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alphareads's reviews
18 reviews
The Bishop's Prodigal Daughter by Timendu Aghahowa
After reading The Bishop’s Prodigal Daughter, I think African romance is in good hands.
I have always said that it is rejuvenating to see African authors try out other genres that do not exactly feed the poverty porn and books of hardships that the West wants to read. That is one of the reasons why I was drawn to this book, The Bishop’s Prodigal Daughter by Timendu Aghahowa. I needed to read an African romance book for a change.
From the marketing of the book, readers were promised good romance and—in my opinion—that is exactly what it gave.
If there is one thing I appreciate about the kind of romance this novel is, it would be the fact that it didn't turn out to be some kind of Gen Z romance book—the problem with romance stories these days.
It is a “traditional” romance story between two unexpecting people, in unexpected circumstances who fall in love against all odds. It plays so well into the “opposites attract" romance trope as Elo and Datonye, two individuals with contrasting personalities and backgrounds (with their families also feuding) find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences. Although the trope is tired, hats off to the author for making the story new and not falling into the cliché ditch.
Why I say there is a newness to the story is the whole church setting and how things—the drama and romance—unfold.
This novel vividly alludes to the parable of the prodigal son from the Bible with a few twists of its own.
This book doesn't get itself unnecessarily complicated. It is straight to the point and makes for an easy (and definitely a gripping) read.
I like Elo’s character. I like that she knows who she is, what she stands for and stands by her principles. She is as stubborn as a mule. And that is the only problem I have with her character development. I feel she didn't exactly change from being that person despite everything that happened. The arc there is a bit lost to me.
Elo was just a lot of trouble and I love that although, I must admit, at some point, I found her a little too irritable. Perhaps that was how the author intended it. How she is quick to anger and always ready to cause havoc with her mouth at some point became a lot for me. I guess that was her character and there are people like that. Capturing such a personality so close to reality deserves applause.
While I didn't agree with some of the decisions she made, I still found myself caring about her and rooting for her to get what she wanted.
One of my favourite moments with Elo was the encounter she had with Datonye’s parents the first time she went to the church (chapter 9).
Datonye was really perfect for Elo. With the kind of mouth and temper she had, she needed a man like Datonye. However, I like that the author didn't make him too perfect like most male characters in romance novels. In the beginning, you would think he is (even in the whole pastoral aspects) but you later find out (as he admits it himself ) that he has his shortcomings and he is not as perfect as they think he is.
For Zino, “ the daughter who stayed”, if I begin to talk about her, I might turn this review into a rant session. As seen in the parable, and as is the case of similar stories, the child who stays always feels they have been treated unfairly. While the others wandered off doing whatever they liked, they stayed and did all the heavy lifting but when the prodigal child returned, they were highly favoured. That was the case of Zino. It must suck to be in her shoes but I also felt her bitterness was a little overstretched especially when she knows that (unlike the other stories) Elo didn't want to come back. She was “forced” to. Nothing was her fault. She had to cut her some slack and chill. Well done to the author for creating such a character to give me screaming moments during my read.
Anyway, If ever there is a book 2, which I hopelessly believe, it would be nice to see the love story of Zino and Tosan. There was something there and it would be nice to see.
In the end, I was happy those two, especially Elo, didn't kill the Archbishop.
If you are a sucker for a good and unusual romance novel set (mostly) in an African church with relatable characters and good pacing that you probably get through within 24 hours then I recommend this book to you.
RATING: 4 Stars
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
In summary, this read was (kinda) new—refreshing. And funny.
After reading The Bishop’s Prodigal Daughter, I think African romance is in good hands.
I have always said that it is rejuvenating to see African authors try out other genres that do not exactly feed the poverty porn and books of hardships that the West wants to read. That is one of the reasons why I was drawn to this book, The Bishop’s Prodigal Daughter by Timendu Aghahowa. I needed to read an African romance book for a change.
From the marketing of the book, readers were promised good romance and—in my opinion—that is exactly what it gave.
If there is one thing I appreciate about the kind of romance this novel is, it would be the fact that it didn't turn out to be some kind of Gen Z romance book—the problem with romance stories these days.
It is a “traditional” romance story between two unexpecting people, in unexpected circumstances who fall in love against all odds. It plays so well into the “opposites attract" romance trope as Elo and Datonye, two individuals with contrasting personalities and backgrounds (with their families also feuding) find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences. Although the trope is tired, hats off to the author for making the story new and not falling into the cliché ditch.
