In a bid to make ourselves read more, and so you can see some of the literature that inspires our travels, and our London adventures, we’ve decided to do a monthly recap on what we’ve been reading. Here is September’s for you!
Tim
Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast by Oscar Wilde.
This is fascinating little(and I mean little) read. The entire book is a collection of thoughts, musings, and observations from Oscar Wilde. Once you have sunk into the flow, or apparent lack thereof in the this book it becomes like seeing the world through his eyes, little observations and thoughts that are so beautifully written with often sharp wit and philosophical poise yet seeming like these ideas were written instantaneously of entering his mind. My favourite of these is “The fact is, that civilisation requires slaves. The Greeks were right there. Unless there are slaves to do the ugly, horrible, uninteresting work, culture and contemplation become almost impossible. Human slavery is wrong, insecure and demoralising. On mechanical slavery, on the slavery of the machine, the future of the world depends.”
Seven Types of Atheism by John Gray.
John Gray is a British political philosopher and atheist(O RLY?) who is arguably most famous for his book Straw Dogs.
It is no surprise that this book was given to me as a birthday gift by my best friend Steve, a masters student of philosophy and atheist himself, who thought this book would offer and interest insight into the viewpoint of an open minded atheist leaning further away from the realm of anti-theist.
I am yet to finish this, but so far I would describe is as essential if not slightly lefties reading for anyone leaning between atheist and agnostic in their beliefs, as it poses many interesting arguments such as atheists being inverted believers.
Jess
Mama Can’t Raise No Man by Robyn Travis.
What a book. Written in the dialect of the street, this book explores masculinity in general but in particular for black men. A moving, funny, emotional and at times dark fiction, it’s a must read for everyone. The author magically transports you to the middle of a life that many can relate to, and of a story that needs to be told. Heartfelt, hilarious and hugely important, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff.
Ok, it took me months to read this, and I’m going to be honest I HATED it. The best bits we already know as they were focussed on by the media when it came out, and the other bits are just boring page filler. There’s no direction to it and it doesn’t culminate in anything – lots of questions still remain unanswered and it’s not autobiographical or chronological it’s just…well…meh. Annoyingly I’ve fought myself to finish it as I felt I couldn’t leave it unread but it’s not one I’d recommend unless you are big into American politics, conspiracy theories and reading bestsellers for the sake of it.
What are we reading now?
Tim: Finishing Seven Types of Atheism by John Gray
Jess: The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
What are you reading? Is there anything you’ve read that you think we should read next? What’s on your bookshelf waiting to be picked up? Let us know in the comments below!
