Not book reviews, just a list of books. More for myself to look back on than anything else. Sometimes it is just nice to remember what was happening in the real world while I was lost in a book. There are some books that read completely differently the second time because outside life has a different texture.
The Antidote - Oliver Burkeman
Didn't hate it. Based on the usual ideas I have seen in Stoic and Buddhist thought or Existentialist philosophy before. Nothing I disagree with, but nothing new. Probably a great place to start if you haven't been reading these ideas for the last 15 years.
Foundation Trilogy - Isaac Asimov
I've had these on my list forever. Was not disappointed at all. Absolutely will find myself some copies of the iRobot arc and work my way through all of Asimov's work as I get time.
Under the skin - Michel Faber
This was good. Turned out to be something completely different from what I expected after the first 20 pages. Was dark and introspective, hinting at a strange, unknown world just out of sight but never straying from the limited perspective of the main character. A perfectly harrowing way to sneak up on the naked pursuit of corporate profits: from inside the mind of one who is both a cog in the machine and grist for the mill, with all the exploitation and dehumanisation required slowly dawning on the reader.
Borne - Jeff Vandermeer
Enjoyed it. Odd, surreal, again with the bears. Second one of Jeff Vandermeer's books I've read. Not as surprising as the short story collection. Don't regret reading it, but probably won't read any more of his stuff.
Ran out of time
- Don Quixote - Cervantes. (This is a much longer book than I thought. Was expecting something like The Little Prince, but this is a tome) Library book, had to return it before even starting.
- Infrastructure - Brian Hayes. Library book, had to return it before getting through the first chapter. Looked fascinating, but I had too many books out at the same time.\
- The Storyteller - Dave Grohl. Didn't start it. Still on my shelf. I struggle to find enthusiasm for biographical stuff.
- Will - Will Smith with Mark Manson. Started. Got distracted.