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Book Review: Adolescent by Fyodor Dostoevsky

"People decide their fate, determine their outlook and tell themselves once in their life: "This is the truth and this is the way to achieve it."

Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Genre: Fiction, Classics

Publisher: Alma Classics

Year: 2016

My Rating: 4  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

The narrator and protagonist of Dostoevsky’s novel The Adolescent (first published in English as A Raw Youth) is Arkady Dolgoruky, a naive 19-year-old boy bursting with ambition and opinions. The illegitimate son of a dissipated landowner, he is torn between his desire to expose his father’s wrongdoing and the desire to win his love. He travels to St. Petersburg to confront the father he barely knows, inspired by an inchoate dream of communion and armed with a mysterious document that he believes gives him power over others. 

A story of a naivete, I should say:

"What's your name"

"Dolgoruky"

"Prince Dolgoruky?"

An introduction that always occured to the protagonist, an illegitimate son of Versilov, a nobleman aged almost fifty. Revolved around the big themes of adolescent, radical nobility, betrayal, a twisted relationship between father & son in which Arkady Makarovich had this enormous admiration towards his father––until a cause of inheritance, mystery documents that is basically the root problem of the story, and love involves.

The story was written as Arkady's diary, so it's in first point of view. The way of he told his story also reflects how fickle, unstructed, his mind was which is the perfect portrayal of a 19-year-old's mind. He tried his best to jot everything down, then jumped to one fact to another. Regardless, the readers are still made to understand of the eventful, dramatic scenes that gradually unfolds one after another. The "diary" has became the soulless witness of his youthful spirit and stubborness.

Overall, The Adolescent didn't disappoint me at all. If anything, it gave out a fresh perspective of a teenager and his complicated, kinda idealist way to thinking as captured by Dostoevsky.

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Book Review: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

“If you really love someone, you have to be prepared to accept them as they are. Maybe you hope that one day they get a wake-up call and make the changes for their own reasons.”

Author: Graeme Simsion

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year: 2013

My Rating: 4  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love. Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper. The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Yup, I enjoyed it very much:

It’s been so long since I enjoyed a good romance novel that is hilarious and exciting at the same time. I’ve noticed that some people admit that The Rosie Project is hard to put down, I can see why. Every chapter left you with longing for more. Don Tillman, a professor of genetics is in mission to find a wife. His lack of social behavioral skill makes the character highly interesting. I found myself entertained with his naive thoughts––he sees everything in perfect order and logic, including his meticulous, yet preposterous credentials he looked for in a wife. Until one day, Rosie showed up into his life and created fundamental changes into his way-too-organized life.

The novel is everything but boring, because it isn’t solely rotated around Don’s desire to find “the one”, but also the plot took turn into some other equally interesting matters, such as finding Rosie’s biological father. The author did a great job to keep us wondering for the answer while keeping us entertained with all the euphoria Don felt during executing his quests with Rosie.

Overall, The Rosie Project is truly live up to its hype. It’s fun to read, hilarious, very well written, and successfully made me book drunk. Like, I have to write about it immediately upon finishing up the book. Looking forward to the movie adaptation!

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Book Review: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

“He’s more myself than I am. Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

Author: Emily Bronte

Genre: Fiction, English Literature, Classic

Publisher: Vintage Classics

Year: 2015

My Rating: 3.5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Wuthering Heights is the tale of two families both joined and riven by love and hate. Cathy is a beautiful and wilful young woman torn between her soft-hearted husband and Heathcliff, the passionate and resentful man who has loved her since childhood. The power of their bond creates a maelstrom of cruelty and violence which will leave one of them dead and cast a shadow over the lives of their children. Emily Brontë's novel is a stunningly original and shocking exploration of obsessive passion

I have a mixed feelings about this:

Wuthering Heights took romance as its main theme and I have to say, I have never read anything quite like it! Usually a romance story involves all the lovey-dovey things, but as far as I can remember, I didn’t find any in this novel. Emily had successfully contrived a one-of-a-kind love story in which almost every single of the characters I despise. I wouldn’t say this is a horrible book. I only have a problem with the characters and their diabolical act, even the narrator––although I know it’s kind of the interesting part and the essence of this novel.

