Books matching: deliberate and contemplative pacing
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- #1
Save:'On Chesil Beach' by Ian McEwan is a poignant and intimate portrayal of a newlywed couple, Edward and Florence, on their wedding night in 1962. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of miscommunication, fear, and societal expectations. Through a series of memories and unfolding events, the author captures the emotional turmoil and struggles of the characters as they navigate their feelings and confront their past traumas. The writing style is described as beautiful, evocative, and deeply affecting, showcasing McEwan's ability to delve into the minds of ordinary people and depict their innermost thoughts and emotions with precision.
They were young, educated, and both virgins on this, their wedding night, and they lived in a time when a conversation about sexual difficulties was plainly impossible. But it is never easy. They had ... - #2
Save:'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice' by Shunryu Suzuki is a collection of informal talks on Zen meditation and practice, providing insights into the Zen mindset of Right Practice, Right Attitude, and Right Understanding. The author's writing style is clear and concise, focusing on mindfulness and everyday practice rather than enlightenment. Suzuki Roshi presents the basics of Zen from the details of posture and breathing in zazen to the perception of nonduality in a way that resonates with the joy of insight.
offers a deep look into the Zen philosophy, emphasizing living in the moment and having a beginner's mind. It encourages readers to approach everything as if it were new and to be open to learning continuously. Suzuki's teachings touch on the essence of mind, big mind, and the oneness with the universe, guiding readers towards understanding the Zen way of life and practice.
Now I would like to talk about our zazen posture. When you sit in the full lotus position, your left foot is on your right thigh, and your right foot is on your left thigh. When we cross our legs like...'To Live' by Yu Hua is a novel that follows the life of Fugui, a man who transitions from a selfish landlord to a kind peasant amidst the major upheavals brought about by the Communists in China. The story depicts Fugui's journey through various tragedies, including wars, revolutions, and personal losses, showcasing his perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The novel is set against the backdrop of significant historical events in China, offering a poignant account of one man's struggles and triumphs.
The writing style of 'To Live' is described as simple yet powerful, with a narrative that captures the tragedy, determination, and essence of 20th-century China. Through Fugui's life story, the author paints a vivid picture of Chinese culture, historical eras, and societal changes, providing insights into the impact of political upheavals on individuals and families. The novel weaves together themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring human spirit, offering a compelling portrayal of a man's resilience in the face of life's challenges.
When I was ten years younger than I am now, I had the carefree job of going to the countryside to collect popular folk songs. That year, for the entire summer, I was like a sparrow soaring recklessly....- #5
Save:'The Hunger Angel' by Herta Muller is a poignant and intense novel that follows the story of Leo, a young German man sent to a Russian forced labor camp at the end of World War II. The book delves into Leo's harrowing experiences in the camp, his struggles with constant hunger, and the psychological impact that lingers with him even after his release. Muller's writing style is described as poetic, evocative, and dark, with a focus on vivid flashbacks, symbolic storytelling, and the use of language to convey deep emotions and inner turmoil.
I carried all I had, but it wasn’t mine. Everything either came from someone else or wasn’t what it was supposed to be. A gramophone box served as a pigskin suitcase. The light overcoat came from my f... - #6
Save:'Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent' by Eduardo Galeano is a historical masterpiece that delves deep into the exploitation and plunder faced by Latin America over the centuries. Galeano's writing style offers a poetic and vivid portrayal of the continent's tumultuous past, highlighting the impacts of European colonization, economic domination, and political upheavals on the region. The book covers a broad scope of Latin American history, shedding light on the struggles of the indigenous populations, the influence of foreign powers, and the enduring consequences of these historical events on the present-day socio-political landscape.
When Christopher Columbus headed across the great emptiness west of Christendom, he had accepted the challenge of legend. Terrible storms would play with his ships as if they were nutshells and hurl t... - #7
Save:'A Brief History of Everything' by Ken Wilber is a comprehensive exploration of human evolution and consciousness, blending ancient wisdom with modern ideas. The book delves into the integration of Eastern and Western philosophies, tracing the evolution of human thought from matter to life to mind. Wilber's writing style is described as challenging yet accessible, offering a unique perspective on the paths to enlightenment and the transcendence of societal hierarchies.
funny, don’t you think? In any event, the tribal structure has this family or kinship lineage, and different tribes, with different kinship lineages, have very, shall we say, testy relations with each... - #8
Save:'The Soul of the World' by Roger Scruton delves into the complexities of art, music, philosophy, and religion, exploring the intrinsic connection between these facets of human experience. Scruton's writing style is clear and concise, making profound philosophical concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Through a combination of insightful reflections and erudite analysis, Scruton navigates the realms of aesthetics, theology, and human consciousness, ultimately leading readers on a journey to contemplate the sacred and the mysterious aspects of existence.
- #9
Save:Salar the Salmon by Henry Williamson is a naturalistic novel that follows the life story of a male salmon named Salar, as he journeys upstream from the sea to his native river to spawn. The book vividly describes the challenges and perils Salar encounters on his way, including predators like seals, otters, humans, and lampreys. The narrative is divided into four sections representing the changing seasons, and the author employs a lyrical writing style to delve into the life of the river and the surrounding countryside, attempting to portray the world through a fish's perspective.
Williamson's book is heavily focused on detailed descriptions of nature and the life cycle of a salmon, rather than a plot-driven storyline. While the book is rich in descriptive passages, it offers an interesting exploration of the life of a fish, presenting an unusual protagonist and providing insights into the beauty and brutality of nature through Salar's journey.
- #10
Save:'Samskara' by U R Ananthamurthy delves into the complexities of an individual's life within a traditional Indian Brahminical society. The story follows the protagonist, Praneshacharya, as he grapples with the pursuit of salvation through acts of goodness, sacrifice, and adherence to rituals. The narrative explores themes of morality, ethics, and the struggle for perfection, culminating in a thought-provoking reflection on the concept of goodness and the inevitable imperfections of human nature. The setting of a Brahmin village serves as a backdrop to the characters' journey through life, highlighting the decline and corruption of values amidst societal structures.
The author intricately weaves together elements of Hindu philosophy, karma, and dharma, portraying a vivid depiction of village life in Southern Karnataka. Through the character of Praneshacharya, Ananthamurthy examines the notion of salvation earned through rigorous adherence to rituals and scriptures, ultimately questioning the traditional beliefs and practices that govern the characters' lives. The novel draws parallels to classic tales of moral dilemmas and existential crises, offering a nuanced exploration of human nature and the complexities of religious and societal norms.
