Feed by M.T. Anderson

“Brain implants, rampant consumerism, and the fight to think freely.”

M.T. Anderson's "Feed" is a prophetic punch in the gut, a chilling cautionary tale about the dangers lurking behind screens and the commodification of individuality. Set in a future where the "feed" is a brain implant granting constant access to a relentless torrent of information, advertising, and social connection, "Feed" reveals a world in which critical thought and personal reflection have dangerously atrophied.

The novel's protagonist, Titus, is the epitome of his generation—apathetic, distracted, and utterly dependent on the feed's validation. His distorted language, peppered with corporate-speak and marketing jingles, is both humorous and horrifying, reflecting the profound erosion of communication. The story picks up steam when Titus meets Violet, a girl battling against the feed's influence. Their burgeoning relationship provides a touchstone of humanity amid the bleak dystopian landscape.

Anderson's satire is merciless, and his world feels eerily familiar in our current age of social media and algorithmic manipulation. The focus on environmental decay, as evident in toxic "lesions" blighting the landscape, adds a layer of urgency to the cautionary tone. While Titus is initially a difficult character to sympathize with, his gradual awakening to the manipulative nature of the feed is both compelling and disconcerting.

The novel's most potent strength lies in its discomforting ambiguity. The ending refuses to offer easy solutions or neat resolutions, underlining the ongoing struggle for free thought and autonomy. "Feed" forces its readers to confront their own complicity within a system of consumerism and technology that may ultimately erode what makes us human.

"Feed" raises powerful questions about our dependence on technology, corporate manipulation, and the potential loss of individuality and critical thought. This unsettling novel is prophetic– especially considering it was published in 2002, a time well before the era of social media dominance. While not a traditionally pleasant read, M.T. Anderson's work demands your attention.

Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami

"Solitary souls adrift, Murakami explores masculine solitude with piercing insight.”

Men Without Women," a collection of seven short stories by Haruki Murakami, delves into the nuanced psyche of men who find themselves in the liminal space of solitude. Murakami, with his quintessential blend of the surreal and the mundane, crafts narratives that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, exploring themes of loneliness, love lost, and the complex inner lives of his characters.

Each story in the collection serves as a vignette, offering a window into the lives of men who are, in one way or another, without women. Whether through death, separation, or emotional distance, the absence of women in these stories acts as a catalyst for introspection and, at times, existential despair. Murakami's prose is elegantly spare, yet it conveys deep emotional undercurrents, making each story feel like a contemplative journey through the characters' inner worlds.

A standout feature of Murakami's writing is his ability to weave the surreal into the fabric of everyday life, creating a sense of otherworldliness that magnifies the emotional impact of his narratives. His characters navigate their loneliness and longing with a quiet resilience, often finding solace in the simple acts of living or in the beauty of the natural world.

"Men Without Women" is not just a meditation on the absence of women, but a broader exploration of human solitude and the ways in which we seek connection and meaning in life. Murakami's stories are tinged with a sense of melancholy, but they also offer moments of profound insight and beauty, reflecting the complex tapestry of human experience.

The book is a masterfully written collection that showcases Haruki Murakami's talent for exploring the depths of the human heart. It is a poignant, reflective work that resonates long after the last page is turned, inviting readers to ponder the nuances of connection and the quiet spaces of solitude that exist within us all.

Junk by Melvin Burgess

“Gritty, honest exploration of teenage drug addiction's harsh, harsh realities.”

"Junk," authored by Melvin Burgess, is a compelling and unflinching exploration of teenage life on the fringes of society, delving into the raw and tumultuous experiences of its protagonists, Tar and Gemma, as they navigate the treacherous waters of drug addiction, freedom, and love. Published in 1996, this novel has been both celebrated and criticized for its gritty realism and candid portrayal of sensitive issues such as drug use, homelessness, and the search for identity.

Burgess does not shy away from the harsh realities of addiction and its consequences, making "Junk" a significant departure from more sanitized narratives about adolescence. Instead, he offers a narrative that is as educational as it is cautionary, employing a multi-perspective storytelling technique that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Each character's viewpoint provides unique insights into the story, making the consequences of their choices more impactful to the reader.

