16 Comments

Great book recommendations, Jana! I have some more to add to my list.

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I’m always looking for writing books that go beyond the “how to.” Sounds like _Several short sentences about writing_ with its mix of guidance & inspiration fits the bill. I’m adding it to my tbr list. Thanks for these great recommendations.

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The same is true here for me about the books on writing. 'Several short sentences about writing' surprised me. It is written in short sentences to prove the point. It is a beautiful book. I hope you'll enjoy it.

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Hi Jana. I finished reading "Cassandra Speaks" by Elizabeth Lesser some months ago. And before that, i was reading Yuval Noah Harrari's "Homo Deus" (I haven't finished reading it yet), and Elif Shafak's "The Island of Missing Trees" (Ohhhhhh, i absolutely loved reading it. It's now on my list of "fav books to reread"), and Nicholas Sparks's "The Wish".

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Thank you for sharing. You helped me grow my TBR stack. I am intrigued by 'The Island of Missing Trees', which has become your favourite. I am going to start with it.

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Glad i could help you and i hope you enjoy reading it😊. This book was interesting for me because before reading it, i knew NOTHING about the history of North and South Cyprus. Now i know some things. Although i haven't read all of her works, i admire how artistically each of the characters narrate their parts in this book (I'm not a literary expert).

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Very much appreciate the kind words about The Requisitions! Matthew has been a true Substack friend since I sent him a copy. Here's to the power of community in historic times and remembering that which we must remember.

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All kind words are well deserved! I loved it from the start to the end. I looked forward to reading it and did not want to put it down, which meant a few tired days at work, but worth it. Thank you for your beautiful work.

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Thank you Jana. It was such a relief to finish that book for multiple reasons, and an absolute joy to be writing something totally different.

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I've been in a reading slump and really needed these book recommendations. I can't even decide which one I should read first, as they all sound so interesting and educational. Maybe The Dip will help me set my mind straight.

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Starting with The Dip is a great idea. It's a really short book that might help you get out of the slump. I hope you'll enjoy it.

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It's a rare occurrence when my library has the books I want (otherwise I would have to purchase them) and it's an understatement to say I felt euphoric at the books availability. Just checked it out and I thank you again for the great recommendation!

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I’ve been thinking lately about “The Sheltering Sky” by Paul Bowles which I haven’t read for years, but feel the need to re-read. It cast very strong emotions.

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Interesting, I shall seek it out. Thank you, Paula.

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Hi Jana, I like the sound of Several Short Sentances About Writing - especially the focus on how to think about writing versus the act itself. Will add it to my list! I can highly recommend Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. The follow up to his previous book Four Thousand Weeks, it’s all about accepting the finite nature of life and embracing your limitations. I’m writing a more in-depth review in this months Future You, dropping next Tuesday!

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Don't be surprised if reading Several Short Sentences About Writing inspires you to write an article in a similar style. It happened to me. I've read Four Thousand Weeks but have been dancing around the Meditations for Mortals for a while now. I will take your recommendations after I read your post on Tuesday. Thank you.

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