I didn’t know what I was into when I first read it. I only knew the famous quote––which got me to pick up the book in the first place. As the story went, I was both sicked and intrigued. I read it at slow pace just to make sure I didn’t miss anything because Wuthering Heights is––even though very beautifully written––that kind of book that isn’t easy to skim. The story was fast-paced and involved two generations of two family. Their lives entangled in such an ironic scheme. However, the story took a very interesting turn––I suddenly got all hooked and couldn’t stop reading. It also got a satisfying (though sort of absurd IMO) ending which I loved. 

Overall, Wuthering Height is a profound classic that really twisted my emotions throughout reading. I was impressed by its originality and how immaculate it was written. Definitely a romance worth to read at least once.

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Book Review: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

“What is hell? I maintain that it is the suffering of being unable to love.”

Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Genre: Fiction, Russian Literature

Publisher: Vintage Books

Year: 1992

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

The Brothers Karamazov is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry in a series of triangular love affairs involving the “wicked and sentimental” Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and his three sons―the impulsive and sensual Dmitri; the coldly rational Ivan; and the healthy, red-cheeked young novice Alyosha. Through the gripping events of their story, Dostoevsky portrays the whole of Russian life, is social and spiritual striving, in what was both the golden age and a tragic turning point in Russian culture. This award-winning translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky remains true to the verbal inventiveness of Dostoevsky’s prose, preserving the multiple voices, the humor, and the surprising modernity of the original. It is an achievement worthy of Dostoevsky’s last and greatest novel.

I’m so glad I read thought-provoking books lately:

Yes, The Brothers Karamazov doesn’t give you much of a glee, but it definitely make you feel something. Capturing the life of the Karamazov family––Fyodor Pavlovich, Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha––the conflict erupts between the father and the eldest son, Dmitri. As mentioned in the synopsis, the book involves love affairs, a murder mystery, and courtroom drama. Most part seemed trivial at first, but trust me, it is all make sense in the end. 

Despite the drama within the plot lines, the story actually digs deeper into a much complicated topic and unresolved question of life––revolving around the idea of moralism, psychology, and the contradiction of faith and human nature as written in the famous The Great Inquisitor poem. The scope went as fas as the philosophical narratives about life, religion, and conviction. 

I was intrigued by the idea of freedom that God promised humans can only lead us to suffers because the concept of freedom is feeble and confusing. Humans will obey those who can give them their needs. However, it is purpose that keeps humans going. As much as I agree with the statement, I believe that faith is an indispensable part of life and sometimes we need not to put everything that happened into rationality. That’s the real challenge––to prove how much faith we have and how loyal we are to God. Oh well it’s never been an easy topic and the answers are endless.

The ending––especially the ending––is definitely something I looked forward to because even if Dostoevsky had perfectly dropping hints about the crime along the way and eventually reveal everything at the right time, I just couldn’t figured out how this story gonna resolve in a happy conclusion. Ah, that’s something you gotta read for yourself, but believe me, it’s very interesting. 

Overall, I can honestly see how this book become one of the most influential book in literature history. Set in late 19th century Russia, not only I enjoy the journey of the three brothers (especially Alyosha, oh I loved him!) through the anonymous narrator’s witty style of writing, it also gave me a peek of Russia history. Definitely a classic everyone who loves crime have to read.

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Book Review: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant

“If knowledge is power, knowing what we don’t know is wisdom.”

Author: Adam Grant

Genre: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

Publisher: Viking Books

Year: 2021

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Think Again is a book about the benefit of doubt, and about how we can get better at embracing the unknown and the joy of being wrong. Evidence has shown that creative geniuses are not attached to one identity, but constantly willing to rethink their stances and that leaders who admit they don't know something and seek critical feedback lead more productive and innovative teams. New evidence shows us that as a mindset and a skillset, rethinking can be taught and Grant explains how to develop the necessary qualities to do it. Section 1 explores why we struggle to think again and how we can learn to do it as individuals, arguing that 'grit' alone can actually be counterproductive. Section 2 discusses how we can help others think again through learning about 'argument literacy'. And the final section 3 looks at how schools, businesses and governments fall short in building cultures that encourage rethinking. In the end, learning to rethink may be the secret skill to give you the edge in a world changing faster than ever. 

