The Cairo Trilogy, comprising 'Palace Walk', 'Palace of Desire', and 'Sugar Street', is a sweeping narrative that follows the Al-Sayyid Ahmad Abd al-Jawad family across three generations. It reflects the broader changes in early twentieth-century Egyptian society, intertwining personal struggles with historical events. The trilogy explores themes of generational conflict, societal change, and the impact of colonialism.
The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation. The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners. It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners. The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population[2][5][3].
In 'Wild Problems,' Russ Roberts addresses the big, uncertain decisions in life—such as who to marry, whether to have children, where to move, and how to forge a life well-lived—that cannot be solved using data, science, or traditional rational approaches. He suggests focusing less on the path that promises the most happiness and more on figuring out who you actually want to be. Roberts draws on the experiences of great artists, writers, and scientists to lay out strategies for reducing fear and the loss of control when facing these 'wild problems.' He argues that life should be experienced as a mystery rather than a problem to be solved, and he critiques the idea of relying solely on cost-benefit analysis and utilitarianism for making life's major decisions.
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
Amor Towles's "Lincoln Highway" is a captivating novel set in 1954, following the journey of two brothers released from a Nebraska work farm. Their planned trip to New York City takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a fellow inmate and a runaway. The novel explores themes of brotherhood, freedom, and the complexities of the American Dream. Towles masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives and storylines, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The characters' choices and their consequences shape the story's compelling trajectory.
This book contains a list of 110 rules that George Washington copied from a French etiquette manual written by Jesuits in 1595. The rules, translated into English by Francis Hawkins in 1640, cover various aspects of social behavior, including respect for others, proper conduct in company, and general courtesies. These rules were influential in shaping Washington's character and behavior throughout his life, and they remain relevant today as a guide to respectful and considerate behavior.
The book follows Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who narrowly escapes execution during the Russian Revolution due to a revolutionary poem he wrote. Instead, he is sentenced to house arrest at the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. Over the next thirty-two years, the Count adjusts to his new life, forming friendships with the hotel's staff and guests, and navigating the changing political landscape of the Soviet Union. The novel explores themes of parental duty, friendship, romance, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity[1][4][5].
Author Amor Towles talks about his book, A Gentleman in Moscow, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Along the way they discuss the craft of writing, the wellsprings of persistence, and Towles's reading habits.
EconTalk 
