Learning From Literature

  • How Hard Is It To Become A NY Times Bestseller?

    In the world of books, one phrase stands out: New York Times bestseller. It’s a mark of success that many authors dream of, but what does it really mean? And how hard is it to achieve? In this article, we’ll break down what it takes to become a New York Times bestseller, including why it’s…

  • The List of Essential Classic Science Fiction Books

    Here is a curated list of classic science fiction books, first mentioned in The Best Science Fiction Books. Many of these have not only captivated readers across generations but have also left a defining mark on the genre of science fiction. In addition to featuring engaging storylines, many of these famous novels deal with profound…

  • The Best Travel Books

    Travel is consistently at the top of New Year’s resolutions and things to do in retirement. Similar to reading, travel is about gaining new experiences and perspectives, exploring new horizons, and expanding your mind. This list of 21 travel books will excite and inspire you to travel while describing the benefits, practicalities, and expert tips….

  • The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

    The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is a historical fiction novel published in 2019. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) As the horrors of Nickel Academy’s past emerge, Elwood Curtis, an African-American business owner in New York City, confronts his own traumatic memories from the institution as survivors share their…

  • Guide To The Genres Of Literature

    Within the realm of books, there exists many genres of literature, each offering its unique flavor and narrative landscape. These descriptions serve as a guide for readers, helping you navigate the variety and find the ones that resonate most deeply with your interests and preferences. In addition, each genre boasts numerous subgenres that offer more…

  • The Most Famous Female Authors Pt 1

    In celebration of Women’s History Month, I thought it would be a great opportunity to recognize 10 of the most famous female authors, each who have significantly impacted literature and inspired scores of people. Historically, women played a pivotal role in transforming the perception of reading from a solely functional activity to an enjoyable pursuit,…

  • The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

    The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein is a science fiction novel published in 1966. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) In 2075, the Moon (Luna) is a penal colony for Earth, housing three million “Loonies” in underground cities. Most inhabitants are discharged criminals, political exiles, and their…

  • The Art Of Happiness by The Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler

    The Art Of Happiness: A Handbook For Living by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler is a self-help book published in 1998. The Dalai Lama, revered as “a living Buddha of compassion,” inspired author Cutler to delve into the ideas behind his profound sense of fulfillment. The result is The Art of…

  • The Ultimate List of History Books

    Exploring history (perhaps through this convenient list of history books) is essential for understanding our present and shaping our future, but it can also be incredibly enjoyable. Many historical books read like captivating stories… except they are real events, characters, and cultures, making them even more interesting.  There is a wide variety of scope within…

  • 12 Must-Read Books By Black Authors

    The historical suppression of black voices in literature has resulted in many remarkable works going unnoticed or underappreciated, similarly to but even more so than women. However, despite facing systemic barriers to education and publication, black authors have contributed immensely to American literature, offering unique perspectives that expand our understanding of culture, identity, and society….

  • The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

    The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver is a historical fiction novel published in 1998. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) The novel begins as the Price family is preparing to spend a year as missionaries in the African Congo. The father Nathan, mother Orleanna, and the four daughters (Rachel, Leah,…

  • The Road Back To You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile

    The Road Back To You: An Enneagram Journey To Self Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile is a self-help book published in 2016. The Enneagram serves as a navigational tool with a map of nine distinct personality types, leading to a better understanding of one’s true self. By gaining insight into your tendencies,…

  • 93 Of The Best Classic Books To Read

    Here is the longest post I’ve ever made: 93 Of The Best Classic Books To Read! There is no specific order; it is loosely “more classic” (or recognizable) like To Kill A Mockingbird and 1984 to slightly more modern ones such as Fight Club. All of the works listed are fiction. Also, it is important…

  • Top 10 Best-Selling Books Of All Time

    Sales figures for books, especially those published decades or even centuries ago, are only approximate and hard to determine with 100% accuracy. Therefore, even though the best-selling books of all time below are sourced from IGN, Wikipedia, and other sites, the exact order remains unknown and varies slightly depending on the source. Nevertheless, the list…

