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📚 Book of the Day (#fiction #magicalrealism)

📖 "Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie 📖

🌌 A Luminous Chronicle of India's Transition from British Rule to Independence

📘 About:

"Midnight's Children" is a critically acclaimed novel by Salman Rushdie, published in 1981. It won the Booker Prize that year and later secured the Booker of Bookers, being recognized as the best novel to have won the Booker Prize in its first 25 years. The narrative follows Saleem Sinai, born at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the exact moment when India gained independence from British rule. Saleem's life is magically intertwined with the fate of the nation, and he discovers that all children born in India in that first hour of independence possess unique powers.

The novel blends historical fact with magical realism and is known for its intricate narrative style and deep philosophical insights. Through the lens of Saleem's life and the lives of his "midnight's children," Rushdie explores the tumultuous events of Indian history and the complex forces shaping the new nation.

👍 - I’ve read it
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📚 Book of the Day (non-fiction)

📜WILD
by Cheryl Strayed

❗Goodreads winner for the best memoir 2012
❗#1 NYT bestseller list
❗Oprah's club selection

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➡️ Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.
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📗About:
At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State — and she would do it alone.

📚 Book of the Day (#historical #war)

📖 "Under Fire: The Story of a Squad" by Henri Barbusse 📖

🔥 A Gritty Depiction of Life in the Trenches During WWI

📘 About:

"Under Fire: The Story of a Squad" (originally titled "Le Feu") is a seminal war novel by French author Henri Barbusse, first published in 1916. Based on Barbusse's own experiences as a soldier in World War I, the novel provides an unvarnished depiction of the brutal realities of trench warfare. It captures the daily life of a French infantry squad, the long periods of waiting interspersed with intense bouts of terrifying combat, and the camaraderie that forms amidst such hardship.

The narrative focuses not just on the physical conditions of the war, but also on the emotional and intellectual impacts on the soldiers. It lays bare the disillusionment and horror faced by the soldiers as they contend with the perpetual threat of death.

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📚 Book of the Day (#historicalfiction #resistance)

📖 "Every Man Dies Alone" (Jeder stirbt für sich allein) by Hans Fallada 📖

🕊 A Stark Portrayal of Defiance in Nazi Germany

"Every Man Dies Alone," also known in some translations as "Alone in Berlin," is a powerful novel by German author Hans Fallada, first published posthumously in 1947. It was written over just 24 days in late 1946, inspired by the true story of Otto and Elise Hampel, a working-class couple in Berlin who performed acts of civil disobedience against the Nazi regime during World War II.

The story follows Otto and Anna Quangel, who, after losing their son in the war, start a campaign of writing postcards with anti-Nazi slogans and dropping them in public places around Berlin. Their small acts of defiance set off a tense cat-and-mouse game with the Gestapo and bring into focus the courage and desperation of ordinary people in the face of totalitarian brutality.

👍 - I’ve read it
❤️ - I want to read it

📚 Book of the Day (#fiction #political)

📖 "All the King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren 📖

👑 A Profound Exploration of Power, Politics, and Morality

📘 About:

"All the King's Men," published in 1946, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by American author Robert Penn Warren. Often considered one of the greatest works of American literature, it is both a gripping political drama and a deep moral inquiry. The story is loosely based on the real-life of Huey P. Long, a flamboyant and controversial governor of Louisiana and then U.S. senator, whose ambition and ruthless tactics marked his career.

The narrative is driven by Jack Burden, a former history student turned investigative journalist, and later a close aide to Willie Stark, the central character whose rise and fall the novel chronicles. Stark starts his political career as an idealistic man of the people but becomes increasingly corrupt and manipulative as he gains power.

👍 - I’ve read it
❤️ - I want to read it

📚 Book of the Day (#classic #BeatGeneration)

📖 "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac 📖

🚗 A Defining Novel of the Beat Generation and a Manifesto for the Seekers of Freedom

📘 About:

"On the Road" is the iconic novel by Jack Kerouac, published in 1957, which has come to epitomize the Beat Generation. It is based on the real-life adventures of Kerouac and his friends as they journeyed across America in the late 1940s. The narrator, Sal Paradise (based on Kerouac himself), and his charismatic friend Dean Moriarty (modeled on Neal Cassady), travel from New York to San Francisco, seeking joy, fulfillment, and the essence of spiritual discovery.

The novel captures the spirit of post-war America with its jazz music, poetry, and open road, famously typed on a single, long scroll of paper in a three-week burst of creativity. "On the Road" celebrates freedom, friendship, and the quest for meaning in a restrictive society.

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📚 Book of the Day (#history #WorldWarII)

📖 "Is Paris Burning?" by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre 📖

🔥 A Riveting Account of Paris on the Brink of Destruction

📘 About:

"Is Paris Burning?" is a compelling historical account of the liberation of Paris during World War II. Written by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre and published in 1965, the book explores the critical moments in August 1944 when Paris was nearly destroyed as the Nazi regime's control began to falter. Based on the infamous query attributed to Adolf Hitler, this narrative delves deep into the harrowing days leading up to the city’s liberation.

