Most of his advice on how to improve your focus was common sense: drink a cup of coffee, rid your environment of distractions, only check your email once an hour.
The brilliance of this book is his method of codifying attention. He compares two types of attention, hyperfocus and scatterfocus.
Hyperfocus is fairly self explanatory – you only focus on one thing and redirect your attention if it wanders.
Scatterfocus is the mode that most of us wander around in every day. But, Bailey says, you can harness this type of focus too.
Use this method of focusing when you’re trying to be creative or looking for connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. It is the focus that sometimes hits in the shower, a ah-ha moment that changes the way you view reality.
I feel like there’s no real way to control that type of focus, other than to be self aware while you’re in it. However, I found Bailey’s suggestion intriguing. Perhaps if I set aside time each day to consciously let my mind wander, I will have a different view on it.
How to Slay a Dragon is a humorous look at medieval history with a running, stand up-esque commentary by a nameless narrator.
“…this is still a book to guide heroes who are setting off to slay a dragon, steal the throne, and defeat a few hordes of supernaturally evil creatures along the way.” pg xv, capitulum infodumpium. (Not real Latin, but amusing all the same.)
Cait Stevenson divides the history into broad categories like: preparing for your quest, hazards along the way and winning the war. Then there are subcategories like: how to not marry the prince, how to win the bar fight, and how to outwit a genie.
My favorite was “How to Put Up with the Bard” because I tend to play that class of character in role-playing games. 🙂
“When William Porland recorded the names of fifty taverns in the fifteenth century, six of them were called the Swan. … There was no reason to distinguish an inn by a written-out name when literacy rates maxed out in the 30 to 40 percent range, which meant a 60 to 70 percent chance that the clientele couldn’t read… pg 27 How to Find the Inn
Cait uses actual events and historical figures to make the past come alive. I found the whole book very entertaining and I learned so much- a hallmark of a successful history book.
She even includes fantastical beliefs and superstitions like: “The most important thing to know is that medieval dragons usually kill with venom, not fire. They breathe thick clouds of deadly smoke in all directions at once.” pg 93
In the modern era, I think we dismiss historical figures as unapproachably different from us because technology wasn’t as developed as it is now. This book makes readers realize that there is very little difference between a historical figure and a modern one. People are people- with their flaws and strengths.
Now, they just happen to walk around with iPhones.
“Snowball fights in fifteenth-century Germany were apparently so common that priests classified them as a sin. Or perhaps the real problem was that priests were getting smacked in the face with snowballs.” pg 117
Highly recommended for readers who love history and humor in one convenient package. This book might fit the bill for reluctant readers as well.
Pilot Jela has crashed on a lonely world where great forests once stood. He was in a fight in space against a highly advanced robotic society that seeks to destroy life itself.
The sheriekas, for that’s what the enemy are called, have done a number on this world with its endless, lifeless forests. Until, after days of hardship, Jela finds a sign of life.
“The sheriekas (eliminated life) wherever they could, as if life itself was anathema. Overt signs of sheriekas action were an indication that a planet or system held something worthwhile… pg 23, ebook.
Cantra is a pilot whose hauls are generally on the up-and-up. She crosses paths one night with Jela. And that’s where the story truly begins.
The first entry in the Liaden Universe was written later as sometimes happens with these mammoth science fiction series. As the authors explain in the prologue, they felt creating Jela and Cantra’s story took a type of maturity that they did not yet have in the 1980’s, when they began writing the series.
“The problem we face,” he murmured, “is that someone- and we must assume that someone equals the Enemy- is experimenting with dismantling the universe.” pg 63
I’ve been considering what to think about that. Certainly, authors don’t have to experience everything they write- imagine Suzanne Collins and her “Hunger Games.” But every artist has her process so, whatever works for them.
This is a well-written book, if a bit plodding at times. The pacing problem is offset with sparkling dialogue between Jela and Cantra. They converse in both words and a type of sign language called “pilot speak.”
It gives a different dimension to the communication between them. I liked that a lot.
The universe itself, like other science fiction works I’ve read, is full of promise for both adventures and exploration. The nemesis- a group seeking to destroy life itself- is a fitting metaphor for industrialization run amok with its climate change implications.
I’m sure there are other comparisons that can be drawn. That’s simply the first one to pop into my mind.
I also liked that one of the main characters in this story is a tree. Wouldn’t life be fun if you could take a walk and talk to the trees lining your path? I think so.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy science fiction and don’t mind an occasional pacing problem. Thanks for reading!
Author Elaine Aron defines “highly sensitive persons” (HSPs) and gives a plethora of coping mechanisms as well as case studies to support the definition. She also includes tests so you can discover where you are in the HSP world.
“The trait was always there, of course, just called by other names. But its essential elements were not known, so it was described by external behaviors only, such as ‘shy’ or ‘introverted.'” pg 54, ebook
This was only the second book I’ve read about HSPs. Prior to this, I have heard HSPs being described as having sensory processing disorders, which exist on a spectrum like most everything else in the psychology universe, or simple shyness.
