OOGA BOOKA William

So... it's been a while!

Today we have the Goodreads Choice Awards 2020 Winner, The Midnight Library (2020), by Matt Haig! A book about depression, regrets, and a chance for Nora Seed to do everything differently. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52578297-the-midnight-library

Great: Simple, heartwarming, and very relatable.

Not so great: Can be quite predictable at times, very surface level discussion of depression. TWs as well for depression and suicide.

Verdict: 8/10

Next book: Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011) by Daniel Kahneman

This week I am joined by my great friend Ally!

Never Let Me Go (2005) by Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro follows Kathy, a student at an English boarding school and her journey to find her place in the world with her friends, learn about what their purpose is, and why they are treated so differently. The book is a great critique into human nature and our relationship to others as we grow up. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6334.Never_Let_Me_Go

Great: Wonderful writing, plain yet beautiful. Down to earth and very human.

Not so great: Some may describe the characters as passive. If you're looking for a feel-good book, this probably ain't it chief

Verdict: 8/10

Next book: The Midnight Library (2020) by Matt Haig

The Upstream Doctors (2013) by Rishi Manchanda tries to answer the question, "why do we treat people, only to send them back into the same conditions that made them sick in the first place?" We explore how health begins in places we don't expect.



Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18067917-the-upstream-doctors

Great: Inspiring, and fresh new take on how health is shaped by factors outside what we commonly think of 'healthcare' - hospitals and clinics.

Not so great: Pretty US-centric, may not be for you if you already work in public health.



Verdict: 8/10

Next book: Never Let Me Go (2005) by Kazuo Ishiguro

How to Take Smart Notes (2017) by Sönke Ahrens explains the rules and ideas behind the zettelkasten note taking system. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/id/book/show/34507927-how-to-take-smart-notes



Great: Really cool note taking system, rethinks the way we learn and keep information. Must read if you are planning on writing/creating.

Not so great: Kinda vague about the technique in certain aspects; can get repetitive in a few parts.



Verdict: 8.5/10

Next book: The Upstream Doctors (2013) by Rishi Manchanda