📚 The Reading Journal #026

Happy New Year! We hope that this new year brings you all the happiness, health, and prosperity that you deserve.

This year, we have an exciting lineup of new releases, merch and partnerships that we can't wait to share with you all. Thank you for joining us on our journey! So grab a cup of coffee, curl up with a good book, and let us help you start the new year off on the right foot.

We hope that these books bring you as much joy as they have brought us and we can't wait to hear what you think of them. Here's to a fantastic year of reading!

📷 Bookshelf Humble Brag

📝 Note

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📚 Staff Pick of the Week

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir written by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at the age of 36. The book chronicles Kalanithi's journey as a patient and a doctor, and reflects on the meaning of life and death.

Kalanithi was in the final years of his neurosurgery residency when he received the devastating news of his terminal illness. Despite facing the prospect of an early death, he remained determined to continue his work as a neurosurgeon and to find meaning in his remaining time.

Through his personal story and reflections on literature, philosophy, and his experiences as a doctor, Kalanithi grapples with the profound questions that arise when facing mortality. He writes candidly and eloquently about his struggles and his search for purpose, offering a poignant and powerful meditation on what it means to live a meaningful life.

When Breath Becomes Air is a deeply moving and thought-provoking read that has touched the lives of readers around the world. It is a powerful tribute to the human spirit and a testament to the enduring value of the relationships and experiences that shape our lives.

🎥 Reading Talk's

📈 Rising Quickly - Week of December 26, 2022

Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Ego Is The Enemy is a book written by Ryan Holiday that explores the negative effects of ego on individuals and society. The book argues that ego, or excessive pride and self-importance, can be a major obstacle to success and happiness. It suggests that people who are driven by their ego often make poor decisions, have difficulty learning from their mistakes, and struggle to work effectively with others.

The book cites examples from history, literature, and the author's own experiences to illustrate the ways in which ego can hold us back. It also offers practical strategies for overcoming ego and cultivating humility, mindfulness, and self-awareness.

Ego Is The Enemy argues that the key to achieving success is not to let your ego dictate your actions, but rather to focus on your goals and work hard to achieve them. It is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that encourages readers to let go of their ego and embrace a more humble, grounded approach to life.

🪄 Most Talked About Fiction - Week of December 26, 2022

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Kafka on the Shore is a novel written by Haruki Murakami that follows the intertwined stories of two main characters: Kafka Tamura, a teenage boy who runs away from home to escape an Oedipal curse, and Nakata, an elderly man with a mysterious connection to cats.

The novel is set in Japan and features a mix of magical realism and surreal elements. It explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Kafka on the Shore follows Kafka as he embarks on a journey across Japan, encountering a cast of strange and memorable characters along the way. These include a young woman named Miss Saeki, who is connected to Kafka's past, and a group of mysterious men who seem to be chasing him.

Meanwhile, Nakata's story unfolds as he tries to understand his own abilities and the significance of his connection to cats. The two storylines eventually intersect, leading to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion.

Kafka on the Shore is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. It is a classic work of Murakami's unique blend of mystery, mysticism, and philosophical contemplation.

📚 Most Talked About Non-Fiction - Week of December 26, 2022

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is a self-help book written by Joseph Murphy that explores the role of the subconscious mind in shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. The book argues that the subconscious mind is a powerful force that can be harnessed to achieve personal growth and success.

According to Murphy, the subconscious mind is like a vast, untapped well of potential that we can tap into to achieve our goals and overcome obstacles. He suggests that by learning to control our thoughts and beliefs, we can influence our subconscious mind and, in turn, change our reality.

The book provides practical techniques for accessing and utilizing the power of the subconscious mind, including visualization, affirmations, and self-suggestion. It also offers guidance on how to overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, and cultivate positive habits and attitudes.

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is a comprehensive and empowering guide to harnessing the full potential of the mind. It is a must-read for anyone looking to make positive changes in their lives and achieve their goals.

🆕 New and Noteworthy

The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger M.D. & Marc Schulz Ph.D

What makes a life fulfilling and meaningful? The simple but surprising answer is: relationships. The stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and overall healthier lives. In fact, the Harvard Study of Adult Development reveals that the strength of our connections with others can predict the health of both our bodies and our brains as we go through life.

The invaluable insights in this book emerge from the revealing personal stories of hundreds of participants in the Harvard Study as they were followed year after year for their entire adult lives, and this wisdom is bolstered by research findings from this and many other studies. Relationships in all their forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, coworkers, tennis partners, book club members, Bible study groups—all contribute to a happier, healthier life. And as The Good Life shows us, it’s never too late to strengthen the relationships you have, and never too late to build new ones.

Dr. Waldinger’s TED Talk about the Harvard Study, “What Makes a Good Life,” has been viewed more than 42 million times and is one of the ten most-watched TED talks ever. The Good Life has been praised by bestselling authors Jay Shetty (“Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz lead us on an empowering quest towards our greatest need: meaningful human connection”), Angela Duckworth (“In a crowded field of life advice and even life advice based on scientific research, Schulz and Waldinger stand apart”), and happiness expert Laurie Santos (“Waldinger and Schulz are world experts on the counterintuitive things that make life meaningful”).

With warmth, wisdom, and compelling life stories, The Good Life shows us how we can make our lives happier and more meaningful through our connections to others.

👀 In Case You Missed It

✍️ Quote of the Week

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