Why I say there is a newness to the story is the whole church setting and how things—the drama and romance—unfold.
This novel vividly alludes to the parable of the prodigal son from the Bible with a few twists of its own.
This book doesn't get itself unnecessarily complicated. It is straight to the point and makes for an easy (and definitely a gripping) read.
I like Elo’s character. I like that she knows who she is, what she stands for and stands by her principles. She is as stubborn as a mule. And that is the only problem I have with her character development. I feel she didn't exactly change from being that person despite everything that happened. The arc there is a bit lost to me.
Elo was just a lot of trouble and I love that although, I must admit, at some point, I found her a little too irritable. Perhaps that was how the author intended it. How she is quick to anger and always ready to cause havoc with her mouth at some point became a lot for me. I guess that was her character and there are people like that. Capturing such a personality so close to reality deserves applause.
While I didn't agree with some of the decisions she made, I still found myself caring about her and rooting for her to get what she wanted.
One of my favourite moments with Elo was the encounter she had with Datonye’s parents the first time she went to the church (chapter 9).
Datonye was really perfect for Elo. With the kind of mouth and temper she had, she needed a man like Datonye. However, I like that the author didn't make him too perfect like most male characters in romance novels. In the beginning, you would think he is (even in the whole pastoral aspects) but you later find out (as he admits it himself ) that he has his shortcomings and he is not as perfect as they think he is.
For Zino, “ the daughter who stayed”, if I begin to talk about her, I might turn this review into a rant session. As seen in the parable, and as is the case of similar stories, the child who stays always feels they have been treated unfairly. While the others wandered off doing whatever they liked, they stayed and did all the heavy lifting but when the prodigal child returned, they were highly favoured. That was the case of Zino. It must suck to be in her shoes but I also felt her bitterness was a little overstretched especially when she knows that (unlike the other stories) Elo didn't want to come back. She was “forced” to. Nothing was her fault. She had to cut her some slack and chill. Well done to the author for creating such a character to give me screaming moments during my read.
Anyway, If ever there is a book 2, which I hopelessly believe, it would be nice to see the love story of Zino and Tosan. There was something there and it would be nice to see.
In the end, I was happy those two, especially Elo, didn't kill the Archbishop.
If you are a sucker for a good and unusual romance novel set (mostly) in an African church with relatable characters and good pacing that you probably get through within 24 hours then I recommend this book to you.
RATING: 4 Stars
Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Hey, fellow book lovers! I just had to share my excitement about Nick Brooks' "Promise Boys." It took me a while to finish; blame it on my crazy schedule, but oh boy, am I glad I pushed through that reading slump!
Promise Boys is a YA thriller/mystery that follows J.B., Ramon, and Trey as they try to clear their names after being accused of the death of their prep school principal. Readers follow along as the characters strive to clear their names of the crime, as told from multiple perspectives.
This book is THAT book! It is a breath of fresh air, despite how intense its themes are. And it is impressive how, despite being a mystery/thriller (a whodunit), the author weaves in a lot of important themes like racism and classism into it.
The writing style is a standout feature. Nick Brooks immerses the reader in a first-person narrative, creating a deep connection with the characters. I am a sucker for books with unconventional structure (that is why Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a personal favourite). I like how this book is infused with interrogation transcripts, witness statements, and newspaper articles, which adds a layer of authenticity and immersion to the storytelling.
When reading, the characters—Trey, J.B., and Ramon—are not just names on paper. I found myself genuinely feeling for them, especially Trey, and rooting for them to be free of all charges and every other social injustice they go through because of the colour of their skin. The depth in the narrative makes you wish for a smoother life for these characters, showcasing the author's ability to evoke strong emotions.
And Ramon's abuela? Aww, that touch of humanity melted my heart. I love the relationship between her and Ramon and the layer that dynamic adds to the entire plot.
Now, Moore—ugh! I hated that character so much—so much that I was kind of glad when he got murdered. Now, I am no sociopath, but he sort of deserved what he got. Anyway, this goes on to show how well-written the characters in this book are.
Ramon's abuela provides a sweet, humanising touch, adding layers to the characters. Conversely, the strong emotion evoked towards the character Moore speaks to the effectiveness of the writing.
