Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

The most fun you’ve ever had (being frugal)

The Art of Frugal Hedonism by Annie Raser-Rowland with Adam Grubb

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‘Stroke your dog’s ear between thumb and forefinger and marvel at its silkiness… Human earlobes are also good.’ Ah, so you were expecting tips on saving up slivers of soap to make a whole bar so you can save about 26 cents every few months?  This book isn’t really for you, then.  It’s all about philosophy and habits of mind and wisdom that will lead you to naturally spend a lot less while enjoying life a whole lot more. It’s a fairly short book, divided […]

“The estranged is striving for reunion.”

Love, Power, and Justice: Ontological Analyses and Ethical Applications by Paul Tillich

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I think all of us are pretty interested in the relationship between power and justice these days. We also want to understand how to transcend our divisions. Being the nerd that I am, I thought this seventy-year-old work from philosopher-theologian Paul Tillich could provide me with some insight on power, justice, and love. This book from the 1950s is more of a collection of lectures than a piece of prose. That’s a pro more than a con, as it encourages the writing to be relatively […]

don Miguel Ruiz Say Relax

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

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Adriene Mishler of Yoga with Adriene fame directed me to this book, as it was on her suggested reading list. Because I want to be her I gave it a go. (That’s also how I found the previously-reviewed The Tree of Yoga). In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz passes along what he refers to as centuries-old Toltec wisdom. I’m not versed enough to know whether or not that is accurate, but I figured if this book has been a best-seller for a decade there […]

Learning The History of Workers Fighting Back

The Mass Strike by Luxemburg

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Best for: People interested in the history and politics behind mass strike movements. In a nutshell: Philosopher and Marxist Luxemburg provides a history of the mass strike in Russia, and outlines how it could work in Germany (I think?). Worth quoting: “The plan of undertaking mass strikes as a serious political class action with organised workers only is absolutely hopeless.” Why I chose it: It was this month’s pick for a book club I’m in. I know some of the politicians many of my peers […]

A review for the birds!

Birds by Carme Lemniscates

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Birds is a mellow story about the differences of birds in very basic text and format. You do not learn about the scientific details of birds (such as wing spans, food preferences, even the color differences of male and female) but simple-facts such as some birds are loud and some quiet or some birds build nests and others live in bird houses (or as the text said, “Prefer a roof over their heads”).  This is because the text is poetic and flows while taking a […]

Feels Weird to Say, But I’m Almost There

Midlife: A Philosophical Guide by Kieran Setiya

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Best for: Those who enjoy a philosophical approach to things, and those who are approaching middle age. In a nutshell: Philosopher Kieran Setiya, as he approached mid-life, decided to explore ways philosophy might help him power through — or even stave off — a crisis. Worth quoting: “I recognize the luxury of the midlife crisis, with a degree of guilt and shame. Why can’t I be more grateful for what I have? But this is my life.” “There is consolation in the fact that missing […]



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