As the year is coming to a close, it also means that I can reflect on the books (or authors) that left a mark on me over the last year. I wish I could say I was an active reader this year. However, life happened. I spent much more energy either on work or on more frivolous activities than I would care to admit. Nonetheless, I have still read some. And out of that bunch, there were a few really great books. And as per usual and typical me, it is a random selection. So, here we are – a few books that I would recommend anyone to read if they have spare time.
J. Haidt – Anxious Generation
For some reason, I didn’t expect much out of this book, and yet it ended up being a good one. I keep on telling people that everyone with kids should read, but, honestly, no matter the age, it is still a good one. You may ask why? Simply, it discusses our relationship with technology. It examines the changing way of life. It explores what it does and how it affects our brains. It also considers what it does to those little humans who will shape our future. But I liked it not only because it is about technology but also how we change our and the little ones’ lives. It covers the relationship with social media (a big nono, especially for the teenagers), but it also talks about how we stopped exploring and how scared of life we are to the point that kids are not allowed to play and discover the world.
We are scared of the two strangers in the country who might kidnap a child, so we don’t allow the kids to go alone to school. And the more stressed about the universe we are, the more everyone around us is. So, the kids grow up in fear of a terrible disaster that might never come. It talks about the importance of getting in REAL touch with our surroundings, connecting with nature, and encouraging our inner child to really play. No matter the age.
It is a scary book for what could await, but it is also a good reminder of why the lifestyle fifty years ago was not so bad and why “old” people managed to grow up resilient, strong, and, in a way, bring about the change that we are experiencing now. Again, I highly recommend it, especially if you have kids!
F. Backman – My Friends
I have finished reading this one fairly recently, i.e., 3 days ago. So, everything is rather fresh. I have to say, it took me a while to finish this book. Or rather, I was reading it slower than usual, Backman’s books. While it does have the usual writing style and brilliant juxtapositions that I love in Backman’s writing, it also has more pain than I am used to in his writing. The good half of the book was mostly pain, with only a few glimmers of hope. But also, there is no other way to tell this kind of story. And it’s a great one – no matter who you are, no matter the baggage you have, there is always a kindred spirit somewhere in the world. There is always “One of us” somewhere out there.
It’s a book for everyone who didn’t have the easiest childhood or even adulthood, because it makes you feel seen. It makes you feel as if you are one of us. But it is also so heartbreaking, because no little child deserves pain. But everyone deserves friends who are true cheerleaders. Those who will believe in you more than you believe in yourself. Those who will sell their bikes only so you can buy the paint for the painting, and who will make sure that your paintings (or whatever you are good at) end up in a museum, just to prove a point that you are enough.
Because you are enough. No matter what happened. No matter where you are. You are good. Maybe only your judgment or execution is off.
Y. Varoufakis – Another Now
Have you ever read 1984? And you liked it? Guess what? It’s nothing and a lot like this. It doesn’t draw dystopia where it seems like there is no way out, but rather it draws a utopia of the world where everything is a shared resource, where humanity and collective choice can govern the world. Information is shared, and everything is open and known, just like in 1984. But it is not to control people but rather to ensure honesty and transparency. It is to create an alternative universe and to reimagine “laws of nature”. It also gives an interesting dilemma – if you could choose between the life as it is now and the utopia that promises equity like no other, would you take it?
It’s a sci-fi book that blends beautiful writing, philosophy, and utopia like no other. I wanted to believe that I would love the utopia it was painting, but reality was… it was so different from the way we are living that I looked for buts everywhere, just like one of the characters did. So, an honest answer – I want to fight for the world that could be, but I am not sure I would actually take it if I got a chance.
H. Kang – Human Acts
I picked up this book entirely by accident. And at moments it was very difficult to read, because student uprisings and violent military response always leave a mark. For the people who survived this, for the people who didn’t, for the people who were touched by the losses, for the people who documented it, for the people who read the story. It is such an interesting narrative where it really tells the story of the pain that lasts and the lives that are touched throughout their lifetime. I mostly cried, and then I was in awe of the writing and suffering that one can endure.
So, please – read it, love, and don’t allow this to repeat ever again. Or at least, try to prevent as much as possible.
P. Kalanithi – When Breath Becomes Air
My husband is not much younger than Paul when he started writing the book. And I think this is what hurts me most. Or rather scares me. Life and disease don’t discriminate. If Mother Nature made a choice, there is no button to unsubscribe. And until it does, one should live their lives to the fullest. And this is what this book is for me – about a life well-lived, because you never know when it can end. You shouldn’t postpone fulfilling your dreams, going on that trip, because it might never come. It is a reminder that life is fragile and we should treasure everything we walk on earth.
I am not sure if it is a spoiler, but Paul’s death is a loss. The beautiful writing, the lives saved as a surgeon – none of it will happen again. But I would like to believe that this book changed or inspired a few people – I was definitely one of them. So, I am sorry, but I am also grateful for the book for coming my way.
As I said, I have a bit of an eclectic taste, but I loved each of them for different reasons. And I hope I can read more of those stories – brilliantly written and very inspiring – next year. And if there are any recommendations, I am more than happy to take them!
Life in Analog 