Mere Mortals Book Reviews

In this video I go over some of my favourite quotes from abridged version of 'The Gulag Archipelago'. These are select snippets that highlight the most important passages of the book where I will then adding my own personal reflections on the quote and why it struck me so deeply. If you are looking for a general overview of the book, please head to the Book Review, which gives a synopsis of the principal themes.I summarised the book as follows. "The Gulag Archipelago is a monumental work and truly exposes one of the worst regimes that humans have ever created. The quotes I picked out struck me for their poignancy and capture the literary style of Solzhenitsyn. Not for the faint of heart, they show how kids were given 10+ year prison sentences, the fear evoked by an arrest and the depravity of the gulag guards."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3ntvrVOTimeline:(0:00) - Purpose of the video(0:57) - Arrests as a pandemic(2:42) - War heroes as criminals(5:30) - Stalin the jackal(7:20) - Inefficient interrogation(8:53) - You today, me tomorrow(10:51) - The line dividing evil cuts every human heart(12:45) - Hunger strikes are useless(14:41) - No gas for the gas chambers(16:37) - Competing plans(18:22) - Conditions of the corpses(20:24) - Children were not spared(21:38) - Arrests never got easier(22:55) - Blatnye: the theives(24:15) - 10 years in the camps for a child(26:08) - Going over your life with a fine-tooth comb(28:10) - Crocodile tears(30:41) - Growing old overnightConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Nature vs Nurture, which is more influential? This is one of the queries that pop up when reading 'The Call Of The Wild' by Jack London. Probably the most well known of his works, it is very similar to 'White Fang' in many ways. We follow a St Bernard cross Scotch Collie named Buck as he returns to the icy wilderness of Northern Canada. Along his journey he rediscovers his baser, deep rooted instincts.Kyrin of the Mere Mortal crew had this to say. "Sometimes you can read two very similar books and only one of them will move you. This occurred for me with White Fang, leaving me slightly disappointed with Call Of The Wild. They both touch upon similar themes, have similar scenery and characters but something was just lacking. A decent book nevertheless and worth reading if you love dogs and the wilderness."Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

What can be learned from the senseless death of millions and how can we ensure it never happens again? 'The Gulag Archipelago' is a three-volume work that transformed the World's opinion on the USSR and communist ideology. The author, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, spent 8 years in the forced labour camps before being released under the sweeping reforms put in place after Stalin's death. He wrote of his experiences and those of his comrades in the frozen Russia tundra under essentially unliveable conditions. His work has had a recent revival of interest following the popularity of Jordan Peterson and his praise of the book.I read the abridged version of this mammoth work. "This book really hits home the suffering and utter misery that was inflicted upon a whole nation. Solzhenitsyn's words scream out the unimaginable cruelty and unanswered rage through compassionate stories, comedic sarcasm and plain facts. It really is a horrifying book, but is almost a masterpiece of revealing not only the misery we can create as a group, but the suffering we can endure as an individual.""There is a reason why this book had such a profound impact from the moment it was released. It touches upon the bare naked themes of humanities worst and greatest parts. If you desire to catch a glimpse of what Hell looks like (both physically and psychologically), then this will do it. Tough reading, but full of essential knowledge."As always, we hope you enjoy!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3ntvrVOTimeline:(0:00) - Solzhenitsyn Quote(0:33) - Synopsis(2:54) - Lack Of Integrity & Responsibility Of Individuals(6:10) - Human Nature Was Tested(10:22) - Personal Observations(14:35) - Summary(16:57) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Affirmation Of My ResponsibilityConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

"To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation". This is a quote taken from the book 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It is a relatively short book of a simple story; a young shepherd goes on a journey to find his treasure. However the tale is enrapturing and one can't help but be drawn in and identify parts of oneself in Santiago, the Andalusian shepherd. Although it primarily addresses the spiritual/psychological barriers that prevent us from fulfilling our dreams, it also packs in practical wisdom for everyday use.I summarised the book as follows. "I came across this book in a pivotal point in my life, deciding whether to quit my job and fulfil my dream of travelling South America. Reading this book helped cement my decision. Nothing causes more regret and sorrow than cowing with fear away from pursuing a desired goal. A goal that is driven by an internal passion cannot be ignored."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3911qV0Timeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(2:03) - The Personal Legend(6:18) - Omens & The Soul of The World(11:00) - Personal Observations(15:52) - Summary(17:10) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Add to the Wisdom WorksheetConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

