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// A list of the books I read last year, with some ratings, quotes, and impressions.
⭐️ = A masterpiece / 😍 = I loved it
Colson Whitehead
I really didn’t like this one. Nothing stayed with me and, while writing this, I can’t find anything more to write about it…
2/5
Ray Bradbury
It’s always fun to read old-fashion sci-fi and see how the world, and the way of writing about the future has evolved. This books still feels modern because it avoids all the technology behind space travel and exploration and focuses only on the clash between the human and martian cultures. It’s also a really easy read, so highly suggested.
4/5
Rose Andrew
Nothing special: an easy-to-read novel about some mystery in the 17th century England. While the plot is ok, it felt like this book was written using a pre-defined method behind it (really descriptive, in kind of a repetitive way) and that makes it feel dull.
3/5
Roy Lewis
I remember this book being extremely funny but it looks like my sense of humor changed during the years… Still, a pretty good, easy, and short read.
3/5
Liu Cixin
A mind-blowing ending to the Three-Body book series. It’s one of those books you keep thinking about for a long time after you finish reading it. Will definitely read the whole trilogy again.
4/5
Mark Haddon
Curiously enough, I didn’t read this book when it came out and was, suddenly, everywhere. This summer, while on holiday, I found it in my wife’s old-house and took the occasion to dig into it. It’s definitely a good book but I would have enjoyed it more if I read it when I was younger.
4/5
Emmanuel Carrère
As a big fan of Carrère, I was a bit sceptical when approaching this book. I’m not into yoga and I was afraid this was going to be similar to a new-age self-help book, two categories I despise with all my self. Boy, was I wrong. What starts as a tale about a yoga retread, quickly becomes a deep exploration of Carrère’s mind and life, where the author opens completely in front of your eyes.
5/5
Patrick McGrath
Started great but I found myself getting bored and hating the main characters (and some of their choices by the end of it).
3/5
Emmanuel Carrère
Impossible to put down, it reminded me of In cold blood by Capote in the way it starts with the crime, to then dig deep into the mind and the life of the criminal. An absurd, horrifying story, told by a master at his craft.
4/5
Emmanuel Carrère
Since I was down in the Carrère-black-hole, I decided to re-read his narration of Luke’s gospel. While I loved the first part (again, the most personal one), I have to say I found it unnecessary long (while still interesting).
3/5
Emmanuel Carrère
What better way to finish my Carrère’s run for the year than with his first novel? A simple, yet fascinating exploration of human mind, with a brilliant idea to drive the short book:
In Paris, a man shaves off his moustache for the first time in ten years. He is baffled when his wife reacts by saying that he never had a moustache. His world begins to crumble when she denies the existence of several people he knows and says his father is dead.
3/5
Yasmine Reza
I really liked Polanski’s adaption of this short play but, I have to say, I liked the book even more. It’s beautiful to see how the author is able to play with and reproduce human emotions in such a brilliant way.
4/5
Wu Ming
Not as ambitious as other Wu Ming’s books (read Q if you never did), it’s still a really enjoyable experience that offers interesting insights into Italy’s recent history. Plus, it comes with a satisfying mystery included.
3/5
Alexander Bogdanov
Read this in preparation for Wu Ming’s book on Bogdanov’s life and, while I understand why the book focuses so much on Mars’ communist society (yes, you read that right1), it soon feels dated and, unfortunately, boring. Still, it has some great passages and ideas in there and it’s beautiful to explore the mind of Lenin’s most brilliant rival.
3/5
Wu Ming
Wu Ming’s take on Bogdanov’s life is a bit of a let down because of how they tried to combine his sci-fi work into it. I appreciate the idea, but feel like the realisation didn’t completely work out, as I was far more interested into Russia’s history immediately after the Bolshevik’s revolution and Bogdanov’s actual life than in the character they made up to drive the plot.
2/5
Joseph Roth
This short novella by the Austrian author is, undoubtedly, a masterpiece. While it takes only a few hours to read, it’ll stay with you for a much longer time. Roth’s death, caused by alcohol, shortly before this book was published makes it even more tragic.
Zerocalcare
As always, a beautiful graphic novel from Zerocalcare, where the author doesn’t shy out from his personal feelings and exposes himself as few authors do.
Jodorowky & Moebius
Unbelievable work of art from two masters at the top of their games. It’s probably not for everyone but, if you love science fiction from some decades ago, you’ll be amazed by what’s in here.
Felix Scheinberger
After watching Felix’s Domestika course, I decided to give his book a try as well since I really liked his approach at drawing without any worry about the result. Highly suggested if you love drawing but you feel blocked because you’re never satisfied with the result.
William B. Irvine
After re-reading De Crescenzo’s history of greek philosophy, I downloaded this book and, I don’t know… There’s something useful in there, but I feel like it’s better to just read the classic and come up with your own idea of things.
Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
I re-read this book almost every year. It’s written in such an easy-to-scan and funny way that’s it’s just a pleasure to go through it over and over again. It’s also full of useful ideas, and its approach, not as constrictive or paternalistic as other similar books, makes it feel like a breeze of fresh air.
Tim Ferris
A bit dated and I didn’t really connect with the author’s know-it-all attitude. Still, some good ideas in there that can definitely serve as inspiration.
After all, it’s the red planet for a reason, right?↩︎