A Very Large Expanse Of Sea

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pages: 310

Date Started: 20 April 2023

Date Finished: 23 April 2023

I accidentally borrowed this book from the library, and I'm grateful I did because I quickly became engrossed in the storyline. Set in 2002, just a year after the 9/11 attacks, the narrative revolves around Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl weary of enduring stereotypes and prejudice. She's no stranger to the daily challenges of rude stares, degrading comments, and even physical violence because of her race, religion, and her hijab. To protect herself, she's built emotional walls, preventing anyone from getting too close and causing her harm. Instead, she channels her frustrations into music and break-dancing with her brother. However, everything changes when she encounters Ocean James, a young man who genuinely wants to understand Shirin. Their coming together terrifies her, as it appears they hail from seemingly irreconcilable worlds. Shirin has guarded herself for so long that she questions if she can ever lower her defenses. Reading this book was a sheer delight. It pulled me into the world of a teenage girl struggling to find her place amidst confusion and the desire to belong, all while staying true to her faith and beliefs. The author's portrayal of Shirin's inner turmoil is both raw and devoid of sarcasm, making it a poignant and beautiful experience. Shirin's relationships with the people in her life resonated deeply with me. Her dynamic with her brother, Navid, captures the essence of sibling love, replete with arguments and complaints. Her feelings for her parents beautifully depict the intricate blend of adoration and the fear of being misunderstood. And then, there's Ocean, a person she cares for deeply but struggles to openly express her affections. This book is a quick yet emotionally impactful read. The author adeptly captures the multifaceted experiences of Shirin, crafting a story that is simultaneously heart-wrenching and beautiful. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those in search of a compelling narrative that delves into the intricate emotions of a teenager's journey.

Favorite lines from the book:

• If the decision you’ve made has brought you closer to humanity, then you’ve done the right thing.

• Be honest. Remember, honesty is everything. Without it, we can never move forward. We can never have productive discussions. So be honest.

• "Ocean, azizam,” she said, “please tell Shirin she should stop swearing so much. It’s always asshole this, bullshit that. I say to her, Shirin joon, why are you so obsessed with shit? Why everything is shit?"

• I was required by law and the wooden spoon my mom liked to whoop my ass with to show up [at school ]every day, so I did.

• Different women felt comfortable in different outfits. They were all beautiful.

• My parents loved us but I wasn't always sure they liked us.

The Housemaid's Secret

Author: Freida McFadden

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Rating: 3 out of 5

Pages: 318

Date Started: 13 April 2023

Date Finished: 19 April 2023

After the riveting 'The Housemaid,' I simply had to continue with the series, especially as many fellow readers in book clubs lauded this book as surpassing the first one. The story introduces Douglas Garrick, a man who cautions the housemaid, Millie, not to enter the guest bedroom, citing his wife's severe illness. As Millie takes on the role of cleaning their luxurious penthouse and preparing meals, she can't help but be curious about the woman hidden behind the closed doors. Her concerns deepen as she begins to suspect that something sinister is afoot, evident in the bloodstains on Mrs. Garrick's nightgowns and the muffled sobs emanating from the guest bedroom. When Millie finally crosses the threshold, what she discovers changes the course of her life. The character of Millie is back, and her resolve is as strong as ever. She is compelled to protect Mrs. Garrick while harboring her own secrets. The book keeps readers enthralled as Millie becomes entangled in unexpected twists and a gripping climax. What struck me most about this book is its unpredictability. The story takes an unforeseen turn, keeping the reader on tenterhooks throughout. Millie's character continues to be compelling and relatable, and her interactions with Mrs. Garrick, who is striving to break free from an abusive relationship, add depth and authenticity to the plot. Despite its considerable length, the book maintains a tight grip on the reader's attention. Every character and incident serves a purpose in advancing the story, justifying the extended narrative. However, a drawback is the similarity in writing style to the first book, which lacks any notable surprises. Millie's treatment of Brock also leaves much to be desired, as her lack of respect for him and her seemingly exploitative behavior, knowing she had no intention of continuing the relationship, could be a point of contention for some readers. In conclusion, this book stands as a compelling and engaging read, particularly when considered as part of the series. It offers a solid narrative with unexpected twists, even though it mirrors the writing style of its predecessor. Millie's character and the story's unpredictability make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a gripping literary experience.

Favorite lines from the book:

• The last thing I see when I leave the bedroom is Wendy standing over Douglas’s dead body. And she’s smiling.

• Beauty is less easily perceived when it’s in an unassuming setting.

• They taught me to fish, he’s fond of saying.

Walking: The Ultimate Exercise for Optimum Health

Author: Andrew Weil

Genre: Nonfiction, Health

Rating: 2 out of 5

Pages: Audiobook

Date Started: 13 April 2023

Date Finished: 14 April 2023

I stumbled upon this audiobook while looking for something to listen to during my morning walks, and I'm glad I did. The book delves into the myriad benefits of walking, elucidating the ways in which this simple exercise can enhance your overall health and well-being. Dr. Andrew Weil, a trusted figure in complementary healthcare, joins forces with Mark Fenton, the nation's foremost expert on walking, to provide a comprehensive understanding of how walking can help you look and feel younger, reduce stress, boost immune function, and work toward achieving your ideal weight. The audiobook comprises two parts, with the first part presenting the theory and science behind the benefits of walking. It explores how walking is a natural and effective way to enhance your health. The second part offers practical guidance, including a fully programmable workout with various intensifying sessions and cadence cues to help you walk at an optimal pace. The book is concise and impactful, delivering a wealth of knowledge in a succinct format. The incorporation of rhythms and pacing techniques to assist in walking effectively adds a practical dimension to the guidance provided. In essence, this audiobook serves as an inspiring resource, highlighting the numerous advantages of walking and encouraging listeners to incorporate this exercise into their daily routines. It's a short and sweet guide that motivates and informs, making it a valuable addition for anyone seeking to make the most of this simple yet powerful form of exercise.

Atomic Habits

Author: James Clear

Genre: Nonfiction, Self Help

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pages: 306

Date Started: 3 April 2023

Date Finished: 5 April 2023

I'm delighted I revisited this book, or rather, I should say, listened to it. The book's insights into habit formation and mindset transformation are truly valuable. It offers a practical guide on how to seamlessly integrate new habits into our existing routines and emphasizes the power of a shifted mindset in sustaining those habits. One of the aspects that I particularly appreciated was the book's focus on creating systems to support the success of a habit. This approach not only helps in initiating the habit but also in maintaining it over the long term. James Clear, known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple, actionable behaviors, draws on a wealth of knowledge from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to provide a clear and easy-to-understand guide for building and maintaining good habits while breaking bad ones. The inclusion of real-life stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, physicians, and comedians who have harnessed the power of small habits to excel in their fields adds a relatable and inspiring dimension to the book. Overall, this book provides essential wisdom for anyone seeking to make positive changes in their life by developing and maintaining effective habits. Whether you're a reader or a listener, the valuable knowledge it imparts is well worth your time.

Favorite lines from the book:

• You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.

• You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current results.

• Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.

• Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.