Michael Kim

3.75 - Stephen Batchelor compiles his thoughts on spirituality, meditation, buddhism, the nature of solitude and more in a compelling and interesting set of standalone chapters. I read the book at a good time as I am currently becoming more interested in spirituality and indulging in solitude.

3.9

INITIAL THOUGHTS:
Interesting read and commentary on home, travelling, family, and letters. Very strong start and thought provoking scenes throughout, felt a stronger ending that was better woven into the plot would've pushed it to a 4. Definitely recommended read regardless. Glad to be trying more translated works from Korean authors.

Ishiguro's Never Let me Go is an intensely touching story that poses so many interesting questions to the reader. A closely related book to his recent ‘Klara in the sun' Ishiguro explores what it truly means to be human, and what defines the undefinable human soul. Ishiguro is a master of drip feeding the reader with information so that they are always engaged in the book and does an excellent job guiding them through this immensely complex subject matter. The interactions and love shared between Kathy, Tommy and Ruth is truly an expert representation of human relationships and their complexity. I loved this book and it left me feeling deeply sad and deeply happy at times. Would definitely recommend as an entry to Ishiguro.

First review in a while, but enjoyed the warmth of the characters and the unique narrative style so much that I thought I would finally do one. Liesel, her friends and family and the tragedy of her story is written in a beautiful manner and nicely woven into the historical setting of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany in a truly unique manner. 6/5 :)

4 stars - found Lencioni's writing to be full of simple but compelling literary techniques, such as clearly telegraphed foreshadowing. Very much new to the genre of self-help books written through fictional stories, and really enjoyed it! Found it much more digestible and memorable in this story format, and useful summary at the end. Interesting and not immediately apparent takeaways such as meetings being the perfect time for constructive arguments, and the importance of not taking such vital arguments ‘offline' or postponing them.