As the story progressed, I found myself increasingly invested, unable to put the book down. The anticipation for the boys to uncover the murderer and clear their names was palpable. The revelation at the end, though unexpected, was satisfying, and the resolution allowed me to finally breathe.
Promise Boys stands out as a brilliant piece of literature. It serves as a potential manual for new-age mystery writers, demonstrating that there's room for innovation beyond traditional mystery thriller structures. I highly recommend this book for its depth, engaging narrative, and thematic richness.
The House of Shells by Efua Traoré
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“Shells are houses, you know. They are abandoned homes.”
“You cannot run from that which is part of you. You cannot run from yourself.”
After a long reading slump (which has nothing to do with the book but my recent schedules), I have been able to finally finish“The House of Shells” by Efua Traore and I suddenly feel refreshed to jump on my next book.
"The House of Shells" is a captivating and fresh interpretation of the Yoruba myths surrounding Abikus. Drawing from the Yoruba abiku myth, which portrays Abikus as spirits of children who experience repeated deaths and rebirths in the mortal world, this young adult fiction takes readers on a rollercoaster ride. With its bold narrative, "The House of Shells" delves into the depths of this folklore, offering readers a unique and enthralling experience.
Short chapters, Language use & plot:
Traore's masterful storytelling ensures a seamless flow between each chapter, effortlessly guiding the reader from one scene to the next. The transitions between events are executed with precision, creating a natural progression that propels the reader forward, eager to uncover what comes next.
The author's use of simple and concise sentences enhances the readability of the book. With short chapters, readers are able to easily navigate through the story, keeping them engaged from beginning to end. The straightforward also language employed allows readers of all ages to effortlessly immerse themselves in the narrative, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Character Development:
Each of the book's characters is expertly developed, with their own distinct personalities and objectives. The story's portrayal of their interactions and personal development is incredibly realistic, making it simple for readers to empathise with the characters. Traore has a wonderful gift for developing characters that young adult readers can relate to on a deep level. The main characters deal with a variety of obstacles, have to make tough choices and manage complex relationships in a way that feels totally honest and realistic. Throughout the whole novel, readers are readily taken into the problems, feelings, and individual journeys of the characters.
Let's delve into the captivating world of the characters:
Kuki:
As the main character, Kuki's life takes an astonishing turn when she encounters a mysterious and intriguing new friend named Enilo. This encounter serves as a pivotal moment in Kuki's life, leading to unforeseen transformations and revelations.
Enilo (the one who went away):
Enilo emerges as an enigmatic figure, draped in an aura of mystery. With her visually striking appearance and intriguing actions, she becomes a source of fascination for both Kuki and readers.
Enilo's actions and behaviour only deepen the mystique surrounding her. Frequently disappearing for extended periods or appearing in unexpected places, she exudes an air of secrecy that fuels the mystery in the book.
Throughout the book, Traore skillfully explores the intricate push and pull dynamics between Kuki and Enilo as they navigate their individual desires for belonging and their shared quest for life.
Moji:
Oh, Moji, how I despised her (well, not entirely). However, what makes her story compelling is the human touch added by the author. Despite her role as a bully, Moji is not simply a one-dimensional character. Traore gradually reveals fragments of her backstory throughout the book, allowing readers to empathize and feel compassion for her. And her growth is evident at the end of the book.
“The House of Shells” as a book of lessons:
The House of Shells" masterfully navigates the complex realm of morality, offering readers valuable insights into the human condition. Through Kuki's moral compass, the novel delicately imparts timeless lessons about the intricacies of right and wrong, reminding us that humans are flawed beings who can only strive for improvement.
This poignant narrative serves as a gentle reminder that morality is not black and white; it exists in shades of grey. The story weaves together the strengths and weaknesses of its characters, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness, personal growth, and the constant pursuit of betterment. Even when we stumble, this tale teaches us that redemption is always within our reach.
Also, one of the novel's most compelling aspects is its exploration of the devastating impact of bullying. Traore fearlessly confronts this issue head-on, shedding light on the profound emotional and psychological harm it inflicts on both victims and perpetrators alike. Through her vivid portrayals, she exposes the intricate power dynamics, manipulations and emotional misery that often permeate these destructive relationships. By doing so, Traore provides readers with a multifaceted understanding of bullying and the lasting scars it can leave behind.
“The House of Shell “ as a character:
In the book, the eponymous house takes on a captivating character of its own, becoming an enigmatic entity that mesmerises both the readers and the protagonist, Kuki. Throughout the narrative, the house assumes a central role, intricately woven into the very fabric of the story.
"The House of Shells" transcends being a mere physical structure; it possesses a distinct personality and presence that profoundly influences the events and characters within the book. It almost seems to possess a life force of its own which is later proven to have a tree that serves as a doorway to the abiku world. Beyond its tangible existence, becomes a haven, a sanctuary for both Enilo and, at certain moments, Kuki when she seeks solace and escapes. By skillfully personifying the house and imbuing it with symbolic meaning, the author masterfully creates a multi-dimensional narrative that captivates readers and deepens their understanding of the story's themes.
Element of Family:
The element of family plays a significant role, in shaping the experiences and growth of the main character, Kuki. The presence of Dr D, Kuki's mother, and her aunt adds layers of complexity to the narrative, showcasing the multifaceted nature of familial relationships.
Kuki's aunt, although sometimes misguided, genuinely cares for her niece's well-being. Despite her flawed approach, her heart is in the right place. She is later proven to be right to insist on her use of charms.
The interactions between Kuki and her family members evoke a range of emotions, resonating with readers who can relate to the intricacies of family relationships. The moments of love, frustration, and growth create a realistic portrayal of the joys and challenges inherent in familial bonds.
In the end, this novel proved to be a worthwhile read, leaving me eager to delve into more books by this author. I would give it a rating of 3.5 stars.
“You cannot run from that which is part of you. You cannot run from yourself.”
After a long reading slump (which has nothing to do with the book but my recent schedules), I have been able to finally finish“The House of Shells” by Efua Traore and I suddenly feel refreshed to jump on my next book.
"The House of Shells" is a captivating and fresh interpretation of the Yoruba myths surrounding Abikus. Drawing from the Yoruba abiku myth, which portrays Abikus as spirits of children who experience repeated deaths and rebirths in the mortal world, this young adult fiction takes readers on a rollercoaster ride. With its bold narrative, "The House of Shells" delves into the depths of this folklore, offering readers a unique and enthralling experience.
Short chapters, Language use & plot:
Traore's masterful storytelling ensures a seamless flow between each chapter, effortlessly guiding the reader from one scene to the next. The transitions between events are executed with precision, creating a natural progression that propels the reader forward, eager to uncover what comes next.
The author's use of simple and concise sentences enhances the readability of the book. With short chapters, readers are able to easily navigate through the story, keeping them engaged from beginning to end. The straightforward also language employed allows readers of all ages to effortlessly immerse themselves in the narrative, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Character Development:
Each of the book's characters is expertly developed, with their own distinct personalities and objectives. The story's portrayal of their interactions and personal development is incredibly realistic, making it simple for readers to empathise with the characters. Traore has a wonderful gift for developing characters that young adult readers can relate to on a deep level. The main characters deal with a variety of obstacles, have to make tough choices and manage complex relationships in a way that feels totally honest and realistic. Throughout the whole novel, readers are readily taken into the problems, feelings, and individual journeys of the characters.
Let's delve into the captivating world of the characters:
Kuki:
As the main character, Kuki's life takes an astonishing turn when she encounters a mysterious and intriguing new friend named Enilo. This encounter serves as a pivotal moment in Kuki's life, leading to unforeseen transformations and revelations.
Enilo (the one who went away):
Enilo emerges as an enigmatic figure, draped in an aura of mystery. With her visually striking appearance and intriguing actions, she becomes a source of fascination for both Kuki and readers.
Enilo's actions and behaviour only deepen the mystique surrounding her. Frequently disappearing for extended periods or appearing in unexpected places, she exudes an air of secrecy that fuels the mystery in the book.
Throughout the book, Traore skillfully explores the intricate push and pull dynamics between Kuki and Enilo as they navigate their individual desires for belonging and their shared quest for life.
Moji:
Oh, Moji, how I despised her (well, not entirely). However, what makes her story compelling is the human touch added by the author. Despite her role as a bully, Moji is not simply a one-dimensional character. Traore gradually reveals fragments of her backstory throughout the book, allowing readers to empathize and feel compassion for her. And her growth is evident at the end of the book.
