, the story weaves together a mysterious virtual reality game, a scientific conspiracy, and the looming threat of alien contact and invasion. With its immense scope and intricate plotting, it blends suspense, murder, and mind-bending science. A must-read for sci-fi lovers.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

432 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Told in elegant first-person prose through three distinct characters—two set in the present day and one in 1920s Dublin, The Lost Bookshop shifts between timelines and perspectives, all connected by a magical bookshop and the search for a lost manuscript. Blending historical fiction with a bit magical realism, it’s a beautifully written story about women’s struggles, love, loss, and the power of literature to transcend time. The constant shifting timelines and POVs can be a bit confusing.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

287 Pages, Published In 1982

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Told through a series of letters to God and between two sisters, separated across Georgia and West Africa over 30 years in the early 20th century, the book paints a rich portrayal of Black women—their suffering, love, resilience, and growth. Sad and beautiful, also offering an intimate vision of God: “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” Winner of Pulitzer and National Book Awards, a masterpiece of modern American literature.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

724 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An epic novel that spans three generations, multiple families, and two continents across 724 pages. Set against South India’s evolving landscape—from colonial rule to independence and war (1900-1977), it is a sweeping story of enduring love, generational trauma, and the healing power of compassion. Water connects the characters across time and space. Written by a medical surgeon, the novel brings a depth of medical insight, exploring acoustic neuroma and leprosy that afflict generations.

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

329 Pages, Published In 2015

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jenny Lawson’s Furiously Happy isn’t merely a humor memoir; it’s a defiant celebration of joy found amidst the chaos of mental illness. This “collection of bizarre essays and confused thoughts” examines her experience of deep depression and other mental illnesses, confronting it with humor and resilience. Shouldn’t we all strive for “furiously happy,” regardless of our internal battles? It’s a raw, hilarious, and profoundly moving reminder that even within darkness, joy remains possible.

The Second Mountain by David Brooks

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

384 Pages, Published In 2019

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Second Mountain by David Brooks is a self-help book that explores the meaning of life through the metaphor of two mountains with a valley in between. The first mountain represents success, ambition, and personal achievement, yet often leaves one feeling unfulfilled in the valley. The second mountain embodies a more meaningful life built on four key commitments—Vocation, Marriage, Faith, and Community—shifting from hyper-individualism to a life of deeper connection to others.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

188 Pages, Published In 2007

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Winner of the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, The Vegetarian is a haunting psychological novel about personal rebellion, transformation, and the consequences of nonconformity. Each of its three chapters is told from the perspective of a family member around the female protagonist. Captivating opening line: “Before my wife turned vegetarian, I thought of her as completely unremarkable in every way.” Loved the first two chapters, but the last one felt a little dull and predictable.

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

418 Pages, Published In 2016

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning Evicted, Desmond follows 8 families in Milwaukee as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads, revealing how eviction is not just a symptom of poverty but also a cause—not just an family misfortune but a systemic issue. “Without stable shelter, everything else falls apart.” Eviction is not just about losing a home—it disrupts employment, education, and health, trapping families in a vicious cycle of instability & hardship. A nonfiction reads like a novel.

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

351 Pages, Published In 1985

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Often hailed as one of the greatest American novels ever written, Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian (1985) is an epic historical novel set along the Texas-Mexico border in the 1850s. It follows a 14-year-old boy, the Kid, who flees Tennessee and joins the infamous Glanton Gang—a ruthless band of scalp hunters who massacre Indigenous people and anyone in their path. Brutal, violent, dark, and deeply philosophical, Blood Meridian stands as a towering masterpiece of the American Western novel.

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This is who we are: the richest country on earth, with more poverty than any other advanced democracy.” Following his Pulitzer Prize-winning Evicted, in Poverty by America, Desmond explores why poverty persists in the US despite its vast wealth. Examining how American society exploits the poor, subsidizes the affluent, and concentrates wealth in private hands, he argues that Poverty is the result of deliberate policies and choices that benefit the wealthy while keeping the poor in place.

Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Set in 1938, during Taiwan’s period under Japanese colonial rule, the story follows a Japanese novelist journaling his travels across the island, accompanied by a knowledgeable local translator. Each chapter is named after a local dish, blending culinary exploration with the unfolding events and the intricate interactions among locals, colonists, and Taiwan-born Japanese. Ultimately, it is a tale of friendship and love, only under the shadow of Japan’s Southern Expansion policy pre-WWII.

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

288 Pages, Published In 1936

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First published in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a timeless self-help book that offers principles and practical advice on dealing with people: - Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain - Give honest and sincere appreciation - Become genuinely interested in other people - Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely - Remember a person’s name - Be a good listener - Smile. Warren Buffett took the Dale Carnegie course when he was 20 years old.

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

176 Pages, Published In 2011

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a charming sequel to Days at Morisaki Bookshop. This time, the focus shifts to the protagonist’s aunt, who suddenly disappears, leaving her and her uncle to uncover the truth of her past. Like the first book, it’s comforting, heartwarming, and deeply reflective. I connected with the characters just as much as in the first book, and their stories resonated deeply with me. Another beautiful example of Japanese fiction that I love.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

150 Pages, Published In 2000

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Days at Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a heartwarming Japanese novella about healing and self-discovery through the magic of books. When a 25-year-old woman loses her boyfriend and falls into deep depression, her eccentric uncle offers her a place to stay in his cramped bookshop in Jimbocho, Japan’s famous book town. Surrounded by literature, she slowly rediscovers herself through books and unexpected connections. Felt deeply and loved many characters. Comforting and reflective.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

324 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Life Impossible tells the story of a 72-year-old English widow who has endured unimaginable grief and loss. When unexpectedly inherited a house in Ibiza from an old friend, she embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding her friend’s life and death. Along the way, she also confronts and comes to terms with her own unresolved past. Blending elements of fantasy and realism, it explores themes of loss, acceptance, and the purpose of life. It reminds me of The Secret Garden.

The Good Life by Robert Waldinger, Marc Schulz

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

352 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. A comprehensive exploration of what defines a “good life,” this book draws from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an 80-year (and still ongoing) research project that began in 1938, tracking generations of hundreds of individuals. The authors, psychiatrist Robert Waldinger and clinical psychologist Marc Schulz, delivers a simple yet powerful conclusion: Good relationships keep us healthier and happier.

The Stand by Stephen King

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1153 Pages, Published In 1978

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An epic tale of a superflu pandemic that wipes out 99% of the population and the aftermath as humanity rebuilds. A gripping battle between good and evil. Richly developed human & nonhuman characters. A classic (post-)apocalyptic and horror with themes of love, hope, friendship, and resilience, and philosophical insights on human nature, morality, and society. A Christmas scene at the end is a heartwarming retreat amidst the chaos. Both chilling and thought-provoking. One of King’s finest!

The Little Liar by Mitch Albom

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

352 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A WWII novel follows four characters—two Jewish brothers, a Greek girl, and a Nazi officer—through the Holocaust and the decades that follow, to post-war America. Narrated by Truth, the story centers on a boy who never tells a liar but transforms into a pathological liar, exploring profound themes of truth, lies, forgiveness, and redemption. An enticing opening, a well-crafted plot, and a dramatic ending. However, certain scenes and transitions between events could be developed further.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

453 Pages, Published In 1961

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is a darkly satirical masterpiece. Set during WWII, it follows an Army Air Corps Captain John Yossarian, stationed on a Mediterranean island, as he navigates the absurdities of war and military bureaucracy. No conventional hero—his primary goal is simply to stay alive, against the war’s senseless slaughter and the dehumanizing effects of endless contradictory rules. Catch-22 is now a common term for a no-win situation created by contradictory rules or conditions.

James by Percival Everett

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

303 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

James by Percival Everett, a brilliant retelling of Mark Twain’s original The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In James, enslaved Jim, the protagonist, is written in the first person. The story unfolds along the iconic Mississippi River, mirroring the original plot, but the journey is reshaped and the ending is entirely different. Packed with action, in just 303 pages, James explores deeper themes of race and humanity, family and friendship. Powerful, Gripping, Horrifying, also Humorous!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

333 Pages, Published In 1997

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997), is the first book of the Harry Potter seven-book series. Harry Potter is an orphan who discovers he is a wizard on his 11th birthday and embarks on his first year in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Alongside his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry fights the evil Lord Voldemort to protect the sorcerer’s stone. A perfect fantasy for readers of all ages. Loved to escape (and re-escape) into the unforgettable magical world.

