Book Review: A Whole Life in Twelve Movies

Title: A Whole Life in Twelve Movies

Author: Kathleen Norris & Gareth Higgins

Publisher: Brazos Press

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As an avid film enthusiast, I approached "A Whole Life in Twelve Movies" wondering how just twelve films could encapsulate the human experience. What unfolds is an intimate conversation about cinema's power to illuminate life's journey.

Norris and Higgins have crafted something special - a book that reads like eavesdropping on a fascinating dialogue between two deeply thoughtful viewers. Their analysis of films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Babette's Feast" transcends mere critique, using these works as launching points for deeper contemplation about existence, spirituality, and human connection. The authors' different perspectives - Norris's American poetic sensibility and Higgins's Irish storytelling background - create a rich interplay of ideas that enriches their observations.

What particularly struck me was how the book manages to be deeply spiritual without becoming preachy. Both authors bring their religious perspectives to bear on these films, but in a way that invites rather than insists. Their discussions had me immediately adding several films to my must-watch list, including "Malcolm X," "Paterson," and "After Life."

The inclusion of discussion questions and additional film recommendations transforms this from a simple film guide into a practical tool for group exploration and personal reflection. This book serves as both a thoughtful film guide and a spiritual companion, perfect for anyone interested in exploring how movies can deepen our understanding of life's big questions.

A big thank you to Brazos Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Defy

Title: Defy

Author: Sunitah Sah

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

As someone who devours self-help and psychology books, I found "Defy" to be a refreshing and insightful exploration of why we so often choose compliance over standing up for our values. Dr. Sunita Sah transforms our understanding of defiance from a negative trait into a crucial tool for personal and societal change.

The book's strength lies in its practical framework, particularly the five stages of defiance and the clear distinction between compliance and consent. Using Stanley Milgram's famous 1960 Yale experiments as a foundation, Sah breaks down the forces that push us toward compliance and provides actionable strategies for resistance when our values are at stake.

What sets this book apart is its nuanced treatment of defiance and the introduction of concepts like "conscious compliance" – the idea that sometimes we might choose to comply while fully acknowledging our disagreement, without shame. The five elements of consent (capacity, knowledge, understanding, freedom, and authorization) provide a practical toolkit for decision-making in challenging situations.

"Defy" stands as a valuable addition to my self-help books, offering essential guidance for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to go along with something that didn't feel quite right.

A big thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The 5 Types of Wealth

Title: The 5 Types of Wealth

Author: Sahil Bloom

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: February 4, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As an ardent follower of Sahil Bloom's weekly newsletters, I approached his debut book with high expectations, and "The 5 Types of Wealth" not only met but exceeded them, emerging as the most impactful self-help book I've encountered in recent years. While longtime readers of Bloom's newsletters might recognize some concepts, seeing them woven together into a cohesive framework offers a fresh and transformative perspective on what it truly means to live a wealthy life.

At the heart of Bloom's philosophy lies the critical premise: financial wealth, while important, should not be the dominant measure of a rich life. Your wealthy life may be enabled by money, but in the end, it will be defined by everything else. As he says, "Your wealthy life may be enabled by money, but in the end, it will be defined by everything else." Through meticulous research spanning three years and countless interviews, Bloom presents four other equally crucial forms of wealth: Time, Social, Mental, and Physical. What particularly resonates is his practical approach, breaking down each wealth type into three pillars and providing a 25-question assessment tool that helps readers establish their baseline.

The book's true strength lies in its actionability. Each section concludes with concrete strategies for improvement, making abstract concepts tangible and implementable. Bloom's relationship map and energy matrix stand out for me as particularly valuable tools that I'm eager to incorporate into my own life. His systems for time wealth management are already proving their worth in my daily routine.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the book is captured in the interviews Bloom conducted, where notably, "No one mentioned money" when discussing their version of a wealthy life. This observation is perfectly encapsulated in one of the book's most memorable quotes: "The only thing that matters at all is the quality of the relationships with the people we love." This is particularly refreshing in today's money-obsessed culture.

"The 5 Types of Wealth" is more than just another self-help book; it's a comprehensive blueprint for living a truly rich life. Whether you're starting your career, navigating midlife, or planning for retirement, Bloom's insights and practical strategies offer valuable guidance for creating a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

A big thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Been Wrong So Long It Feels So Right

Title: Been Wrong So Long It Feels So Right 

Author: Walter Mosley

Publisher: Mulholland Books

Publication Date: January 28, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Walter Mosley continues to prove why he's a master of the detective genre with his latest Joe King Oliver novel, delivering a story that masterfully weaves together family drama with high-stakes investigation. As a longtime follower of detective fiction, I found myself completely absorbed by this third installment, which elevates the series to new heights.

The narrative follows two compelling threads: King's search for his long-estranged father at the behest of his dying grandmother, and his involvement with Marigold Hart, a woman on the run from her billionaire husband with her young daughter in tow. Mosley demonstrates his storytelling prowess by balancing these plotlines with remarkable skill, each one feeding into the other to create a rich tapestry of moral complexity.

What sets this book apart is its deep dive into King's family dynamics, particularly the nuanced exploration of his relationship with his father, Chief Odin Oliver. The protagonist himself continues to fascinate - a former police detective who chose integrity over corruption, operating with his own moral compass that doesn't always point true north. His complex relationships with women and his friendship with the psychopathic Melquarth add compelling layers to his character.

Mosley's prose crackles with tension, particularly in scenes where King must navigate between personal desires and professional obligations. The author never takes the easy way out, forcing his protagonist to grapple with difficult choices that have no clear right answer. While the book can stand alone, the richness of character development through the previous novels adds significant weight to the emotional stakes. "Been Wrong So Long It Feels So Right" represents Mosley at his finest - a perfect blend of hard-boiled detective work, family drama, and moral ambiguity. It's not just a great detective novel; it's a great novel, period.

A big thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.