The novel’s strength lies in its characters, who are flawed, relatable, and deeply human. Burgess’s portrayal of Tar and Gemma’s descent into heroin addiction is both sympathetic and unapologetically honest, making it a powerful tool for initiating discussions about drug abuse, peer pressure, and the importance of making informed choices.

However, "Junk" has also faced criticism for its explicit content and perceived glamorization of drug use, leading to debates about its suitability for young readers. Despite these controversies, it has been acknowledged for its educational value and its ability to engage with difficult topics in a meaningful way.

"Junk" by Melvin Burgess is a seminal work that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society, addiction, and adolescence. Its honest depiction of the highs and lows of drug use and its effects on relationships and personal growth make it a must-read for those seeking to understand the complexities of teenage life on the margins.

The Godfather of Kathmandu by John Burdett

“Intriguing fusion of crime, spirituality within a vivid Kathmandu backdrop.”

"The Godfather of Kathmandu," a novel by John Burdett, is an intriguing crime thriller set in the bustling, vivid backdrop of Kathmandu. This is the fourth book in Burdett's series featuring the Thai detective, Sonchai Jitpleecheep. The story delves into the dark and complex world of crime in Kathmandu, interweaving elements of Eastern spirituality with the gritty realities of drug trade and corruption.

The narrative style of Burdett is immersive, richly painting the cultural and spiritual landscape of Kathmandu. The protagonist, Sonchai, is a deeply complex character, a Buddhist detective who grapples with moral dilemmas amidst a world of crime. His personal journey and internal conflicts add depth to the story.

One of the key strengths of the book is its vivid portrayal of Kathmandu, a city teeming with life, spirituality, and darkness. Burdett's attention to detail brings this world to life, offering readers a visceral experience of the city's sights, sounds, and smells.

The plot is intricate, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The interplay of crime, corruption, and spirituality offers a unique take on the detective genre. However, some readers might find the pace a bit slow in parts, and the complex plot requires attentive reading.

Overall, "The Godfather of Kathmandu" is a compelling read, offering a unique blend of crime thriller and cultural exploration. It's a book that will resonate with readers who enjoy complex narratives and rich, atmospheric settings.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

“Small, consistent habit changes compound into transformative, identity-based personal growth.”

James Clear’s "Atomic Habits" masterfully dives into the mechanics of habits: how they’re formed, how they shape our lives, and how we can mold them to drive personal and professional success. It stands apart in the realm of self-help books by offering actionable advice rooted in scientific research and real-world examples.

Clear does not just prescribe a list of habits; instead, he goes a level deeper by providing the framework needed to design habits tailored to an individual's unique life and goals. The book introduces the reader to the idea that small, incremental changes, when compounded over time, can lead to massive transformation. His 1% better everyday approach underscores the idea that monumental results can be achieved not necessarily by making big leaps, but by making tiny adjustments consistently.

One of the major strengths of "Atomic Habits" is its clear and accessible structure. Clear divides the process of habit formation into four laws: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. By unpacking each law with anecdotes, research-backed findings, and actionable steps, he demystifies a topic that often feels elusive and intangible.

Another compelling aspect of the book is Clear's focus on identity-based habits. Instead of merely focusing on what one wants to achieve, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on who one wants to become. This paradigm shift from outcome-based habits to identity-based ones is transformative and helps to ensure long-term adherence and success.

If there's any shortcoming, it's that some readers might find certain sections slightly repetitive. However, the repetition might be a deliberate strategy to reinforce the key concepts, especially given the nature of the topic.

In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear is a seminal work in the area of personal development. It is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of habits and a structured approach to implementing them.

Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels

“Haunted by the past, two men seek healing through memory.”

Fugitive Pieces is a novel by Canadian poet Anne Michaels. The book was first published in 1996 and is well-known for its beautiful prose and deep, poetic insight.

