Library
The books I've read and my thoughts on them. (currently working through my old notes, so a lot is still missing)
2025 2
2024 13
2023 15
2022 11
2021 14
2020 4
2019 4
Cheap Speech
Good summary of the problem, (unfortunately) focused primarily on the situation surrounding the US 2016 & 2020 elections, due to which it could age poorly. The proposed solutions aren’t ground-breaking or novel, but they are thoroughly researched and also discuss potential hurdles or misuse of certain ones. As a law layman I enjoyed the analysis of the proposed laws that could help curb some if the disinformation problems, although I fear that a large chunk of it might become stale relatively fast, as it discusses whether a certain law might or might not pass US Supreme Court scrutiny with the current set of Justices. Overall a good read for people not yet familiar with the problem & proposed solutions.
Solaris
A rather philosophical sci-fi book, pondering our human nature, how a field of science evolves, and if we ever met alien life, whether we could even understand it, much less communicate with it.
High Conflict
An amazing book about the destructive “high conflict”, how to recognize it and how to get out and back to healthy constructive conflict. The author covers all kinds of conflict, from divorce counseling to guerilla warfare in Colombia, showing the underlying similarities and forces at play.
A very important book for this day and age. I believe everyone should go and read this book.
All Systems Red
A very pleasant quick light sci-fi romp. I really enjoyed the unique main character & their perspective on the world.
White Holes
Binged the whole book in one sitting! Another fascinating trip down a physics rabbit hole.
The Word for World is Forest
This was an unexpected read! I picked it up as something “short & light” to read, but I shouldn’t have underestimated Le Guin. This one packs a punch! I was most pleasantly surprised by the focus on what standing up and fighting against an oppressor does to the oppressed, and how it can scar & change an entire civilization.
The Hero of Ages
A great conclusion to the build-up of the first two books! I love that a lot of the mysteries about koloss, Inquisitors and kandra were answered and not just left vague. I do feel like the last twist happened very quickly and almost out of nowhere, but it was very satisfying nonetheless. I’ll say that at time I felt that this last book slightly dragged on in the middle portion, focusing a lot on Spook and Sazed’s growth, but in retrospect it makes sense, given the ending. Those characters had to be built up, so that we care about them at the end to be satisfied with their fate. I especially liked how all of Sazed’s work and doubts led to the final conclusion and that all of those religions were useful in the end.
The Well of Ascension
Raised the stakes appropriately after the first book, loved that the human/personal aspect wasn’t lost even with the shift in focus to geo-politics. Enjoyed how the mystery about the prophecy was slowly unraveling on the backdrop of a seemingly lost battle. The final reveal was very interesting and I’m dying to know what the ramifications of it actually are!
If on a Winter's Night a Traveler
A very refreshing and unique read. The main character of the book is “you”, the reader, trying to read a story called If on a winter’s night a traveler. An easy recommendation for just about anyone.
Leech
Loved the atmosphere, the hinted at world, the unique narrator and enjoyed reading the book. The only thing that slightly soured the book for me was the ending. I expected a more satisfying conclusion.
The Final Empire
Immediately got hooked on the premise of a heist style book, where the main goal is to overthrow a “God Emperor”! I love the constrained, but powerful magic system and how it interacts with the world! I did not expect how much I got invested in all of the characters. Very interested to learn what the foreshadowed issues that keep cropping up will turn out to be.
Utopia
While I appreciated the concept for the time it was conceived at, a lot of the ideas seemed naive and simplistic through a modern lens.
His Name was Death
Enjoyed this much more than Notes from Underground. While the narrator is an antisocial drunk who shuns society, the magical surrealism angle made it so much more enjoyable to read.
Notes from Underground
While I understand the significance of the work, I found it very tough to read through. But then again, that’s likely the point and only shows how the character is still relevant even today.
Cat's Cradle
I enjoyed this book even more that I did Slaughterhouse 5! The ease with which Vonnegut can jump from light-hearted to absolutely grim in a split second is unreal! The subject matter is still very relevant and I fear might never not be.
Stoner
An absolute masterpiece. Such a simple story, yet portrayed so beautifully. Calmly tragic, deeply moving. Do yourself a favor and go read it.
Blood Meridian
(from my original notes) Difficult, yet amazing!
The Bullet Journal Method
Great introduction to bullet journaling. I especially enjoyed the parts about the “why” behind the practice. It’s by no means a miracle cure, but it’s a system that has worked well for me for over 5 years now. You don’t need this book to use the method. It’s a nice companion piece, if you wish to learn more.
The Asylum Dance
My first cautious step into the world of poetry. I absolutely loved it!
Fahrenheit 451
This book rekindled my passion for reading after a longer pause. I recall that the theme that resonated with me the most was the fact that people chose to live without books.