My pace in life spead up quite a bit during the month of February, which in result, caused my pace of reading to slow down. However, Most of the books I did read fit well into my mind’s library.
1984: George Orwell
4.5/5 stars
Favorite quote: “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.”
In this work of literature, Orwell predicts the future of America, one controlled by a dictator named Big Brother. The future depicted is one where everything is controlled, including thoughts and relationships.
I must admit that this book sat unread in my personal library for over three years. It wasn’t until recently that I got around to reading it, and I now realize that I have deprived myself a work of absolute prophesy. There are many political debates about this book, and while I am in no position to say whether is best represents the left or the right, I believe it is safe to say that this work of literature reflects a truth that expands beyond any fathomable form of politics.
I believe that this book could become a great tool to anyone who wants to strengthen her voice and expand her mind. Beyond the political matter, the book is extremely engaging, and the psychology between the lines is simply mind blowing.
Everything We Keep : Kerry Londsdale
3.5/5 stars
favorite quote: “I’d been rushing to a finish line, and I’d failed to enjoy the run along the way.”
It was her wedding day, it was her wedding venue, it was her groom, but it was his funeral. Aimee’s world is torn apart when her bestfriend and high school sweetheart is tragically killed during a business trip to Mexico. However, as time passes and everyone is encouraging her to move on, there is something holding her back: she is almost positive her fiancé is still alive.
It’s so easy as a writer to seek books that I believe will truly enrich and add loads of value to my life, and this can cause me to back away from the simple and easy reads at times. I almost backed out of this book 50 pages in, and then I decided to continue through it, and I’m so thankful that I did. The book, despite a rather predictable story line, was a nice escpape from reality, and genuinely enjoyable to read. It takes an interesting psychological twist that will make it hard to put the book down during the last 100 pages.
Quiet : Susan Cain
4/5 stars
favorite quote: “love is essential, gregariousness is not…The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting.”
Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Seuss, there is no doubt that these introverts have had a huge impact on the world. But what many fail to see is that these people made an impact because of, not in spite of, their introverted nature. Quiet introduces science, psychology, and research in order to help the introvert understand herself better, and the extrovert to understand her introverted husband, friend, or child in a new way. It explains personality traits of the introvert, particularly in a world that demands extroversion, and helps one to understand why they may seem a littler different than those around them.
This book added values to my life and my understanding of myself. I was able to trace back characteristics of myself all the way to my childhood, and relate to examples of other children who were like me. More than that, I was able to understand why I was and continue to be the way that I am.
Odds are you either are or know someone who is an introvert, and this book will offer an understanding that many people of the world seem to lack and neglect on the subject.
A Man Called Ove: Fredrik Backman
4.5/5 stars
Favorite Quote: “Love is a strange thing. It takes you by surprise.”
He’s a man who just can’t seem to die no matter how hard he tries. After losing his job Ove decides it’s time for him to join his wife in death. However, something and someone keeps getting in his way, and eventually these things and people offer him a purpose, a reason to decide that maybe his time here on this earth is not quite done yet. So the old curmudgeon lives on in his own goofy way, and in this living we find this heartwarming story.
This was simply a sweet and beautiful read. It is the kind of book that leaves your heart near explosion at the last page, and you can’t really pinpoint why. It’s just a kind tale of love and the many ways this emotion can reveal itself in one’s life.
alyciatimm 