Rethinking something while writing this review:

It had been an interesting time reading Think Again. It brought to me something I didn’t know that I don’t know. Although the idea seems pretty general, that we gotta rethink to make sure what we know is right, we never really know that the art of thinking can be so wide and complex. When people usually told me to have confident in what I believe in, now I received a fresh input that what I know is just the bottom and sometimes, doubting our own views is necessary. 

The book talked about many things about performing humility in learning. For instance, impostor syndrome, if anything, is better than quarterback syndrome which usually involves overconfidence in one’s ability. Although impostor syndrome has its benefits, being too doubtful of one’s capability isn’t good either. We need to put ourselves in confident humility. We have the right amount of confident to execute something while being open to what we haven’t know yet. After all, it takes humility to learn more.

There are many things that interest me. One of them is the fact if you laugh at your foolishness or make fun of yourself, you tend to be happier. However, gender distinguish how people view this kind of behaviour. When a man do it, people will see him as kind of a leader who admits his mistake. On the other hand, when a women shows this behaviour, other would consider it as inadequacy or incapability. 

Another thing I’d like to take note is apparently, there are two ways to see conflict: task conflict and relationship conflict. Task conflict is seen as an essential part in a project because it improves the result, while relationship conflict is damaging. It declines team performance. I’d say this practice would be greatly beneficial in organisational environment.

Those are a few of many things you can learn from the book. I think Adam Grant did such a great job to write it––he explained such a complex and an abstract concept it in a fluid and engaging way that we can easily comprehend. Definitely something I would recommend to read to boost personal growth.

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Book Review: Anak Semua Bangsa by Pramoedya Ananta Toer

“Tahu kau mengapa aku sayangi kau lebih dari siapa pun? Karena kau menulis. Suaramu takkan padam ditelan angin, akan abadi, sampai jauh, jauh di kemudian hari.“

Author: Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Genre: Historial Fiction, Asian Literature

Publisher: Lentera Dipantara

Year: 2006

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Roman Anak Semua Bangsa adalah periode observasi atau turun ke bawah mencari serangkaian spirit lapangan dan kehidupan arus bawah Pribumi yang tak berdaya melawan kekuatan raksasa Eropa. Di titik ini Minke diperhadapkan antara kekaguman yang melimpah-limpah pada peradaban Eropa dan kenyataan di selingkungan bangsanya yang kerdil. Sepotong perjalanannya ke Tulangan Sidoarjo dan pertemuannya dengan Khouw Ah Soe, seorang aktivis pergerakan Tionghoa, korespondensinya dengan keluarga De la Croix (Sarah, Miriam, Herbert), teman Eropanya yang liberal, dan petuah-petuah Nyai Ontosoroh, mertua sekaligus guru agungnya, kesadaran Minke tergugat, tergurah, dan tergugah, bahwa ia adalah bayi semua bangsa dari segala jaman yang harus menulis dalam bahasa bangsanya (Melayu) dan berbuat untuk manusia-manusia bangsanya.

Took me back into the past, the plot felt so real:

Anak Semua Bangsa (English title: Child of All Nations) written by a legendary Indonesian author, Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It was the second book of a tetralogy. Honestly, it’s been years since I read the first book, Bumi Manusia (English title: The Earth of Mankind) and Anak Semua Bangsa reminded me how brilliant the story was. Even more thrilling than the preceding book, Anak Semua Bangsa deepen the setting of post-colonialism era in Surabaya, East Java and Netherland. And I gotta say, it was so, so good. 

Picking up where it left off in Bumi Manusia, the dispute was much more intense in my opinion. Minke, the protagonist, was faced by the hard truth about his own being and his own country. Given that the story took the point of view of a writer, we were given a clear lens about the situation during that time. It was brutal, tragic, heart-wrenching, and sadly, I had a hunch that most of the events were probably happened in real life. However, I enjoyed the political twist between countries the author provided within the plot. The book was banned at first because at that time since it was a rather controversial topic. I can definitely see why.

Overall, if you’re curious about Indonesia’s history or want to learn more without getting sleepy in the middle, this is probably the right book to pick up since it provides you the right setting with characters as endearing as the plot. Cannot wait to read Jejak Langkah!

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Book Review: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

“Passion for your work is a little bit of discovery, followed by a lot of development, and then a lifetime of deepening.”