The story unfolds through the eyes of various stakeholders including the German military governor of Paris, General Dietrich von Choltitz, who faced Hitler's orders to burn the city rather than surrender it intact to the Allies. It also vividly portrays the bravery of the French Resistance fighters and the strategic maneuvers of the Allied forces under General Charles de Gaulle.

👍 - I’ve read it
❤️ - I want to read it

📚 Book of the Day (#classic #literature)

📖 "Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence 📖

🌿 A Groundbreaking Exploration of Passion and Society

📘 About:

"Lady Chatterley's Lover," first published in 1928, remains one of D.H. Lawrence's most controversial works due to its explicit content and exploration of social and sexual themes. The novel centers on Constance Reid, Lady Chatterley, who is trapped in a passionless marriage with Sir Clifford Chatterley, a wealthy and paralyzed landowner. Seeking intimacy and fulfillment, she embarks on a passionate affair with Oliver Mellors, the estate's gamekeeper, challenging the rigid class divisions and sexual mores of early 20th century England.

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📚 Book of the Day (#fiction #historical)

📖 "Angel of Oblivion" by Maja Haderlap 📖

🌍 A Poignant Narrative of Memory and Resilience

📘 About:
"Angel of Oblivion" is a deeply moving novel by Maja Haderlap, an Austrian-born writer of Slovenian descent. The book, originally written in German as "Engel des Vergessens," delves into the harrowing history and enduring spirit of the Carinthian Slovene minority in Austria. Drawing from Haderlap’s own family history, the narrative is centered around a young girl growing up in the shadow of her community's World War II past and its struggles with post-war oppression.

In this semi-autobiographical tale, the protagonist explores her grandmother's tragic experiences as a partisan fighter against the Nazis, which also sheds light on a larger story of resistance, survival, and the preservation of language and culture. The novel seamlessly blends personal memory with collective history, offering a richly emotional and evocative portrayal of the Slovene minority's fight for survival and identity.

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❤️ - I want to read it

📚Best Slovenian Books

Slovenian literature boasts a rich and diverse array of works that capture the country's unique cultural heritage and historical experiences. From poetry to prose, here are some pivotal and highly acclaimed works and authors that constitute the best of Slovenian literature:

✔️Classic Slovenian Literature:

1. France Prešeren
- Considered the national poet of Slovenia, France Prešeren (1800-1849) played a crucial role in shaping the Slovene literary language. His best-known work, the lyrical epic "The Baptism on the Savica" (*"Krst pri Savici"*) and the poem "A Toast" (*"Zdravljica"*, part of which is the Slovenian national anthem), are seminal works that combine romanticism with national themes.

2. Ivan Cankar
- Often referred to as the greatest Slovenian playwright and writer, Ivan Cankar (1876-1918) is known for his critical depiction of social issues, including the plight of the underprivileged and the bourgeoisie in Slovene society. His notable works include "The Serfs" (*"Hlapci"*) and "On the Hill” (*"Na klancu"*), which provide insight into Slovenian life and societal norms.

✔️Modern Slovenian Literature:

1. Drago Jančar
- One of the most prolific contemporary Slovenian authors, Drago Jančar is known for his novels, essays, and plays that often explore the human condition against the backdrop of historical turmoil. His notable works include "That Night I Saw Her" (*"To noč sem jo videl"*) and "The Galley Slave" (*"Galjot"*), which delve into existential themes and the complexities of historical memory.

2. Alojz Rebula
- A prominent 20th-century Slovenian writer known for his novels and essays. Rebula's works often explore the Slovenian cultural identity, spirituality, and history. His significant works include "The Wine of Satan" (*"Vino Satana"*), a novel that blends historical narrative with philosophical meditations.

3. Aleš Debeljak
- Known for both his poetry and essays, Aleš Debeljak is another significant figure in contemporary Slovenian literature. His works often explore modern identity and the cultural dynamics within Europe and Slovenia. His poetry collections, such as "The City and the Child" (*"Mesto in otrok"*) reflect deep lyrical introspection and social critique.

✔️Slovenian Women Writers:

1. Maja Haderlap
- An important Slovenian minority writer in Austria, Maja Haderlap is celebrated for her novel "Angel of Oblivion" (*"Angel pozabe"*), based on her family’s experiences as a Carinthian Slovene minority in Austria, exploring themes of memory, trauma, and the mother-daughter relationship.

2. Brina Svit
- A contemporary novelist and essayist, Brina Svit combines French and Slovenian cultural contexts. Her novels, such as "More" and "Con Brio," showcase her sharp wit and deep understanding of exile and identity.

❤️ - I wanna read it

📚 Book of the Day (#fiction #classic)

📖 "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo 📖

🕍 A Timeless Tale of Love, Justice, and Redemption in Medieval Paris

📘 About:
"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," originally published in French as "Notre-Dame de Paris" in 1831, is one of Victor Hugo's most enduring works. Set in 15th century Paris, this classic novel provides a vivid depiction of medieval life and the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, around which much of the story revolves. The novel tells the tragic tale of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, and his unrequited love for the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda.

