#432 - 10 Things I’ve Learned in 10 Years of the Lazy Genius

In this book, Kendra Adachi invites readers to live well by their own definition, equipping them to be a genius about what matters and lazy about what doesn’t. The book addresses the overwhelming mixed messages of what it means to live well and provides practical advice through thirteen Lazy Genius principles. These principles include 'Decide once,' 'Start small,' 'Ask the Magic Question,' 'Go in the right order,' and 'Schedule rest,' among others. Adachi’s approach is unique in that it does not impose a one-size-fits-all solution but instead offers tools for individuals to figure out what is most important to them and focus on those aspects while letting go of the rest.

In *Piranesi*, the protagonist lives in a world called the House, a labyrinthine structure filled with thousands of statues, tides that surge through staircases, and clouds in the upper halls. Through his meticulous journals, Piranesi reconstructs the story of his arrival and explores the House, only to discover messages indicating the presence of another person. As he delves deeper, he uncovers secrets and confronts the possibility of a world beyond his known reality.

In 'Red Rising: The Washington Capitals Story', Ted Starkey chronicles the transformation and resurgence of the Washington Capitals. The book includes original interviews with key figures from the team, providing a detailed and personal look at the team's history, challenges, and successes.

Hannah Coulter, a novel by Wendell Berry, tells the story of Hannah, a woman reflecting on her life in rural Kentucky. The narrative explores themes of community, family, and the changing landscape of rural America. Berry masterfully portrays the deep connections between people and their land, highlighting the importance of place and belonging. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, loss, and the enduring power of faith. Through Hannah's experiences, Berry offers a poignant meditation on the meaning of life and the importance of living in harmony with nature and one's community.

Set in 1983 Malibu, 'Malibu Rising' follows the Riva siblings—Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit—as they host their annual summer party. The novel delves into themes of family, love, and heartbreak, culminating in a chaotic night that will forever alter their lives. The siblings, children of legendary singer Mick Riva, navigate their complex relationships and personal secrets amidst the party's escalating chaos.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine tells the story of Eleanor, a socially awkward woman with a traumatic past, who embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and friendship. The novel explores themes of loneliness, trauma recovery, and the power of human kindness. Through Eleanor's experiences, Gail Honeyman crafts a narrative that is both humorous and poignant, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.

In this novel, Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, kills a wolf that turns out to be an immortal faerie. As punishment, she is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court. Initially hostile, Feyre's feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion as she adapts to her new home. However, an ancient, wicked shadow threatens the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world. The book is a retelling inspired by fairy tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Tam Lin', and it combines elements of romance, adventure, and high fantasy.

The Stand tells the story of a world devastated by a rapidly mutating flu virus known as Captain Tripps, which kills over 99% of the population. The survivors are drawn to two opposing forces: Mother Abagail, a 108-year-old woman who represents good, and Randall Flagg, a supernatural entity embodying evil. The novel explores themes of rebuilding society, the persistence of evil, and the necessity of standing against it. The Complete & Uncut Edition, released in 1990, includes material that was originally cut from the 1978 publication, providing a more comprehensive and detailed narrative.

Middlemarch, written by George Eliot, is a novel that delves into the complexities of provincial life in 19th-century England. The story revolves around the intersecting lives of its characters, particularly Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, as they navigate marriage, vocation, and social class. Eliot critiques the conventional romance narratives of her time by portraying marriage as a complex and often problematic institution. The novel also explores themes of idealism, self-interest, hypocrisy, and the constraints on women's lives. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch between 1829 and 1832, the novel incorporates historical events such as the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early developments in medicine. Eliot's realistic portrayal of ordinary human life, with its quiet tragedies and small triumphs, has made 'Middlemarch' a masterpiece of English literature.