The novel is divided into two parts, and it tells the story of two men, Jakob Beer and Ben, whose lives are scarred by their experiences during and after World War II.

Jakob, a Jewish boy, is orphaned during the war and is rescued by a Greek geologist. Throughout his life, he struggles to come to terms with the loss of his family and the trauma of the past. His experiences are related through his own narrative, as he reflects on his life, his love, his work as a poet, and his personal growth.

The second part of the book is narrated by Ben, a researcher who is greatly influenced by Jakob's work. He, too, grapples with personal traumas and seeks understanding through the study of history, memory, and personal connection.

"Fugitive Pieces" explores themes of memory, history, loss, love, and redemption, weaving these themes together in a way that has touched many readers. The poetic language and profound insights into human emotion and experience have made it a notable work in contemporary literature.

Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss

“FBI negotiator's playbook: empathize, strategize, and never compromise success.”

"Never Split the Difference" is a fascinating book that redefines the conventional wisdom surrounding the art of negotiation. Written by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, the book offers a unique perspective on negotiations based on his experiences in high-stakes, life-or-death situations.

Voss shares a plethora of practical and effective techniques, including the "Accusation Audit," "Tactical Empathy," and "The 7-38-55 Rule," which can be applied not only to high-stakes negotiations but also to everyday life situations. These techniques are derived from a combination of behavioral psychology and street-smart strategies that Voss has honed during his career.

One of the book's key takeaways is the idea that "no deal is better than a bad deal." Voss challenges the notion that splitting the difference is an acceptable compromise. Instead, he advocates for seeking the best possible outcome and not settling for less. This mindset is a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills.

"Never Split the Difference" is a must-read for anyone looking to sharpen their negotiation skills or gain a deeper understanding of human behavior. Chris Voss's unique perspective, engaging storytelling, and practical techniques make this book an invaluable resource that can be applied to a wide range of situations, from business negotiations to interpersonal relationships. While the structure of the book could be improved, its content more than compensates for this minor shortcoming.

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

“When you tap into your subconscious, you might not leave.”

The novel is divided into alternating chapters, with two distinct storylines. The first, "Hard-Boiled Wonderland," is a gritty cybercrime and infowar adventure set in a dystopian urban setting, where characters are programmed to encrypt and manipulate data. The second, "The End of the World," is set in a utopian town surrounded by a wall, where unicorns are allowed in and out daily, and the narrator is a newcomer tasked with being a "Dreamreader."

At first, the stories appear unrelated, with vastly different settings and tones. However, as the novel progresses, elements from both storylines begin to overlap, creating an intriguing and mysterious puzzle for the reader to unravel. The novel expertly balances being a page-turner with providing enough clues for the reader to anticipate connections, without offering a definitive solution.

The book explores one of my favorite subjects, the human mind, with its powers, mysteries, and drawbacks. Murakami masterfully uses metaphors to convey the joys of deep thought, the dangers of a narrow-minded perspective, and the connection between the mind and emotions, making for an engaging and thrilling journey.

Overall, I found the story to be intriguing, but the characters lacked depth and emotion. They felt like cardboard cutouts, which detracted from the story. Although the plot was imaginative and inventive, it felt like the author did not fully explore the potential of certain themes, such as the narrator's shadow, which held promise but ultimately led to no resolution.

The Bangkok Asset by John Burdett

“We’re only human, up until the point when we aren’t.”

This sixth entry in the Royal Thai series opens with a gruesome murder that cannot be explained as the work of any human being. (Take my word for this. You don't want to know details.)

Burdett's Sonchai Jitpleecheep books keep getting better. Unlike earlier novels in the series, The Bangkok Asset takes Sonchai, and readers, where they haven't been before. Like Marcus Sakey's "Brilliance," "The Bangkok Asset" is about humans with superhuman powers, the effect those powers have on the people who wield them, and the effect these "enhanced" humans have on society. But while Sakey's book is set in the near future and requires a leap of faith to accept the premise, Burdett's novel is set in the present and is all the more chilling for its plausibility.

