Books matching: personal reflections
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'Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain' by Charlotte Higgins is a captivating blend of travel narrative, Roman history exploration, and literary musings. The book follows Higgins and her boyfriend as they traverse Roman Britain's sites, delving into the history, artifacts, and people connected to this ancient era. Higgins weaves together stories of eccentric antiquarians, reflections on the impact of Roman presence on Britain's towns and countryside, and personal experiences of visiting monumental sites like Hadrian's Wall and various castles. Her prose is described as clever, clear, and natural, creating a compelling narrative that combines erudition and enthusiasm on every page.
The book also delves into the cultural and historical significance of Britain's Roman past, reflecting on how the Romans shaped the country's architecture, culture, and history. Higgins' exploration is not just a geographical journey but a deep dive into the lasting legacy of Roman influence on Britain, sparking a sense of discovery and enthusiasm for this often overlooked part of British history. Through her engaging writing style and meticulous research, Higgins brings to life the complexities and richness of Roman Britain, making the reader eager to explore the sites and stories she uncovers.
Finis erat orbis ora Gallici litoris, nisi Brittania insula non qualibet amplitudine nomen paene orbis alterius mereretur. (The shore of Gaul was the end of the world, unless the island of Britain, by...2013•304 pages- #2
Save:'To a Mountain in Tibet' by Colin Thubron is a travel narrative that follows the author's journey to Mount Kailas in Tibet, a sacred mountain revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and other religions. Thubron embarks on a pilgrimage to circumnavigate the mountain, reflecting on his personal losses and the spiritual significance of the journey. The book delves into the rich history, cultures, and landscapes of the region, offering a blend of travel observation, personal reflection, and exploration of faith.
Thubron's writing style in 'To a Mountain in Tibet' is described as lyrical, poetic, and beautifully crafted. He skillfully weaves together vivid descriptions of the scenery, encounters with local inhabitants, and reflections on his own emotions and experiences. The author's deep knowledge and understanding of the region, coupled with his personal pilgrimage to Mount Kailas, create a narrative that is both informative and introspective, touching on themes of grief, spirituality, and the human connection to sacred places.
March 2011•253 pages - #3
Save:A classic for a reason - Montaigne’s Essays are endlessly thought-provoking and surprisingly modern, but choose your edition wisely for the most rewarding read.
"Essays" by Michel de Montaigne is a collection of personal reflections and observations that delve into various aspects of life, philosophy, and human nature. The writing style is described as modern, timeless, and deeply relevant, despite being first published in the 16th century. Montaigne's essays cover a wide range of topics, from marriage and education to self-reflection and wisdom, offering readers a glimpse into the author's mind and thinking process. The book is praised for its beautiful translation, insightful observations, and the author's ability to express complex ideas in a readable and engaging manner.
LET US pretermit that long comparison betwixt the active and the solitary life; and as for the fine sayings with which ambition and avarice palliate their vices, that we are not born for ourselves but...1580•402 pages - #4
Save:'To the River' by Olivia Laing is a reflective and interesting book that follows the author's journey along the River Ouse, prompted by a personal breakup. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of memoir, history, nature, and literature, with a focus on notable figures like Virginia Woolf and Kenneth Grahame. Laing's writing style is described as poetic, erudite, and reflective, offering richly descriptive passages of the natural world and blending them effortlessly into the narrative. The book explores themes of loss, nature, history, and personal reflection, drawing parallels between the author's journey and the stories of the river.
IAM HAUNTED BY WATERS. It may be that I’m too dry in myself, too English, or it may be simply that I’m susceptible to beauty, but I do not feel truly at ease on this earth unless there’s a river nearb...May 2011•304 pages - #5
Save:"The Trip to Echo Spring" by Olivia Laing is a biographical exploration of six American writers - Tennessee Williams, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, John Cheever, Raymond Carver, and John Berryman - focusing on their struggles with alcoholism. Laing delves into the connection between alcohol and writing, exploring how these authors used alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to both inspiration and self-destruction in their lives and works. The book combines elements of autobiography with literary criticism, weaving in Laing's own journey across the USA to understand the demons that drove these writers to drink.