“The House of Shells” as a book of lessons:
The House of Shells" masterfully navigates the complex realm of morality, offering readers valuable insights into the human condition. Through Kuki's moral compass, the novel delicately imparts timeless lessons about the intricacies of right and wrong, reminding us that humans are flawed beings who can only strive for improvement.
This poignant narrative serves as a gentle reminder that morality is not black and white; it exists in shades of grey. The story weaves together the strengths and weaknesses of its characters, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness, personal growth, and the constant pursuit of betterment. Even when we stumble, this tale teaches us that redemption is always within our reach.
Also, one of the novel's most compelling aspects is its exploration of the devastating impact of bullying. Traore fearlessly confronts this issue head-on, shedding light on the profound emotional and psychological harm it inflicts on both victims and perpetrators alike. Through her vivid portrayals, she exposes the intricate power dynamics, manipulations and emotional misery that often permeate these destructive relationships. By doing so, Traore provides readers with a multifaceted understanding of bullying and the lasting scars it can leave behind.
“The House of Shell “ as a character:
In the book, the eponymous house takes on a captivating character of its own, becoming an enigmatic entity that mesmerises both the readers and the protagonist, Kuki. Throughout the narrative, the house assumes a central role, intricately woven into the very fabric of the story.
"The House of Shells" transcends being a mere physical structure; it possesses a distinct personality and presence that profoundly influences the events and characters within the book. It almost seems to possess a life force of its own which is later proven to have a tree that serves as a doorway to the abiku world. Beyond its tangible existence, becomes a haven, a sanctuary for both Enilo and, at certain moments, Kuki when she seeks solace and escapes. By skillfully personifying the house and imbuing it with symbolic meaning, the author masterfully creates a multi-dimensional narrative that captivates readers and deepens their understanding of the story's themes.
Element of Family:
The element of family plays a significant role, in shaping the experiences and growth of the main character, Kuki. The presence of Dr D, Kuki's mother, and her aunt adds layers of complexity to the narrative, showcasing the multifaceted nature of familial relationships.
Kuki's aunt, although sometimes misguided, genuinely cares for her niece's well-being. Despite her flawed approach, her heart is in the right place. She is later proven to be right to insist on her use of charms.
The interactions between Kuki and her family members evoke a range of emotions, resonating with readers who can relate to the intricacies of family relationships. The moments of love, frustration, and growth create a realistic portrayal of the joys and challenges inherent in familial bonds.
In the end, this novel proved to be a worthwhile read, leaving me eager to delve into more books by this author. I would give it a rating of 3.5 stars.
The Ballad of Old Joe Booth by William Pauley III
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
The Ballad of Old Joe Booth (A Song For Eighth Block)
Book by William Pauley
Apparently, this is part of the Bedlam Bible series and I haven't read any of the previous installments but looking at how interesting this read was, I would look for them. Also, I look forward to the next installment.
I listened to the audiobook provided by net galley as an ARC.
The audiobook is well-narrated and engaging, with the voice actor effectively conveying the atmospheric and suspenseful nature of the stories. The different narrator’s perspectives are clearly delineated, allowing the listener to easily follow the shifting perspectives and add depth to the overall story.
Altogether, if you're a fan of horror audio books or enjoy stories that explore haunted places and mysterious characters, the audiobook version of "The Ballad of Old Joe Booth" seems to be a good choice. The atmospheric narration and effective use of horror elements make for an engaging and immersive listening experience.
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Just like most self-help books I read, I don't want to rush through it. I like to take my time and read it. Scratch that. I want to study it. ‘Cos I feel what @vexking has done here is remarkable and I find this book to be very very helpful.
Here are some of the key messages in "Good Vibes, Good Life" I have learnt so far:
🕯️ Self-Love and Acceptance: Vex King emphasizes the importance of loving and accepting oneself as a foundation for personal growth and happiness. He encourages readers to embrace their strengths and weaknesses, practice self-compassion, and let go of negative self-talk.
🕯️Positive Mindset: The book emphasizes the power of positive thinking and the impact it can have on our emotions, actions and outcomes. Vex King encourages readers to shift their mindset from negativity to positivity, cultivate gratitude, and develop a positive outlook on life.
