
These are the books that I read last year - with a little tidbit about the truth I learned from each one. If I could prescribe these books to all human beings, I would.
They go: Book Title by Author, genre; the truth I learned.
I’ve linked the books to the author’s websites and places to buy the books, if you like how they sound. They are in no order of importance. :)
Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff Vandermeer, an Eco-thriller;
We should never lie to ourselves, and we need to make better choices for the health of the world.The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie, a grimdark fantasy;
Anger and anarchy are the results of selfishness, and my moral compass is not as good as I think it is.The Book of Hours by Raina Maria Rilke, poems written to God;
In these poems, I found a language for my doubts and fears.Dune by Frank Herbert, a sci-fi novel;
I am “the chosen one” of my own life. I have power and influence in my sphere.Version Control by Dexter Palmer, a literary sci-fi;
My life choices are not irreversible. I can always do the next right thing, or, I can change my life’s trajectory.The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton, a summation of Western philosophy;
There is no escape from my life’s woes, but it is those woes that make life worthwhile.Faith After Doubt by Brian McLaren, Christian philosophy;
There is a place in my soul for God and hope, even outside evangelical Christianity.Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, genre-blending speculative fiction;
Love is more powerful than death.Exhalation: Stories by Ted Chiang, sci-fi/fantasy short stories;
Short stories are the most provocative art form, and I need to master them.The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, fantasy;
There is nothing better than a good book. That’s all.Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, apocalyptic fiction;
I have everything we need and want, right now, and I should be grateful for it.Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, memoir;
If I want to have joy, I need to say yes to life’s twists and turns and opportunities; that’s livin’, baby.The Hidden Girl by Ken Liu, sci-fi short stories;
Unless I make peace with my world as it is today, I will be unprepared for tomorrow.Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth, gothic fiction;
The foundation of my fears is based in the unknown. I fear what I don’t understand more than anything else.
And there you have it!
Looking forward to new books, new truths, and new adventures in 2022!
Best,
Zachary
I’m trying to get more into sci-fi novels, so thank you for this kickstart. Do you think The Name of the Wind is a good one to start of with?