Knowing I lov'd my books,
he furnish'd me From mine own library
with volumes that I prize above my dukedom.
The Tempest - William Shakespeare
Welcome readers to the 5th annual Autumn Reading List on The Art of Caesura!
I really enjoy these reading list posts. I think it's because I like to talk about books (probably a carry over from (or inital impetus for) my undergrad in Literature). Also, likely becuase in my career, any reading I do is very technical so it's nice to abstract oneself from that. In preparation for this post, I was looking back at previous years' lists. Last year in particular I read a bunch of really stand-out books that made the list very difficult to compile. This year was a little easier for me to decide.
Fiction:
I read the first two books on this list at a specific time of my life for a very specific reason. I read these books at a time (early this year) when I was making a big career decision. They were helpful in orienting my perspective towards one that helped me make a decision that would allow me to feel most fulfilled in my career and life.
I know this sounds awfully philosophical but the Midnight Library is actually a really fun and fast-paced read. With only minor spoilers for the first chapter, it is about a lady who finds herself in something of a limbo state. She lives alternate lives that she may have lived if she had made other decisions in her root life, such as pursuing her adolescent dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer or becoming an arctic researcher or just living in the English countryside and opening a little pub.
It is interesting to imagine the effects that small choices in her life (and by extrapolation, our lives) could have had. A deus ex machina is introduced into the book in the latter half which increases the tension and mixes up the formula so I did not feel that the book overstayed its welcome.
As per my opening paragraph, the book encourages us to meditate on the beauty and value in our lives. It helps us recognize that if we had made other decisions at critical junctures of our lives, we would not be the person we are today. I think, when we day-dream this scenerio - wondering at what our lives would be like if we'd made other choices (not a thought process that I am prone to, thankfully), we automatically insert ourselves into that scenerio - as in, the self that we are today. Whereas, by definition, we would actually be a somewhat different person - having had different liminal experiences.
Non-Fiction:
The average human lifespan is absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly short... Assuming you live to be eighty, you’ll have had about four thousand weeks.
By chance, I read this book immediately after the one above and they actually really compliment each other. Where The Midnight Library is a novelization of the concept of being fulfilled with our one and only life, this book is a nonfiction exploration of the same theme.
Oliver Burkeman challenges conventional notions of time management by grounding them in the stark reality of human mortality. Burkeman, a renowned journalist and author, argues that our concept of time - and what to do with it - is fundamentally flawed and invites us to reassess our relationship with the limited weeks we have on this planet.
The book's title itself serves as a stark reminder of life's brevity, echoing the average number of weeks in a human lifespan. Burkeman adeptly weaves together philosophy, psychology, and personal anecdotes to craft a compelling narrative that encourages readers to embrace their mortality rather than succumb to the relentless pursuit of productivity. I will admit, that it didn't always work for me. Sometimes he leaned a little to far towards Nihilism for my tastes but his stances were well-discussed.
One of the key strengths of "4000 Weeks" lies in Burkeman's ability to distill complex ideas into accessible and relatable concepts. He dismantles the myth of perpetual busyness and advocates for a more mindful approach to time. Burkeman challenges readers to question societal expectations and redefine success, emphasizing the importance of moments over milestones.
I think these areas will really resonate with parents, like myself. That, while we only have limited control over our environment, through conscious practice, we can have much more control over our reactions to environmental stimuli. This is easy for me to write at a cafe, while my daughter is at gymnastics, but much more difficult to internalise when my kids are screaming their heads off over who got to open the door of the advent calendar. But the point is that once you re-frame your perspective, recognizing the idea that with only 4000 weeks on this planet (and much less of that time with our kids) even moments of frustration will be looked back on with fondness when they are gone.
Check out this post for more musings on this subject.
The author introduces the concept of "meta-productivity," a term he coins to encapsulate a holistic approach to time management that prioritizes meaning and fulfillment. Rather than drowning in an endless to-do list, Burkeman urges readers to identify their values and align their activities with what truly matters to them.
Throughout the book, Burkeman delves into the psychological underpinnings of time management, exploring the impact of societal pressures, the fear of missing out, and the illusion of control. Drawing on insights from philosophy and psychology, he offers practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of modern life without succumbing to its demands.
"4000 Weeks" is not merely a guide to time management but a philosophical exploration of existence itself. Burkeman's prose is both eloquent and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their priorities and make intentional choices about how they spend their limited time.
Though a bit plodding at times, Burkeman's blend of wisdom, wit, and practical insights makes this book a valuable resource for sparking the development of a meaningful and mindful approach to the relentless march of time.
Graphic Novel:
The last entry on the list has no real tie to the other two, but it is undoubtably the most engaging graphic novel that I've read in recent times.
Brian K. Vaughan's graphic novel "Y: The Last Man" is a riveting exploration of a world suddenly plunged into chaos. Published from 2002 to 2008, this 60-issue series stands as a masterpiece in the realm of dystopian fiction.
The story unfolds in a world where a mysterious plague wipes out every mammal possessing a Y chromosome, leaving Yorick Brown and his monkey Ampersand as the last surviving males on Earth. This sudden and inexplicable event sets the stage for a gripping narrative that explores themes of gender, identity, and survival.
One of the strengths of "Y: The Last Man" lies in Vaughan's ability to create a rich and diverse cast of characters (just as is the case in his Saga series). Yorick, the affable and "witty" protagonist, is not just a symbol of survival but a vehicle for examining masculinity in a world now dominated by women. The characters that accompany him on his journey, including the resourceful government agent 355 and the brilliant geneticist Dr. Allison Mann, add depth and complexity to the narrative.
Vaughan skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, from political intrigue and conspiracy to personal struggles and self-discovery. The world-building is meticulous, presenting a society grappling with the sudden loss of half its population and the challenges of rebuilding amidst the chaos. The graphic novel also delves into the power dynamics that arise in this new world order, highlighting the strengths and flaws of human nature.
The artwork by Pia Guerra complements Vaughan's storytelling impeccably. The visuals capture the emotional nuances of the characters, the desolate landscapes, and the societal transformations, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
Beyond its thrilling plot and compelling characters, "Y: The Last Man" stands out for its thought-provoking exploration of gender dynamics. It challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, offering a nuanced perspective on identity and societal expectations.
In conclusion, "Y: The Last Man" is a tour de force in the graphic novel genre. Vaughan's storytelling prowess, coupled with Guerra's evocative art, delivers a narrative that is both poignant and intellectually stimulating. As a dystopian exploration of a world without men, the series leaves a lasting impression, prompting readers to reflect on the complexities of gender, power, and humanity.
***
So, I hope you find something from this list to cozy up to on one of these cold autumn nights. I might just mention a quick Honorable Mention for the fiction section: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. This was a wonderful escape into Americana, which would have pipped The Midnight Library on this list, only it wasn't really my genre.
Let me know of any suggestions that you have in the comments below.
I'll see you next week on The Art of Caesura!
Watching: The Killer - David Fincher (2023)
Reading: Descent: Legends of the Dark Rulebook
Next Week:
Descending into Darkness...
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