A very good book for the conspiracy-minded and creepy addition to the Sonchai Jitpleecheep storyline, although one wonders if this means there are no more books in this series because major questions were addressed. although perhaps it sets the stage for a new direction. Although I thought it was interesting, it was also tiring and perhaps even a bit too fantastical for my simple mind. I have enjoyed these books and will likely pick up the next when it arrives.

Later by Stephen King

“If you can see the dead, maybe don’t tell people”

Later is considered a horror story, which is usually not a genre I read. But, hey, it’s Steven King. And it was short enough to give it a go.

The premise is that Jamie Conklin has the ability to see and talk to dead people. Told from the perspective of Jamie Conklin, the narrative shuttles between the immediacy of now and the hindsight of “later” to tell a kind of coming-of-age-as-mystery story, an exploration of innocence and what’s on the other side of childhood.

In Later, as well as telling a good story, Stephen King lightly brushes and engages with wider concepts. He looks at childhood relationships, what clarifies right and wrong, if murder can be justifiable, and far more. Whilst the book does not revolve around these issues, it certainly brings in a humane, thought-provoking angle in including such issues from the perspective of a child.

The key to this snappy little novel that reads so quickly is the narrative voice of Jamie. It has that coming-of-age innocence laced with a bit of streetwise sarcasm that just works so well. Despite an ultimate battle between good and evil, this one you find to be horror-lite. It doesn't get to the point of being terrifying, but coasts around that border a little.

Look Who's Back by Timur Vermes

“Hitler wasn’t all that bad, considering he’s now a celebrity”

With daring and dark humor, Look Who's Back skewers the absurdity and depravity of the cult of personality in modern media culture.

I appreciate how this Hitler was written, he isn't being presented to us like some comical monster or a clown. Instead, his logic (no matter how twisted and how hateful this logic is), his likes and dislikes, and even his opinions on his comrades are all displayed in a realistic way.

I was hoping that Hitler would experience an epiphany at some point, and did think that was going to happen when one of the characters talks of the sadness and anger of their Jewish relative at the fact that they are working with what is believed to be a very accurate Hitler impersonator.

However, any epiphany never happens and all we have is a character that you could feel sympathy for viewing the modern world seen through an imagined Hitler’s eyes.

While some may argue that it shows how a new Hitler figure could appear again and that it’s very profound, I can’t help being very uncomfortable with Hitler being portrayed as simplistically as a grumpy old man struggling with the modern world despite the message.

Bangkok Haunts by John Burdett

“Even amid the sex trade, demons, spirits, and ghosts exist.”

Overview: A snuff movie, an exclusive Gentlemen's Club and a mysterious monk all have one thing in common: the afterlife.

This, the third in the continuing saga of Sonchai Jitpleecheep, a half-Thai/half-American former-monk-turned-cop in Bangkok, shows both the strengths and weaknesses of this series in spades. This time, however, its flirtation with weirdness takes it right over the edge.

The thing that really set me off? This is a paranormal mystery. It's not billed that way, but that's what it is -- it can't work unless you're able to buy ghosts as semi-corporeal beings who can influence the living (and apparently have amazing sex drives).

Bangkok Haunts is a virtuoso exercise in voice, characterization and setting. However, if you're looking for a straightforward murder mystery, you sure won't find it here. If you understand what you're getting and like the concept, this may be your bottle of Singha; if you don't, you're likely to be very surprised, perhaps not in a good way.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

“If you aren’t successful, check your birthdate, lineage, and circumstances.”

I much preferred this book to Talking to Strangers.

I originally thought this to be a self-improvement kind of book, but quickly figured that's not the case, then maybe some sort of a business development one, which also fell apart quickly. I cannot round off this any closer than to some kind of a sociology - psychology combo.

The lessons of this book can be put into a brief sentence: success depends on a series of cultural and other factors that are mostly beyond your control – however, the thing that is totally within your control about success is how much effort you put in. And the more effort you put in, the more likely you will be successful. They are directly proportional and we should all praise work as the key thing that really makes us human.

