Ep. 188: The Books I Read in March 2022

In 'In the Heart of the Sea,' Nathaniel Philbrick recounts the tragic story of the whaleship Essex, which was rammed and sunk by an angry sperm whale in the South Pacific in 1820. The book details the crew's desperate struggle to survive in three small whaleboats, facing extreme conditions such as starvation, dehydration, and cannibalism. Philbrick uses accounts from the ship's crew, including those of first mate Owen Chase and cabin boy Thomas Nickerson, to provide a detailed and gripping narrative. The book also explores the broader context of Nantucket's whaling community and the impact of the Essex tragedy on American literature, notably inspiring Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick. '

A book about time management and how to live a more fulfilling life.

In 'Travels with Charley', John Steinbeck recounts his journey across America in a camper named Rocinante, accompanied by his standard poodle Charley. The book is a blend of travelogue and social commentary, reflecting Steinbeck's observations on American culture and society during the early 1960s. While the book is often humorous and engaging, it also delves into serious issues like racial tensions and the changing American landscape.

The Magicians follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but miserable high school student who is secretly preoccupied with a series of fantasy novels about a magical land called Fillory. Quentin is unexpectedly admitted to Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, where he receives a rigorous education in modern sorcery. However, he soon discovers that magic does not bring him the happiness and adventure he dreamed of. After graduation, Quentin and his friends make a stunning discovery that Fillory is real, but it turns out to be much darker and more dangerous than imagined. The novel explores themes of growing up, the complexities of human emotions, and the true cost of power.

Stephen Covey's "First Things First" is a self-help book focusing on time management and prioritization. It introduces the concept of prioritizing tasks based on their importance rather than urgency. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life, aligning actions with personal values and goals. Covey's work encourages readers to develop a proactive approach to time management, emphasizing planning and self-discipline. The book's enduring popularity stems from its practical advice and its focus on achieving a greater sense of balance and fulfillment in life.

This book, first published in 1989, outlines seven habits that are designed to help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives. The habits are grouped into three categories: Private Victory (habits 1-3), Public Victory (habits 4-6), and Renewal (habit 7). The habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. Covey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, effective time management, empathetic communication, and continuous self-improvement.

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

In this book, Cal Newport shares insights and strategies gathered from interviews with high-achieving college students who maintain excellent grades without excessive studying. The book emphasizes the importance of effective time management, focused study sessions, and smart note-taking techniques. It introduces the 'Straight-A Method' which is based on four pillars: knowledge, control, strategy, and balance. Newport argues that by using these methods, students can avoid procrastination, optimize their study time, and achieve academic success while maintaining a balanced life.

In 'Every Good Endeavor,' Timothy Keller explores the biblical perspectives on work, addressing questions such as the purpose of work, finding meaning in a competitive workplace, and staying true to one's values while advancing in a career. The book is divided into three parts: God's plan for work, our problems with work, and the Gospel and work. Keller emphasizes that work is a gift from God and should be approached with excellence, integrity, discipline, creativity, and passion as acts of worship. He also highlights the importance of understanding work through a Christian worldview, which can provide a foundation for a thriving professional and balanced personal life.

Valiant Ambition offers a nuanced portrayal of the American Revolution, particularly highlighting the tragic relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold. The book explores the middle years of the war, revealing the internal struggles and external threats faced by the Continental Army. It challenges traditional narratives by presenting Arnold as a complex figure whose betrayal served as a unifying force for the Americans.

The novel is a bildungsroman that explores Ged's process of learning to cope with power and come to terms with death. It is set in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea, where magic is based on a delicate balance maintained by wizards. Ged's story involves his education at a school of wizardry, his struggles with a shadow he inadvertently summons, and his journey to confront and merge with this shadow. The book is renowned for its philosophical themes, including the power of names and the balance of the universe, and is part of the six-volume Earthsea Cycle.

John McPhee's "Draft No. 4" offers insights into the writing process of a master journalist. It details his struggles and triumphs in crafting long-form articles, emphasizing the importance of deep research and meticulous revision. The book reveals McPhee's meticulous approach, his dedication to accuracy, and his ability to weave together complex narratives. It serves as a valuable guide for aspiring writers, highlighting the challenges and rewards of creating impactful work. McPhee's reflections on his own writing process provide a unique perspective on the art of storytelling.

In 'Travels with George', Nathaniel Philbrick embarks on a journey to follow George Washington's presidential excursions across the early United States. The book blends history and personal reflection, examining Washington's role in forging a nation and grappling with his complex legacy as a leader and a plantation owner. Philbrick's narrative moves between the 18th and 21st centuries, offering insights into America's past and present.

Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War chronicles the Pilgrims' perilous voyage to North America and their subsequent interactions with the Wampanoag tribe. The book explores the fragile peace between the two groups and the eventual outbreak of King Philip's War, which had profound impacts on American history. Philbrick provides a nuanced portrayal of the early American experience, highlighting themes of race, violence, and religion.