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- π The Reading Journal #039
π The Reading Journal #039
Four Seasons, Stories from a Life Spent Listening and a Shipwreck
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Did you know that the famous British author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who created the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, was a skilled ophthalmologist and even opened his own eye clinic? Ironically, the clinic was not a success, and Conan Doyle had a lot of free time on his hands, which he used to write fiction. This unexpected turn of events led to the creation of Sherlock Holmes and a lasting literary legacy.
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ποΈ Staff Pick of the Week
Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp
In his memoir, Isadore Sharp, a child of Polish immigrants, details his journey from humble beginnings in Toronto to creating the world-renowned Four Seasons hotel brand. With no initial background in the industry, Sharp learned through trial and error, ultimately envisioning a new kind of hotel that prioritized exceptional design, amenities, and service. Over the span of nearly fifty years, Four Seasons has maintained its commitment to quality and unparalleled service, setting the standard for luxury hotels worldwide and becoming the epitome of comfort and opulence.
π₯ Reading Talk's
π Rising Quickly - Week of March 27, 2023
The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening by Ari Shapiro
Ari Shapiro's book "The Best Strangers in the World" takes readers on a journey around the world, sharing heartwarming and heartbreaking stories that are always poignant. From traveling on Air Force One with President Obama to following the path of Syrian refugees, Shapiro seeks to help people listen to each other and find commonality in a world increasingly divided by religion, nationality, and politics. The book is a testament to his passion for journalism and his desire to share what he finds with others.
πͺMost Talked About Fiction - Week of March 27, 2023
The Space Between Us by Doug Johnstone
Lennox, a troubled teenager, Ava, a pregnant woman fleeing her abusive husband, and Heather, a grieving mother with cancer, experience miraculous recoveries after suffering strokes during a meteor event in Edinburgh. They band together with a journalist named Ewan to rescue an octopus-like extraterrestrial creature, named 'Sandy,' who has landed on Earth. As they go on the run, they face pursuit from Ava's husband, the police, and a government unit seeking to capture the alien. Sandy's arrival has unforeseen consequences, hinting at a larger, potentially world-altering impact.
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ποΈ Most Talked About Non-Fiction - Week of March 27, 2023
Quitting: A Life Strategy: The Myth of Perseveranceβand How the New Science of Giving Up Can Set You Free by Julia Keller
The recent decisions of high-profile individuals like Simone Biles and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to quit their respective careers have sparked conversations about the value of quitting in one's life. Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Julia Keller explores the neuroscience behind quitting and the societal pressure to persevere, arguing that quitting can be an act of self-love and a path to living a meaningful life. In her book, "Quitting: A Life Strategy," Keller guides readers through the art of the quasi quit, navigating public perceptions of quitting, managing quitter's guilt, and more. Drawing on scientific research and personal stories of profound change, Keller shows that quitting can create space for key breakthroughs and empower individuals to shape their lives without fear.
π New and Noteworthy
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
On January 28, 1742, thirty emaciated survivors of His Majesty's Ship the Wager washed up on the coast of Brazil after chasing a Spanish treasure galleon. Marooned for months, they built a makeshift craft and sailed through treacherous seas. Initially hailed as heroes, their status was challenged six months later when three more castaways accused them of mutiny. The crew's time on a desolate island had devolved into factional anarchy. The Admiralty convened a court martial to determine the truth, with potential life-and-death consequences. The Wager is a gripping tale of survival, human behavior at its extremes, and the suspenseful courtroom drama that followed.
βοΈ Quote of the Week
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.
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