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

322 Pages, Published In 2016

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A family saga spanning over five decades. A realistic portrait of white, middle-class family life: marriages and divorces, birthdays and anniversaries, bad relationships and good friends. Many characters: couples, lovers, ex-partners, children, step-siblings. About love and support, also loss, disappointments and regret. The story jumps around in multiple time periods, shifting between California and Virginia; Then there is a novel in the novel. Small moments but not boring. Elegant proses.

How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key. The author claims it is the most insane love story every told. It is not. It is a memoir about his wife’s infidelity, the collapses of their marriage, and the difficult path he chooses to save it. A relatable, sad story that you might hear from a neighbor or a co-worker. Key is candid and the readers can draw lessons from his martial crisis. However, injecting humor and portraying his wife as the villain feel unfit with the seriousness of subject.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

372 Pages, Published In 2013

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

7-year-old Elsa is quite different from her peers and her 77-year-old grandmother is her closest confidante and best friend. After her granny’s death, Elsa is left with a series of letters addressed to people her granny has wronged, alongside a quest to resolve unfinished business in both the real world and a fantastical fairytale world. Heart-warming. Whimsical. Poignant. Sad. Hopeful. Witty. and FORGIVING. Loved all the characters, even the annoying Britt-Marie. It’s Fantastical Ove!

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

245 Pages, Published In 1877

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Black Beauty, the Autobiography of a Horse is an 1877 classic by English author Anna Sewell. The novel is told from the perspective of a horse, named Black Beauty, chronicling his life through the hands of various owners, both kind and cruel. A horse can be well-treated by a kind and compassionate owner or easily tortured by a cruel and neglectful one. The author wrote it to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

327 Pages, Published In 1884

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mark Twain’s 1884 classic is narrated by Huck Finn, a teen who escapes his abusive father by faking his own death. He encounters Jim, a runaway slave, and together they embark on a raft journey down the Mississippi River. Far beyond a mere adventure tale, it delves into profound themes such as slavery, racism, morality, and conscience. Much darker and complex than its Tom Sawyer prequel. Vivid characters, intricate plots, entertaining and thought-provoking. A true literary masterpiece!

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

241 Pages, Published In 2006

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner by Cormac McCarthy is about a father and a son traveling along The Road, through a ravaged, burned America, to the coast in a post-apocalyptic world. Bleak, Dark, Depressing, Suffocating, Devastating. No chapters, No quotation marks, No names, No grammar, No Plot. Nothing matters. “What would you do if I died? If you died I would want to die too. So you could be with me? Yes. So I could be with you. Okay” The only light is the love the father has for his son.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

244 Pages, Published In 1876

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mark Twain’s 1876 novel is about the mischievous adventures of a boy, Tom Sawyer, young and carefree, growing up along the Mississippi River. Tricking his friends into whitewashing his fence, exploring caves, impressing girls, and even attending his own funeral. Lighthearted, humorous, insightful, also addressing serious issues such as morality, societal norms, and the loss of innocence during the transition to adulthood. An American literature classic. An enjoyable (re)read for all ages.

The Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel Clason

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

158 Pages, Published In 1926

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A 1926 personal finance book by George Clason, giving timeless principles for building wealth via a set of parables set 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon, told by a fictional Babylonian character, the richest man in Babylon. 7 Cures For a Lean Purse: -Start thy purse to fattening (Save 10% each pay) -Control thy expenditures -Make thy gold multiply (Invest) -Guard thy treasures from loss -Make of thy dwelling a profitable investment -Ensure a future income -Increase thy ability to earn

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1412 Pages, Published In 1869

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel War and Peace, translated by Richard Pevear & Larissa Volokhonsk. 1412 pages, 361 chapters. For me, 2 attempts in 3 years, over 2 months to finish. Stories of several Russian aristocratic families before, during and after the 1812 French invasion (and retreat) of Russia. A War book, a Romance book, a Philosophy and a History book. Virginia Woolf called Tolstoy “the greatest of all novelists”. Gary Saul Morson referred to the book as the greatest of all novels.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