“My term for it is sensory processing sensitivity, but the same trait is also called environmental sensitivity or reactivity; biological sensitivity to context; differential susceptibility or vantage sensitivity; or identified by the names of certain genetic variations or as in animals, sometimes termed behavioral plasticity or flexibility.” pg 82, ebook
Despite my lack of background in the topic, there was very little new information in this book. A big take-away was to improve your communication style and keep in touch with the people in your life who love you. So many problems can be cleared up with clear, concise communication.
Also, attempt to address any troubles you may have from a dysfunctional childhood or relationships prior to embarking on a new relationship. Healer, heal thyself.
Another coping mechanism I use regularly, but didn’t realize I did, is handling over arousal. Whenever I find myself being overwhelmed by life, I find a backroom and take a minute or two to myself. Sometimes I just breathe. If I’m not at work, I pick up a book or get a hot drink.
“Anger is a highly stimulating emotion. HSPs are strongly affected by it, even when we just witness it. pg 77, ebook
Aron encourages readers to find their “optimal level of arousal” since it varies from person to person. Know yourself and your limits, and tell your loved ones. Also, give yourself permission to turn off your sensitivity. It may seem silly- but that never occurred to me.
“All HSPs, men or women, are more aware of what other people are feeling, what they want and need. Thanks to your spontaneous deep processing, you also can sense what will happen if others don’t receive what they need- they may suffer, fail at what they want to do, become angry with you, feel disappointed with you. And being more sensitive, when they feel bad, you will be bothered too… pg 56, ebook
I tried to treat everyone the same and it led to some serious problems in my personal as well as professional life.
One of the most helpful parts of this book was Aron’s invitation to reframe my past in light of my new self knowledge. Prior to learning about HSPs, I was barely functioning in a world that didn’t necessary make room for me. Now I know I’m not alone in this- and have more tools in my metaphorical belt to help me get through the day.
I’m not entirely convinced by the final section of The Highly Sensitive Person in Love that discusses HSPs being more spiritual or falling harder in love than non-HSPs. It’s a romantic sentiment perhaps, but I was unconvinced by the evidence. I think we’re all in this love game together.
Recommended for readers who are or have a loved one who is a highly sensitive person. I’m curious to know what others in the community think about this book. If you do have a chance to pick it up, please write a review and let me know. 🙂
Israel Regardie is a little-known thought leader of western occultism. In this book, “The Art of Healing,” Dr. Regardie explains a few meditation techniques in a way that anyone from beginners to advanced practitioners can understand.
I remember reading somewhere (not this book) about Dr. Regardie’s internship with Aleister Crowley and how he realized Crowley wasn’t teaching him anything beyond the superficial when it came to occult matters.
He ended up breaking away and being one of the leaders of a new approach to occultism- which brings me back to this book.
The meditation techniques will feel quite familiar to anyone who has practiced chakra meditations or color visualizations on the body.
“By these means, the healing force is distributed to every part of the body. No single atom or cell in any organ or limb is omitted from the influence of its healing, regenerative power.”
The curious part of this book is that Dr. Regardie uses five centers of energy down the center of the body instead of the more standard seven of eastern occultism.
Of course, as Dr. Regardie states, these exercises are in no way a substitution for competent medical care or therapy when necessary – but they are a wonderful addition to it, for they are able to aid the healing process in a great many mysterious, profound, and positive ways. intro
I’m not entirely sure why he does this though I am familiar with the Middle Pillar exercise (which is what the technique is called). Perhaps he’s basing the whole practice off of a teaching Crowley created for his occult studies.
Dr. Israel Regardie and the Middle Pillar exercise.
Whatever the reason, I think it is a noteworthy and definite change from other meditations I’ve practiced.
“I have begun a Catalogue in which I intend to record the Position, Size and Subject of each Statue, and any other points of interest.” pg 6, ebook.
Piranesi is an explorer of a strange world in which water runs through the ruins of Grecian-esque temples filled with statues both beautiful and grotesque. He calls this place: the House.
“Outside the House there are only the Celestial Objects: Sun, Moon and Stars.” pg 6, ebook
He doesn’t remember how he got there or a life prior to entering the House. The reader gets to discover his forgotten past along with him in this mystery/fantasy novel.
His only point of contact with a living, breathing person is a man Piranesi has nicknamed, ‘the Other’. He meets with the Other about twice a week. Despite this lack of community, Piranesi manages to survive and soldier forward with his explorations.
“Perhaps even people you like and admire immensely can make you see the World in ways you would rather not.” pg 227, ebook
In that way, Piranesi is somewhat like an ode to introverts- a whole world to explore by yourself. In other ways, it feels like a nod to a lost world of crowded museums and libraries.
The recent pandemic has twisted the ideas of community and togetherness- sometimes I feel like Piranesi as I wander through stacks of books that people aren’t perusing as much anymore. Or hosting library events where no one shows.
Author Susanna Clarke has put her finger on a sore spot in the zeitgeist and the result is a compulsively readable book.
I was also pleased to observe she wrote a slightly shorter novel. After the brick that is Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, I was expecting this to be another 1000 page tale. Clarke tells her story, and tells it well.
