10 Books I read
Yes, it’s been a while. The last quarter of 2023 was laden with tasks and supercharged with emotions so reading took an absolute back seat. But now we are back and we are in (relative) luck:
60% GOOD – 40% OUCH!
Specifically,
1. Tools of Titans – Tim Ferriss
In one line or less: Almost 700 pages of tips to level up your health, wealth and wisdom.
Tell me more: A fascinating cornucopia of methods, habits and ideas meant to upgrade life. Many of the tips are not actually actionable, unless you are a one-percenter that is (e.g. it is full of treatments that will set you back between 50 – 500 per week, each), but that doesn’t make them any less interesting to read. The book is packed with inspiring stories and has something for everyone to pick up. Massively enjoyed.
The Queen’s Grade: 9
(commoner’s Grade: 9)
2. Wellness – Nathan Hill
In one line or less: Remarkably good novel documenting the present, with a parallel projection of the past.
Tell me more: Modern obsessions, failed expectations, the relentless pursuit of perfection – the whole package. Funny, sincere, massively relatable. Spot in in its portrayal of realities, anatomy of behaviours and capturing of emotions. An absolute delight to read – were it a hundred pages leaner it’d border on perfection.
The Queen’s Grade: 8
(commoner’s grade: 8)
3. Yellowface – R. F. Kuang
In one line or less: Person steals dead acquaintance’s intellectual property and interesting things ensue.
Tell me more: The basic premise may not be particularly original but the plot is alarmingly well delivered, with a built up that is both unexpected and hilarious. You follow along the various twists fully invested, experiencing a range of alternate feelings – from intense resentment to supportive empathy. Hard to put down.
The Queen’s Grade: 7
(commoner’s Grade: 8)
4. Be Useful – Arnold Schwarzenegger
In one line or less: Let Arnold help you build a more useful, successful life.
Tell me more: A life manual by Arnold Schwarzenegger, based on his personal (ultra) successful life journey. The book is overly self-referential but it is fair to assume that most people are buying it precisely to peak inside the Governator’s mind (and methods of success). Good advice, delivered in a straightforward, immediate way so as to resonate with literally everyone. Yes, you may call it plain at times but overall it is an excellent reminder of the basic rules of life and what it takes to succeed. Ideal for “growth mindset” newbies.
The Queen’s Grade: 7
(commoner’s grade: 8)
5. The New Wife – J.P. Delaney
In one line or less: Another unputdownable one by JP Delaney
Tell me more: I meant to keep this one for summer but it was burning a hole in my library! It has all the trademark JPD traits: well designed plot, alluring characters, impressive sceneries, dramatic twists. This is lightweight reading at its best, a book to keep you entertaining company. It went in just three sittings and if it wasn’t for the ending I would have given it an eight.
The Queen’s Grade: 7
(commoner’s grade: 8)
6. Ganbatte – Albert Liebermann
In one line or less: The Japanese method of dealing with life and its challenges.
Tell me more: The general idea of this approach to life is “never give up, just do your best and don’t worry about anything else”. This theory applies to all occasions, universally. A simple, compassionate, empowering and most of all actionable proposition. I applaud!
The Queen’s Grade: 7
(commoner’s grade: 7)
7. Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
In one line or less: Glad I read it but the success of this book is beyond me.
Tell me more: Curious about its epic success, I have been meaning to read this book for a while now. Overrated is the first thing that comes to mind. The author manages to impart literally zero knowledge during the first 50 pages, then proceeds with delivering a full buffet of platitudes. Things get (slightly) more interesting as you move along but nothing sticks in the end.
The Queen’s Grade: 5
(commoner’s grade: Judging from sales at least a 7?)
8. The Occasional Virgin – Hanna Al-Shaykh
In one line or less: Don’t remember much and trying to forget what I remember.
Tell me more: Two friends on a Mediterranean vacation, possibly in search of getting laid / husbands? I immediately pressed mental “delete” so I can’t say for sure. What I do remember is it started on a promising note, quickly descended into chick-lit inferno and ended up almost nonsensical. And the two heroines are embarrassingly pathetic.
The Queen’s Grade: 5
(commoner’s grade: 6)
9. The Shift – Tinx
In one line or less: “Just wanted to write a book about how awesome I am but let’s pretend it is a female empowerment guide”.
Tell me more: I bought this by accident (grossly misinterpreted the title…) and admittedly I am not the target audience of this book. Since I read it though: embarrassingly plain and shamelessly self-promotional. Still, it has its funny moments and offers certain valid viewpoints. Possibly a fun read for (way, way) younger women.
The Queen’s Grade: 4
(commoner’s grade: 6)
10. Keanu Reeves is not in love with you – Becky Holmes
In one line or less: Landing straight to position 10, without any serious competition for the spot.
Tell me more: The fun cover grossly misleads one to believe this is a funny novel about the woes of online dating. It turns out it is a pseudo-scientific research about online romance scumming, that somehow also flirts with being a comic book of sorts. Gimicky, repetitive, and overall unsophisticated, it keeps losing its way between comic and serious, ending up neither. There are some interesting bits of information and a few funny moments, all located at the start of the book, which deteriorates at a torrential rate as you proceed.
The Queen’s Grade: 3
(commoner’s grade: 6)
All artwork used as background for the books is by Constantine Vraziotis.
Check Out More Book Reviews Below:
Summer 23
Spring 23
Winter 2022-23
Autumn 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022
Winter 2021
Autumn 2021
Summer 2021
Note:
The commoner’s grade is what The Real Queen of Stuff imagines a commoner would grace said books with.
All images © The Real Queen of Stuff
(except #6 which is a collage)
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