Loss, Trauma, and Resilience: Therapeutic Work With Ambitious Loss (2005) by Pauline Boss
The holding of presence and absence can seem impossible. And, yet for many, this is what life is. This book is helpful in understanding ambiguous loss and how to find hope and meaning.
Lolita (1955) by Vladimir Nabokov, Narrated by Jeremy Irons
Lolita is one of those classics I have heard about, with all its controversies, but not a book I have read. But, as I have set for myself to read the classics, I could no longer ignore this book. Nabokov is a brilliant writer. His ability to say something without actually saying it made this an interesting read. Throughout the book, it seemed I was in the mind of a disturbed person who, as the book progresses, becomes more disturbed—what a disturbing experience for the reader. And brilliant writing by Nabokov. At the end of the book, Humbert takes delight in driving on the wrong side of the road. This event summarizes the simplicity and the profoundness, the delight and the disturbing process of reading Lolita.
Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow (2016) by Yuval Noah Harari
This is a fast paced, disturbing read, projecting that how humans have treated animals is how humans will be treated by the religion, Dataism.
What is Life? (1944) by Erwin Schrödinger
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend (2013) by Katarina Bivald
The author, who is Swedish, has an excellent understanding of small-town USA. Having lived in small-town America and now living in Sweden, her familiarity with this part of the US was the most interesting part of the book. Even though I read the book quickly, it lacked depth. Nevertheless, it was a nice read.
Beyond Good and Evil (1886) by Friedrich Nietzsche
'Beyond Good and Evil' is an indulgent book where Nietzsche tears down everything. It is easy to tear down, and he does not put much effort into creating or building up. It seems evident that he was in pain, in poor physical health, and was 'homeless' while writing this book. That said, the writing is beautiful, even though shocking. And I was left wondering If I am truly living or just a part of the herd. Because I was asking this question, I realized that Nietzsche could not be a nihilist, as is his reputation. Overall, it was worth reading, especially since I have not read Nietzsche before. He is a critical philosopher or, maybe more accurately, a psychologist to read. His understanding of the human and his ability to express those thoughts in a creative writing style was remarkable.
There were many great quotes:
'Cynicism is the only form in which common souls come close to honesty.'
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