This is How: Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike by Augusten Burroughs
Genre: Self-help, Conduct of life
In its official blurb, Burroughs’ “This is How” promises answers to surviving a wide array of hard truths. Being fat and failing every diet, always ending up alone, having insane parents who ruin your life, getting diagnosed with cancer, feeling lost in life, are just some examples of issues explored, and which some of us are likely to face at some point of life. Does this book truly show you how to overcome these problems?
Unlike the typical self-help book, “This is How” does not provide a step-by-step guide on picking up pieces of your life. It is a collection of short essays about the author’s experiences with the challenges mentioned in the subtitle and more, no sugar-coating involved. Burroughs has gone through a lot in life, and he writes candidly, wisely, wittily.
Here are a few gems out of his book, backed up with real life examples.
‘When you say, “I need more confidence,“ what you’re really saying is, “I need those people over there to approve of me. ” That is the desire to control other people and what they think. The first person who figures out how to do this owns the world.‘
‘If you hate your life, it’s because your life is too small and doesn’t fit you.‘
‘Blame may well be justified but it’s not going to move you forward in life.’
Burroughs offers new thoughts, ideas and perspectives to a variety of situations, traits and conservative beliefs. A lot of it can be deduced through simple common sense. But then again, common sense does not often go hand in hand with the human mind, and it is honest books like this that remind us that honesty to oneself is the best policy. With so many different examples being used, readers are almost guaranteed to find something that speaks to you.
The short length, non-complex language and con- versational tone and humour makes this book an easy and engaging read. However, possible turn-offs include crassness and some harsh and bitter examples that border on being insensitive.
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
Genre: Speculative Fiction
The Age of Miracles puts a whole new perspective to the wish of having more than 24 hours a day. Walker’s fascinating interpretation of a possible apocalypse tells the story of a world in modern times when the earth’s rotation slows down. Days and nights lengthen significantly over time, messing up everyone’s equilibrium. Eleven-year-old Julia and her fellow countrymen attempt to adapt to the ever- changing clock, but the world continues to fall apart with new problems unfolding each time.
The eerie consequences of the slowing earth on the environment and her inhabitants are imagined in rich and provocative detail. Walker’s answers to the “what- ifs” provoke readers to think beyond the commonly projected problems of nature’s wrath. Can a slower earth break interpersonal relationships? Does it cause segregation in a democratic nation? Is it really a threat to domestic and national security? Walker convinces us to believe it with her skill in crafting scenarios that are unique, yet easily-envisaged.
While the beauty of Walker’s writing is widely acclaimed, the same cannot be said of her plot. The story is written in a meandering style, and its focus is narrowed on Julia’s individual concerns — her parent’s relationships, her relationships with her school mates, life as a pre-teen that revolves around school, home and her somewhat juvenile personal observations of the world around her. Some may feel that this robs the story of much potential for greater depth. 0n the other hand, others would agree that these personal details remind us that no matter how many miracles mankind can perform, we are truly fragile by the challenges of nature.
Despite the lack of action, one would still feel personally involved in the unfolding of the story. Suspense is artfully built up as each new misfortune announces its presence, sometimes even before it takes the stage. One cannot help but worry for the Earth’s uncertain future, and feel regretful for the loss of many precious things we take for granted.
– These book reviews first appeared in a lifestyle magazine