  • The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

    The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organizing by Marie Kondo is a self-help book published in 2010.  When you put your house in order, you put your affairs and past in order, too, positively affecting all other aspects of your life, including work and family. With detailed guidance for…

  • The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is an philosophical adventure fiction novel published in 1988. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) Santiago is a shepherd in the region of Andalusia, Spain, taking pride in his simple life and the connection he feels with his flock of sheep. Raised by his parents…

  • The Most Popular Movies Based On Books

    Countless books have been brought to life on the screen, transforming the written word into a visual that resonates with audiences worldwide. Although these films became generational classics (some even on IMDb’s most watched of all-time list), the books that inspire them often go unnoticed. Here are some of the most widely-loved movies based on…

  • The 8 Most Popular Young Adult Series To Read

    I wanted to make a young adult series list, but with all my favorites plus ones you simply can’t leave out (like Harry Potter), the list ended up being too long for a single post. So, I decided to split them up and give you the most famous ones first. Some of these even make…

  • Know Yourself Know Your Money by Rachel Cruze

    Know Yourself, Know Your Money: Discover WHY you handle money the way you do, and WHAT to do about it! by Rachel Cruze is a personal finance book published in 2021. In the game of life, you can’t opt out of financial matters, whether you try to ignore them or not. Therefore, it’s imperative that…

  • The Best Science Fiction Books

    Welcome to a handpicked selection of the best science fiction books. From dystopian worlds to interstellar odysseys, these captivating narratives transport readers to potential futures, offering profound insights into the human condition with a blend of entertainment and introspection. Within this list are some of my all-time favorite reads. In the future, I will also…

  • Foundation by Isaac Asimov

    Foundation by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction novel published in 1951. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) In the year 12,067 G.E., mathematician Hari Seldon developed psychohistory, a science through which one can statistically predict the future behavior of large groups. Through meticulous calculations, Seldon realizes the Galactic Empire…

  • In The Time Of The Revolution by Alan Axelrod

    In The Time Of The Revolution: Living The War Of American Independence by Alan Axelrod is a history book published in 2020. The United States was the first country founded on a set of ideas, agreed upon by the people in Congress, and brought to life through the sacrifices of early Americans. Before, nations were…

  • The Best Stories By Edgar Allan Poe

    Born in 1809 in Boston, Edgar Allan Poe emerged as one of the most prominent figures in American literature, becoming the nation’s first writer to sustain himself solely through writing. He pioneered the detective fiction genre, contributed significantly to the burgeoning realm of science fiction, and delved into the unexplored depths of the human mind…

  • 20 Most Beautiful Libraries In The World

    Books (and literature in general) have played a shifting but constant role throughout human history. From Austria and Egypt to America and Japan, here are 20 of the most beautiful libraries in the world!

  • The Top 10 Best Agatha Christie Books (+ Full List)

    With 66 mystery novels published and outsold only by Shakespeare, there are plenty of books to choose from by The Queen Of Mystery. Additionally, several adaptations have become enduring favorites on both the screen and stage. Here are some of the best Agatha Christie books written by The Queen Of Mystery:

  • High Conflict by Amanda Ripley

    High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped And How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley is a self-help book published in 2021. Conflict, like fire, is vital – we need some heat to illuminate what we’ve gotten wrong, understand each other, improve our current processes, and ultimately progress as humanity. However, when a disagreement shifts into…

  • The Hidden Habits Of Genius by Craig Wright

    The Hidden Habits Of Genius by Craig Wright is a self-improvement / biography book published in 2020. After examining Einstein, Mozart, and Da Vinci’s brains and genes, scientists haven’t found evidence of anything biologically predicting their future successes. Genius involves the complicated expression of too many hidden personal traits to be reduced to a single…

  • Small Giants by Bo Burlingham

    Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham is a business book published in 2005. Large, publicly-owned companies and fast-growing technology ventures shape the modern-day idea of business. Conventional wisdom is that companies either grow or die — but many small, private companies don’t do either and are quite…

  • A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel

    A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy For Successful Investing by Burton Malkiel is a personal finance book originally published in 1973 and revised most recently in 2023. Combine the urge to “get rich quick” with unethical practitioners, contradictory financial advice, and the sheer abundance of information available, and it’s not surprising that…

