In 'The Writing Life', Annie Dillard offers a candid and insightful look into the life of a writer. The book is a series of essays that delve into the struggles, triumphs, and philosophical dilemmas faced by writers. Dillard shares her own experiences, from the isolation and discipline required for writing to the emotional and intellectual challenges of capturing the world in words. She discusses the importance of courage in the editing process, the need for writers to follow their ideas to their limits, and the inevitable gap between the writer's vision and the finished product. The book is both a personal memoir and a guide for aspiring writers, filled with metaphors, anecdotes, and reflections on the nature of writing and creativity[1][4][5].
In 'Stolen Focus', Johann Hari delves into the reasons behind the collapse of our ability to pay attention. He discusses various factors contributing to this issue and provides strategies on how to think deeply again and reclaim our focus in a world filled with distractions.
In 'Working,' Studs Terkel conducts in-depth interviews with people from diverse occupations, ranging from gravediggers to studio heads. The book provides a snapshot of American working life in the early 1970s, highlighting the emotional and physical aspects of work. It explores themes of job satisfaction, the search for meaning, and the impact of work on individuals' lives. The interviews are edited to preserve the voices and stories of the subjects, offering a powerful and original perspective on work and its significance in human experience.
This book by Julia Kristeva explores the notion of the 'stranger' or 'foreigner' in various cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts. It delves into the experiences of foreigners and the internal sense of strangeness, contrasting cosmopolitanism with xenophobia. Kristeva analyzes the legal and social status of foreigners throughout history, drawing examples from Greek tragedy, the Bible, and literature from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. She also reflects on her own experience as a foreigner in France and discusses how recognizing the foreigner within ourselves can lead to a deeper understanding of our own identities and the loss of boundaries between self and other[1][3][4].
In 'Chasing the Scream', Johann Hari delves into the origins and consequences of the war on drugs. The book spans nine countries, where Hari interviews a diverse range of individuals, including addicts, dealers, scientists, and policymakers. Hari explores the early figures in the drug war, such as Billie Holiday and Harry J. Anslinger, and discusses modern-day alternatives to prohibition, including decriminalization and legalization policies in countries like Portugal and Uruguay. The book argues that addiction is not a disease but an adaptation to environment and advocates for a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitation and connection-based solutions.
In 'Lost Connections', Johann Hari explores the increasing rates of depression and anxiety in the Western world. Through a 40,000-mile journey interviewing experts and visiting various communities, Hari identifies nine causes of depression and anxiety, all centered around the theme of disconnection. These causes include disconnection from meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status and respect, the natural world, and a hopeful or secure future. The book also delves into the role of genes and brain changes. Hari argues that traditional solutions focusing on chemical imbalances are insufficient and proposes alternative solutions based on reconnection, such as social prescribing, community engagement, and addressing societal issues like inequality and lack of social security.
The novel follows Jed Martin, a French artist who gains fame by photographing Michelin maps and later painting scenes of professional activities. The story spans several decades, including his relationship with a Russian executive from Michelin and his encounter with Michel Houellebecq, who appears as a character in the novel. Houellebecq's character is eventually brutally murdered, drawing Jed into the investigation. The book explores themes such as aging, the relationship between father and son, and the representation of reality through art, while also satirizing contemporary art and society[3][4][5].
Publié en 1953 sous le titre original 'Feux rouges', ce roman dur de Simenon suit Steve et Nancy, un couple américain dont le trajet vers un camp de vacances de leurs enfants tourne au cauchemar. Entre les arrêts alcoolisés de Steve et la rencontre avec un évadé de prison, le récit explore la déchéance psychologique et les mécanismes d'autodestruction. Le roman, traduit par Norman Denny, illustre le talent de Simenon pour décrire les tensions conjugales et les basculements existentiels.
Monsieur Monde, un quinquagénaire parisien apparemment comblé, abandonne un matin femme, enfants et carrière pour disparaître dans le sud de la France. Il se mêle aux marginaux de Nice, explorant une existence libérée des contraintes sociales. Simenon y dépeint avec acuité la quête désespérée d'authenticité et l'impossible communication entre les êtres, thèmes récurrents de son œuvre.
The world isn’t made of atoms, it’s made of stories. I’ve never heard anyone speak so deeply about interviewing. Johann Hari has written four books, and for each one he travels the globe to record hundreds of conversations. In this episode, he’ll explain exactly how he does it, sharing stories of getting up close and personal with homeless people in Vegas and a crack dealer in New York. In the end you’ll hear a wild story of the apple in Vietnam that almost killed him. Enjoy!
Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
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How I Write 