Recommended for readers who love portal fantasies or any reader who dreams about worlds beyond the day-to-day. Thanks for reading!
This collection of essays from the pages of O are wonderful. Through memories and insights, the writers of each chapter have something uplifting and inspiring to share.
My favorite was the chapter entitled “My Unplanned Adventure” by Catherine Price, pgs 88-99. It’s about an uptight traveler who planned every aspect of her trips around the world until she came to the conclusion that she was overthinking it.
Once she figured this out, she walked up to a person, asked them where they would travel if they could go anywhere, and went there. I won’t ruin the essay by relating all of it here, but it resonated with me. I also have to remind myself that going with the flow is always more desirable than white-knuckling intricate plans and time tables.
I have to confess: I am not a reader of magazines. I find them to be filled to the brim with advertisements for things I neither want nor need and, after I’ve dug through the pages of stuff for sale, I find the writing to be insipid. “Six new sex positions!” “Keep your romance alive!” blah, blah, blah…
That being said, O’s Little Book of Happiness was totally different from my expectations of what a magazine is and introduced to me the idea of what a magazine could be. (And there were no advertisements!)
A couple of the essays felt too short- one page or one paragraph in some instances- but for the most part I enjoyed their length and the order they are arranged in.
There’s something very powerful in reading back-to-back essays about happiness and accounts of people finding their path in life. I read this through in almost one sitting but it could also be savored slowly like a-chapter-a-day devotional guide.
I enjoyed this very much. And I hope you will too.
If you like O’s Little Book of Happiness, I would also recommend Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill by Matthieu Ricard and Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment to Live as TV’s Most Influential Guru Advises by Robyn Okrant.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check! And thank you for reading.
Finn is trying to figure out who she is and so is the rest of the world- which itself is on the verge of something big, something having to do with the magical creatures. Author Sara Roethle calls these creatures, ‘Faie,’ who disappeared years ago and now are reappearing all over the place.
The group’s trip into the fairy forest was my favorite part. That whole section had me flying through the pages, I just had to know what was going to happen next!
Sadly, this is only the first installment and I was left with so many questions: will Finn ever figure out who she is? Will Aed come to terms with his shadowy past? Will Iseult clear his family name?
Guess I’ll have to read the next novel to find out…
This book, the first in a series, reminded me of Katharine Kerr’s Deverry saga. We have an old, wizard type person in Aed (Nevyn in Deverry), who is trying to help a young female, Finn (Jill in Deverry), come into her powers. Then there’s the confused, tormented, perhaps love interest, Iseult (Rhodry in Deverry) and a whole cast of other characters who are along for the ride.
And, like Kerr’s creation, the world that Roethle has crafted is very large and unexpected with, sometimes terrifying, creatures.
I’d recommend Tree of Ages for anyone who loves high fantasy.
If you like this, I’d also suggest Katharine Kerr’s Deverry (start with Daggerspell) and Kage Baker’s The Company series (start with In the Garden of Iden).
Baker’s world is more of a steam punk/historical fiction/low fantasy type place, but I think that the relationships that she has knit together were quite like what Roethle has made in Tree of Ages.
Here’s a short book trailer for “Tree of Ages” by Sara C Roethle. Available on all digital platforms for only 99 cents: https://books2read.com/u/bw8XAe
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check! And thank you for reading.
Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead by Laszlo Bock is a behind the scenes glimpse into the “People Operations” of Google, the mammoth internet company.
Laszlo explains Google wasn’t always a global leader. It started out like every other company- with a couple of dedicated people and a big dream.
After some background, Laszlo gives step-by-step ways to improve your own business, whatever that may be, from the inside-out while remaining true to the mission that led to the creation of your company in the first place.
It’s clear from this book that Google is an engineer-dominated workplace. Every decision from hiring to employee perks is tested and the numbers are crunched to justify the expense, time spent, etc.
To be honest, psychology tests, graphs, and in-depth analysis isn’t really my thing. I enjoy a more artsy approach to the world and so the nitty-gritty of Laszlo’s work wasn’t that interesting to me.
In <i>Work Rules</i>, I was hoping for more insider stories than engineering problems, but that’s not how the book was written.
That’s not to say that there isn’t value to be had in this read. My take-away chapters were “It’s Not All Rainbows and Unicorns” and “What You Can Do Starting Tomorrow.”
In ‘It’s Not All Rainbows and Unicorns,’ Laszlo gives the reader moments in Google’s history when their policies didn’t really work and how they got through the crisis. It was heavy on dramatic stories and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
In ‘What You Can Do Starting Tomorrow,’ Laszlo boils down his previous chapters into ten steps for businesses to take right now. If you don’t have time to dig through the entire book, ‘What You Can Do Starting Tomorrow’ gives you a pretty thorough overview.
If you enjoyed <i>Work Rules!</i>, you may enjoy The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. Shawn explains, in an engaging manner, many of the principles that Google has adopted to improve their employees’ quality of life.
I received a free advanced reader’s copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check! And thank you for reading.
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