Books matching: personal insights
100 result(s)
'Tao: The Watercourse Way' by Alan Watts is a comprehensive exploration of Taoism that delves into Chinese ideograms, the Yin Yang Polarity, Tao, Wu wei, and Te. The book offers a Western perspective on Taoist philosophy, making it more accessible for readers unfamiliar with the Eastern concepts. Through his own translations of Laozi and insightful explanations, Watts bridges the gap between Taoist ideas and Western understanding. The book also includes original calligraphy, footnotes on translation differences, and Chinese ideograms, adding depth and authenticity to the exploration of Taoism.
THELAST MORNING I was with Alan Watts was spent in his mountain library overlooking Muir Woods, drinking tea, playing a bamboo flute, and plucking koto strings among the eucalyptus. We had just taught...- #2
Save:'The Game' by Ken Dryden is a captivating exploration of hockey history and culture, focusing on the impact of new rules and the influence of the Soviet hockey team. Through vivid storytelling, Dryden delves into the lives of legendary players from the Montreal Canadiens of the 70s, offering insights into their personalities and playing styles. The book provides a unique perspective on the mental toughness required in professional sports, particularly from a goalie's point of view, while also shedding light on the day-to-day lives of athletes during that era.
I hear something and stir, then squint open my eyes. The room is filled with the morning sun. Sarah, aged four, appears and quickly disappears, shuffling noisily from room to room in her snowsuit, loo... - #3
Save:'Why Read the Classics?' by Italo Calvino is a collection of essays where the author explores and analyzes various classic literary works, ranging from Homer to Borges and many other authors. Calvino delves into the significance of classic literature, providing personal insights and reflections on the timeless nature of these works. The essays cover a wide array of authors and genres, offering readers a deep dive into the Western Canon and the importance of revisiting classic texts.
Calvino's writing style in 'Why Read the Classics?' is described as engaging, insightful, and thought-provoking. He combines literary criticism with personal anecdotes, making the essays both informative and entertaining for readers. is structured around the author's reflections on classic works, offering a unique perspective on the value and relevance of timeless literature.
Eleven of the thirty-six essays in this book have appeared in English before. The justification for retranslating those eleven pieces stems from the desire to provide an integral English version that ... - #4
Save:Author Michael Booth explores the Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland - in his book 'The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia'. Booth delves into the cultural curiosities of these countries, shedding light on their quality of life, political systems, and societal norms. Through his own experiences and interactions, Booth provides a nuanced look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Scandinavian nations, challenging the idealized image often portrayed in the media. The book combines humor, historical facts, interviews with locals and experts, and insightful commentary to offer readers a deeper understanding of the Nordic region.
As the rainclouds finally part to reveal an electric blue, early evening sky, we venture out of the tent sniffing the cool, damp air like nervous rescue animals, turning to savor the last warmth of th... - #5
Save:'Typhoid Mary' by Anthony Bourdain is a fascinating exploration of the life of Mary Mallon, also known as Typhoid Mary, who unknowingly spread typhoid fever to those she cooked for in the early 20th century. Bourdain delves into the historical context of Mary's story, shedding light on the social aspects of the women's movement and the challenges faced by immigrants during that time. Through a mix of historical detail and personal accounts, Bourdain paints a vivid picture of Mary's life as a cook, her struggles, and the impact of her actions on public health.
It was August 27, 1906, when at the rented summer home of Charles Henry Warren and family in Oyster Bay, Long Island, the Warrens’ young daughter became ill with what was diagnosed as typhoid fever. T... - #6
Save:'One of Our Submarines' by Edward Young is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the experiences of a British submariner during World War II. The book provides a detailed insight into the everyday life on a submarine, from the challenges faced at sea to the camaraderie among the crew. Young's writing style combines description and personal experiences, offering a unique perspective on the realities of serving in the Royal Navy submarine service.
The narrative follows Young's progression from joining the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve to eventually commanding his own submarine, HMS Storm. Through his storytelling, readers get a glimpse of the technical aspects of operating a submarine in the 1940s, as well as the bravery and dedication of the men who served in these vessels. Young's account spans various locations, from the Arctic to Western Australia, highlighting the different environments submariners had to navigate during the war.
'The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are' by Kevin Leman is a comprehensive exploration of how birth order influences personality traits, relationships, and behavior. Through engaging chapters like "Born last But Seldom Least A Closer Look at the Baby of the Family" and "Two may be company or a crowd, Parenting the 2 child family," the author delves into the dynamics of different birth orders and provides insights on how they shape individuals. The book not only discusses the impact of birth order on personal development but also offers practical advice on parenting strategies tailored to each birth order.
Leman's writing style in 'The Birth Order Book' is described as insightful, thought-provoking, and educational. Readers appreciate the depth of analysis into birth order psychology and how it can be applied to understand oneself and others better. The author's ability to blend personal anecdotes, research findings, and practical tips creates a compelling narrative that resonates with individuals from diverse family backgrounds.
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Save:'The History' by Herodotus is a foundational work in Western literature, considered the founding work of history. The book delves into various historical events, cultures, and civilizations, providing a detailed account of ancient societies such as Egypt, Persia, and the Balkans. Herodotus' writing style includes digressions and myths, giving readers a glimpse into the minds of people from the 5th Century BCE and offering a unique perspective on historical events.
1. I, Herodotus of Halicarnassus, am here setting forth my history, that time may not draw the color from what man has brought into being, nor those great and wonderful deeds, manifested by both Greek... 'The Collected Schizophrenias: Essays' by Esme Weijun Wang is a collection of personal essays that delve into the author's experiences living with schizoaffective disorder. Wang's writing style is described as clever and engaging, providing brutally forthright insights into her struggles with the condition. The essays cover a wide range of topics such as the challenges of diagnosis, the impact of medication-resistant schizoaffective disorder, and the existential implications of schizophrenia within society and civilization.
Of the details reported about the murder of Malcoum Tate, a thirty-four-year-old man who was killed by his younger sister at the side of the road late at night while their mother waited in the car, mo...'Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction' by Patricia Highsmith is a unique blend of autobiographical information and writing advice. The author shares insights into her cosmopolitan life and the differences in perception between Europe, the UK, and the US. Throughout the book, Highsmith presents examples from her own novels and stories, pointing out the challenges she faced in writing and how she overcame them. This book offers a flowing and insightful approach to writing, focusing on individuality and providing valuable advice for budding writers.
I have said quite a bit about plots and gimmicks, and not enough about emotions, which play a part even in suspense writing. Good short stories are made from the writer’s emotions alone, and their the...
