LitQueuelitqueue

After

Free Will

Sam Harris2012

6 of 6 directions open

More like it

1 more
  • Steve Jobs

    Walter Isaacson2011

    A chronological account of the Apple co-founder's life and career based on hundreds of interviews. It details his business tactics and personality.

    Same clinical register

    pace0·prose0·bleak0

Denser prose

3 more
  • Confessions

    Augustine of Hippo

    A 4th-century bishop writes a spiritual autobiography addressed to God. He recounts his sinful youth and his eventual conversion to Christianity.

    clinical → meditative, still philosophy

    pace-2·prose+2·bleak-1

  • Antifragile

    Nassim Nicholas Taleb2012

    A philosophical exploration of systems that thrive under stress and disorder. It argues against fragility in economics and personal life.

    clinical → reflective, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose+2·bleak0

  • How to Read a Book

    Mortimer J. Adler1940

    This is a guide to active reading techniques for different genres. It outlines levels of reading from basic literacy to syntopical analysis.

    clinical → mysterious, still philosophy

    pace-2·prose+2·bleak0

To recover

clinical → playful

3 more
  • The Four Agreements

    Don Miguel Ruiz1997

    A guide to personal conduct based on four principles derived from Toltec traditions. It focuses on changing internal dialogue to reduce suffering.

    clinical → warm, still philosophy

    pace-1·prose-1·bleak-1

  • Vampires Are Forever

    Lynsay Sands2008

    A woman suspects her business partner is a vampire after he attempts to bite her. He tries to convince her they are fated mates.

    pace0·prose-1·bleak-1

  • The Mane Event

    Shelly Laurenston2007

    A female cop reunites with a childhood friend who is now a lion-shifter. They navigate a romantic attraction while he pursues her in New York.

    pace0·prose-1·bleak-1

Faster

3 more
  • Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

    Neil deGrasse Tyson2017

    A summary of the origin of the universe, the laws of physics, and the nature of space and time.

    clinical → playful

    pace+1·prose-1·bleak-1

  • Steal Like an Artist

    Austin Kleon2012

    A series of short, illustrated principles for creative work. It focuses on remixing existing ideas and establishing productive daily habits.

    clinical → playful

    pace+1·prose-1·bleak-1

  • Poke the Box

    Seth Godin2011

    A short manifesto encouraging readers to start projects and take initiative. It argues that the greatest risk is staying in place.

    clinical → earnest

    pace+1·prose-1·bleak-1

Slower

3 more
  • How to Read a Book

    Mortimer J. Adler1940

    This is a guide to active reading techniques for different genres. It outlines levels of reading from basic literacy to syntopical analysis.

    clinical → mysterious, still philosophy

    pace-2·prose+2·bleak0

  • Either/Or

    Søren Kierkegaard1992

    A collection of papers presents two life philosophies: the aesthetic pursuit of pleasure and the ethical commitment to duty.

    clinical → meditative

    pace-2·prose+2·bleak0

  • The Upanishads

    Anonymous1957

    Ancient Sanskrit texts explore the nature of reality and the self. They document a shift from ritual sacrifice to internal spiritual inquiry.

    clinical → meditative, still philosophy

    pace-2·prose+1·bleak-1

Heavier

3 more
  • Not That Bad

    Roxane Gay2018

    An anthology of essays by various writers documenting personal experiences of sexual harassment and assault.

    clinical → elegiac, still essay

    pace-1·prose+1·bleak+2

  • Animal Farm

    George Orwell1945

    Farm animals overthrow their human owner to run the farm themselves. The pigs gradually seize control and establish a new hierarchy.

    clinical → sardonic

    pace0·prose0·bleak+2

  • The Diary of a Young Girl

    Anne Frank2001

    A Jewish teenager records her daily life and thoughts while hiding from the Nazis in a secret annex in Amsterdam.

    clinical → earnest

    pace-1·prose0·bleak+2