Author: Angela Duckworth

Genre: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

Publisher: Collins

Year: 2016

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

In this must-read book for anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, educators, students, and business people both seasoned and new that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a focused persistence called grit. Why do some people succeed and others fail? Sharing new insights from her landmark research on grit, Angela Duckworth explains why talent is hardly a guarantor of success. Rather, other factors can be even more crucial such as identifying our passions and following through on our commitments. Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently bemoaned her lack of smarts, Duckworth describes her winding path through teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not genius, but a special blend of passion and long-term perseverance. As a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Duckworth created her own character lab and set out to test her theory. Here, she takes readers into the field to visit teachers working in some of the toughest schools, cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she's learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers; from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to the cartoon editor of The New Yorker to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll. Winningly personal, insightful, and even life-changing, Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that not talent or luck makes all the difference.

Wow, I learned a lot by reading this one:

Before I write my reviews, I usually write down everything that interests me from each chapter of the book. And I wrote a lot from Grit because I learned so much. Other than my personal reason so that I memorise it, I’ll summarise some of it for you.

First of all, grit is basically a combination of passion and perseverance. Before we jump into grit, we must set our goal that will act as an anchor. A goal that aligns with our passion which we should develop before (yes, passion can be developed). There are 3 hierarchies of goal: top-level goal, mid-level goal, and low-level goal. Each level is essential to give us the drive and spirit during adversities, especially to reach a long term goal. Only then, we can keep going.

Second, deliberate practice is what makes us better. We dedicate our time to learn a thing we cannot do yet and refine it. Each deliberate practice has a goal that needs to be accomplished every session. Then, once you have attained mastery, you are in ‘the flow’—a time where you just enjoy yourself while doing it. Deliberate practice probably the hardest part to do. However, tenacity is part of the effort and it takes grit to really improve. In the end, result is worth it.

It can be hard pursuing the same thing for quite a long time. The key to persevere is to hold on to our purpose which becomes our top-level goal. The purpose, however, is usually both self-oriented and other-oriented. In other words, we need to do something we are passionate about and at the same time, positively contributes to other people. By having purpose on both orientations, we tend to perform better and much more committed. So, always remember your purpose.

Another thing to keep in mind is that grit can be practiced. Gritty people tend to strive more in their lives. The good news is: the book give us tips on how to do it. In order to encourage grit in ourselves, we need to commit to one hard thing for two years. We get to choose the hard thing. It’s called The Hard Thing Rules and there are 4 points that need to be tick off. If we combine passion, perseverance, and purpose altogether, it will lead to vocation as a result.

Overall, the book has can really help you to challenge yourself to be a grittier person. By reading it, it opens your mind that your potential can be developed through grit. Totally worth reading.

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Book Review: Becoming by Michelle Obama

“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘪𝘮. 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘥.“ 

Author: Michelle Obama

Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography

Publisher: Random House

Year: 2018

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African-American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.

You know what, I’ve been in love since page one:

Becoming is probably one of of the best autobiography books out there. Every page took us into the world of Michelle Obama—from the early life up to her life as the First Lady. It was told in such fluid and intimate way, I found myself enjoying every single moment. I guess Michelle had a hidden talent for writing because seriously, it was very well-written.

To me, the book was highly aspirational. I think Michelle was a the epitome of a successful woman, the ultimate alpha female. Greatly influenced by her mother, she is never the type to back down, even from her childhood—she showed rigorous enthusiasm as a child. However, I was most inspired by her unwavering determination and ability to manage her priorities. Her genuine intention to give back to people and her unconditional love for her family shaped the woman she has become. By the end of the day, she thrives at anything she does while keeps her family as priority. And I believe, as hard as it is to do, this kind of quality is essential for a modern woman and society.

And here’s another thing I need to highlight and internalised from her book: never be afraid to speak your own voice. As a human being, we all have our own ideas, opinion, and originality. Show up as your authentic self as it makes you prominent from others. And it’s okay to be vulnerable sometimes. It means that you care and could be a sign that you need to fix yourself. See it as an opportunity to improve.

