Essays

Imagine yourself submerged in the depths of a world at war, where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur. Cyril Connolly's "The Unquiet Grave" offers an intimate glimpse into the author's personal struggles with aging, lost love, and the horrors of war. With its unique blend of aphorisms, quotes, and reflective passages, this book will transport you to a time of chaos and introspection. Prepare to be captivated by its dazzling originality and profound insights that have captured the hearts of readers for generations.

If you could send a letter back through time to your younger self, what would the letter say?In this moving collection, forty-one famous women write letters to the women they once were, filled with advice and insights they wish they had had when they were younger.Today show correspondent Ann Curry writes to herself as a rookie reporter in her first job, telling herself not to change so much to fit in, urging her young self, "It is time to be bold about who you really are." Country music superstar Lee Ann Womack reflects on the stressed-out year spent recording her first album and encourages her younger self to enjoy the moment, not just the end result. "Your hair matters far, far less than you think," is the wry advice that begins the letter bestselling mystery writer Lisa Scottoline pens to her twenty-year old self. And Maya Angelou, leaving home at seventeen with a newborn baby in her arms, assures herself she will succeed on her own, even if she does return home every now and then.These remarkable women are joined by Madeleine Albright, Queen Noor of Jordan, Cokie Roberts, Naomi Wolf, Eileen Fisher, Jane Kaczmarek, Olympia Dukakis, Macy Gray, and many others. Their letters contain rare glimpses into the personal lives of extraordinary women and powerful wisdom that readers will treasure.Wisdom from What I Know Now"Don't let anybody raise you. You've been raised." -Maya Angelou"Try more things. Cross more lines." -Breena Clarke"Learn how to celebrate." -Olympia Dukakis"You don't have to be afraid of living alone." -Eileen Fisher"Please yourself first...everything else follows." -Macy Gray"Don't be so quick to dismiss another human being." -Barbara Boxer"Work should not be work." -Mary Matalin"You can leave the work world--and come back on your own terms." -Cokie Roberts"Laundry will wait very patiently." -Nora Roberts"Your hair matters far, far less than you think" -Lisa Scottoline"Speak the truth but ride a fast horse." -Kitty Kelley

Recommendation for "At Wit's End": - Trust me, this book is like therapy for exhausted moms. Erma Bombeck's witty observations and relatable anecdotes about the chaos of motherhood will have you doubled over with laughter. From dealing with wet beds to school play dilemmas, Bombeck's humor will make you feel like you're not alone in the craziness of parenting. So grab a cup of coffee, cozy up with this book, and get ready for some much-needed laughs and solidarity.

Eiger Dreams is a must-read for adventure enthusiasts and those who enjoy the thrill of risk-taking. Jon Krakauer's vivid storytelling and personal experiences make this book an engaging and inspiring read. The collection of essays includes tales of both triumph and tragedy, as well as insights into the motivations behind extreme sports and mountaineering. The book is perfect for anyone who wants to be transported to the world of daredevils, athletes, and misfits who push themselves to the limits of what is possible.

Uh-Oh is a heartwarming collection of short essays that encourages readers to enjoy the little things in life. From finding joy in simple pleasures, like good food and music, to uplifting personal anecdotes, Robert Fulghum's witty writing style and relatable stories make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a pick-me-up.

The Measure of Our Days could be a good read if you're interested in personal stories of people navigating through illness and end-of-life experiences. Dr. Groopman provides a unique perspective as both a physician and a patient himself, making the stories more personal and engaging. The book's most distinctive feature is its ability to reveal the spiritual and emotional journey of not just the patients but also the physicians, and how they come to terms with the meaning of life and death.

This book provides a unique insight into the world of psychotherapy through real-life stories that engage and surprise readers. The book is perfect for those who are curious about the unconventional and strange behaviors of human beings and want to understand more about how eminent therapists work with their clients. Through reading the book, readers will not only get to know how therapists cure their clients' problems but also how they themselves learn and grow from their experiences.

