5 Mind-Blowing Reads from August: A Recap of My Month
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Earlier this month, I shared a post titled “5 Books I’m Excited To Read This Month.” Now that the month has drawn to a close, I’ve completed those five books and would like to share my reflections:
Section 1.1: Just Go by Drew Binsky
I picked up this book since I've recently embarked on my journey to explore the world, and I believed it would offer some valuable insights. In this guide, Binsky provides tips on how to immerse yourself in each country as if you were a local. Not only does he share practical advice, but he also recounts some of his own travel adventures, which I found quite engaging. If you've read Vagabonding and are skeptical about this book, I encourage you to give it a shot, as it presents a fresh perspective.
Section 1.2: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
This memoir detailing Anthony Bourdain's life as a chef was a true delight. I experienced it through Audible, which added to its appeal. Before diving into this book, my knowledge of Bourdain was limited to his tragic end, his struggles with addiction, and his famous photo with Obama in Vietnam. I now look forward to exploring more of his works. The more I listened, the more I appreciated it.
Chapter 2: Exploring New Worlds
Section 2.1: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This book holds a special place in the heart of many, including Elon Musk, who considers it pivotal in his life. I had sky-high expectations, and while I’m not sure what I anticipated, I genuinely enjoyed the read. It has its humorous moments, though they may not be as riotous as some claim. Regardless, it’s definitely worth picking up.
Section 2.2: The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole
For anyone looking to write on platforms like Medium or elsewhere on the internet, this book is a must-read. It’s packed with essential insights to help you succeed.
Section 2.3: The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
This book didn’t resonate with me, and I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. I agree with its core idea: that true growth—physically, mentally, and spiritually—comes from embracing discomfort similar to what our ancestors faced daily. While the premise intrigued me, I found the execution lacking.
In addition to these five books, I explored several others throughout the month. Stay tuned for a follow-up post where I will share my thoughts on those reads!