There are certain books that require a certain depth of experience to fully appreciate, and Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day is undoubtedly oneThere are certain books that require a certain depth of experience to fully appreciate, and Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day is undoubtedly one of them.
Ishiguro adeptly taps into our collective romanticised perception of the English butler, revealing the inherent harm in such idealization. Through clean, precise prose, like a butler's, Ishiguro establishes two central themes: Lord Darlington's disreputable sympathies and Stevens' unexpressed affection for Miss Kenton, showing through both the consequences of failing to challenge societal norms, urging readers not to succumb to stagnation as Stevens does, shackled by his steadfast adherence to notions of 'dignity' and 'duty.' A slightly hopeful ending suggests that even in the "evening" of one's life, missed opportunities can pave the way for embracing the present.
One can only hope to have Steven's courage when confronted with the necessity of shedding our misguided beliefs, of which I know I hold too many. However, let us earnestly hope that we encounter books like this sooner, so we can heed their call to action and reevaluate our convictions and choices in time. Fun dinner-table question: What erroneous beliefs have you mistakenly anchored your life upon, only to later realize the need to let them go?...more
When someone seeks a philosophy recommendation, my immediate suggestion invariably lands on Man's Search for Meaning.
Approach this book without precoWhen someone seeks a philosophy recommendation, my immediate suggestion invariably lands on Man's Search for Meaning.
Approach this book without preconceptions about the horrors of Nazi concentration camps or the intricacies of logotherapy. Focus, instead, on Frankl's demonstration of how meaning can emerge even in the bleakest of circumstances. It demands introspection and courage from readers, but offers a hopeful narrative in return. Contemplate whether his assertion that the fundamental drive propelling humanity isn't mere hedonism, but rather the pursuit of significance, resonates as deeply with you as it did with me. Only then engage with Frankl's portrayal of human experience in the face of unimaginable suffering, his depiction of shock, apathy, depersonalization, bitterness, and disillusionment within the Nazi camps, and evaluate whether it serves as an illustration of his idea with clarity.
Once I held the conviction that suffering only numbs the mind and heart, but Man's Search for Meaning compellingly prompts a reassessment of that perspective. This book stands as a true testament to resilience, distinct from its superficial use in corporate/self-help rhetoric, which helps you perceive a resilience inherent in the human spirit....more
Sum, a collection of stories about "surprising" afterlives by neuroscientist David Eagleman, celebrates science, ideas, and the imagination, aiming toSum, a collection of stories about "surprising" afterlives by neuroscientist David Eagleman, celebrates science, ideas, and the imagination, aiming to stretch the reader's. Eagleman presents various afterlife scenarios, nudging readers to think beyond the ordinary. He suggests imagining God in unconventional ways, like as a married couple. At one extreme, God exists as a microbe, unaware of our existence, while at the other, a towering Giantess, beyond our reach and comprehension. The afterlife accommodates a diverse array of beings and objects, from humble toasters to majestic grand pianos. Gods from human stories find a place in this book too. There's room for perplexity, such as when a committee, guided by angels, questions God's capacity to determine the fate of souls. Embracing a middle ground between belief and disbelief, Eagleman promotes exploring multiple ideas simultaneously, which if nothing else is an interesting position. Sum brings a light-hearted touch to discussions about the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of how we live our lives here and now, much like indirect call-to-actions in other favorites, such as The Remains of the Day. It encourages curiosity and reminds us to make the most of life on Earth, no matter what comes next....more
Sometimes, a single book stands out so brilliantly that it becomes the epitome of its genre, overshadowing any other for me. The Metamorpho
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Sometimes, a single book stands out so brilliantly that it becomes the epitome of its genre, overshadowing any other for me. The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect holds this distinction as the best speculative science fiction I've ever encountered, because it continues to provoke thought. A few of my favourite authors fit into this category: obscure geniuses who produce only one masterpiece, such as Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman or Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt, gems which though inevitably flawed eloquently capture the essence of their creators' ideas before receding into obscurity. The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect seamlessly joins these ranks.