🕯️ Law of Attraction: Vex King discusses the concept of the Law of Attraction, which suggests that our thoughts and emotions can influence our reality. He encourages readers to focus on positive thoughts, set intentions, and visualize their desired outcomes to manifest a better life.
🕯️ Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence: The book highlights the importance of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in improving our mental and emotional well-being. Vex King provides practical techniques for managing emotions, dealing with stress, and cultivating mindfulness in daily life.
🕯️ Personal Growth and Empowerment: "Good Vibes, Good Life" encourages readers to embrace personal growth as a lifelong journey and empowers them to take control of their lives. Vex King discusses topics such as setting goals, overcoming challenges, and building healthy relationships, to help readers create a positive and fulfilling life.
----------------------
Have you read this book too? What are your thoughts?
Here are some of the key messages in "Good Vibes, Good Life" I have learnt so far:
🕯️ Self-Love and Acceptance: Vex King emphasizes the importance of loving and accepting oneself as a foundation for personal growth and happiness. He encourages readers to embrace their strengths and weaknesses, practice self-compassion, and let go of negative self-talk.
🕯️Positive Mindset: The book emphasizes the power of positive thinking and the impact it can have on our emotions, actions and outcomes. Vex King encourages readers to shift their mindset from negativity to positivity, cultivate gratitude, and develop a positive outlook on life.
🕯️ Law of Attraction: Vex King discusses the concept of the Law of Attraction, which suggests that our thoughts and emotions can influence our reality. He encourages readers to focus on positive thoughts, set intentions, and visualize their desired outcomes to manifest a better life.
🕯️ Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence: The book highlights the importance of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in improving our mental and emotional well-being. Vex King provides practical techniques for managing emotions, dealing with stress, and cultivating mindfulness in daily life.
🕯️ Personal Growth and Empowerment: "Good Vibes, Good Life" encourages readers to embrace personal growth as a lifelong journey and empowers them to take control of their lives. Vex King discusses topics such as setting goals, overcoming challenges, and building healthy relationships, to help readers create a positive and fulfilling life.
----------------------
Have you read this book too? What are your thoughts?
Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
“While the history books are filled with tales of obsessive, visionary geniuses who remade the world in their image with sheer, almost irrational force, I’ve found that history is also made by individuals who fought their egos at every turn, who eschewed the spotlight, and who put their higher goals above their desire for recognition.” – from the Prologue
I have experienced a rollercoaster of wonderful news throughout the latter half of 2022 and the beginning of this year; I have attained some kinds of triumphs that feel unreal. And despite the fact that there are times when I get the feeling that I don't deserve them, there are other times when I am able to take a step back and bask in the grandeur of everything that I have accomplished up to this point. Although while the constant ups and downs of my feelings can be stressful at times, there are moments when I am grateful that I have former feeling in my life to keep my ego in check.
As Ryan Holiday puts it,
“Ego is the enemy of what you want and of what you have: Of mastering a craft. Of real creative insight. Of working well with others. Of building loyalty and support. Of longevity. Of repeating and retaining your success. It repulses advantages and opportunities. It’s a magnet for enemies and errors. It is Scylla and Charybdis.”
"Ego Is the Enemy" is a book by Ryan Holiday that explores the negative effects of ego on individuals, businesses, and societies. Holiday argues that ego is the enemy of success and that it is important to be aware of its presence in our lives.
"Ego Is the Enemy" makes a strong case for how dangerous ego is and how important humility, self-awareness, and perseverance are for success.
Here are some of the lessons that can be gleaned from this book:
Ego is the Enemy: According to the author, ego is the enemy of success and achievement. It can cause us to become complacent, arrogant, and overconfident. In order to achieve true success, we need to keep our egos in check and focus on the work that needs to be done.
Be humble: Humility is an essential trait for success. It helps us to learn from our mistakes, seek feedback, and remain open to new ideas. The author argues that humility is the antidote to ego and is necessary for personal growth.
Failure is not the end: Failure is a natural part of the journey to success. The author encourages readers to embrace failure, learn from it, and move on. He argues that failure is not the end but a necessary step towards success.
This is a book that everyone should read in my opinion. It contains the author's extremely perceptive opinions about the topic, which can be helpful to you in your academic pursuits, in your professional life, or in any other path that you are pursuing in life. He uses examples from real life incidents that occurred throughout history of people who were unable to keep their egos in check and consequently lost everything they owned as a result. It also teaches great lessons on how to keep your ego in check, which is an important skill to have.
Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
Genre fusion
The opening
A strong Heroine:
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Book: Twenties Girl
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Rating: 3.5 (🌟🌟🌟⭐)
Featuring a resident ghost, a bewildered heroine, a swoon-worthy hero, and a plot that is both wildly humorous and emotionally moving, Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella is a ChicLit novel that piqued my interest. The protagonist of the book is a businesswoman who, after a breakup, makes an unexpected acquaintance with a ghost and gains new insight into her life from this mysterious guide. It's amusing to observe Lara's development and learning from this perspective, but, as usual with Kinsella, the greatest part is the humour.
Though the intriguing storyline was a big draw, it was the book's genre that ultimately convinced me to give it a read. The term "ChickLit," which refers to a specific subgenre of literature, is generally understood to refer to books written for female audiences. To everyone's shock, I chose this book because of how unconventional I can be about some specific gender roles. Yes, men can read ChicLit too!
This review will highlight a few aspects of the book that stood out to me and that I feel needs to be discussed.
Genre fusion
The author manages to mix ChicLit, Romance and Humour in this heartwarming novel. She sustains the balance between these genres through the book (or at least in the part that I read) and gets the reader feeling that they are reading one genre. That fusion, and successfully done, is one of the highlights of this novel.
The opening
“The thing about lying to your parents is, you have to do it to protect them.”
The opening line/ paragraph of a novel has only one goal: to grab the reader’s attention. The first sentence gives the writer a chance to show the reader their style of writing, introduce the main character, or set up the event that starts the story (the inciting incident). This “simple” rule is a hit-or-miss type of situation and Sophie hits it right on the head. The opening in my opinion, immediately entices the reader to continue past the first page and continue. The author captured my attention right off the bat.
A strong Heroine:
The character of Lara is extremely sympathetic. She has a gentle and dependable nature. She is a gifted woman still attempting to establish herself as an adult, as she is frequently exploited due to her trusting attitude. Her character has depth, and the reader can see how she changes throughout the book. Especially since she had previously stated, "I'm allergic to family occasions." Sometimes I think we’d do better as dandelion seeds-no family, no history, just floating off into the world, each on our piece of fluff. ” then somewhere along the line saying, “It’s easy to discount family. It’s easy to take them for granted. But your family is your history. Your family is part of who you are.”
Overall, this is a good book to get into for a weekend ride. It is not too serious and you will have fun reading it. I recommend.
The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama XIV
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
The Dalai Lama is well-known. Known as the 14th Dalai Lama, or Gyalwa Rinpoche to the Tibetan people, he is a sign of tranquillity, goodness, compassion, kindness, generosity, and love. He is an intelligent, open-minded, and humorous being.
As the highest spiritual leader and former head of the country of Tibet, his deeds and principles of life haven’t gone unnoticed. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression.
People have sometimes wondered if it was feasible to compile a handbook outlining his life philosophies, his straightforward solutions to our issues, and how to live a happy life.
This is what Howard Cutler (an American psychiatrist) worked towards when he interviewed the Dalai Lama and wrote this book.
This is what Howard Cutler (an American psychiatrist) worked towards when he interviewed the Dalai Lama and wrote this book.
This work resounds with the kind of profound insight that has come to be associated with the Dalai Lama. This teaching is both calming and energizing for the reader, and it is packed with a lot of good vibrations. This book is a compilation of positive thoughts and simple deeds that may be put into practice daily, and it can be acquired here. It merely serves to bring the reader's attention to the fact that we are the only ones accountable for our happiness.
The book is divided into five parts, each embodying the practices of the Dalai Lama on how to achieve happiness.
These are:
Part 1: The Purpose of Life
Part 2: Human Warmth and Compassion
Part 3: Transforming Suffering
Part 4: Overcoming Obstacles
Part 5: Closing Reflections on Living a Spiritual Life
In The Art of Happiness, the Dalai Lama outlines the Buddhist perspective on how one can increase their level of happiness in daily life. According to him, happiness is not something that comes to those who are lucky and eludes others who are not lucky; rather, it is something that you can actively try to increase in your life, and you should do so.
The book educated me about life, how to be happy, how to transform every negative into a positive, and how to handle a lot of different problems, and the most essential things that I learned from this book are how to be disciplined and compassionate!