How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, Ponderings Book Club

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, Ponderings Book Club

In “How to Stop Time,” Matt Haig takes readers on an enchanting journey through the extraordinary life of Tom Hazard, a man who ages at an excruciatingly slow pace.

Haig’s masterful storytelling effortlessly immerses us in a world where time dances to its own rhythm, and the complexities of love, loss, and the universal longing for connection take centre stage.

What sets this book apart is Haig’s ability to make the concept of slow aging feel remarkably plausible. He delicately weaves together a tapestry of historical events and personal experiences, transporting us seamlessly between time periods.

From Shakespearean England’s enchanting realms to Paris’s vibrant jazz-filled streets, each era is vividly brought to life, creating a captivating backdrop for Tom’s introspective journey.

The strength of “How to Stop Time” lies in its ability to balance a light-hearted narrative with deep emotional resonance. The book is an easy read, and the blend of historical elements and Tom’s personal trials creates an interesting narrative.

While the story’s focus is primarily on Tom’s experiences and his eternal search for connection, there are moments where secondary characters could have been further developed to enhance the overall depth of the tale. However, this minor critique does not detract from the joy of reading this book.

Haig’s meticulous research and attention to detail are the standout.

We want to know if you have read this, and let’s discuss your thoughts- scroll down below to our comments section to start the conversation!

Want to read it and get involved? The button below for your special Ponderers offer from our partners at Booktopia.

 

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The Divine Comedy- Dante, Ponderings Book Club

The Divine Comedy- Dante, Ponderings Book Club

Dante’s Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy” has left an indelible mark on Western literature and culture. 

Its exploration of the human condition, moral choices, and the redemptive power of love continues to inspire generations, inviting readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.

The Divine Comedy delves into profound themes such as the consequences of sin, the nature of divine justice, the power of love, and the ultimate pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Through allegory and symbolism, Dante explores the complexities of human existence and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Dante's Divine Comedy

Dante’s poetic prose is awe-inspiring, marked by its rich symbolism, vivid imagery, and profound philosophical contemplation. The use of terza rima, a three-line rhyme scheme, adds a lyrical quality to the narrative, enhancing the reader’s immersion in the journey.

Given its complexity and historical context, some readers may find the numerous references and allusions challenging to fully grasp without external resources.

VERY heavy reading and not for the faint of heart. For some, this will be a one-in-a-lifetime challenge read; for others, it will become a beloved piece of work to treasure. I ABSOLUTELY love the gold-edged pages in this edition; an exceptionally beautiful piece of literature for the book lover.

This is a next-level edition, translated by Henry Wordsworth Longfellow and illustrated by Gustave Dore.

We want to know if you have read this, and let’s discuss your thoughts- scroll down below to our comments section to start the conversation!

Want to read it and get involved? The button below for your special Ponderers offer from our partners at Booktopia.

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Dante's Divine Comedy" has left an indelible mark on Western literature and culture. An the human condition. Its heavy, but worth it!

The Divine Comedy- Dante, Ponderings Book Club

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The Bookbinder of Jericho- Ponderings Book Club

The Bookbinder of Jericho” is a synergy of history, mystery, and the magic of storytelling. It is a keeper, enchanting!

Dare to Lead- Brene Brown, Ponderings Book Club

Dare to Lead- Brene Brown, Ponderings Book Club

In “Dare to Lead,” Brene Brown emboldens us to embrace vulnerability and transform our leadership skills.

Through insightful research and personal anecdotes, she challenges conventional wisdom, urging us to cultivate courage and empathy in the face of uncertainty.

I love her personal anecdotes; this engaging beloved Texan is so authentic!

If you want emotional intelligence presented in the evidence-based and informative reading, not heavy in academic lingo and, very translatable to everyday situations, rich in metaphor- this one is for you.

Favourite quote: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”

Brown also introduces the concept of ‘BRAVING’, an acronym for Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, and Non-judgment. I know, right?

This is a keeper, one you will not want to give away, and the lessons are deep. I am an avid fan of Brene and the research! Her work is a beloved treasure in our home, instigating many passionate conversations at the dinner table.

We want to know if you have read this, and let’s discuss your thoughts- scroll down below to our comments section to start the conversation!

Want to read it and get involved? The button below for your special Ponderers offer from our partners at Booktopia.

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The Bookbinder of Jericho- Ponderings Book Club

The Bookbinder of Jericho- Ponderings Book Club

“The Bookbinder of Jericho” by Pip Williams weaves the realms of history, mystery, and the enduring magic of storytelling.

 

Williams takes readers on a journey through the eyes of an exceptionally talented bookbinder who stumbles upon a hidden diary, igniting a relentless quest to unravel its secrets and unearth the extraordinary stories concealed within.

Williams’ prose possesses an elegant charm that effortlessly transports readers into the heart of the narrative.