391 Pages, Published In 2013

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Written by a professor of Biology and a member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation, the book is about the natural world: the plants & animals around us, who are our oldest teachers for us to listen and notice; Indigenous wisdom and science; Gratitude, reciprocity, and conservation of our earth. Poetic, scientific and philosophical. “I could hand you a braid of sweetgrass, as thick and shining as the plait that hung down my grandmother’s back. But it is not mine to give, nor yours to take…”

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet, by John Green. Written during the Covid pandemic, the book is a collection of 40+ essays, his reviews on 40+ human phenomena. At the end of each essay, Green rates each one on a scale of 1-5 stars. The phenomena include the song “You’ll Never Walk Along”, Air-Conditioning, Googling strangers, Indianapolis, Teddy Bear, Plague, etc. Hilarious, Factual, Thought-Provoking. While he gives Canada geese two stars, I rate the book five stars.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

110 Pages, Published In 1925

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Great Gatsby, written ~100 years ago, is one of the greatest American novels in history. The story was about a young man, Jay Gatsby, moving from Mid West to New York, to win back his lost love from a beautiful lady, Daisy Buchanans, who was already married. Elegant writing. Intriguing plot. Unexpected ending. A quintessential portrait of Jazz Age America. Loved the closing line: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Starting a Business 101 by Michele Cagan

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

272 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

As part of Adams 101 series, this book provides the basic knowledge and tips on starting your own business, covering all business aspects (e.g. business plan, marketing, budget, tax, etc.) in a short read. A solid primer on the subject.

Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2019

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A retell of the DISC personality training I took at work. The DISC are 4 personality styles: Dominance 🟥, Influence 🟨, Steadiness 🟩, and Conscientiousness 🟦. The absurd title was inspired by a CEO who said he was surrounded by idiots. In fact, they are not idiots, just different styles. The color-coded DISC framework can help us understand the “idiots” around us and communicate with each other effectively at work and in life.

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

480 Pages, Published In 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A story about young women’s experiences serving as nurses in the Vietnam War and then dealing with the aftermath after returning homeland. Learned about the controversial, lost Vietnam War, the forgotten veterans, and the women most of all. As a fan of Hannah, I was a little disappointed in the first half as the war narration feels dull and contrived. The second half gets much better: unexpected plot development and twists; very emotional towards the end.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

454 Pages, Published In 2017

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and author’s own childhood experiences, the 2017 YA novel exposes police brutality and systemic racism through the eyes of a 16-year-old African American girl, who lives in a impoverished black neighborhood and studies in an affluent white school. The girl witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend, an unarmed black boy, at the hands of a white police officer. Sounds too real? Read this powerful novel!

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

192 Pages, Published In 1952

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First published in 1952, Charlotte’s Web is one of the best, if not THE best, children’s books of all time. A story about a spider, Charlotte, saving the life of her friend, Wibur, the famous SOME PIG. The book teaches us about life, nature, friendship, self-love, and how to treat others. It also teaches us about loss and death as a natural part of life. A timeless classic for both children and adults alike! TERRIFIC, RADIANT, HUMBLE.

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga

Sat, 04 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

228 Pages, Published In 2013

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Japanese analysis of the theories from Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler, through a dialogue between an unhappy young man and a wise philosopher over 5 nights. Key ideas: 1. The past doesn’t dictate the future. 2. Take responsibility for your life tasks. Let go of the need for external validation. 3. All problems are interpersonal relationships. Build horizontal relationships. 4. Contribute actively to your community to gain a sense of belonging. 5. Live earnestly in the present moment.

Go as a River by Shelley Read

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Go as a River, a debut by Shelley Read, is a historical fiction about a young woman’s journey set in a small town of Colorado against the backdrop of Vietnam War. As the sole female in a family of reckless men, she flees from home in teens, single-handedly relocates her family’s peach farm, and endures unbearable losses and hardship, with courage, hope and resilience. It’s also about mountains, trees, and the flowing river. Beautifully written; intriguing opening; tantalizing closing.