Overall, the book was living up to the hype, it was like reading everything that Michelle had to say and she poured everything she had been hidden in such a beautiful story telling. I would recommend this book to everyone. I’m pretty sure you will enjoy it even though you’re not into autobiography (like me). We got to see a glimpse of life at the White House, some cute and frustrating things within her relationships with her husband (I mean, of course there’s something happen when your man decided to run for president, right?), and ultimately, the heartwarming feeling of sharing and doing impactful act for the greater good.

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Book Review: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer

“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind - you are the one who hears it.”

Author: Michael A. Singer

Genre: Nonfiction, Spiritual, Self Help

Publisher: New Harbinger Publications

Year: 2007

My Rating: 3.5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Whether this is your first exploration of inner space, or you’ve devoted your life to the inward journey, this book will transform your relationship with yourself and the world around you. You’ll discover what you can do to put an end to the habitual thoughts and emotions that limit your consciousness. By tapping into traditions of meditation and mindfulness, author and spiritual teacher Michael A. Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization. Copublished with the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) The Untethered Soul begins by walking you through your relationship with your thoughts and emotions, helping you uncover the source and fluctuations of your inner energy. It then delves into what you can do to free yourself from the habitual thoughts, emotions, and energy patterns that limit your consciousness. Finally, with perfect clarity, this book opens the door to a life lived in the freedom of your innermost being.

Here’s my thoughts on the book:

Overall, Untethered Soul is actually a pretty good self help book that focus on spirituality. It helps you sort out your jumbled thoughts and helps you to be content even when your inner peace is disturbed. I believe the key is to let what’s meant to happen, happen, process it, but don’t take it in completely. Let go of those feelings that burden you instead. 

Realizing that you are not the voices inside your head and you have the power to control those voices also works wonder to settle your mind. In other words, you have control of what you let in and what you let go. Therefore, you should use that power to filter through your own feelings. It’s hard. It takes a lot of practice, but in the end, it’s gonna be worth it.

Although it’s a tremendous self help book that can enlighten your spirituality, I wasn’t completely drawn into it. Perhaps it’s because the writing style that doesn’t really suit my taste—the repetition of ‘let go of this and that’ in almost every chapter got on my nerves. Nevertheless, I would still recommend it to anyone interested in mental health, spirituality, or just looking for something to improve their wellbeing.

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Book Review: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

“Becoming is better than being”

Author: Carol S. Dweck

Genre: Nonfiction, Psychology

Publisher: Random House

Year: 2006

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset — those who believe that abilities are fixed — are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset — those who believe that abilities can be developed. Mindset reveals how great parents, teachers, managers, and athletes can put this idea to use to foster outstanding accomplishment. In this edition, Dweck offers new insights into her now famous and broadly embraced concept. She introduces a phenomenon she calls false growth mindset and guides people toward adopting a deeper, truer growth mindset. She also expands the mindset concept beyond the individual, applying it to the cultures of groups and organizations. With the right mindset, you can motivate those you lead, teach, and love — to transform their lives and your own.

My mindset has changed upon finishing the book:

The first thing you need to do in order to change your mindset is that you realise that fixed mindset and growth mindset exist. You put yourself in either of those two. If you’re a fixed mindset, then you can always change it to growth mindset. However, you gotta know the definition of both mindsets and this book gave an impeccable explanation and examples of them in our daily lives. I found some chapters provide good examples of parenting and teaching practices.

I learned a lot from this book. I even learned about myself a little better. I often put myself in a fixed mindset mode where I believe that my ability is a given thing and cannot be changed. However, after finishing it off, I realised that it was such a foolish thought because everyone is capable of growth if only we are open to it. Change started with the right mindset, then determination helps you act consistently toward your goal. Nothing is set, everything can be achieved.

Overall, Mindset was a great self-development book, covering a significant role as life-changing as someone’s mindset from a scientific perspective. I am so glad I picked up this book and highly encouraged everyone, regardless the age, to read it too. I would consider this as highly influential and worth every second of my time.

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Book Review: The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here by Hope Jahren

“all of the want and suffering in the world-all of it-arises not from the earth's inability to produce but from our inability to share.” - Hope Jahren.