  • Turn Right At Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

    Turn Right At Machu Picchu: Rediscovering The Lost City One Step At A Time by Mark Adams is a history / travel book published in 2011. In 1909, Hiram Bingham III was a Yale professor who found himself in Cusco, Peru. While there, the local prefect told him of a centuries-old legend – when the…

  • The Top Stories of Jorge Luis Borges

    Jorge Luis Borges’ literary imagination is unrivaled. Most known for his fictional short stories, the top stories of Jorge Luis Borges feature new worlds governed by unique rules in order to introduce different perspectives and philosophical concepts. From imaginary books written by fictional authors to encyclopedia entries on a country that appears not to exist…

  • The Life of Jorge Luis Borges : Author Profile

    Known as the “father of Latin American literature,” Borges is one of the most influential writers of all time. Although he never wrote a novel, throughout the life of Jorge Luis Borges, his short stories, poems, essays, and overall writing style were the inspiration for other famous Latin American writers such as Gabriel García Marquez…

  • Your Money Or Your Life by Vicki Robin

    Your Money Or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Vicki Robin is a personal finance book originally published in 1992 and revised in 2018. In seminars, the authors collected data from attendees. People in all different income brackets answered, “How much more income would it take…

  • A Passage To India by E.M. Forster

    A Passage To India by E.M. Forster is a historical fiction novel published in 1924.  Purchase the book by clicking this link! General  Summary (No Spoilers!) The novel begins with Miss Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore embarking on a journey to Chandrapore, India, to meet their prospective husband and son, city magistrate Ronny Moore. Although…

  • Under The Black Flag by David Cordingly

    Under The Black Flag:The Romance and The Reality Of Life Among The Pirates by David Cordingly is a history book published in 1995. Pirates have always captured our imagination with stories of black schooners, tropical islands, treasure maps, colorful parrots, and buried gold. However, many stories commonly believed are actually a blend of historical facts…

  • The Broke Backpacker by Will Hatton

    How To Travel The World On $10 / Day by Will Hatton is a travel e-book written by the founder of popular travel blog The Broke Backpacker. It all started when Will was 19 years old with no cellphone. He flew to India and ended up staying 18 months hitchhiking, camping, couchsurfing, and working on…

  • Range by David Epstein

    Range: Why Generalists Triumph In A Specialized World by David Epstein is a self-help book published in 2019. We are often told the earlier we start and the more we specialize, the more we will stand out. A commonly cited example is Tiger Woods, who was winning his first golf tournament at 2 years old,…

  • Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki

    Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant: Guide To Financial Freedom by Robert Kiyosaki is a personal finance book originally published in 1998. Sadly, hard work is usually not correlated with making more money; most individuals trade their time and skills for a fixed income – the more you work, the more you earn. However, the key to…

  • The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

    The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a fable published in 1943. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General  Summary (No Spoilers!) The narrator starts by pondering the perplexing nature of adults and their seeming inability to recognize what truly matters. In a bid to test their wisdom, he presents a drawing of…

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

    Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear is a self-help book published in 2018. Success is usually a product of daily actions, not once-in-a-lifetime transformations. Losing weight, building a business, writing a book, or any other goal you have are dreams that cannot be…

  • Financial Freedom by Grant Sabatier

    Financial Freedom: A Proven Path To All The Money You Will Ever Need by Grant Sabatier is a personal finance book published in 2019. One morning, Grant Sabatier woke up in his parent’s house at age 24. He got on his phone and checked his bank account… which had $2.26 left in it. That day,…

  • How To Travel The World On $50 A Day by Matt Kepnes

    How to Travel the World on $50 A Day : Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter by Matt Kepnes is a travel book published in 2017 (date of the revised third edition). Travel is consistently the #1 activity on people’s bucket lists (things to do before you die). However, Americans usually leave long-term travel as a dream…

  • Retire Before Mom And Dad by Rob Berger

    Retire Before Mom and Dad: The Simple Numbers Behind A Lifetime of Financial Freedom by Rob Berger is a personal finance book published in 2019. One of the main objectives in life for most people is to appreciate retirement. We don’t want to work until the day we die; we want to enjoy life! Unfortunately,…

  • Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

    Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick is a science fiction novel published in 1968. Purchase the book by clicking this link! GENERAL SUMMARY (NO SPOILERS!) After a nuclear war, Earth is becoming such a wasteland that humans begin emigrating to other worlds, and simply owning a live animal is a status…

  • The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber

    The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber is a small business book published in 1995. Everybody fantasizes about owning their own business. You probably daydream about being your own boss, raking in the money, and receiving other benefits. Despite the attractiveness, about 20%…

  • The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason

    The Richest Man In Babylon by George Clason is a personal finance book published in 1926. The majority of the world’s billionaires / millionaires are self-made. Not all are necessarily smarter than you; they simply observe basic principles surrounding money and use them to their advantage. If you make an effort to learn about money…

  • The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money by Jill Schlesinger

    The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money: Thirteen Ways To Right Your Financial Wrongs by Jill Schlesinger is a personal finance book published in 2019. Smart people still often make dumb financial decisions. Individuals accomplished in other areas of life frequently fear looking foolish when it comes to matters they don’t know much…

  • Life Of Pi by Yann Martel

    Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a philosophical fiction novel published in 2001. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers) Piscine “Pi” Patel’s childhood was spent in 1960s India, where his father managed a zoo. One of the zoo’s notable inhabitants is a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Pi…

  • Helpful Tips To Get Into Reading

    Reading is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions every year. In addition to being one of the most enjoyable activities, it is scientifically proven to benefit mental and physical health.  Lots of people desire to read, yet for many reasons, few do. Some believe they don’t like reading. Some make excuses, such as…

  • Essentialism by Greg McKeown

    Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown is a self-help book published in 2014. In today’s society, we are praised for doing more and more, constantly taking on additional tasks for our bosses, customers, and even personal relationships like family and friends. However, an overextended lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean you will achieve greater…

  • The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday

    The Obstacle Is The Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday is a self-help book published in 2014. In our personal lives, all of us have big dreams. However, we tend to do nothing when something stands in our way. We blame our bosses, economy, politicians, other people – anything…

  • Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

    Vagabonding : An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts is a travel book published in 2002. Vagabonding — (1) The act of leaving behind the orderly world to travel independently for an extended period of time. (2) A privately meaningful manner of travel that emphasizes creativity, adventure, awareness, simplicity,…

  • Ultralearning by Scott Young

    Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career by Scott Young is a productivity book published in 2019. To prove his theory that the standard learning method is ineffective, Scott Young completed a four-year MIT computer science degree in only one year using free online courses; he didn’t even attend MIT! Next,…

  • Take More Vacations by Scott Keyes

    Take More Vacations: How to Search Better, Book Cheaper, and Travel the World by Scott Keyes is a travel book published in 2021. Straight out of college in 2013, Keynes flew nonstop from New York City to Milan on a flight that typically cost $850 round-trip… He paid $130.  At the time of his Milan…

  • The Correlation Between Ultra-Successful People and Reading

    The most successful people in the world all have one thing in common: They have a deep understanding of the industries they do business in BUT WAIT, they have another thing in common: They read significantly more than the average person Books are a gateway to knowledge that allows you to fully immerse yourself in…

  • Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach

    Smart Couples Finish Rich: 9 Steps to Creating a Rich Future for You and Your Partner by David Bach is a personal finance book published in 2001. The number one cause of divorce is money. It is not very surprising, considering most couples rarely talk about money… unless they are fighting about it. Bach’s book…

  • The Known World : Game of Thrones Locations In Real Life!

    HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is a record-breaking show, making over 250 million dollars per episode. According to Forbes, over the first seven seasons, the show received 132 Emmy nominations (47 wins), seven Golden Globe nominations (one win), 18 SAG Award nominations (seven wins), 17 Critics’ Choice Award nominations (one win), and seven AFI award wins. Have…

  • First to a Million by Dan Sheeks

    First to a Million: A Teenager’s Guide to Achieving Early Financial Independence by Dan Sheeks is a personal finance book published in 2021. Since financial literacy is not taught in school, many believe the only available path is to work until you are old, then retire. Sheeks introduces another option; spend your years doing what is…

  • The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

    The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons On Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel is a behavioral finance book published in 2020. In 2018, Housel wrote a report on the top 20 flaws, biases, and causes of bad behavior that affect people when dealing with money. It became so popular that he decided to go…

  • Finance for the People by Paco De Leon

    Finance For The People: Getting a Grip On Your Finances by Paco De Leon is a personal finance book published in 2022. The advice is helpful for all but specifically tailored to individuals not interested in proactively taking control of their finances. The book, which has over 50 diagrams, makes concepts accessible and easier to…

  • How I Invest My Money by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy

    How I Invest My Money: Finance Experts Reveal How They Save, Spend, and Invest by Joshua Brown and Brian Portnoy is a personal finance book published in 2020. While people listen all day to financial experts lecture on the best investments right now, nobody thinks to ask them where they invest their PERSONAL money. For…

  • The Sea-Wolf by Jack London

    The Sea-Wolf by Jack London is a psychological adventure novel published in 1904. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) The narrator, Humphrey van Weyden, is a weak-willed, intellectual man that is easily pushed around. He has never done any manual labor and has no dreams of doing so in the…

  • Ishmael by Dan Quinn

    Ishmael by Dan Quinn is a fictional philosophical novel published in 1992.  Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) The novel begins in the early 1990s with a nameless protagonist reading a newspaper advertisement. The advertisement says, “Teacher seeks pupil. Must have an earnest desire to save the world. Apply in…

  • How Dune Influenced Star Wars (It’s Crazy)

    Dune was published in 1965 and the first Star Wars movie was released 12 years later in 1977. Due to this time differntial, the similarities below can only mean that Dune influenced Star Wars, and not the other way around. For more on the Dune universe, check out my page here! Common Aspects The rise…

  • The Day of the Jackal by Fredrick Forsyth

    The Day of the Jackal by Fredrick Forsyth is a political thriller novel published in 1971. Purchase the book by clicking this link! General Summary (No Spoilers!) Set in 1963, the book opens with “It is cold at six-forty in the morning on a March day in Paris, and seems even colder when a man…

  • The Life of Hermann Hesse : Author Profile

    Hermann Hesse received the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Goethe Prize in 1946. His themes of self-realization and mysticism keep him popular long after his death, especially during the countercultural movement of the US in the ’60s-’70s. From there, his popularity spread back across the world. As of now, his books have been translated…

  • Power, Politics, and Religion: Themes of Dune

    Author Frank Herbert deliberately suppressed technology in the Dune series, which is unique for science fiction novels. His desire was for readers to focus on elements of humanity, not technology. The many themes of Dune include political, religious, social, economic, and environmental interactions. Herbert uses the series to warn of potential faults in today’s society….

  • Exploring The Writing Styles of Dune: Herbert’s Technique

    Frank Herbert wrote 6 books in the original Dune series (listed below). Sadly, he died before completing the series’s last planned novel. His son Brian Herbert and co-writer Kevin Anderson finished the job and added 15 more books to the universe, including prequels and recordings of specific events such as the Butlerian Jihad (see my…

  • The Dune Series Review: From Arrakis To Beyond

    Here is a Dune series review as a whole, including:

  • The Complete Timeline of Dune: A Quick Guide

    The Dune franchise covers an immense amount of time, over 30,000 years of “future history.” In general, fans have classified the timeline of Dune history into 6 distinct time periods. This article will contain a summary of each era.

  • A Beginner’s Introduction To The Dune Universe

    Reading a beginner’s introduction to the Dune universe will have you ready to read the book and/or watch the movie! Frank Herbert started the Dune saga by publishing the first science fiction novel in 1965. You can read more background below: Overview Dune is widely agreed to be one of the most influential and successful…

  • 34 of the Best Dune Quotes

    Dune is widely regarded as one of the best science fiction novels of all time, winning both the Nebula Award and Hugo Award (the top awards possible for outstanding science fiction novels). If you are just discovering the universe, you can read more about Dune here. The original Dune series has many memorable and wise…