Have you read one of the best books that Latin America has to offer? '100 Year of Solitude' is the magnus opus of the Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. Although only published in 1967 it is already a classic book of worldwide literature. It is a long meandering tale that tells the story of the Buendía family in the magical town of Macondo. Numerous generations are born and die as they interact with the introduction of technology, magic and oppression from within and without.I summarised the book as follows. "I spent 7 months deciphering this classic in Spanish so my impression of the book comes from the original text, however with a bit less comprehension as Spanish is not my native language. The book touches upon the changing of time and fortune & the strange sense of pleasure that can be derived from loneliness/nostalgia. One of the finest examples of 'magic realism' style and well worth the time invested to read. Definitely recommended for those who would describe themselves as nostalgic or wistful as the book exquisitely captures that essence of feeling. Viva Colombia!"I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!Timeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(3:27) - Strictness can lead to a stressful life(5:50) - A sense of nostalgia(9:23) - Reading it in Spanish(11:47) - Legacy: Time forgets all(16:58) - SummaryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

How would 19th century British folk handle a situation of their children growing to the size of 4 story buildings? If you have ever asked yourself this very specific question than 'The Food of The Gods and How It Came To Earth' by H.G. Wells is the perfect book for you. The book raises some interesting questions one of these being: are there inventions/discoveries that can or should be un-invented?I was very excited after reading the initial pages and the basic premise of the plot, but was let down as the book went on. Fiction writers have a difficult job of choosing where to take the story from the initial conception and I personally wanted to see it head in a different direction than where it did go. The book wasn't all bad though as it contained one of my new favourite fictional characters, that being Cossar the engineer. To learn more about him and why I liked him, listen on.Hope you enjoy, Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3huqbh3Connect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

What is it like to have bipolar disorder? 'An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness' is a biography by Kay R. Jamison, a doctor/psychologist who researches this very topic and who also is afflicted with the same disorder. Previously known as manic depression, it is a mental disorder with a strong genetic component that results in intense mood swings with little ability of regulation. She tells of the highs and lows, public perception/misconceptions and the necessity of those afflicted to take their medication.I summarised the book as follows. "I was interested in this book as I wanted to read more about the subjective experience of depression. While the book does touch upon this issue, it is mostly an account of the life of the author and how she handled (or did not handle) living with a mental disorder that severely effected her life. For me it was a little boring as I was looking for something different, but it is always useful to get an honest first person account of something I will likely never experience myself."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3A8B2UYTimeline:(0:00) - Synopsis(4:48) - Social stigma & public reception(9:20) - Signs and manifestations of the disorder(11:39) - Personal Observations(13:17) - Summary(16:00) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Be less judgemental!Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'White Fang' is the tale of a wolf cub who is born in the wild, learning the call of the wild and the brutal lessons of nature. Through a gradual period of interacting with indigenous and white Americans, he gradually becomes tamer, but still with the spirit of a wolf within. The story lends itself to children but is masterfully told and can draw in a reader of any age.While a captivating tale, it is not exactly a pleasant story. White Fang fully experiences Thomas Hobbes description of life 'nasty, brutish and short'. He endures the suffering of famine, abusive owners, constant bullying and predation from other animals. Thankfully the book ends with an uplifting ending and there are moments of joy when he is living his life fully as a wolf. This is an enrapturing novel with great lessons throughout.As always, we hope you enjoy, Mere Mortals out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3tHDSxNConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'Meditations' are the reflections of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161-180 AD, renowned for his wise ruling as 'The Philosopher'. The book is a collection of personal notes to himself and is split into 12 chapters (or books) each containing many small quotes/larger thoughts on Stoic philosophy, the nature of Death, living in the present moment and dealing with emotions (amongst other subjects).He never intended for his writings to be published as a book, so we gain the unadulterated wisdom of one of the most powerful people to ever live. We are present to his own struggles with his emotions and of how to live the best life possible. In some parts the language used is difficult to interpret but the book is full of techniques and practical advice of how to endure through suffering and become a better person.If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3tBmpXQConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

A hectic account of trench warfare by a born soldier!'Storm of Steel' by Ernst Jünger is a first person account of life during World War I as told through the eyes of a young German soldier. There is no particular plot, closer to a diary of his experiences on the Western Front during engagements such as the: Battle of Ypres, Battle of Cambrai & the final German spring offensive. It's not a political book and is simply an account of what Jünger saw/felt during this period of his life.I summarised the book as follows. "Jünger faces unending blood, raining steel, bone-numbing cold, asphyxiating gas, energy snapping mud and a meeting with death. If you ever wanted to know what the experience of a modern day adrenaline junkie would be during war time, then this is the book for you. Though it might glorify war in some aspects 'Storm of Steel' is as real as it gets and the author is also as real as it gets."I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3lnmgniTimeline:(0:00) - Intro & Synopsis(3:51) - Excitement of the fight(8:10) - The tricks & turns of fate(9:35) - Personal Observations(14:17) - Summary(16:12) - Pragmatic Takeaway: Start reading books in pairs of twoConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show