Author: Hope Jahren

Genre: Nonfiction, Science, Environment

Publisher: Vintage

Year: 2021

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Hope Jahren is an award-winning geobiologist, a brilliant writer, and one of the seven billion people with whom we share this earth. The Story of More is her impassioned open letter to humanity as we stand at the crossroads of survival and extinction. Jahren celebrates the long history of our enterprising spirit--which has tamed wild crops, cured diseases, and sent us to the moon--but also shows how that spirit has created excesses that are quickly warming our planet to dangerous levels. In short, highly readable chapters, she takes us through the science behind the key inventions--from electric power to large-scale farming and automobiles--that, even as they help us, release untenable amounts of carbon dioxide. She explains the current and projected consequences of greenhouse gases--from superstorms to rising sea levels--and the science-based tools that could help us fight back. At once an explainer on the mechanisms of warming and a capsule history of human development, The Story of More illuminates the link between our consumption habits and our endangered earth, showing us how we can use less and share more. It is the essential pocket primer on climate change that will leave an indelible impact on everyone who reads it. 

This is such a good read about climate change:

I’d been wanting to deepen my knowledge on climate change for a while, but never seemed to find the ‘right’ book that suited my style, until I read this one. It was such an easy to comprehend read and I love the way Jahren presented the data which even though kind of overwhelming, but she also gave us hope that every progress that each of us make can contribute to change. 

It contains short chapters, facts which enlighten us about climate change, starting the root that caused it, the development of agriculture that preceded it, to the energy consumptions, such as electricity and fossil fuels, which dramatically raise the amount of CO2 in the air. It really opens my mind to do better for the sake of our earth. And I hope every one of you who has read this would try to do something to put a stop to it too.

Overall, this book worth reading and really given you insight, not only on how far worse the world has become due to climate change based by the facts, but also how every one of us can do to turn it around. Totally worth the read!

[fallafl]

Book Review: Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare (The Last Hours #2)

“You cannot save people who do not want to be saved. (...) You can only stand by their side and hope that when they wake and realize they need saving, you will be there to help them.”

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Year: 2021

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel. Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade. But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace. Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

Guys, I’m blown away. I love, love, love it so much and here’s why:

Although it isn’t action-packed, it successfully gave you chill. I swear there’s a part where a scene made me shiver. Every character’s story arc was special and gave you a roller-coaster of emotions. I love everything about it, from the beginning until the end. Oh, especially the end!

Picking up where it left off in Chain of Gold, Cordelia’s life proceeded to even harder circumstances. Being engaged to marry to her biggest crush, James, was so much different than what she’d dreamed of. More mysteries came to these Shadowhunters’ life and unveiled one-by-one, the puzzle’s finally matched and I found that very exciting. The surprising turn of event made my jaw dropped. The heart-wrenching romance stressed me out, yet I loved it. The complexity of the story really thrilled me. I can hardly wait to get my hands on Chain of Thorns and see how this story turns out!

Overall, Chain of Iron is such a thrilling, yet frustrating (in a good way) continuation of Chain of Gold which will make you laugh and cry and desperate for more.

Alright, move on to the SPOILER part because I have to rant about it:

I absolutely love how James character developed! He used to be such a naive boy under Grace’s magic influence, yet his love for Cordelia was so great, it broke his curse. That part, people, melt my heart. 

And yet, the ending, just when he realised everything, Cordelia left with Matthew. The train station part was really good! It’s frustrating because they were so close, but in the end James couldn’t get to them. That’s the best part, I think lol.

[fallafl]

Book Review: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

“Whatever you need to throw at me, I can take it. I won't break.”

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Year: 2021

My Rating: 4  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it. The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts. Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.

As usual, I’m writing this while having a book hangover every time I read Sarah J. Maas book:

I just finished it last night and I gotta say, I loved how the story turned out. Totally worth the wait. 

The plot started slowly at first, it described how Nesta despised everything. She always thought how she would never belong to the Night Court. She became a big burden to her family that they decided to make her train with Night Court’s General, Cassian. The training pretty much took up most of the story. Yet also, became the root of the story where Nesta’s character greatly developed. Gradually, she found herself. She discovered what’s good for her, what made her life worth living for. And I am such a sucker for this whole development.

Honestly, I found first half of the story quite boring because the plot went really slow and I just didn’t like Nesta that much. However, once I reached half of the book, I couldn’t stop. Although I kind of had guessed how the story will turn out, there are still element of surprises that excited me. I literally had goosebumps when I read the action scenes. It was amazing.

