Books matching: philosophical exploration of existence
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The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is a unique and captivating novel that explores the concept of reincarnation in a fresh and intriguing way. The story follows Harry August, a man who is reborn with all his memories intact, living his life over and over again in the same body. As he navigates through his multiple lives, he discovers others like him and learns of a looming threat that could end the world. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of living through endless cycles, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic event orchestrated by a fellow immortal.
She was seven, I was seventy-eight. She had straight blonde hair worn in a long pigtail down her back, I had bright white hair, or at least the remnants of the same. I wore a hospital gown designed fo...- #2
'The Black Book' by Orhan Pamuk is a complex and dense novel that follows the protagonist, Galip, on a search for his missing wife, Ruya, and his famous writer cousin, Jelal. The story is set in Istanbul and delves into themes of identity, memory, and cultural struggles. The narrative alternates between Galip's search and Jelal's columns, intertwining personal and national identity issues. The writing style is described as exquisite, requiring concentration to follow, and filled with quirky characters and settings.
Rüya slept on her stomach in the sweet and warm darkness under the blue-checkered quilt which covered the entire bed with its undulating, shadowy valleys and soft blue hills. The first sounds of the w... - #3
'Solenoid' by Mircea Cartarescu is a surrealistic novel filled with unique, strange, and wonder-filled elements. The book delves into the inner and exterior complexities of reality, demanding total attention and concentration from the reader. The narrative is described as overwhelming, engulfing the reader's imagination and consciousness, providing a fresh perspective on reality itself. The author, Cartarescu, weaves together various genres such as autofiction, ars poetica, and sci-fi, resulting in a novel that is both a novel of ideas and a total experience for the reader. The book is set against the backdrop of Bucharest, adding a majestic grandeur to the story.
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'The Last Human' by Zack Jordan is a science fiction novel that follows the journey of Sarya, the last known human in a galaxy filled with diverse alien species. Raised by a giant, intelligent black widow spider, Sarya embarks on a quest to stop an adversary from destroying every species, all while uncovering the mystery of her upbringing and her true identity. The book combines action, revelations, and philosophical concepts, creating a unique and thought-provoking space adventure that challenges the traditional tropes of the genre. The writing style is described as engaging, fun, and filled with unexpected twists, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
Not so many years ago, Shenya the Widow was a void-cold killer. And as hobbies—no, passions—go, it was extraordinarily fulfilling. Hunt all night, feast at dawn, take one’s pick of the choicest males ... - #5
The Wind from Nowhere by J.G. Ballard is a science fiction novel that depicts a massive, worldwide windstorm that ravages the Earth, causing destruction and chaos. The book focuses on the scenario of hyperkinetic winds of increasing velocity forcing the population to seek refuge underground. Despite the novel's flaws, such as poorly drawn characters and a somewhat absurd antagonist, Ballard's single-minded focus on the scenario keeps the plot interesting. The storyline ratchets up the scale of the disaster with each chapter, showcasing the futility of the bureaucratic system in the face of global catastrophe.
Donald Maitland noticed it as he rode back in the taxi from London Airport, after waiting a fruitless 48 hours for his PanAmerican flight to Montreal. For three days not a single aircraft bad got off ... 'Existential Physics: A Scientist's Guide to Life's Biggest Questions' by Sabine Hossenfelder is a thought-provoking exploration of various scientific and philosophical topics. The book delves into complex subjects such as free will, consciousness, and the nature of the universe, providing a detailed analysis while maintaining a clear and accessible writing style. Readers appreciate the author's ability to present multiple viewpoints on each topic, offering a balanced perspective that encourages critical thinking and reflection.
Hossenfelder's book navigates through the realms of physics and philosophy, addressing fundamental questions about existence and reality. The author's approach, characterized by honesty and humor, makes the content engaging and informative for both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Despite tackling challenging concepts, the book is structured in a way that allows readers to easily grasp the material and encourages further exploration of the mysteries of the universe.
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In "Five Minds" by Guy Morpuss, the story revolves around a group of five individuals sharing one body in four-hour shifts, navigating a world where choices determine lifespan. Set in a future where global resource shortages lead to drastic rationing based on time, the characters face challenges in a death park where games decide who gets to live longer. The author skillfully blends elements of sci-fi, speculative fiction, and murder mystery to create a thought-provoking narrative with a cleverly constructed world and a gripping plot full of twists and turns.
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Love and Other Thought Experiments by Sophie Ward is a novel that explores philosophical ideas through a series of interconnected stories. Each chapter is based on a different thought experiment, which serves as the foundation for the fiction that follows. The book delves into themes of identity, perception, existence, and the complexities of human relationships, all while blending elements of science fiction and literary fiction in a creative and thought-provoking manner.
Sophie Ward's writing style in Love and Other Thought Experiments is described as sophisticated, interesting, and fun. The book is praised for its unconventional structure, original plot, and engaging characters. Ward seamlessly weaves together philosophical concepts with storytelling, creating a narrative that challenges readers to think deeply about the human experience and the implications of various thought experiments.
The seventeenth-century mathematician Blaise Pascal argued that since God either does or does not exist and we must all make a decision about the existence of God, we are all bound to take part in the... 'The Book of Disquiet: The Complete Edition' by Fernando Pessoa is a collection of fragmented thoughts and musings of fictional Portugese bookkeeper Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa's heteronyms. The book is a diary-like account of Soares' existential reflections on life, literature, poetry, sensibility, and metaphysics, with no plot or story arc. Pessoa's poetic prose is described as beautiful and profound, with virtually every sentence being a gem. The book is best experienced by dipping into it over a long period of time, rather than reading it cover to cover, as it offers insights into the depths of human emotions and existential ponderings.
The writing style of 'The Book of Disquiet' is characterized by its rich expressiveness, introspective nature, and melancholic tone. Pessoa weaves together observation and introspection, creating a deeply existential and existentialist work that challenges readers to contemplate the imperfections of life and the struggle of living authentically. The book is a blend of diary, fiction, autobiography, philosophy, and poetry in prose, offering a unique reading experience that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human emotions and the futility of longing for the impossible.
Lisbon has a certain number of eating establishments in which, on top of a respectable-looking tavern, there’s a regular dining room with the solid and homey air of a restaurant in a small trainless t...- #10
'A God in Ruins' by Kate Atkinson is a companion novel to 'Life After Life' that delves into the life of Teddy Todd, Ursula Todd's brother. The story follows Teddy from his idyllic childhood through his time as a bomber pilot in World War II, marriage, fatherhood, and old age. Atkinson's writing style intricately weaves together Teddy's experiences, jumping back and forth in time while exploring themes of war, family relationships, and the impact of choices on one's life. The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing Teddy's inner struggles, his relationships with his family, and the complexities of postwar Britain.
The book is praised for its poignant portrayal of Teddy's life, the emotional depth of the characters, and the thought-provoking exploration of themes such as the price of war, family dynamics, and the passage of time. Atkinson's storytelling skill shines through in her ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they follow Teddy's journey through different stages of his life, from wartime experiences to the challenges of aging. The novel's surprise ending and the way it ties back to 'Life After Life' adds an additional layer of complexity and depth to the story, leaving readers reflecting on the interconnectedness of lives and the impact of choices.
Beyond the hedge there were bare fields, ploughed over last autumn. He didn’t expect to see the alchemy of spring, to see the dull brown earth change to bright green and then pale gold. A man could co...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Todd Family )