With meticulous attention to detail, she crafts a vivid tapestry of settings, from the enchanting bookbinding workshops to the rich historical landscapes that come alive through her descriptive prowess.

The atmospheric allure of Jericho, both as a place and a metaphorical concept, permeates the pages, creating an immersive experience that captivates the senses.

 

However, these moments contribute to the story’s overall atmosphere and the thematic exploration of the power of books and the connections they forge across time.

“The Bookbinder of Jericho” is a synergy of history, mystery, and the magic of storytelling. It is a keeper, beautifully written and enchanting!

We want to know if you have read this, and let’s discuss your thoughts- scroll down below to our comments section to start the conversation!

Want to read it and get involved? The button below for your special Ponderers offer from our partners at Booktopia.

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Who Switched On The Light? A Book Review

Who Switched On The Light? A Book Review

Pina Di Donato’s has emerged to the self-help arena with her newly released book Who Switched the Lights On?

Self-described; it is a companion guide for the person ready to have an illuminated life.

The 158-page paperback is easy to read, down to earth, humble and give’s a first person account of the author’s journey after reaching 40; living more consciously and mindfully.

Anecdotal, the conversational tone makes it a breeze to read; like a warm chat between friends, a rarity for many self-help books.

Themes of friendships, leadership, life, children, along with timing and entanglement feature throughout and it felt like a beginners guide when you start to get that itch that says life might need some attention and some cleaning out of the metaphoric cobwebs.

“Who Switched the Lights On? is essentially a book about life; my life. More than a self-help book, it is a journey over time which highlights my growth and the things I was able to learn, or unlearn, along the way. It is my hope, that by coming along with me as I adjust to the light, clear out the cobwebs, and work through my process of ‘un-conditioning’, that you too will be inspired to shine a light on your own life and adjust the brightness until it’s just perfect for you” says Di Donato on her website. 

The lens of the author is transparent and poised, wordsmithed with pleasing honesty and the hum of authenticity. 

About the Author

Pina Di Donato is an avid philanthropist, business person, highly experienced marketing professional and author. Pina lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her three children. BUY NOW : https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/nLR6rA 

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Fleishman is in Trouble

Fleishman is in Trouble

Fleishman is in Trouble

by Jasmin Pedretti

‘Fleishman is in Trouble’, Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s debut novel, has a voice that is pure and tells the story of three complex characters with profundity. 

While Toby Fleishman is undergoing a bitter divorce with wife Rachel, she suddenly disappears, leaving him with their two kids. The novel chronicles the hardship that Toby faces when he must juggle his responsibilities as a father and a hepatologist.

Libby, one of Toby’s old college friends, narrates the novel. The reader sees how the marriage broke down through Toby’s eyes right up until the last quarter, where finally we get to see his wife’s side. 

Toby positions himself as the victim.

For the first three quarters, the narrator asks the reader to sympathize, an (albeit pathetic), man, who was abandoned by his cold, workaholic wife, Rachel. You do not even judge him for his creepy online dating obsession and cringy attraction to a young work colleague. At times you want to punch him in the face because he is so god damn oblivious, but even then, you pity his ignorance. 

Libby only permits flecks of Rachel’s side, making you anticipate the moment where her full story is finally revealed. It is an agitating wait but worth it, in the end, to learn how one-sided stories are a complete warp of the truth. Libby, learnt by writing for a men’s magazine, that the only way someone will listen is if the story is told through a man. 

Gender double standards is a prominent concern throughout the novel. “Whatever kind of woman you are, even when you’re a lot of kinds of women, you’re still always just a woman, which is to say you’re always a little bit less than a man.” 

‘Fleishman is in Trouble’ is a story of shrewd observations.

Everyone has their own version of the truth, even outsiders who cannot possibly know what happened in the private, complicated experience of two people. 

Even when Libby reveals Rachel’s version of what happened, the reader is not asked to side with her but to empathize with both sides and accept that we all have weaknesses. We are all just doing the best we can, and sometimes problems in a marriage just cannot be solved.   

At times Libby’s account is indeed impossible. There are intimate details and conversations that only Toby and Rachel could know. Nevertheless, this only furthers the point that all perspectives are shrewd, and no account is entirely reliable. In this case, Libby is taking artistic license, and the whole novel is her interpretation. An animated, sparkling and agonizing one at that. 

‘Fleishman is in Trouble’ is an outstanding exploration of how our culture attempts to navigate the breakdown of marriage and the experience of others.

Although it can be at times painful to read, it is worth pushing through Toby’s uncomfortable sexual-popularity, to get to the revelations that unfold eventually. After laughing and crying your way through, you will put the book down, satisfied that “Fleishman” is indeed “in trouble”. 

 

 

Have you read Fleishman in in Trouble? Want to tell us all about it? 

 

 

 

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