Overall, A Court of Silver Flames is the perfect book to start a whole new adventure in Nesta’s perspective. She’s the coolest now😉

Now, this part below contains SPOILER because I just cannot help gushing out about this!

I know the book is about Nesta and Cassian, but IMO, the sexy scenes are too many and every time they think of each other, it must be related to it. It really bothered me because it feels like they’re in love for each other just because of the sex. I know that this is an adult fantasy novel, but there’s so much more to romance than just sex, really. 

Why’d Cassian love Nesta unconditionally from the very start when Nesta pushed him away a lot of times and being mean to him? Does Cassian love Nesta so much simply because the fact that she is his mate? Is that all? There should be something more beyond the fact that she is his mate and they have amazing sex together because Lucien didn’t do anything as much as Cassian did towards his mate. That’s why I couldn’t give the book a perfect 5.

Also, I fell for Azriel more that I found out there’s a missing chapter in Azriel’s POV in the book. Only a certain publication has it, I don’t know which one tho. However, without reading it, I just became certain that there’s something going on between Azriel and Elain, I crave their interaction so much! We didn’t get a lot in ACOSF really which is why I need a separate spinoff for these two lol

[fallafl]

Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

“Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.”

Author: Oscar Wilde

Genre: Fiction, Classic

Publisher: Penguin Classic

Year: 2008

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, Dorian Gray exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Influenced by his friend Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life; indulging his desires in secret while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only his portrait bears the traces of his decadence. The novel was a succès de scandale and the book was later used as evidence against Wilde at the Old Bailey in 1895. It has lost none of its power to fascinate and disturb.

I’m so glad I read this book because:

Ah, it’s amazing. I waited for years to read this book, because I wanted to own a certain edition (Penguin Classic one that is. It’s gorgeous!). I’ve also heard good things about it and now I can confirm it myself that The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic you must read!

The writing is impeccable. Every sentence were beautifully written and each paragraph flew in harmony, describing such tragic, dramatic, twisted plot.  Started off as a naive young, beautiful boy, Dorian Gray was greatly influenced by cynic, philosophical friend, Lord Henry, whose opinions made Dorian aware of his youth and beauty. The awareness made him jealous of his exquisitely painted portrait created by a dear friend, Basil Hallward, for the painting of him would keep his youth forever. Jealousy became the motive which led to a turn of event, an exchange of soul for a long-lasting youth and beauty, the painting bear all his degraded morality. His heart gradually corrupted by narcissism and sinful pleasure. 

My heart had been captivated by the beauty of everything this book contained since chapter 1. No, the preface even. I enjoyed reading immensely, I had to read it at snail’s pace so that it wouldn’t end so soon. And wow, the moment I finished it, I could only let out a long breath because I was blown away. The ending was perfect. The whole story was quite unpredictable and you were made curious about what would happen next. 

Overall, The Picture of Dorian Gray is truly a masterpiece by Wilde, capturing the dark side of beauty, quite philosophical novel, yet easy to comprehend which all-in-all definitely worth reading.

[fallafl]

Book Review: Masih Belajar by Iman Usman

“I don’t want to be perfect, I just want to be better from time to time”

Author: Iman Usman

Genre: Non-fiction

Publisher: Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Year: 2019

My Rating: 5  / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Lewat berbagai prestasi dan karyanya, Iman membuktikan bahwa kesuksesan karir dan berdampak sosial bisa berjalan beriringan. Di usianya yang baru 27 tahun, Iman sudah mendirikan perusahaan teknologi pendidikan yang kini mempekerjakan ribuan pegawai, menjalankan berbagai organisasi dan inisiatif sosial, menjadi pembicara dan pengajar di berbagai penjuru dunia, dan meraih gelar master di salah satu perguruan tinggi terbaik di dunia. Prestasi dan pola pikirnya memang jauh melampaui usianya. Tapi itu semua tidak diraih dengan mudah dan hingga hari ini pun ia masih belajar. Lewat buku ini, Iman berbagi cerita perjalanan hidupnya – menemui berbagai hambatan dan penolakan – dan bagaimana proses belajar tanpa putusnya membawa ia pada posisinya saat ini.

