With everything going on the last month – NaBloPoMo and tons of work – I am surprised on how much I was actually to read. But then books I my escape mechanism when I which to be somewhere else, when I need new thoughts in my head or want to quiet the constant voices.
Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking | ★★★★★
What’s it about: Renowned physicist Stephan Hawking explains the universe. He walks you through the history of the universe matched with the different theories being developed and ditched also explains his own work and where he came to fail.
What I thought: I asked for this illustrated version because I knew I needed pictures to help me understand. I loved the edition I received by my dad. The entire book is just mind blowing. I was only able to read 10-15 pages at a time trying to digest all the information. I still don’t think I could explain what I read hence I haven’t gotten it but I sure feel I got a glimpse. It is very nicely written and has some wit and humor to it.
Original Language: English
Published Languages: almost all languages
Recommend to: Everyone with an interest in our world, the universe, time travel and all things in-between. I say read it!
My lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach | ★★★★☆
What’s it about: A memoir of a young marriage Mark and Giulia that is redefined by mental illness and affirms the power of love.
What I thought: I found this book really interesting and very good to read about the partner of someone struggling with mental health. The ways they suffer, the options they struggle with and the need to also take care of themselves to give their best for the ill spouse. At times it was really sad and heartbreaking. At times the writing was not very great so I am taking one star of.
Original Language: English
Published Languages: German (Title: Abgedreht – Meine Frau, unsere Liebe und die Psychose)
Recommend to: Readers interested in mental health and the dynamics of relationship when mental health is part of it. Also everyone liking a biography.
An der Arche um Acht by Ulrich Hub | ★★★★☆
What’s it about: Three quirky penguins and their journey on Noah’s ark. The thoughts about what, where and who is god. His he bad tempered or forgiving.
What I thought: I bought this book as a Christmas gift for my gold child. I read the first two pages in the bookshop and was amused about the words of choice and the humorous way of retelling the well know story of Noah’s ark. Every once in a while I was wondering if it might be too missionary but often the sentences were compensated in the following paragraph by saying e.g. “Everyone can choose what to believe.”
Original Language: German
Published Languages: I don’t think it’s been translated.
Recommend to: Every child who loves penguins, a fun quirky story and wants to learn about Christianity. It is suitable as book to read to as well as a book to learn reading with.
Novemberschwärmer by Nicole Sutera | ★★★☆☆
What’s it about: Johanna receives a strange present for her 15th birthday. Things start to get weird around her and she is suddenly caught between two competing parties.
What I thought: It was an entertaining read and easy to dive into. Unfortunately it was lengthy at times and ended just when it started to get interesting.
Original Language: German
Published Languages: Don’t think there are any.
Recommend to: Lovers of young adult fantasy reads who need some easy entertainment.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscare Wilde | ★★☆☆☆
What’s it about: story of a fashionable young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty is the author’s most popular work. It is the authors most famous book.
What I thought: I guess I didn’t get it. It started with me questioning Mr. Wildes view on woman in general – and yes I did consider the time it was written but still I found it bewildering. And then the whole cast… I didn’t like a single one of them. It is probably a good book for a book club discussion. But even if I knew some of the meanings behind it would not a book I liked. I wonder why it is so famous though.
Original Language: English
Published Languages: probably anyone you need to find
Recommend to: Classic lovers, bookclub participants and people who like to challenge themselves.
I read two more Romance novels but they were so bad I am not listing them here.
Those where my books I read in November. What was the most challenging book you read this past month or year?
Happy Reading