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

332 Pages, Published In 1999

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A memoir of a journalist-mountaineer’s account of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster, in which 8 climbers were killed. The 2-month expedition to/from the 29,028 ft was led by experienced guides and sherpas. A classic battle of Man vs. Nature (extreme high altitude & low temperature, oxygen depletion, wind/snow storms, and exposure). Meticulously researched on the history of climbing. “With enough determination, any bloody idiot can get up this hill, …The trick is to get back down alive.”

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

208 Pages, Published In 1992

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller is a 1992 classic romance fiction. A romance of a photographer who visits a rural IOWA town for work in the 1960s and falls in love with a farm wife who has a girlhood dream. Narrated as a true story but entirely fictional, it’s well written with a simple plot (under 200 pages), evoking strong emotions. About love and responsibility, not sex or erotism. A bestselling book of the 20th century, with 50 million copies sold worldwide.

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

310 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prophet Song is a dystopian tale of a mother of four (infant to teens) attempting to hold her family together after Ireland descends into totalitarian control and then a civil war. Chaotic, sad and upsetting throughout; Violent, dark and heartbroken in the end. Unique writing style: long chapters (30+ pages each) with no paragraph breaks and no quotation marks for dialogues. Suffocating to read, just like the story. Winner of the 2023 Booker Prize. Poignant, powerful, and prescient.

My Friend Anne Frank by Hannah Pick-Goslar

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A memoir of Holocaust survivor Hannah Pick-Goslar, who chronicles her life during and after the war. Anne was her friend & neighbor when both families fled Nazi and lived in Amsterdam. In 1942, Anne disappeared into hiding. In Feb 1945, they reunited as the prisoners at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. At 93, Hannah died in Jerusalem. The book is published posthumously, just like Anne Frank’s diary. This beautifully written, moving story is as much Hannah’s story as it is Anne’s.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

288 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Britney Spears’ 2023 memoir chronicles her journey from childhood in poverty to her found womanhood: Music and dancing is her escape; the biggest pop star of her time; her relationship with Timberlake; Marriage, divorce, and losing custody to her sons; 13-year conservatorship run by her father; #FreeBritney movement; and the freedom. In her 2001 song “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman”, she sings “I’m just trying to find The Woman in Me”. A beautifully crafted, emotional roller coaster!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

419 Pages, Published In 2015

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the 1st book in the 5-book YA fantasy series of the same name, a retelling of the fairy tale Beauty And The Beast. It is about the adventures, struggles, love and hate of a 19-year-old human huntress (Feyre, Beauty) and one of the seven High Lords (Tamlin, Beast) in the fantasy land of Prythian. The first 2/3 is very predictable if you know fairy tale. The last 1/3 is gripping and action packed. The writing is mediocre. The book could be shortened by 1/3.

Dissolution by C. J. Sansom

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

456 Pages, Published In 2003

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A historical detective novel set in 1537’s England during the dissolution of the monasteries. Sent to solve one brutal murder case, King’s commissioner Shardlake uncovers sexual misconducts, embezzlements, treasons and other corruptions in the monastery; One murder turned into FOUR murders. Exciting plot full of suspense and twists; vivid portrait of the era; raw and dark characters; accurate historical facts of the clash between reformers and catholic churches. A true masterpiece!

Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

688 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A biography reads like science fiction! With 2+ years’ of shadowing Musk and 100+ interviews, Isaacson chronicles Elon’s journey from South Africa to America; unfolds the events with SpaceX, Tesla, Neurolink, Starlink, OpenAI, & Twitter; reveals the struggles with his dysfunctional father, Asperger’s, and risk-taking addiction; underpins Steve Jobs’ quote “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do”. Just felt laborious with the Twitter chapters.

The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

96 Pages, Published In 1888

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A 1888 collection of 5 short stories. Loved Wilde’s simple, clear, yet expressive & imagery writing style. The morals: 1. The Happy Prince: sacrifice self and help those in need. 2. The Nightingale and the Rose: love is sacrifice. 3. The Selfish Giant: better be generous and kind. 4. The Devoted Friend: true friendship is reciprocated. 5. The Remarkable Rocket: not be arrogant, pride and delusional. The fairytales that everyone should read!

Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

288 Pages, Published In 1942

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A detective fiction from the Hercule Poirot series. A grown daughter asks Poirot to investigate a 16 years old case: her mother was sentenced to life (and died shortly after in prison) for poisoning her philandering dad. By interviewing 5 suspects (5 little pigs), Poirot manages to uncover the truth from their weary memories, using subtle clues and his keen understanding of human psychology. Loved Agatha’s simple sentences, sharp dialogues, memorable characters and intriguing plots!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

256 Pages, Published In 2013

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Like other stories from Neil Gaiman, this novella feels magical and whimsical with strong evocative imageries. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood country home in Sussex, England, and relives the forgotten horror events of a seven-year old boy. It’s about searching self-identity by reconnecting to one’s childhood. The story has “the delicate horror of the finest fairytales” (Terry Pratchett). I only wish it could be longer so the characters and plots could be developed further.

Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

336 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A historical fiction about forbidden love of two school girls in early 19th century of York. One girl is an Anglo-Indian orphan heiress banished from India, and the other a brilliant and vibrant tomboy. The story is based on the five-million-word coded journal by English diarist Anne Lister, known as the first modern lesbian. Fascinating characters; easy-to-follow plot; deeply researched facts; Poetic writing. The portrait of boarding school life is vivid but just a little too long.

Finding Me by Viola Davis

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

304 Pages, Published In 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An inspiring memoir of Viola Davis, her journey from childhood poverty and trauma to her success in Hollywood. From her deepest fear “I’m the little girl who would run after school every day in third grade because these boys hated me because I was …not pretty. Because I was …Black” to her coming to terms with her true identity as a black female artist, fighting against misogyny and racism. It’s about finding meaning in life; also about love, relationship, parenting & forgiveness.

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

311 Pages, Published In 1966

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A story of a lab mouse and a mentally disabled boy. Both undergo a brain surgery to increase IQ and become a genius, albeit briefly. What an emotional roller coaster about love, friendship, and what really matters in life! From a series of progress reports written by the boy, you’ll learn the transformation and also feel it evidenced in his writing ability. The ending “P.S. please if you get a chanse put some flowrs on Algernons grave in the bak yard.” brought me to tears. A true classic!

The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

368 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐

It is a moving WWII story of three resilient women during the German occupation of Paris: a French chambermaid of a world famous hotel in Paris, a wealthy American widow who is a longtime resident of the hotel, and a young Jewish woman who is also employed by the same hotel. I loved the premise but I felt I have read other WWII novels with more thrilling plots and depths.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

336 Pages, Published In 1997

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Based on Kiyosaki’s personal experiences with his two dads: his biological, educated dad (poor dad) and his best friend’s dad, an entrepreneur (rich dad), the key idea is Do not work for money, make money/assets work for you, by investing on real estates and stocks. Kiyosaki explains financial jargons in simple words that everyone can understand. However, investment is not as simple it sounds. Still an eye-opening, personal finance book.

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

430 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A debug novel about a young boy growing up with his alcoholic mother in the 1980s Glasgow. The 2020 Booker Prize for Fiction is based on Scottish-American writer’s own childhood experience. It’s horrifying, anguish, sad throughout, and without a real hope. A tiny bit of hope kindled in the middle of the book then was squelched quickly. Stuart stated “It was a difficult process” to write the book. It’s even harder to read but it makes you think!

Babel by R. F. Kuang

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

544 Pages, Published In 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The story is set in 19th-century England during the global colonization and liberation in all parts of the world. Four foreign students are sent to study in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation (Babel) and discover the secret ways the British Empire uses the power of silver bars to maintain its supremacy and plots the Opium Wars against China. The book is both epic and magical!

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

309 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s a story of a mother telling her secret past to her three grown daughters on a farm. The stories of her “glory” teens into 20s as an actress, dating with a movie star, the trips, her love, loss and drama. The plot is simple; its development is slow; and the writing is beautiful. It reads like a meditation book of love, family and life.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

213 Pages, Published In 2015

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Four light, poignant stories about friendship, family, love and loss, weaved around the time travel trips to the past and future in a cozy cafe.

Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

364 Pages, Published In 2023

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of the best historical fictions I’ve ever read. It’s about a woman’s journey to independence in the Prohibition era of 1920s rural Virginia. The characters will stay with you for a long time. The plot is complex and so is the history. The writing is beautiful. A book I’d recommended for slow reading.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

368 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Set in the 1955’s India, a nascent nation of independence, the story is about a girl who chooses her own life path, escaping from her abusive husband and becoming an accomplished henna artist.

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

640 Pages, Published In 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The author’s previous novel All the Light We Cannot See is a masterpiece. The high bar has not been reached again. Still a good book, but not great. The plot is intriguing but a little overly complicated and scattered. The ending is a surprise but feels too contrived.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The mystery of a female apothecary in the 18th century London and the murders she committed through her poisons. The victims were always men. Her customers were always women. The only link to the mystery was a vial with an etching of a bear, unearthed from River Thames by a present-day woman. En route to solving the 200-year old mystery, she also resolved her own marriage dilemma. What an intriguing story!

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

384 Pages, Published In 2018

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A suspension (gunshot), buried from the very beginning, unearthed at the very end with multiple surprises. It’s a well-researched book, an outcome of hundreds of interviews with women who sought abortions, medical practitioners, and pro-life & pro-choice activists, and researches by shadowing doctors performing abortions at different stages of pregnancy. I loved the author’s approach to explore this contentious issue by dissecting the arguments, without judgement, layer by layer from each side. Ultimately it is about understanding, not convincing the other side.

The Overstory by Richard Powers

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

512 Pages, Published In 2019

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A novel about trees. Really, it is a novel about people, and their relationships with trees. The lives of several families, across multiple generations, were woven together by the trees. I am in awe of the author’s broad knowledge of plants, literature, gaming, and technology. I can guarantee you will never look at trees the same way again after reading this book.

Circe by Madeline Miller

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

393 Pages, Published In 2018

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A plethora of characters (gods and mortals) and stories from Greek mythology, woven together by the Goddess Circe. It was the first book I read about Greek mythology and I loved it. Full of adventures, wonders, and love; also sorrows, pains, and hate. The author accentuates the women’s voice and power with her tender, beautiful writing.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

283 Pages, Published In 1947

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The dairy of a 13-year old Jewish girl during the two years hiding behind a bookshelf in a warehouse building in the Nazi occupied Netherlands during WWII. She wrote about her thoughts, feelings, ideals, dreams, and hopes. She wrote about her relationships with her mother and father, sister, and boyfriend. Many of her dreams were not realized as she died in a concentration camp in 1945. But her father, the only survivor in the family, fulfilled her one dream to be a writer, after publishing her diary in 1947. Her passage on 4/5/1944: Will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer? I hope so, oh, I hope so very much, because writing allows me to record everything, all my thoughts, ideals and fantasies. She certainly was one of the greatest diarist in history.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

320 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So many hidden, dark secrets were revealed one at a time at a “perfect” wedding, on a remote island. The story has a slow start with two dozen characters, all the wedding guests, and finally it bursted out with a murder. If the reader can get over the slow buildup, the ending is worth it.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

400 Pages, Published In 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved all the magical characters in the story. It’s a charming and heartwarming tale, at a remote island in the cerulean sea. We shall all accept and embrace the differences in our children, and adults alike. We shall fight against prejudice, one step at a time. We shall all cherish our own uniqueness and strength. A fantasy, also a classic.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

353 Pages, Published In 2005

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a heartwarming memoir by Jeannette Walls! Throughout the book, I was captivated by the beautiful and candid writing of her love for her family- the flawed parents, four siblings. Her father was alcoholic; mother was selfish; life was hard with a nomadic family of six without stable jobs. However, the love was salient. The father-daughter relationship was tenderly written. Jeanette was the champion of her journey. Thanks the author for sharing the journey with readers.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

336 Pages, Published In 2018

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Library is an enchanted place.

Last Train to Istanbul by Ayse Kulin

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

396 Pages, Published In 2002

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Last Train to Istanbul by Ayse Kulin. A dramatic WWII rescue journey from Paris to Istanbul through the perilous war zone. An engrossing and uplifting tale with well developed characters. A master piece from one of Turkey’s most beloved authors. The translation by John W. Baker was great!