My thoughts on the book:

Iman Usman is obviously a boy wonder. He’s raised in such an ordinary family, yet he grew so much, he was able to penetrate the social class, tackled the society’s bias assumption that only those born with privilege can be successful. 

Through Masih Belajar, we learned how resilient he is ever since a he’s a a little boy. He inspired the readers through his experiences which we usually face in our every day lives, such as failures, and gave us an important message that, though inevitable, we shouldn’t let the despair taking control of our action. When we fall, we may be sad, but we must get back up, for every failure we face, it means we’re altered into better things, it can be our turning point which will lead to something great.

That was one example out of many things I could take from this book. This non-fiction, self-help, autobiography is wrapped in an engaging format. Iman poured his thoughts into words by answering the questions his followers asked in social media while embracing the practical concept of thinking. Therefore, each part of the book is, though brief, it’s successfully answering the question clearly.

So overall, I grant you that if you’re looking for a great self-help book or if you’re experiencing life-crises or stuff, pick up this highly inspiring book.

[fallafl]

Book Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

“...when pain is over, the remembrance of it often becomes a pleasure.”

Author: Jane Austen

Genre: Classic, Fiction

Publisher: Penguin Classic

Year: 2003

My Rating: 4 / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

'She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older' At twenty-seven, Anne Elliot is no longer young and has few romantic prospects. Eight years earlier, she had been persuaded by her friend Lady Russell to break off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth, a handsome naval captain with neither fortune nor rank. What happens when they encounter each other again is movingly told in Jane Austen’s last completed novel. Set in the fashionable societies of Lyme Regis and Bath, Persuasion is a brilliant satire of vanity and pretension, but, above all, it is a love story tinged with the heartache of missed opportunities. In her introduction, Gillian Beer discusses Austen’s portrayal of the double-edged nature of persuasion and the clash between old and new worlds. This edition also includes a new chronology and full textual notes.

Let me begin my rant with:

I wish I am a Jane Austen’s protagonist. They are such powerful women, graceful, sensible, assertive on what they like, yet caring. Not to mention they received such a heart-melting love letters, so well-written by the one they loved. 

Persuasion follows the story of Anne Elliot, a wonderful heroine with a complicated romance. At first, she broke off her engagement with Frederick Wentworth because she acknowledge everyone else’s opinion. She grew into one fine lady who finally decided her own happiness, that is, after encountering a roller coaster of feelings. 

Her affection towards Captain Wentworth never changed throughout the years they were separated. It became even greater, I think, after they met again. However, she was so considerate of him, thinking about the past how she had hurt him, she chose to conceal her feelings.

As predictable as it is, the story made me crave for more because I was rooting for the two protagonists’ interaction in the story. Austen really did leave me hanging for most part of the book. However, eventually, it turned out very satisfying (yep, especially the love letter part which made me both cry and scream). 

Overall, Persuasion is another great romance I loved by Jane Austen which will make you long for the resolution of the story.

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Book Review: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

“𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘭. 𝘈𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. (...) 𝘈𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

Author: Matt Haig

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Viking

Year: 2020

My Rating: 4.5 / 5

Synopsis on Goodreads:

Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?” A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time. Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

I don’t know about you, but I cried reading it:

It touches the issue of mental health, an essential topic which people usually underestimate. Nora Seed was a 35-year-old woman who thought herself as a failure. Her life fell apart, no job, no family, her cat died, it’s the worst kind of life possible. Thus, she decided to end her life, which was the start of the thrilling journey: she found The Midnight Library.

Infinite possibilities of how her life can turn out stored there. And it was like being inside a shop, you can try on the clothes you want to try until you find “the one”. Though initially she was reluctant to do it because she was insisted on wanting to die, she travelled across the multiverses of her life and predictably, find the one life which gives her the drive to live.

However predictable this book is, I was truly impressed because it captured an essential message perfectly by wrapping it with an enjoyably light story. Regardless of the short chapters and the fast-paced story line, it didn’t corrupt the essential moral value it tried to convey: to not give up on life against all odds. It makes you think about life and grasp how you live. To see from a different perspective and wait, no matter how long, until you find enlightenment.

Overall, The Midnight Library is one entertaining, yet powerful book, you can easily enjoy on a weekend.