Shentonistas Recommend: Books For December

We’re all prone to indulge in nostalgic reminiscing during the year-end period, with summary lists and recaps surfacing on different corners of the internet. There’s never a better time to review everything we have interacted with or seen over the year, and we’re taking the time to highlight a medium that has seen better days. For many of us, decreasing attention spans mean that we tend to turn to social media or digital streaming services for entertainment or insight, but the joy of leafing (or tapping) through a specially-picked book is still unparalleled.  For our last Shentonistas Recommend of the year, our Shentonista suggested books that might remind you of your own childhood memories or gently guide you along the path of self-betterment.

If you’d like more suggestions, take a look at the July edition of recommendations here.

The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson

“Because when we give too many f*cks, when we choose to give a f*ck about everything, then we feel as though we are perpetually entitled to feel comfortable and happy at all times, that’s when life f*cks us.” 

An ideology that’s often put forth by successful people is the notion that self-improvement is the only viable path to success—through his book, Manson throws that belief right out of the window, from the title itself. Unlike any other self-help book you might have come across, this book does not gently lead you towards success. Instead, it opens by pouring an ice cold bucket of water on you: by telling you that you’re not special, and that success will never come purely through improving yourself. Layered with sarcasm and a healthy dollop of humour, the book takes care to never stray on the side of false optimism, and instead takes a realistic approach on improving yourself. We recommend a handy mirror next to you for self-reflection purposes and your 2021 resolutions list for reference.

Recommended by Sabriana.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

“Years ago, it had occurred to me that Darwin and Nietzsche agreed on one thing: the defining characteristic of the organism is striving.”

A neurosurgical resident gets diagnosed with terminal cancer, and decides to write a book in the 22 months left to him. When Breath Becomes Air tackles one of the toughest questions we grapple within in our lifetime: what makes a human life meaningful? Follow Kalanithi’s role reversal from being a doctor to patient as he journeys through the last moments of his life—throughout the book, he seeks the elusive answers to the questions that have haunted him throughout his life while battling against a steadily ticking clock. This is definitely a gripping and emotional ride that will leave you with a new perspective on life—we recommend a box of good quality 3-ply tissues and a tub of comforting ice cream to keep by your side.

Recommended by Axel.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

“As you grow, you learn more. Aging is not just decay…it’s growth. It’s more than the negative that you’re going to die, it’s also the positive that you understand that you’re going to die, and that you live a better life because of it.”

While a familiar title, a fact that may surprise most readers who have not picked up this book yet is that this is a true story about the author who slowly comes to terms with the impending death of his favourite professor. Best described as chugging down a bowl of homemade chicken soup during a rainy day, this is a book that reminds you how little time we all have in the clock of life and how every second that we spend it upset is a second that ticks away in waste. An overall feel-good novel, despite the predictable bittersweet ending, it’s an easy read that’ll leave you yearning for a hug from your parent. We recommend having your family album at hand, to reminisce through your own trove of golden memories when the urge strikes.

Recommended by Bek. 

Totto-Chan: The Little Girl At The Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi

“Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth…These are the things to fear…”

Ever felt like fitting in is an ordeal you’ve had to go through repeatedly since childhood? Kuroyanagi can certainly relate—this autobiographical book details her journey as an oddball child, starting to learn about the world, and other people, while at the same time slowly realising how the harshness of reality has stolen the idyllic days of childhood of many young children around the world. While categorised as children’s literature, this is a deep and enriching read that reignites the joy and curiosity we’ve all felt as kids, and is an always-welcome reminder to look upon the world with a childlike curiosity and compassion. We recommend reading this with an assortment of your favourite childhood snacks and tidbits, in the sunniest corner of your room.

Recommended by Lynette.