Preface: Every 2 months, we buy 7 books. 6 that I choose, and one for D. 3 fiction, 3 non-fiction. From experience, 6 is my balance between Tsundoku (piling up without reading) and abibliophobia (running out of books to read). In keeping with the pattern, the list below has 6 books that I enjoyed this year, from the 36 I read. For a lark, the text has been limited to 66 words each. 😉
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
A timely read, as fascism threatens a sequel across the globe. The book provides a fantastic view of Germany between 1930 and 1945 as it follows Hitler’s dream of establishing a Reich that would last a thousand years. It lasted only twelve, but his iron will, determination and political astuteness that helped him outplay all manners of man, is a masterclass in strategy and self deception!
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
The William James quote used by the author sums it up well – “All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits – practical, emotional, and intellectual – systematically organized for our weal or woe, and bearing us irresistibly toward our destiny, whatever the latter may be.” With separate sections for individuals, companies and societies, the storytelling makes it enlightening and entertaining!
How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett
Free will vs determinism continues. This book argues that while genetic and environmental factors do determine our behaviour, free will has a play. Based on a constructionist theory, it dispels the myth of the tiered brain system, and explains emotions to be based on shared “concepts”, influenced by social reality and culture. By reframing concepts objectively, we can choose what emotions surface, and exercise free will.
The Courtesan, the Mahatma & the Italian Brahmin by Manu S. Pillai
The idea of India comes alive in this book. Set in three parts – before the Raj, the Raj, and an afterword – an essay for our times, it emphasises the multicultural diversity of India. Each “story” is about 6 pages, and through an interesting set of characters – some known, most unknown, it covers vast tracts of history, poignantly bringing out those who occupy the by-lanes of history.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
If speculative fiction is an interest area, this is a must-read! From the meta title – Cloud (to denote change) Atlas (basic human nature manifested in various ways) to the looped chronological narrative structure, this book is different. Except one, all the main protagonists are reincarnations (keep your eyes peeled for the birthmark mentions) and are set in diverse circumstances, all of which highlight our predaceous nature.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
If I had to choose one recommendation, this would be it. Count Alexander Rostov, forced into exile in an attic room, is the embodiment of old world charm, class and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations! Even as we see Russia’s history unfold, Amor Towles gives a masterclass in elegant writing and how “by the smallest of one’s actions one can restore some sense of order to the world.”
P.S. Yes, “files” in the title is deliberate. Like the y in the blog name!
P.P.S. Add me on Goodreads if you don’t want to wait till the end of the year. 🙂
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