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Books matching: reflections on reality and perception

11 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 11 
  1. #1

    The Book of Sand by Jorge Luis Borges, Norman Thomas di Giovanni
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    The Book of Sand by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of surreal short stories that explore the concept of time and being. The stories delve into themes such as books and libraries, nameless strangers, intersections of the past and present, bards and skalds, Christianity's pagan roots, architecture, mathematics, and unreliable first-person narrators. Each story in the collection shares a reflective and somber tone, often leading to a sense of resignation in the face of the inscrutable universe. The title story, "The Book of Sand," tells the tale of a man who encounters a mysterious book with infinite pages, leading to a series of philosophical questions and a sense of being trapped by its endlessness.


  2. #2

    The Twilight Zone by Nona Fernandez
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    'The Twilight Zone' by Nona Fernandez is a novel that delves into the dark history of Chile under General Augusto Pinochet's regime. The story follows a soldier who confesses his involvement in torturing people and the consequences he faces for speaking out. Fernandez weaves together fiction and history, exploring the impact of political turmoil on individuals and society, while also incorporating elements from the iconic TV show 'The Twilight Zone'. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a Chilean journalist, blurring the lines between reality and imagination as she investigates the past atrocities and their lingering effects.

    I imagine him walking down a city street. A tall man, thin, black hair, bushy mustache. In his left hand is a folded magazine. He grips it tightly, seeming to draw strength from it as he walks. I imag...

  3. #3

    Days Between Stations by Steve Erickson
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    Days Between Stations by Steve Erickson is a novel that delves into magical realism, weaving intricate plots and subtle nuances that may require a re-read to fully grasp. The book explores themes of time, parallel universes, and the merging of reality with surrealism, creating a dreamlike narrative that captivates readers. Through lush and poetic prose, Erickson takes readers on a journey through a dystopian world where characters navigate through psychological insights, chaotic details, and surreal occurrences, ultimately leading to a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

    WHEN LAUREN WAS A small girl, she would stand in the Kansan fields and call the cats. One by one they would come to her through the grass, across which lay the ice of the coming winter, and she could ...

  4. #4

    This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life by David Foster Wallace
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    Readers describe 'This Is Water' by David Foster Wallace as a short but impactful piece, originally a commencement speech that has been turned into a small book. It is praised for being an eye-opening reminder of empathy, offering thoughts on living a compassionate life and providing a whole new perspective on life. The book is recommended for individuals who are looking for a quick read that will change their way of thinking forever.

    The story thing turns out to be one of the better, less bullshitty conventions of the genre... but if you're worried that I plan to present myself here as the wise, older fish explaining what water is...

  5. #5

    Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea by Guy Delisle
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    'Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea' by Guy Delisle is a graphic novel memoir chronicling the author's experience working in an animation studio in North Korea's capital. Delisle's detailed observations of the elusive and secretive country offer glimpses into the totalitarian mundanity of life in Pyongyang. The book provides a unique perspective on the day-to-day operations and cultural aspects of North Korea, highlighting the absurdities of the regime and the challenges faced by both foreigners and locals.

    Delisle's writing style combines humor with tragic modern-day observations, creating a visually engaging narrative that sheds light on the isolated and repressive society of North Korea. Through his illustrations and personal insights, the author captures the loneliness and rigidity of life in Pyongyang, offering readers a rare first-hand account of the closed-off nation.


  6. #6

    The Daydreamer by Ian McEwan
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    The Daydreamer by Ian McEwan is a collection of stories that follows the daydreams of a young boy named Peter, who imagines himself being transported into the bodies of other people and animals. The book is a blend of fantasy and reality as Peter navigates through different daydreams that blur the lines between imagination and actuality. Each chapter represents a daydream that showcases Peter's growth from a schoolboy to an adult, inviting readers of all ages to delve into the whimsical world created by McEwan.

    The writing style of The Daydreamer is praised for its ability to captivate both children and adults alike. The short stories within the book are described as entertaining and thought-provoking, with a narrative that seamlessly transitions between Peter's daydreams and his real-life experiences. McEwan's exploration of human imagination and the thin line between reality and fantasy adds depth to the storytelling, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy a mix of childhood wonder and adult introspection.

    Ever since he could remember, Peter had shared a bedroom with Kate. Most of the time, he did not mind. Kate was all right. She made him laugh. And there were nights when Peter woke from a nightmare an...

  7. #7

    More Than This by Patrick Ness
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    In "More Than This" by Patrick Ness, the story follows Seth, who wakes up naked and alone in his childhood home after drowning. Confused and disoriented, Seth navigates a desolate world filled with mysteries and uncertainties. As he grapples with the meaning of life, the boundaries between reality and perception blur, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and survival. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers on edge and questioning the essence of existence, while the writing style captivates with its depth and emotional resonance.

    The first moments after the boy’s death pass for him in a confused and weighty blur. He is dimly aware of pain, but mostly of a tremendous fatigue, as if he has been covered in layer upon layer of imp...

  8. #8

    The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley
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    The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley is a profound exploration of altered perception and consciousness, particularly through the lens of psychedelic experiences. The book delves into the author's personal encounters with mind-altering substances like mescaline, offering insights into reality, physics, and mysticism. Huxley's writing style in The Doors of Perception is described as a blend of essay and journal entry, providing a transformative and vivid account of his experiences and observations.

    It was in 1886 that the German pharmacologist, Louis Lewin, published the first systematic study of the cactus, to which his own name was subsequently given. Anhalonium lewinii was new to science. To ...

  9. #9

    Atmospheric Disturbances by Rivka Galchen
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    In 'Atmospheric Disturbances' by Rivka Galchen, the story follows Dr. Leo Lieberstein, a psychiatrist who comes home to find his wife replaced by a doppelganger. As he embarks on a quest to find his true wife, Leo delves into themes of reality, identity, and madness. The writing style is described as engaging, with darkly humorous insights into relationships and a narrative that blurs the lines between truth and delusion.

    The plot of the book revolves around Leo's journey to uncover the mystery surrounding his wife's disappearance and his encounters with patients like Harvey, who believes he can control the weather. The book explores themes of perception, paranoia, and the complexities of the human mind, all while maintaining a narrative that is both intriguing and disconcerting.

    I have mentioned my patient Harvey, but I have failed to properly discuss him and the odd coincidence, or almost co-incidence, of his having vanished just two days before Rema did. So, actually, most ...

  10. 'The Case Against Reality' by Donald D. Hoffman explores the Interface Theory of Perception, arguing that our perception of reality is fundamentally flawed. The author delves into the idea that what we perceive is a construction of the mind, and objective reality is fundamentally different from what we directly perceive. Hoffman uses analogies like a computer desktop and icons to explain how our conscious interface allows us to interact with the world in useful ways but does not accurately represent the underlying reality. The book discusses topics such as the limitations of human understanding, the relationship between consciousness and reality, and the implications of evolutionary processes on our perception of the world.


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