Tag: books

Haruki Murakami’s works are quite intriguing. “Kafka on the Shore” is my second read after “Norwegian Wood”.  It was first published in 2005. The book was acclaimed by The New York Times as one of “The 10 Best Books of 2005” and earned the prestigious World Fantasy Award for 2006.

“The Book Thief” is a historical fiction novel written by Markus Zusak. It was first published in 2005. When I began reading the book, I immediately knew I would enjoy it. The writing style was refreshingly straightforward, and the unique perspective of Death as the narrator flowed seamlessly.

The Demon in the Machine: How Hidden Webs of Information Are Finally Solving the Mystery of Life by Paul Davies was first published in 2019. This book comes with a wealth of knowledge, as the author has put together physics, chemistry, biology, and information theory.

When I decided to read One Hundred Years of Solitude by the Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, I found out that it was inspired by Juan Rulfo’s Pedro Páramo. So, I thought it would be fun to read Pedro Páramo first!

“A Pale View of Hills” is Kazuo Ishiguro’s debut novel, published in 1982. This is actually my third time diving into Ishiguro’s world. After being captivated by “Never Let Me Go” and “Klara & the Sun,” I couldn’t resist exploring more of his work.

“The Symmetries of Things” explores mathematical symmetry and the symmetrical properties of geometric objects. The book was a collaborative effort spanning many years, authored by John Horton Conway, Heidi Burgiel, and Chaim Goodman-Strauss. It was first published in 2008 by A K Peters.

“Fahrenheit 451” is a dystopian fiction, written by American author Ray Bradbury in 1953. It stands as one of his most acclaimed works, delving into a dystopian world where people are programmed for efficiency and superficial contentment through constant exposure to television. In this society, intellectuals and free thinkers are absent, and replaced by passive TV viewers. The Plot: Guy Montag’s Evolution The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Gus Montag, a member of the fire brigade. Also, the central character, Guy Montag, is tasked with identifying and incinerating forbidden…

“The Three-Body Problem,” an absolute gem of a story was crafted by Liu Cixin. Originally released as a serial in Science Fiction World back in 2006, the work hit bookshelves as a standalone novel in 2008. It snagged the prestigious Galaxy Award for Chinese science fiction in 2006 and quickly became a literary sensation in China.

Klara and the Sun is my second read from the vault of Kazuo Ishiguro. The book was first published in 2021. It is a dystopian science fiction novel set in a future where android companions are designed for children. In this era, wealthy parents can choose to enhance their children’s intelligence through a process known as “lifting,” which likely involves genetic engineering, although the specifics are not fully explained in the book. While “lifting” boosts intelligence, it also carries risks such as chronic illness and even mortality.

“The Blind Assassin” is a book authored by Canadian writer Margaret Atwood, initially published in 2000. This marks my second time reading the same book, yet I still don’t feel adequately prepared to provide a review. This book is intricately and elegantly crafted. As we delve into its pages, we gain deep insights into the characters, yet there’s a veil of uncertainty about whose perspective we’re truly witnessing. I felt myself compelled to hunt for subtle clues sprinkled throughout the book, determined to unravel the mysteries concealed within its pages.

When I seek literature that is intricate and profound, I turn to the works of Dostoevsky. And this time, I picked up, “The Brothers Karamazov”. Dostoevsky dedicated almost two years to crafting “The Brothers Karamazov,” serialized in The Russian Messenger from January 1879 to November 1880. Sadly, he passed away less than four months after its publication. This masterpiece has since been hailed as one of the paramount accomplishments in world literature.

Having read “The War of the Worlds” when I was younger, this time around, it was a quick read for me. Additionally, having seen the movie, the pace felt familiar and flowed well. The book written by H. G. Wells was first published in 1898. I am still completely in awe of the creativity that Wells showcased during that era. I’m certain this book was ahead of its time. Anyone considering writing a sci-fi story should first study Wells’ work.

The Rebel by Albert Camus is an exploration of the implications of the act of rebellion in response to facing the absurdism that the world has to offer. It was first published in 1951. This happens to be my second read after The Stranger by the same author. Being a collection of essays, the book lacks a conventional plot development. Moreover, it’s not an easy read. The following paragraphs resemble notes I took while reading the book. At the moment, I don’t feel equipped to review this work by Camus.

“True Hallucinations: Being an Account of the Author’s Extraordinary Adventures in the Devil’s Paradise” is a book written by Terence McKenna. It was first published in 1989. In this book, McKenna recounts his experiences with psychedelic substances, particularly during his time spent in the Amazon rainforest with his brother Dennis McKenna and a small group of others.

Kurt Vonnegut’s mind was a treasure trove of compelling and thought-provoking ideas, woven into narratives that challenged conventions, provoked introspection, and sparked conversation. His ability to engage readers on multiple levels – whether through his biting satire, profound insights, or dark humor – is both rewarding and intellectually stimulating. His books possess a timeless quality that resonates with readers across generations. And often reveal new layers of meaning upon each re-reading. Every time I dive into one of Kurt Vonnegut’s books, I can’t help but feel that whichever one I’m…