I thought the book felt like it suffered from data mining in that there didn't seem to be enough exploration of other equally successful groups that may not have had the same advantages. But still a fascinating look at what kinds of things influence success, whether we think about them or not.

Artemis by Andy Weir

“Attack of the Moon woman who made bad life decisions.”

Heads up: this book is a comedy - this is a funny/silly book. Sarcastic, cynical, innuendo-filled humor is rampant. If you are not a fan of borderline inappropriate jokes or cheesy puns, this is not the book for you.

I was thoroughly entertained during the entire read. The pacing is great, the reveals believable, the twists unexpected, and the action, delightful. I really couldn't ask for more when it comes to fun science fiction.

The moon is a great place to have an adventure. There's always the threat of being deported to Earth, the expensive living arrangements, and the law if you're a smuggler, which Jazz is, but there's always suit and engineering and environmental problems to worry about, too. And never forget greed and cupidity and the need to balance being a good person against a ton of intrigue.

I also liked Weir's visualization of what a colony on the moon would look like and how it would function. He addressed how some of the problems such as fire or problems with oxygen supply could be handled, although spent a lot of time extolling the virtues of good welding in a vacuum! Weir is also an excellent narrator and the plot moves along at a good pace with plenty to hold the interest of the reader, even if it all did seem a little unfeasible. It was also good to see duct tape get a mention or two.

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell

“It’s hard to talk to strangers because…read the book”

Overview: Talking to Strangers is an elaboration of a simple (trivial?) idea: It’s very difficult to tell when people are lying.

This was the first book I've read by Gladwell and I can see now why he has become something of a pop-nonfiction writer because he definitely knows how to capture your attention. It's got some psychology, a bit of anthropology, a touch of politics, a dash of espionage — what's not to like?

Gladwell extensively used well-known cases that show that when dealing with people we do not know, we are not always the best judges of their character. Examples of this vary from Hitler to the Amanda Knox case in Italy and many others. Subjects dealt with include spying, child sexual abuse, bigotry, prejudice, financial dishonesty, etc. This book proves again that Malcolm Gladwell is an astute observer of the society we live in. I thought the subject matter was interesting and the research well done. Highly recommended if you enjoy studying human nature.

In the end, though, he brings all this information, all these studies, and examples together to leave us with an idea that is nothing new, but that I think we are all too quick to forget: people are more complex than they first appear. Don’t judge a book by its cover, if you will.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

“Don’t marry girls with powerful, shady, and politically-motivated brothers”

Overview: In a Tokyo suburb a young man named Toru Okada searches for his wife's missing cat. Soon he finds himself looking for his wife as well in a netherworld that lies beneath the placid surface of Tokyo. As these searches intersect, Okada encounters a bizarre group of allies and antagonists: a psychic prostitute; a malevolent yet mediagenic politician; a cheerfully morbid sixteen-year-old girl; and an aging war veteran who has been permanently changed by the hideous things he witnessed during Japan's forgotten campaign in Manchuria.

It is quite difficult for me to describe what this book was like. It is surreal and psychedelic. It is mysterious, something out of this world. You just need to stop questioning things and let yourself get carried away. But getting to the end of the book was also like being rudely woken up from the most wonderful dream. And I didn't want this dream-like experience to be over.

I forced myself to continue reading Wind-Up Bird by telling myself that a highly respected author like Murakami would eventually tie up all the loose ends. When it became obvious that these ends would remain loose, I still finished it but wasn’t happy with the ending.

Try as I might, I couldn’t find a message Murakami was trying to express through The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Murakami did include a character that thoughtfully reflects on war crimes in World War II, but even this subplot was unfocused, and by the end of the novel this story within the story fizzles and suddenly ends without reaching a climax.

A Treachery of Spies by Manda Scott

“You never know who to trust, even if they’re old”

Overview: A Treachery of Spies is an espionage thriller to rival the very best, a high stakes game of cat-and-mouse, played in the shadows, which will keep you guessing every step of the way.