Amidst themes of social justice, isolation, and human cruelty, Hugo's narrative interweaves the lives of several characters, including the archdeacon Claude Frollo and the dashing captain Phoebus, creating a complex tapestry of human emotions and societal critiques. The book is celebrated not only for its rich character development and dramatic plot but also for its detailed portrayal of Notre-Dame Cathedral, playing a significant role as both a setting and a symbol.

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📚 Book of the Day (#fiction #historical)

📖 "Purge" by Sofi Oksanen 📖

🌍 A Gripping Tale of Secrets and Survival in Soviet-Occupied Estonia

📘 About:
"Purge" is a compelling novel written by Finnish-Estonian author Sofi Oksanen, first published in 2008. The book has received numerous awards and critical acclaim for its haunting portrayal of betrayal and the long shadows cast by wartime memories. "Purge" explores the intersecting lives of two women from different generations, each grappling with their own harrowing past during the Soviet occupation of Estonia.

The narrative unfolds through the experiences of Aliide Truu, an elderly woman living alone in the Estonian countryside, and Zara, a young woman who escapes from the Russian mafia and seeks refuge in Aliide's home. As the story progresses, layers of family secrets unravel, revealing deep connections between the two women and the painful history they share involving love, rivalry, and survival under oppression.

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❤️ - I want to read it

Best Estonian Books

Estonian literature, rich in history and depth, offers a glimpse into the cultural narrative and identity of Estonia. It ranges from ancient folklore and poetry to modern novels that explore contemporary themes. Here, we present some of the best and most influential works and authors from Estonia:

🔻 Classic Estonian Literature:

1. "Truth and Justice" by Anton Hansen Tammsaare
- This five-part novel series is considered one of the most important works in Estonian literature. Written between 1926 and 1933, it provides a detailed depiction of Estonian life and society from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, examining themes of ambition, love, and the quest for truth and justice.

2. "The Misadventures of the New Satan" by Eduard Vilde
- Eduard Vilde was a pioneer of critical realism in Estonian literature. This novel, written in 1903, is known for its humor and irony, exploring human nature through the lens of a satirical narrative where Satan, finding himself reborn in a contemporary setting, struggles to adapt.

🔻 Modern Estonian Literature:

1. "Purge" by Sofi Oksanen
- Although Sofi Oksanen is Finnish, "Purge" has had a significant impact on Estonian literature, as it deals with Estonian history and identity. Published in 2008, this internationally acclaimed novel explores the Soviet occupation of Estonia through the experiences of two women from different generations. It's a haunting tale of betrayal, survival, and secrets that reflects the complexities of Estonia’s recent history.

2. "The Man Who Spoke Snakish" by Andrus Kivirähk
- Released in 2007, this novel is a fantastic and satirical look at Estonian history and mythology. It combines elements of folklore with a critique of modern society challenges, told through the story of a boy who can speak the ancient language of snakes.

3. "Apartment in the City Center" by Tõnu Õnnepalu
- Known for his poetic and reflective prose, Õnnepalu presents a novel that delves deep into personal reflections and the existential queries of modern life. This book is a popular contemporary work that resonates well with readers fascinated by introspection and the dynamics of urban living.

🔻Estonian Poetry:

1. "On the Great River of the Milky Way" by Gustav Suits
- Gustav Suits is a seminal figure in Estonian poetry, and this collection showcases his modernist approach and deep emotional and philosophical depth. His poetry often reflects on themes of national identity, resistance, and the natural world.

2. Marie Under
- One of Estonia's most beloved poets, Marie Under is known for her passionate and vivid poetry, which often explores themes of love, beauty, and nature, deeply intertwined with the struggles of the Estonian spirit.

Estonian literature, though perhaps less known internationally, is a trove of rich narratives and profound poetic expressions that deserve wider recognition. Each of these works provides a doorway into the heart and soul of Estonia, reflective of its past struggles and its hopes for the future. Whether you are new to Estonian literature or looking to deepen your understanding, these works are essential reading for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of human experience penned by Estonian authors.

❤️ - I've been to Estonia

📚 Book of the Day (#fiction #magicalrealism)

📖 "The Autumn of the Patriarch" 📖
by Gabriel García Márquez

🍂 A Lyrical Exploration of Tyranny and Power

📘 About:
"The Autumn of the Patriarch" is a profound and complex novel by Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, first published in 1975. The story centers around an unnamed dictator, often referred to as the General, who rules over a Caribbean nation with an absolute grip, embodying the archetype of Latin American dictators. Through García Márquez’s masterful use of magical realism and a unique, stream-of-consciousness narrative style, the book delves deep into themes of power, decay, and isolation.

The narrative structure is unconventional, featuring long sentences with minimal punctuation and paragraph breaks, which creates a flowing, immersive experience. This style mirrors the convoluted and continuous nature of the General's thoughts and his uninterrupted hold on power. The novel moves seamlessly across time, reflecting on the cyclical patterns of history and the construction of personal and cultural narratives.

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