How To Get Out Of A Slump | The Long Way Around

A Man in Full, by Richard Ford, is a sprawling novel that delves into the lives of various characters in a small Georgia town. The story centers around Charlie Croker, a wealthy real estate developer facing financial ruin. The novel explores themes of race, class, and the changing landscape of the American South. Ford's writing is known for its realism and its ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. A Man in Full is a powerful and moving story that offers a nuanced look at American society.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a classic American novel set in the Jazz Age. The story follows Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and his pursuit of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores themes of wealth, class, love, and the American Dream. Fitzgerald's writing is known for its elegance and its evocative portrayal of the Roaring Twenties. The Great Gatsby is a powerful and moving story that continues to resonate with readers today.

In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.

Walker Percy's "The Moviegoer" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of alienation, meaning, and the search for authenticity in modern society. The story follows Binx Bolling, a young stockbroker in New Orleans, as he grapples with existential questions and the search for meaning in his life. Percy's writing is characterized by its wit, intelligence, and insightful exploration of human nature. The novel blends elements of Southern Gothic and existentialism, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative. It's a story about finding one's place in the world and the challenges of living a meaningful life.

In 'Memoirs of Hadrian', Marguerite Yourcenar crafts a poignant and introspective narrative of the Roman Emperor's life. The novel is presented as a letter to Marcus Aurelius, reflecting on Hadrian's experiences, from his early fascination with Greek culture to his tumultuous reign and personal tragedies, including the mysterious death of his beloved Antinous. Through Hadrian's reflections, Yourcenar delves into themes of power, love, and the human condition.

Seneca's 'Letters from a Stoic' is a collection of personal letters offering philosophical guidance and reflections on life. Written to his friend Lucilius, these letters cover a wide range of topics, including virtue, happiness, death, and the importance of living in accordance with nature. Seneca's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex philosophical ideas understandable to a wider audience. The letters provide practical advice and encouragement for navigating life's challenges and cultivating inner peace. Their enduring relevance stems from their timeless wisdom and their focus on personal growth and self-improvement.

This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers. Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life. The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.