In the book, the super-intelligent creation Prime Intellect triggers a technological singularity, ushering in an immortal Paradise for humanity. However, devoid of meaning in their lives, humans resort to seeking it in the most absurd pursuits, prompting the protagonists to grapple with the consequences of altering reality. Its commentary on human desire, and technology's role in fulfilling or distorting it, is among the most insightful and thought-provoking I've encountered, particularly as discussions on AI ethics gain renewed relevance.
Whenever the topic of science fiction arises, particularly speculative sci-fi, I rush to recommend this book. While warnings about uncontrollable technological advancement abound, they often lack compelling presentation. The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect compels me to contemplate the farthest reaches a decade after I first read it. I hope it does the same for you....more
"somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond any experience,your eyes have their silence: in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, or "somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond any experience,your eyes have their silence: in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, or which i cannot touch because they are too near
your slightest look easily will unclose me though i have closed myself as fingers, you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose
or if your wish be to close me, i and my life will shut very beautifully ,suddenly, as when the heart of this flower imagines the snow carefully everywhere descending;
nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals the power of your intense fragility:whose texture compels me with the color of its countries, rendering death and forever with each breathing
(i do not know what it is about you that closes and opens;only something in me understands the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses) nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands"
Wow, Blankets charmed the socks off me! :) This is perfect for anyone looking for an adorable, easy read. Light and breezy, with just the ideal dash oWow, Blankets charmed the socks off me! :) This is perfect for anyone looking for an adorable, easy read. Light and breezy, with just the ideal dash of angst to balance it. ...more
"in the shape of a small tin heart" *howls in grief* How could you do this to me, Hans Christian Anderson? HOW? "in the shape of a small tin heart" *howls in grief* How could you do this to me, Hans Christian Anderson? HOW?...more
Exactly the kind of book that leaves a smile on my face long after I'm done with it. Exactly the kind of book that leaves a smile on my face long after I'm done with it. ...more
Carol Rifka Brunt's one and only book marked the beginning of my fascination with love stories centred around grief or loss, such as The Song of AchilCarol Rifka Brunt's one and only book marked the beginning of my fascination with love stories centred around grief or loss, such as The Song of Achilles or Atonement. I still question why grief resonates with me so deeply. In this book, 14-year-old June adores her gay uncle, Finn Weiss, seeing him as her sole companion. He serves as her godfather, confidant, and closest friend until he succumbs to AIDS. June later falls for Finn's boyfriend, Toby, who also tragically passes away. It's a tale of isolated individuals pushing each other away, only to realise the depth of their loneliness and reunite. While many coming-of-age novels depict protagonists as young, lost, and confused, few delve as boldly and honestly into these themes as this one does. Readers will keenly feel June's confusion, loss, and resilience. ...more
Growing up inhaling fairy tales, mythology, and Victorian Gothic literature naturally set the stage for a teenage obsession with LGBTQ+ retellings of Growing up inhaling fairy tales, mythology, and Victorian Gothic literature naturally set the stage for a teenage obsession with LGBTQ+ retellings of my beloved classics. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller was the first to perfectly capture this, with its wholesome but heart-wrenching portrayal of the forbidden love between Patroclus and Achilles, against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
For those drawn to the genre of Historical Queer Fiction because it offers affirming representation by challenging dominant narratives, I also recommend later favourites like Fingersmith by Sarah Waters and the TV series Penny Dreadful by John Logan. These works also stand out for their richly detailed historical settings, immersing us in tragic narratives woven through with doomed love stories and characters' struggles with their inner demons, two recurring themes of love and identity that continue to frustratingly resonate with me well into adulthood.
As a teenager, I distinctly recall moments of unabashed sobbing over fictional worlds, from the abrupt ending of Inu Yasha to my first encounter with The Song of Achilles, both testaments to the enduring power of storytelling to elicit raw and visceral reactions. What got you ugly crying when you were younger?...more
Fucker snags us on his fish hook, drags us through, I kid you not, NINETY SEVEN of the most heavenly chapters known to man, and then just leaves us toFucker snags us on his fish hook, drags us through, I kid you not, NINETY SEVEN of the most heavenly chapters known to man, and then just leaves us to DANGLE IN AGONY. How much more suspense are we capable of bearing? Aug 27 is too far away, you sadistic douchebag. What, you can violate the law of Conservation of Energy, but you can't give a girl some peace of mind and just write sooner? ...more
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