If you're drawn to untangling the threads of history and culture, "Behind the Forbidden Door" is like a well-drawn map into the labyrinth of China's once closed-off world. Tiziano Terzani offers not just a tantalizing glimpse, but a deep dive into the complexities of a society that has long fascinated outsiders. His account is particularly compelling for those interested in the contrasts between the rich traditions and the wave of modernization that swept through China during the 20th century.

What is the role of the Writer? Prophet? High Priest of Art? Court Jester? Or witness to the real world? Looking back on her own childhood and writing career, Margaret Atwood examines the metaphors which writers of fiction and poetry have used to explain--or excuse!--their activities, looking at what costumes they have assumed, what roles they have chosen to play. In her final chapter she takes up the challenge of the title: if a writer is to be seen as "gifted", who is doing the giving and what are the terms of the gift? Atwood's wide reference to other writers, living and dead, is balanced by anecdotes from her own experiences, both in Canada and elsewhere. The lightness of her touch is offset by a seriousness about the purpose and the pleasures of writing, and by a deep familiarity with the myths and traditions of western literature. Margaret Atwood was born in 1939 in Ottawa and grew up in northern Quebec, Ontario, and Toronto. She received her undergraduate degree from Victoria College at the University of Toronto and her master's degree from Radcliffe College. Throughout her thirty years of writing, Atwood has received numerous awards and honorary degrees. Hew newest novel, The Blind Assassin, won the 2000 Booker Prize for Fiction. She is the author of more than twenty-five volumes of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction and is perhaps best known for her novels, which include Alias Grace (1996), The Robber Bride (1994), Cat's Eye (1988), The Handmaid's Tale (1983), Surfacing (1972) and The Edible Woman (1970). Acclaimed for her talent for portraying both personal lives and worldly problems of universal concern, Atwood's work has been published in more than thirty-five languages, including Japanese, Turkish, Finnish, Korean, Icelandic, and Estonian.

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Ellen DeGeneres shares her hilarious take on everything from our most baffling human foibles–including how we behave in elevators, airplanes, and restrooms, and why we’re so scared of the boogeyman–to fashion trends, celebrity, and her secret recipe for Ellen’s Real Frenchy French Toast. Most of all, this witty, engaging book offers insights into the mind of one of America’s most beloved comics.…Dear Reader,I was awfully excited when I was asked to write a book. I was however, nervous. I was afraid I didn’t have anything important to say. But when I began writing, I realized that although I don’t know a lot about any one thing, I know a little about a whole bunch of baking a pie; dancing; curing the common cold; running the Iditarod–it’s all in the book. And I realized I notice things that maybe some people don’t notice (or they don’t notice that they don’t notice). That’s all in the book, too.

This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the profound philosophical connection between C.G. Jung and Hermann Hesse. Through the letters and conversations captured in this book, readers will gain deep insights into the thoughts and beliefs of these two great minds. The intimate details shared by Jung shortly before his death add a poignant and personal touch, making it a truly unique and captivating read.

"Emergency!" is a gripping book that entails true stories from different emergency rooms of America. It's a page-turner with heartbreaking, humorous, and shocking moments that would make you appreciate ER doctors even more. The author, Dr. Mark Brown, captures the raw power of reality in the stories shared by over 15,000 ER staffers. Each story is unique and unforgettable, detailing the surprises, challenges, and rewards immediate medical response can bring to participants of these human dramas.

Baghdad Diaries could be a good read for those who are interested in personal accounts of war and exile. Nuha al-Radi's diary gives a unique perspective on the day-to-day life of ordinary people living in a city under siege, and the struggles of being an Iraqi in exile. The book captures the spirit of endurance and the celebration of life's smallest joys amidst the stress and effects of war.

If you're intrigued by a writer's eye-view into the literary and cultural icons of a time, "Visiting Mrs. Nabokov And Other Excursions" could be right up your alley. Martin Amis isn't just another observer; he has the knack for cutting right to the heart of his subjects with wit and biting clarity. It’s a ringside seat to the minds and times of influential characters through a series of vivacious essays.