A Blog on Books

Carl Sagan is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant minds I’ve had the pleasure of exploring through his writing. Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey through Sagan’s works—a decision that came about almost on a whim. I had made a New Year’s resolution to read more non-fiction, and in January, I picked up Cosmos . I was blown away. From there, I read Pale Blue Dot , followed by The Dragons of Eden , The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark , and Billions and Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium . Each book left me more enamoured than the last. Sagan's ability to convey dense, complex concepts with such eloquence and clarity is nothing short of brilliant. Initially, I didn’t plan to immerse myself so deeply in Sagan’s catalogue. But as I turned the final pages of Cosmos , I couldn’t resist diving headfirst into more of his work. His voice, his ideas—they simply resonate with me. When I picked up Contact , it was no different. I wa

This story caught me completely off guard. I went in with no idea what to expect, and it was much shorter than I anticipated—just 30 pages. But wow, it achieved so much with so little. One of the most intriguing aspects is how little context is provided about the lottery itself. It’s a tradition, but the reason behind it? We’re left in the dark. Even the townspeople don’t seem to remember why it started, and that mystery adds to its impact. Honestly, I think if we were given more explanation, it might not have hit as hard. Shirley Jackson’s writing is masterful. It’s short, sharp, and direct. The prose is sparse, yet it manages to pack in an incredible amount of emotion. The characters are just ordinary people—we don’t know much about them, but that simplicity is part of the story’s strength. What really stood out to me is how the tone shifts as the story progresses. At first, the lottery feels like a festive event, almost exciting. But as it unfolds, a sense of dread creeps in. The te

I absolutely loved Stories of Your Life and Others ! This short story collection was something new for me. I usually gravitate toward longer works, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from these shorter pieces (the only other short story collections I’d read were the first two Witcher books). But wow—these stories were perfect. They never felt rushed, nor did they overstay their welcome. Each one felt like its own immersive journey, with just the right balance. The collection is rooted in science fiction and speculative fiction, my favourite genres, especially when there’s a philosophical twist woven into the plot. Chiang’s writing explores big ideas without feeling heavy or overly abstract—it’s like he makes you ponder the universe while staying grounded in the human experience. I think that’s what made this such a standout read for me. It’s hard to choose a favourite, but “Tower of Babylon” and “Liking What You See: A Documentary” are definitely at the top. “Liking What You See” especia

As an avid reader, I've come across many incredible stories that have shaped my love for literature. Here are some of my favourite books that I believe everyone should explore: 1. Hyperion by Dan Simmons Hyperion is a masterful blend of science fiction and fantasy that weaves together the stories of seven pilgrims on a journey to the distant world of Hyperion. Each character shares their tale, revealing deep philosophical themes, rich world-building, and an unforgettable exploration of time and sacrifice. Simmons' intricate narrative structure draws readers in, making it a profound experience that leaves a lasting impression. 2. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett Set in 12th-century England, The Pillars of the Earth follows the construction of a grand cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Follett intricately details the lives of various characters, from architects to nobility, against a backdrop of political intrigue and social upheaval. This epic historical

Listening to The Old Man and the Sea narrated by Donald Sutherland was a real surprise. Typically, I don’t listen to fiction audiobooks, but I was looking for something short while preparing dinner and came across it. Sutherland’s voice suited the story wonderfully, adding great depth to the experience. Although he reads slowly, carefully enunciating each word, this pace gives space to appreciate the simplicity and weight of Hemingway's writing. I didn’t realize the book was so short—the version I listened to was only around two and a half hours. Yet, despite its brevity, it has a timeless, classic feel. The writing is straightforward, not overly descriptive, yet it holds a surprising depth. Told primarily from the perspective of one character, the story pulls you into his mind, letting you feel his inner monologue and sparse responses to his own thoughts. It was reminiscent of The Road by Cormac McCarthy; I wouldn’t be surprised if McCarthy took some inspiration from Hemingway,

I recently finished reading All the Pretty Horses for the second time, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. The first time I read it, I enjoyed it, but compared to other Cormac McCarthy novels I had read, it was my least favourite. However, after my second read, that has changed significantly. It's now one of my favourites by him, probably second only to The Passenger . What a book! Of all the McCarthy novels I've read, this one feels the most relatable. I say "relatable" loosely, because my life bears little resemblance to the characters' experiences, yet their journey feels so tangible and universal in an almost unexplainable way. For this review, I’m going to dive into spoilers— you’ve been warned! The novel is beautifully written and opens with a lost John Grady Cole. His parents are divorcing, and he no longer feels at home in his world. He and his cousin set off on a journey to Mexico, searching for purpose and a new life. What they find there changes th