Book club #5

We’re on the brink of Book Club #5! I’m still hopeful that we’ll create a cozy group where we can indulge in reading books, exchanging thoughts, and relishing the experience without fear of judgment! But until that dream becomes a reality, let’s dive into the reviews of my latest reads and get inspired.

•Lessons from Chemistry; Bonnie Garmus (rating 9/10):

Embark on a journey with Elizabeth Zot, a brilliant scientist facing the challenges of ambition and gender bias in 1950s America. Despite her setbacks in academia, she finds unexpected success as the host of a television culinary show. What captivated me most was her ability to intertwine chemistry with everyday life. Expect moments of revelation and emotional depth that will surprise you. This novel is an inspiring ode to the resilience of women and mothers, showing that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. It’s also a gentle reminder of the importance of supporting one another. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

•When Nietzsche Wept; Irvin D. Yalom (rating 9/10):

Explore the origins of psychoanalysis and delve into the depths of Nietzsche’s philosophy through this captivating narrative. While the insights into psychoanalysis are intriguing, it’s the exploration of Nietzsche’s profound ideas that truly fascinates. Nietzsche’s wisdom challenges us to ponder life’s complexities. Discovering that the iconic quote, “What does not kill me, makes me stronger,” originated from Nietzsche was a delightful surprise. Most impressively, the characters and their relationships are based on real individuals, a testament to Irvin Yalom’s meticulous research. Though the primary relationship between Breuer and Nietzsche is fictional, it adds depth to the narrative. And the portrayal of a youthful, charismatic Sigmund Freud adds an intriguing dimension. I highly recommend this novel, especially for those curious about psychotherapy and philosophy.

•Crazy Rich Asians; Kevin Kwan (rating 8.5/10):

Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the rich and famous with Kevin Kwan’s captivating narrative. Through vivid storytelling, Kwan brings to life the culture, traditions, and extravagant lifestyles of wealthy Asians, followed by a love story of Nick and Rachel. It does seem to follow the classic romantic narrative: a prosperous successor falling for a girl from the “working class.” However, the generational clashes, class divisions, and romantic intrigues will provide a rich tapestry of drama and entertainment. It’s a delightful exploration of love, family, and social dynamics that will keep you thoroughly engaged.

•China Rich Girlfriend; Kevin Kwan (rating: 6.5/10):

Continue the journey into the world of extravagance and intrigue with Kevin Kwan’s sequel. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, it still offers a glimpse into the lives of the ultra-wealthy. The familiar themes of wealth, class, and relationships are present, albeit with some new twists and turns. Despite its shortcomings, the novel maintains a positive and uplifting tone, reminding us of the enduring power of hope and resilience. Like a fairytale, which was the way this entire story even started in the first piece, and I am not bothered at all with that. If you enjoyed the first installment, it’s worth exploring the sequel, albeit with tempered expectations.

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Pred nama je i #5 book club! I dalje mastam da cemo organizovati neku grupicu koja ce citati knjige, deliti misljenja i uzivati u tome bez da nas neko osudjuje! Medjutim, dok se to ne desi, da zasucemo rukave i proucimo review sveze procitanih knjiga.

•Lekcije iz hemije; Bonnie Garmus (ocena 9/10)

Prica pocinje sa Elizabet Zot, sjajnoj naucnici koja ima tu nesrećc da bude ambiciozma zna u Americi 1950-ih. Nakon frustrirajuće neuspele akademske karijere, ona pronalazi uspeh na neocekivanom mestu: kao voditeljka televizijske kulinarske emisije. Meni je posebno zanimljivo bilo na koji nacin povezuje hemiju sa realnim zivotom. Ocekujete momente i neke teske momente, koje zaista necete ni pomisliti da ce se desiti iako cete ih osetiti. Neverovatan roman sa mnogo preokreta, to je jedna oda zenama i majkama da shvate da mogu da ostvare sve sto pozele. I jedna poruka da uvek budemo tu jedna uz drugu. Moja zaista topla preporuka.

•Kad je Nice plakao; Irvin D. Yalom (ocena 9/10):

Autor pokusava da opise pocetke psihoanalize, dok istovremeno sluzi kao uvod u Niceovu filozofiju. Dok je deo o psihoanalizi vrlo zanimljiv, istrazivanje Niceove filozofije bilo je posebno fascinantno. Nice iznosi mnoge izuzetne stvari koje nas navode na razmissljanje. Bio sam iznenađen kada sam otkrio da je legendarna izreka – “Što me ne ubije, to me ojaca” – prvobitno izrecena od strane Ničea. Jos jedna bitna stvar- Vecina likova i njihovih odnosa opisanih u romanu su stvarni. Znaci je da je Irvin Jalom zaista dobro istrazio temu. Glavni odnos između Breuera i Nicea je ipak fiktivan. Sigmund Frojd se pojavljuje u priči samo kratko, mlad i kul, veoma različit od Sigmunda Frojda kakvog zamišljamo. Ovo je narocito velika preporuka za sve one koji sumnjaju ili zele da krenu na neki vid psihoterapije.

•Suludo Bogati Azijati;  Kevina Kvan (ocena 8,5/10)

Bas kao sto naziv kazu, upoznacete kulturu, stol i nacin zivota zaista bogatih azijata. Autor je fantasticno prikazao razlike medju generacijama – stare obicaje naspram opustenijeg prihvatanja zapadnih obicaja – klasne podele – uticaj bogatstva na one koji su rodjeni u njemu u poredjenju sa onima koji su radili da ga postignu. Naravno, tu je jedna ljubavna prica o Niku i Rejcel koja je nekako tipicno bajkovska-bogati naslednik i devojka iz radnicke porodice. Medjutim, dosta je tu isprepletanih intriga, jedna afera i mnostvo spletki, tako da ce vas knjiga drzati vrlo zainteresovanim.

•Bogatstvo na kineski nacin; Kevin Kvan (ocena: 6,5/10)

Kako ja volim da citam nastavke, ovo je bila sledeca logicna knjiga. Medjutim, nije bas donela ono sto sam mislila da hoce. Nastavlja se sa opisom sada jos bogatijeg sloja ljudi, sto ume da bude zanimljivo zamisljajuci sve te peripetije. Glavni likovi su naravno isti i u ovom deluje knjige. Moram napomenuti da je kostur knjige dosta slican prvom delu- Suludo Bogati Azijati, sto je razocaravajuce. Naravno, tu su neke drugacije spetke koje ce zaciniti knjigu i svidja mi se sto autor mora da zavrsi knjigu u pozitivnom kontekstu i da prave vrline uvek pobede. Kao kada citam bajke. A na taj nacin je i zapoceo prvi deo.Defitivno, ako ste uzeli prvi deo, morate da vidite kakav je drugi ali ja licno nisam impresionirana.

📸 taken from pinterest