35 [M4F] Extra, Extra, Read All About It!
I identify as a reader - the first book I remember really loving was Anne of Green Gables, as a kid on a long road trip. I was the same age as Harry Potter as those books came out so naturally that was a big part of my childhood. Nowadays though I don't know if I'd call myself a reader of books - more a listener. Audiobooks took a while to get used to, but they're such a great way to absorb books while driving or going for a walk.
Someone's taste in books surely tells you something about them? Let me give you some top faves:
- In The Light Of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman
This is possibly the most expertly told story I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. The story itself is an interpersonal drama between two men with complicated love interests, a little political intrigue and a decidedly analytical bent to the style - the narrator is a former investment banker if I recall correctly. The vibe reminded me a little of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which is also good, but the methodical way the story evolves *in the light of what you know* is masterful.
- Harry Potter and the Methods Of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky
This is better than the originals. Yeah. I said it. But it's *only* going to hit right if you're already a fan of the originals. The humour is wry and subtle at times and rewards a good knowledge of the original series. Unfortunately I'm unaware of any audiobook version and it's even hard to get in print due to copyright issues, but it's free online.
- Destiny Disrupted by Tamim Ansary
I've come to love a good history book and this one is a wild page turner. The thesis of the book is that Western Europe and the Middle East, culturally, have different narratives of the arc of civilisation and that these two narratives are coming into active conflict in a globalised world. The book is an attempt to tell the Middle Eastern narrative for a Western audience. Amazingly engaging. How did I ever think history books would be boring!? Also not on audiobook unfortunately.
- Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
I could talk about this book for days. It's got so much going on. A man responds to an ad in the newspaper purportedly posted by a teacher seeking an earnest student. The teacher turns out to be a telepathic gorilla who engages the man in a lengthy philosophical discourse. So good. My friend had left it lying around the campsite once. I picked it up and I didn't put it down until I was done. Vibe-wise think The Alchemist, or Jonathan Livingston Seagull, definitely thought provoking.
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
It's a little on the nose to recommend this since the movie just came out but this book blew my mind. Honestly, as a science-loving individual I never thought I liked science fiction because it's really just space cowboys or fantasy with robots. This book opened my eyes to an entirely new frontier of literature which is fiction, but full of science. Some sort of ... science fiction. Wild, right? Anyway, The Martian was dope, but this book is chef's kiss. I'm definitely keen for the release of whatever he's working on now!
I've always got plenty more! Want to talk books? Swap recs?
Happy to chat books, but on the backend of this I'm really looking to meet people. I am just running out of ways to try and convey my character 😅
PS Spicy post history, but if you enjoy reading, you might find something you like.