Books matching: short essays
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- #1
Save:A thoughtful, poetic invitation to notice and celebrate life's small joys - best enjoyed in bite-sized doses whenever you need a lift.
Ross Gay's 'The Book of Delights' is a collection of short essays or essayettes where the author explores and celebrates the simple joys and delights he encounters in everyday life. Gay embarked on a project to write about a delight he experienced each day for a year, resulting in a diverse range of topics from mundane pleasures to deeper reflections on race and social issues. The writing style is lyrical, comical, and profound, capturing the essence of finding joy in the smallest of things.
The book offers a unique format where readers can enjoy a quick read by picking topics from the table of contents or leisurely savoring a few essays at a time. Despite occasional run-on sentences, the essays are described as beautiful, simple, surprising, and sometimes thought-provoking. Ross Gay's ability to find delight in the ordinary and the bizarre, coupled with his humorous and observant writing style, makes 'The Book of Delights' a heartwarming and enriching read.
It’s my forty-second birthday. And it would make perfect (if self-involved) sense to declare the day of my birth a delight, despite the many years I’ve almost puritanically paid no attention to it. A...February 2019•289 pages - #2
Save:A warm, smart, and hopeful essay collection that offers quirky reviews of life in the human age. If you’re looking for insight, heart, and a unique take on ordinary things, this book absolutely delivers.
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green is a collection of essays that delve into various aspects of the Anthropocene era, exploring topics ranging from the invention of Dr Pepper to the impact of humanity on the planet. Green's writing style is described as thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and deeply personal, offering unique insights into human experiences and interactions with the world.
I find more and more that I refer to it as “it” and “this” without naming or needing to name, because we are sharing the rare human experience so ubiquitous that the pronouns require no antecedent. Ho...May 2021•324 pages - #3
Save:Soccer in Sun and Shadow is a unique, passionate love letter to football - part poetry, part polemic, always thought-provoking. It’s not a history textbook, but it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to feel the soul of the game.
Soccer in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo Galeano is a unique exploration of the game through concise vignettes covering great players, matches, and events. The book delves into heavy topics such as Latin America's state of neocolonialism, the effects of globalization, and the impact on the Beautiful Game, all while maintaining a lyrical and passionate tone. Galeano's writing style presents a mix of emotional portraits, social commentary, and historical reflections, making it a captivating read for fans of the sport.
The history of soccer is a sad voyage from beauty to duty. When the sport became an industry, the beauty that blossoms from the joy of play got torn out by its very roots. In this fin de siècle world,...1980•238 pages A darkly beautiful, thought-provoking journey through despair - essential reading if you want to explore the depths of existential philosophy, but not for the faint of heart.
'On the Heights of Despair' by Emil M. Cioran is a collection of short essays that delve into themes of existential despair, nihilism, and the futility of human existence. The book presents a youthful Cioran grappling with dark and cathartic philosophies, expressed poetically and with a sense of despair that is both soul-crushing and beautifully composed. The writing style is described as compulsively readable, adorably misanthropic, and lyrical, with a translation that captures the subtle linguistic techniques and maintains the original tone of the native language.
1933•150 pages- #5
Save:A deeply honest, endlessly quotable window into the mind of a philosopher-king, 'Meditations' is reflective and empowering - essential reading for seekers of wisdom, but best enjoyed in small, thoughtful doses.
'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of the Roman emperor's private thoughts and philosophical musings. The book offers insights into his beliefs on life, death, morality, and virtue. Aurelius reflects on the transient nature of human life, the importance of living in accordance with nature, and the power of reason and truth. Through his stoic philosophy, he provides practical wisdom and advice on how to navigate the challenges of daily life. The writing style is described as spare, cold, and comfortless yet refreshing, with aphorisms and maxims that provoke introspection and self-reflection.
3. My mother set me an example of piety and generosity, avoidance of all uncharitableness – not in actions only, but in thought as well – and a simplicity of life quite unlike the usual habits of the...1626•305 pages A beautifully written classic that blends biology, philosophy, and lyricism - The Lives of a Cell makes science feel intimate and awe-inspiring. Dip in for thought-provoking, bite-sized essays that will change the way you see life, even if you aren't a scientist.
"The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher" by Lewis Thomas is a collection of beautifully written essays that explore various topics related to biology, nature, and medicine. Thomas delves into subjects such as the complexity of a single cell, the interactions of social insects, the role of mitochondria in our cells, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The book offers thought-provoking insights on the biological world, man's place in it, and the philosophical and social implications of our existence. Thomas' writing style is described as elegant, poetic, and engaging, incorporating art, literature, and history to illustrate his points.
We are told that the trouble with Modern Man is that he has been trying to detach himself from nature. He sits in the topmost tiers of polymer, glass, and steel, dangling his pulsing legs, surveying a...1974•173 pages- #7
Save:A heartfelt, uplifting collection of wisdom and personal stories from Maya Angelou - perfect for dipping into whenever you need encouragement, perspective, or a literary hug.
Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou is a collection of compassionate and honest essays that serve as a guide to living well, offering lessons on race, sex, truth, violence, and motherhood. Angelou's lyrical voice narrates her experiences, memories, and wisdom, addressing women and sharing anecdotes that touch on courage, love, understanding, and progress. Through short stories and poems, Angelou imparts life lessons learned throughout her 80 years, encompassing themes of faith, kindness, and humanity.
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but from the age of three I grew up in Stamps, Arkansas, with my paternal grandmother, Annie Henderson, and my father’s brother, Uncle Willie, and my only sibling, m...1987•166 pages - #8
Save:A delightful, feel-good collection that celebrates the small stuff, perfect for dipping into when you need a smile. Not life-changing, but definitely life-brightening!
The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha is a collection of short, joyous essays celebrating everyday joys and truisms. Through the author's engaging and witty writing style, readers are encouraged to pay attention to the little things in life that bring happiness and appreciation. Pasricha's book shines a light on commonplace experiences that often go unnoticed, highlighting the beauty in simplicity and encouraging readers to find joy in the small moments.
April 2010•407 pages - #9
Save:A lyrically written, deeply intelligent collection best savored slowly - perfect for curious, contemplative readers who enjoy meandering through art, politics, and culture with a keen guide.
Known and Strange Things: Essays by Teju Cole is a collection of essays covering a wide range of topics such as literature, art, photography, politics, and social issues. The essays are thought-provoking, introducing the reader to new perspectives and ideas while also weaving in personal experiences and reflections. Teju Cole's writing style is described as powerful, gentle, lyrical, and elegantly written, capturing the attention of readers with his insightful observations and engaging storytelling.
August 2016•416 pages - #10
Save:A witty, whimsical collection that delights Martin fans and lovers of smart, satirical comedy - though it sometimes misses the mark, it’s more hit than miss.
"Pure Drivel" by Steve Martin is a collection of short essays that showcases his unique brand of humor. The book features chapters that touch on various topics, particularly writing itself, where Martin cleverly points out the absurdities in the writing process with amusing titles like 'Writing is Easy' and 'A Word from the Words.' While the humor can be hit or miss, readers often find themselves laughing, especially when they focus on the funnier essays like 'Side Effects' and 'How I Joined MENSA.'
Martin's writing style in this book is playful and light, making it an easy and enjoyable read. However, some stories may feel like they lack direction, leaving readers wanting more substance or cleverness. Overall, it's a mixed bag of witty observations and occasional misses, but many fans of Martin appreciate the entertaining glimpse into his comedic mind, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy educated humor.
October 1999