Laing's writing style is reflective and introspective, blending personal anecdotes with detailed research on the chosen authors. She navigates through themes of creativity, addiction, and the impact of alcoholism on the writers' lives, offering a nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between art and self-destruction.
HERE’S A THING. IOWA CITY, 1973. Two men in a car, a Ford Falcon convertible that’s seen better days. It’s winter, the kind of cold that hurts bones and lungs, that reddens knuckles, makes noses run....December 2013•356 pages 'Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing and Dying' by Ram Dass and Richard Alpert is a deeply insightful exploration of aging, dying, and finding purpose in the later stages of life. Through personal experiences and spiritual teachings, the book delves into the fears, challenges, and wisdom that come with growing older. Ram Dass narrates the book in a relatable and reflective manner, offering guidance on accepting change, embracing the unknown, and finding peace in the aging process.
June 2000•224 pages- #7
Save:A compelling, heartfelt glimpse into the world of heart surgery - often dramatic, sometimes technical, and ultimately inspiring. Perfect for fans of medical memoirs, but the style may not win over everyone.
'Fragile Lives' by Stephen Westaby is a captivating memoir that follows the successful career of a cardiac surgeon, detailing key cases and experiences during a pioneering era in heart surgery. The book provides a detailed insight into the complex and memorable real-life characters, showcasing the dedication, compassion, and frustrations of the surgeon. The writing style includes technical terms that are explained well enough for readers with no medical background to follow along easily, offering a fascinating look into the high stakes world of heart surgery.
The finest of margins separates life from death, triumph from defeat, hope from despair – a few more dead muscle cells, a fraction more lactic acid in the blood, a little extra swelling of the brain....January 2017•349 pages A moving, unconventional memoir that’s equal parts meditation and lyricism. It won’t be for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s a thoughtful and beautifully written exploration of voice, loss, and self-discovery.
'When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice' by Terry Tempest Williams is a poetic and lyrical exploration of finding one's voice, reflecting on the author's personal experiences, relationships, and the concept of legacy. Through a series of essays, the author delves into themes of self-expression, feminism, nature, and the impact of family history. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, honest, and thought-provoking, blending memoir, poetry, and contemplative reflections seamlessly.
LIMINAL. A threshold. My body between worlds. This word returns me to my original state. “I am water. I am water.” I am sea cells evolving to a consciousness that has pulled me upright. Walking the wr...April 2012•257 pages- #9
Save:A timeless, poetic exploration of evolution and our place in the cosmos; a must-read for lovers of thought-provoking, beautifully crafted science writing – though not ideal for sticklers demanding up-to-the-minute scientific accuracy.
'The Immense Journey' by Loren Eiseley is a collection of natural history essays that explore various concepts related to evolution, anthropology, and man's connection to the natural world. Eiseley's writing style is described as lyrical, philosophical, and spiritual, as he muses on topics such as human origins, evolution, and the mysteries of nature. The book delves into the timeless themes of man's place in nature, the wonders of the world, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Eiseley's essays in 'The Immense Journey' cover a wide range of topics, from primordial ooze to the mysteries of human evolution, all presented in a poetic and thought-provoking manner. The author's deep appreciation for nature, combined with his scientific background, results in a unique blend of science, philosophy, and literature that invites readers to ponder the complexities of life on Earth and their own place within it.
Some lands are flat and grass-covered, and smile so evenly up at the sun that they seem forever youthful, untouched by man or time. Some are torn, ravaged and convulsed like the features of profane ol...1946•201 pages A unique, poetic, and deeply insightful look at moss and the hidden wonders of the natural world - perfect for fans of nature writing and anyone ready to be enchanted by the small and the overlooked.
In "Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses" by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author beautifully intertwines science and personal reflection to explore the elegantly simple lives of mosses. Kimmerer leads readers through a series of linked personal essays, sharing her experiences as a scientist, mother, and Native American to shed light on the biology and cultural significance of mosses. Through her lyrical prose and unique storytelling, Kimmerer delves into the interconnectedness of mosses with the natural world, inviting readers to learn from these fascinating organisms and indigenous ways of knowing.
March 2003•168 pages
