Mere Mortals Book Reviews

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

'All Quiet On The Western Front' is the harrowing experiences of fighting and dying, as told by a German WWI soldier. The author uses an alter-ego of Paul Baümer to fully describe the brutal reality of average life in the trenches. The book details the minutiae of frayed shell shocked nerves, mind-numbing boredom and explosive sudden bloodshed. One of the central themes we understand from the book is that nobody comes out of this experience for the better. Even those who survive come out apathetic and indifferent to the new daily monotony, their dreams have already been taken from them.For me this book really hit home the tragedy of the generation of men lost in not only WWI but WWII as well. This book has some vivid memorable scenes that I don't think I'll forget easily (the shelling in the recently buried cemetery for example). Reading it is not exactly a pleasant experience, but will give you gratitude for your current circumstances and a greater appreciation of the men and women protecting our countries. 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/3z31vSAConnect with Mere Mortals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show

'Pinocchio' by Carlo Collodi is the 1883 classic children's book of a puppet come to life . Though written for children it initially had a very tragic ending, with poor Pinocchio left for dead, hung by the neck from a tree. Thankfully Collodi added more chapters to the book and we now have an uplifting ending to the tale. It is is surprisingly deep with many life lessons (such as reaping what you sow, developing virtue, not to case pearls before swine, etc.,), which is why it is one of the most translated books of all time. The original tale is very different from the Disney movie and well worth a read, for young and old.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/3zT7xqkConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show