Month: July 2023

Four Thousand Weeks

I don’t usually do self help books but this one kept popping up on my radar either in book shops or online for some reason. Eventually I caved and picked it up. Little did I realise it may as well have been written specifically for me. 

Based on the average number of weeks we live through in our lifetimes, it takes the reader through the pitfalls of focusing too much on the future, of unachievable goals and of packing their lives with the work that might be required to get there. It goes on to give some sage but hard advice about the ways in which one might cut things out and optimise things in order to live in the moment a bit more. 

I took away a few lessons although I would say that such a book is unavoidably general. Some of the advice might seem as if it applies to the reader at points but I suppose one must also not take everything to literally. Everyone’s life has nuances that mean that seeking out goals, even if they are seemingly unachievable, might still be the right path to take. To be read and analysed with caution I would say. 

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair

I had picked up one of his other books which looked quite good but I thought I would read this first as it was one of his earlier books and had good reviews. I loved it. This is a real gem. Following the story of a frustrated novelist trying to write his second book, he finds out his mentor has become embroiled in a murder scandal and he sets out to prove him innocent and to simultaneously write his masterpiece in the process. 

The setting for this novel is part of its biggest appeals to me – the New England small town vibe drew me right in. Not to mention the depiction of a writer’s lifestyle which obviously appeals to me greatly too. The story, the characters, the twists and turns and the way it is all wrapped up make it a proper novel. It’s right up there for me and I would highly recommend.