Peak Picks & Reviews

Your thoughts always create your emotions. Understanding the significance of this fact is the first step in escaping from unhappiness and depression. Introduction  "Stop Thinking, Start Living" by Richard Carlson is a self-help book that promises to offer a pathway to happiness and peace of mind by changing the way we think. Carlson, a renowned psychologist and author, draws from his extensive experience in the field of psychology and his personal life to present a compelling argument against overthinking. The book, first published in 1997, has been praised for its simplicity, accessibility, and practical advice. In this review, we will explore the key concepts and themes of the book, provide a detailed synopsis, and analyze its impact and relevance in today's world. Synopsis  "Stop Thinking, Start Living" is structured to guide readers through a journey of understanding their thought processes and learning to control them for a happier life. Carlson begins by i

 WE WERE NEVER BORN TO READ. HUMAN BEINGS invented reading only a few thousand years ago. And with this invention, we rearranged the very organization of our brain, which in turn expanded the ways we were able to think, which altered the intellectual evolution of our species. Introduction  "Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain," written by Maryanne Wolf, is a compelling exploration into the neuroscience, history, and cognitive development associated with the act of reading. Wolf, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and child development expert, offers a fascinating look into how the human brain, which did not evolve to read naturally, manages to adapt and develop this complex skill. This book intertwines scientific findings with historical and cultural insights, revealing the profound impact of reading on the human mind and society. Wolf's work is an essential read for educators, psychologists, and anyone interested in understanding the intrica

All stories consist of a few common structural elements found universally in myths, fairy tales, dreams, and movies. Introduction  "The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers" by Christopher Vogler stands as a cornerstone in the landscape of storytelling and scriptwriting guides. Originally published in 1992, this seminal work has since undergone multiple revisions, reflecting its enduring relevance. Vogler, a veteran story analyst and consultant for major Hollywood studios, builds upon Joseph Campbell's seminal work, " The Hero with a Thousand Faces ," to distill the essence of storytelling into a structured and comprehensible format. His book is not just a manual for aspiring writers but a comprehensive analysis of narrative techniques that resonate deeply with human psychology and culture. Synopsis  At its core, "The Writer's Journey" dissects the archetypal hero's journey, a universal narrative pattern identified by Campbell. Vo

Maybe it's just a taboo to say that work has become meaningless. Everybody goes about proclaiming how busy they are, and everybody else assumes that they're doing something important. Introduction  In a world where the line between productivity and busyness often blurs, Dennis Nørmark and Anders Fogh Jensen’s book "Pseudowork: How we ended up being busy doing nothing" offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it truly means to be productive. Published in 2018, this book has sparked considerable debate among professionals and academics alike, challenging the conventional wisdom that equates long hours and incessant activity with real value. The authors, both hailing from Denmark, bring their unique perspectives from anthropology and philosophy to dissect the modern work culture and its obsession with seemingly endless tasks that often yield little tangible benefit. Synopsis  "Pseudowork" begins by introducing the concept of pseudowork, defined as work th

 Why has the world become increasingly unequal? Both ‘fundamentals’ like geography, institutions, or culture and ‘accidents of history’ played a role. Introduction  Robert C. Allen's "Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction" is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the economic forces that have shaped our world over the past 500 years. Published in 2011 as part of Oxford University Press's "Very Short Introductions" series, this slim volume packs a wealth of information and analysis into its pages. Allen, a distinguished economic historian, brings his expertise to bear on the complex subject of global economic development, offering readers a clear and accessible overview of how and why some parts of the world grew rich while others remained poor. Synopsis  Allen's book is structured chronologically and geographically, tracing the evolution of the global economy from the eve of the Industrial Revolution to the present day. He begins by exa

 If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. Introduction  "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World" is a motivational book by Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and former commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. Based on a commencement speech he delivered at the University of Texas at Austin , which went viral, McRaven expands on the ten life lessons he learned from Navy SEAL training. The book's primary premise is that simple, everyday tasks, executed with diligence and discipline, can lead to significant life changes. In a world where grand gestures are often glorified, McRaven's mess

Mythology, in other words, is psychology misread as biography, history, and cosmology. Introduction  "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell is an influential work in the field of comparative mythology and literature. First published in 1949, the book presents Campbell's theory of the "monomyth," a universal pattern he argues underlies stories from cultures across the globe. This review looks into the key elements of the book, including a synopsis, thematic analysis, and a conclusion on its lasting impact. Synopsis  "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" explores the structure and stages of the hero's journey, a narrative archetype that Campbell asserts is found in myths worldwide. The book is divided into two main sections: "The Adventure of the Hero" and "The Cosmogonic Cycle."  In "The Adventure of the Hero," Campbell outlines the stages of the hero's journey, beginning with the "Call to Adventure,&qu

No, no, my brain’s dead. My mind is alive but my brain is dead. Introduction  "The Man Who Wasn't There" by Anil Ananthaswamy digs into the intricate world of neuroscience and explores the profound and often enigmatic experiences of individuals living with various mental disorders. The book offers a compelling investigation into the nature of the self, posing fundamental questions about human identity, consciousness, and what it means to exist. Ananthaswamy, an experienced science writer, combines meticulous research with empathetic storytelling, creating a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply human. Synopsis  "The Man Who Wasn't There" is structured around the stories of individuals affected by conditions that alter their sense of self. The book spans a range of disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Cotard's syndrome (where a person believes they are dead), and body integrity identity disorder (wher