An absolutely intoxicating read, dealing with WWII spies, double agents and traitors in a modern murder mystery- with a brilliant female detective at the lead.

Manda Scott, in 'Treachery of Spies', mixes several genres: crime fiction/thriller, historical fiction and espionage and does so in a way that makes the story completely seamless.

It took some time for me to get into the plot but I couldn't put it down and found it a fascinating insight to a time in history that may soon be forgotten; cleverly bought up to date with a current day crime. Superb writing by a new author to me and I will certainly be reading more.

The plot was very complicated, which was fine, but needed better characterization to support it. It got to the stage where some of the names felt more like ciphers in a complex puzzle that one was trying to de-code.

*I had not read the first Picaut novel and did not realise this was part of a series. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone - I had no trouble following it.

Bangkok Tatoo by John Burdett

“Tattoos are cool, but be careful who might want them”

Overview: This high-octane thriller is set in Bangkok's sex trade district. The half-Thai/half-American who has never met his GI dad narrates the storyline, peppering it with references to his devout Buddhism. There's a serial killer on the loose and he's taking a very unique souvenir from his vics, but the plot is really well imagined. It will keep you guessing until the last twenty pages. Highly recommended if you like spy novels or depraved mysteries.

I loved this book, being the second in the series by John Burdett. I think it's better edited/written than the first, and the main character's conflict between his Buddhist karma and the pressures of corruption inherent in his job are really fun/strong.

John Burdett seems to have stumbled onto an excellent premise when he combines the conventions of hard-boiled crime novels with the exotic Thai locales and Buddhist philosophy in Bangkok Tattoo and, presumably, the other books in the series.

Like any good story taking place in Thailand, this book is written on a number of planes of existence. It is a mystery, it is a trip into Thai culture, it is an insight into Buddhism, and certainly a front-row seat into the Bangkok flesh trade. The main character (Sonchai) is likable, and we share his struggle as he attempts to resist the corruption of the corporeal world on his path to enlightenment.

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

“If a girl disappears, you might not get any closure”

Don't get me wrong, I don't think this is, by any chance, a bad book. My low rating can be easily explained by the fact that I've already read too much Murakami.

This book follows the typical Murakami pattern:
A simple guy who likes to 1. cook 2. listen to music/read books 3. think about the meaning of life meets an ordinary girl who turns out to be totally extraordinary, which gets her into trouble soon after the guy falls for her. The guy tries to save her from something, predictably dark but fails. The ending is usually bleak and confusing.
Sputnik Sweetheart wasn’t bad, but it was a bit boring. Nothing really stood out as interesting.

This book is a good representation of queer, age gap relationships; a seeming author who keeps on writing; a narrator as real as one can get. It's about life in general and the longing for the possible love which would never be returned.

I have come to realize that reading a Murakami book is not quite an act of reading itself but an act of dreaming with your eyes open. What you see is a series of surreal images barely held together by threads of reason. What matters, however, is the feeling these images leave you with.

Sputnik Sweetheart is not the best I've read from Haruki Murakami, but it was certainly worthwhile and a book I hope to revisit in a few years.

Bangkok 8 by John Burdett

“In Bangkok’s underbelly, everything seems to relate back to Buddha”

A unique mystery-thriller, unlike anything I have ever read, Bangkok 8 is the first of a series starring Royal Thai Police Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep.

As I said, I have never read a novel like Bangkok 8; never read a piece of fiction that so solidified in me the essence of a people, culture, way of life - even religion - as this novel does of Thailand, tying it all into not just Sonchai and those he encounters and where he goes, but even the mystery itself.

It's a book that makes you think deeply, yet also has touches of dark humor and plenty of thrills; even conversations between characters, at length, never come off boring or as filler, as the characters are so exceptionally well-drawn — what they have to say so revealing of them or the story — you must read word for word. I have simply never read anything like Bangkok 8. And I certainly can't remember when I was last so absorbed in a book that, while reading it, I completely forgot about the real world surrounding me.