I recently checked out my PDF collections and the materials that I had during my study years. While browsing through it, one book that was on my list for so long was “Debt” by David Graeber. I was recommended to read that book back in 2017 and only yesterday, I managed to read up to page 30. I find that book fascinating just as someone told me that I might find that intriguing.
My goal this year is to get back to reading 4-5 books a week rather than just dragging one book for a few days. So, aligning with that goal, I try to read at least one classic and one light read for one or two days. And today, while browsing through hive book club, I found 
- On the road (Jack Kerouac)
- Siddharta
- The Beautiful and the damned
- Dorian Gray
- Da Vinci Code
- Atlas shrugged.
- Brother Karamazov
- Around the world in 80 days
- 1984
- The Art of Deception
Unfortunately, some of the books are not with me at the moment. So there’s no individual book illustration. Those books are something that I often find myself re-reading each year. Some of those books carry some moral lessons and life lessons that I implement in my life. For example, one of the books that helped me build a principle in life is the art of deception by kevin mitnick. Though it falls in the social-engineering genre, I prefer that one over other social-engineering books out there. It has technology involved and I think that book is a nice read especially these days when our life is surrounded by technology. Though the tools used are old, some of the techniques are still something I found today. To balance out the other book I read that may shape the way I think, Siddharta helps me realize one thing or two about acceptance and patience; something that I really lack in life.
When it comes to writing style and seeing literature as art, I always enjoy Russian author’s work. I found more appreciation for them when I sat in the introduction to literature class. I was introduced to more authors like Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. I find his story interesting and rich with symbolism. But my favorite has always been Brothers Kamarazov by Dostoevsky as I like the writing style, the plot, and the character development in the book.
If someone asks me when writing stories, who influenced my writing the most? I’d confidently say George Orwell, Fitzgerald, and Huxley. Fitzgerald is an odd one in the list but I like how he builds his character and the romance around its character. His choices of words are intriguing though as what I’ve learned, it was not all his but zelda’s too. His way of life captivates me as well though it's a bit depressing and scandalous. I used him as my final paper’s subject and after learning a lot about Fitzgerald, I feel like he’s a distant friend that shares the same life stories as I do. Meanwhile Orwell, I like the way he sort of predicts the future. He uses allegories in his works that my younger self didn’t actually understand what it was. But when I was 19, I finally understood the story. I want to be a writer like that, who writes some sort of prediction but in an allegorical way. And the story could be read by children but also enjoyed by adults.
And atlas shrugged, speak no more! I love Ayn Rand as a philosopher not a novelist. I really could fall asleep reading her works, but that book was something interesting on a philosophical level. Plus, a lot of my ways of living are really influenced by her.
The last that I’d explain why is Da Vinci Code by Dan brown. He really influenced my love of ancient architecture and museums. I read his work when I was in 10th grade and I was mesmerized by Robert Langdon who travels the world solving murders and mysteries. My younger self thought it was cool that he is a professor who also contributes in saving the world.
Anyhow, those are the short list and oversimplification of books to get to know me. It’s really difficult for me to choose the books but those are, after some consideration, some books to get to know me.
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 | Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated. |