Of Human Bondage is one of the finest novels I have ever read and, for me, a masterpiece of historical fiction. As a writer, I was especially captivated by Somerset Maugham's extraordinary prose. He has a remarkable ability to transform even the most ordinary moments into something vivid and compelling, drawing the reader so deeply into the story that you feel like an integral part of the world he has created. Despite its considerable length of nearly 700 pages, I never wanted it to end. In fact, the moment I finished it, I immediately bought all Maugham's other books. Few novels leave such a lasting impression, but Of Human Bondage is one of those rare works that stays with you long after the final page.
Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time
"It is very difficult for a writer of my generation, if he is honest, to pretend indifference to the work of Somerset Maugham," wrote Gore Vidal. "He was always so entirely there."
Originally published in 1915, Of Human Bondage is a potent expression of the power of sexual obsession and of modern man's yearning for freedom. This classic bildungsroman tells the story of Philip Carey, a sensitive boy born with a clubfoot who is orphaned and raised by a religious aunt and uncle. Philip yearns…
found this book fascinating, provocative, and deeply engaging. Well written and authoritative, it explores an impressive range of ideas about the hidden forces that shape our relationships, character, and success. Even when I didn't fully agree with every conclusion, it gave me plenty to think about.
With unequaled insight and brio, New York Times columnist David Brooks has long explored and explained the way we live. Now Brooks turns to the building blocks of human flourishing in a multilayered, profoundly illuminating work grounded in everyday life. This is the story of how success happens, told through the lives of one composite American couple, Harold and Erica. Drawing on a wealth of current research from numerous disciplines, Brooks takes Harold and Erica from infancy to old age, illustrating a fundamental new understanding of human nature along the way: The unconscious mind, it…
How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division by Elif Shafak
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How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division by Elif Shafak
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I enjoyed How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division. Elif Shafak offers a gentle yet powerful reminder that empathy, curiosity, and compassion matter more than ever in a world that often feels divided. Her reflections encouraged me to slow down, listen more carefully, and resist the urge to see people as simply "us" versus "them." It's a short book, but one that stayed with me long after I finished reading it. A must-read for these challenging times!
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Good, steady pace
How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division by Elif Shafak
In this nonfiction picture book, I draw upon my thirty years of scientific field research on marine mammals off Southern California to introduce our beloved children to one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures: the bottlenose dolphin. Beautifully illustrated by Alex Boersma, this book is written for children ages 4 to 8, while also offering older readers a glimpse into the lives of dolphins. Blending science, storytelling, and stunning artwork, I hope this book inspires a deeper appreciation for these extraordinary animals and serves as a call to protect the oceans they call home.
