Book Recommendations for the Pandemic Life
It is no question that many people are bored from being stuck at home and are taking up new hobbies that they would never have expected. From hearing other people, I know, people who do not ordinarily read have decided to start reading because of how bored they have gotten. I suspect people have been deviating from reading because most of their jobs or classes have moved online using some video software. The last thing they want to do after a long day of looking at a screen is looking at another screen and watch television. So, here are my book recommendations for people in the pandemic. Without any spoilers!
Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima
Written by a samurai and writer from the end of the 20th century, "Spring Snow" is a romantic novel that, in my opinion, makes Romeo and Juliet look amateurish. Mishima's excellent poetic writing style alongside personal experiences living simultaneously paints vivid and emotional images that can make the reader feel as if they were there. This is one of my favourite fiction books.
Over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen
This one is for those who miss traveling or have the desire for adventure within them. This book is all about Magellan's legendary journey. He circumnavigated the globe and found the elusive "Dragon's Tail," which is more commonly known as the "Strait of Magellan." One of the aspects that makes this book good is that it draws upon the journal entries of sailors on the ship with Magellan at the time. In my opinion, this journey's reality and events are beyond something that someone could have imagined writing for a story. I would describe this one as "intense." It puts in perspective how dangerous exploration is.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
This book is for those who are looking for a good non-fiction book to fill their minds. It is called the art of war or the art of life, depending on its translation. The Art of War is a book that is about 2000 years old and describes all kinds of war principles and tactics. Many warlords and generals have famously used this book throughout history. While mostly on war, a lot of the philosophy in this book can teach many important life lessons that can significantly improve one's quality of life. Although it may be obvious given that I am a physics student, my favourite chapter in this book is "potential energy." My favourite quote from this book is, "There are, but five notes, and yet their permutations are more than can ever be heard." Sun Tzu's Art of War is one of those books I find myself coming back to time and time again.
Regardless of whether one chooses to read these books, I think now is an excellent time to start into the habit of reading. You never know what you might find. A mentor of mine once said that "books contain the answer to every question. It is up to you to find the answers."
N. Monk, Futurist and Philosopher