My biggest reading accomplishment this year was an improved relationship with books. Here’s how:
Active reading instead of passive consumption. I tried to make the book work for me instead of the other way around. I got inspiration from this quote on Farnam Street:
Learnt the art of letting a book go unfinished. It would bother me if I didn’t complete a book even if it wasn’t enjoyable. But now I feel much more at ease with that. For instance, I have read 30% of Fairy Tale by Stephen King. But I’ve stopped enjoying the style of narration so I am quitting it.
Letting go of trying to understand every single word/sentence. This is a problem I found especially in sci-fi. The plot would be amazing, and the details immaculate. But the writing style can be dense and full of jargon. They can be difficult reads. So I decided to stop spending too much time worrying about understanding every single detail, and focus on the larger picture instead. Cases in point: Dune series and Brave New World.
Reading what I like and not what I am supposed to like. For example, there was Rumors of Spring - a girlhood memoir by the author who grew up in Kashmir. I wanted to like the book. I wanted to understand what it was like growing up in such a conflicted part of our country. But I just couldn't get into the groove of it.
And now the books I liked the best this year:
1. Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art - James Nestor
Given that breathing is the most fundamental aspect of life, its effects on us shouldn't be surprising. But I was constantly amazed. It's an insightful book which takes a lot of references from our ancient Indian texts and practices (I am looking at you, Pranayam).
2. The Three-Body Problem - Cixin Liu
Originally written in Chinese, the English translation seems a little jagged, especially whenever there is a conversation. Or maybe it's just the cultural difference that caused it. It was after all the first Chinese book I've ever read. Even then, it managed to provoke some vocal outbursts of 'Wow' in me. Immense.
3. The Poppy War - R.F. Kuang
It was a heady combination of fresh air and comfortable familiarity. If you like Harry Potter-style coming-of-age fantasy, you'll love this. A word of caution, the second book in the series was a little underwhelming. I would still give it a read in spite of that. It also gave me my new favourite exclamation - Tiger’s Tits!
4. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking - Susan Cain
The most important book I read this year. It helped me understand the fundamental difference between the two broad personality types we divide ourselves into - introverts and extroverts. At times, I struggle with too many people or too much stimulation. This book helped me to be at peace with that. Moreover, I learnt some tools to navigate such situations.
Notable mentions:
Ted Chiang's two anthologies were enjoyable.
I also discovered Brandon Sanderson after his incredible Kickstarter campaign which raised more than $41 million for his upcoming books. I enjoyed the new magical world in them.
Seth Rogen's Yearbook was funny. And of course, Atomic Habits is damn good.
I hope you do get around to reading some of these. If you like these recommendations, check out the rest of my reading list here.
Lists from previous years: Best of 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016
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