A memoir by Hans Rosling, a moving fiction novel, and a captivating thriller.
April 2023 edition
Hey there, wonderful readers! I’m thrilled to have you here. It’s an exciting moment because I've been working on Bookmarked for a while and put a lot of thought into it. This is the very first edition of my newsletter, and I can't wait to share it with you. Let me start by sharing the story behind it.
As a passionate book lover, I enjoy everything from fiction to non-fiction, from paperbacks to ebooks, and from science to mysteries. It brings me great joy to share my favorite books with friends and explore their collections for hidden treasures.
This gave me the idea to create Bookmarked and share my book reviews and recommendations with a broader audience. I hope this newsletter will help you find the books worth reading. <3
In today's edition, we'll talk about a memoir by Hans Rosling, a deeply moving fiction novel, and a captivating thriller.
#1 How I Learned to Understand the World: A Memoir
by Hans Rosling, Fanny Härgestam
You might know Hans Rosling by his global bestseller Factfulness (which is also a must-read in my opinion). Rosling was a Swedish physician, academic and public speaker, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2017.
“How I Learned to Understand the World” tells a story of Rosling’s life, from growing up in Sweden to becoming a revolutionary thinker and world-known expert in global health. Throughout the book, Rosling shares his personal and professional stories that shaped his understanding of the world, covering his experiences working in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Apart from offering an insightful look into Rosling's life, work, and beliefs, the book is also an enjoyable read. It gave me the feeling of listening to a life story told by Hans rather than simply consuming a bunch of facts. It’s an honest and moving memoir that offers an intimate look into the work of a fascinating individual who dedicated his life to improving the world.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in global health, science, and society and appreciates the work of Hans Rosling. It's a 5-star read for me, and I would totally recommend it.
#2 Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
by Jonathan Safran Foer
"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" is a deeply moving fiction novel that explores the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy in New York. The story is narrated from a young boy’s (Oskar Schell) perspective, as he tries to make sense of his life after losing his father in the attack. When Oskar finds a key that his father left behind, he embarks on a journey to solve the mystery behind this key while navigating his way through grief and trauma.
While it explores the themes of grief, loss, and search for meaning, it is also a heartwarming read that touches on human connection, the impact of historical events on personal lives, and the experiences and challenges of immigrants and cultural assimilation.
Beautifully written, the book is a moving blend of emotion and humor. What especially stands out for me is the way it's narrated. The book includes letters, photographs, and other visual elements that make the storytelling unique and provide an unusual reading experience.
"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" is a story that leaves a lasting impression and stays with you long after the final page. This book will appeal to anyone looking for a powerful and heartfelt work of fiction.
#3 The Flight
by Julie Clark
If you like to read mysteries and thrillers at the beach as much as I do, this one is for you. “The Flight” (or "The Last Flight" in other editions) by Julie Clark is a novel about two women who swap their plane tickets in an attempt to disappear. They assume each other’s identities to start fresh, but their perfect escape plans get derailed by an unexpected catastrophe.
First published in 2020, "The Flight" is Clark's second novel. It explores themes of identity, trust, and the lengths people go to protect themselves. As she stated in interviews, she is drawn to stories about women who are facing difficult situations and must rely on their own strength to survive.
Narrated from alternating perspectives, the book has an exciting plot with plenty of twists and turns. It is written in a fast-paced style that will definitely keep you guessing until the very end. Besides, Julie Clark did an amazing job ending every chapter with a cliffhanger.
This book is for you if you're a fan of suspenseful and engaging mysteries and particularly for those who enjoy stories with strong female characters.
Before you go...
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Thanks for being here and happy reading!
Liza
Disclaimer: please note that the links to the books in this edition are affiliate links, so if you choose to make a purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission.