Posted by Quintal on December 1, 2006, at 15:51:42
In reply to Psycho-Babble book club ... » Quintal, posted by zmg on December 1, 2006, at 12:14:58
My recent reading list:
"Intoxication"; a scholarly yet easy-going book on - you guessed it - of all kinds of intoxicants past, present and future.
"Breaking Open the Head"; an excellent introduction to the subject of hallucinogens and entheogens.
"The Encyclopaedia of Psychoactive Substances"; self explanatory.
"The Shadow of the Wind"; slightly surreal Spanish novel centred around a cemetery for forgotten books. Hard to describe but thoroughly enjoyable.
"Auschwitz"; as the title suggests this is a book about the notorious Nazi concentration camp. Thoroughly researched, broad and far reaching. It leaves the reader to make any judgement about what happened there.
"Shade: Neil Jordan" another slightly trippy novel narrated from the perspective of the ghost (shade) of an Irish 1950s film star (that's the best description I can give off the top of my head). Beautifully written and touching. Thought provoking in places.
"A Woman in Berlin"; a fascinating counter point to the Diary of Anne Frank and other Holocaust survivor autobiography. The journal of an anonymous German lady as she struggles to rebuild her life and identity in the aftermath of World War II.
"The Diary of Anne Frank" I missed this one at school and was curious. Turned out to be a very rewarding read. Wish I'd read it when I was younger.
"The Pursuit of Oblivion" meticulously researched and insightful book about the history of drug use, abuse and addiction - the pursuit of oblivion - throughout history. An entertaining can't-put-down read.
"An Intimate History of Humanity" a deep philosophical work on the emotional history of human beings.
"The Noonday Demon" modern classic on depression and serious mental illness.
"Remember Me" touching fictional bio of Winnie, daughter of a schizophrenic mother through her traumatic childhood and later into life as she moves between institutions and living on the streets.
"Hidden Depths: the story of hypnosis"; self explanatory.
"The seven Daughters of Eve"; tracing the genetic ancestors of everyone alive today back to one of seven ancient women via mitochondria DNA.
"Great Sex Guide"; self explanatory.
"The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying"; the book that introduced me to Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual path.
There are many more in my mini library. I'll have a look.
I've been looking at Pihkal and Tihkal. I hear there are some interesting recipes to be gleaned from Pihkal in particular ;-)
Q
poster:Quintal
thread:709030
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20061001/msgs/709443.html