Y.S. Stephen - Reader | Casual Observer

  Breathe is an autobiography of Rickson Gracie, a former jiu-jitsu champion and one of the best martial arts practitioners in the world today. Breathe details his upbringing in Brazil, his training, and his ethos in jiu-jitsu and life. WHAT I LOVE IN THIS BOOK What is striking about this book is the in-depth examination of the art of jiu-jitsu and its importance outside of the ring to personal development. Lovers of the sport would love the tips, the tricks, and the philosophies of Rickson as he lays them out in the book. Even those who are not into the sport will come to appreciate the level of candour displayed by the author and the lessons jiu-Jitsu provides for all. WHAT I DISLIKE The first few chapters delve into the Gracie family and how Rickson came to be born. It looks at the family dynamics and idiosyncrasies of the Gracies. The author presents how it shaped him and made him who he is today. I feel this section of the book could have been made shorter as it was

Love Me Please looks at the life of the singer, Janis Joplin. It explores not only her inner world but the happenings that led to the heights of her music career and ultimately to her death at the tender age of 27. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK From Joplin's early years in Texas to her career struggles in San Francisco, we witness her perspectives on life and how she wants to live it. Love Me Please opens a lens into Joplin's personality and talent - a combination that influenced people around her, pushing the young lady to the top of her craft. Even at the heights of Joplin's career, this biography shows her vulnerability and efforts at grasping unto herself as she slips to alcohol, drug use, and other excesses. DISLIKES None WHO IS IT FOR? This is meant for Janis Joplin's fans as well as those curious about the life and times of the late musician. Many thanks to NBM Publishing for providing a review copy.

Seek You by Kristen Radtke breaks down the subject of loneliness in the United States. The book looks at what causes it and the myriad of ways it manifests itself. Seek You meditates on the nature of loneliness and how it has evolved over time even through cultural and technological changes. THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK This isn't a book that necessarily proffers solutions to the problem of loneliness. But it does its job well by looking at how it arises. The author concludes that loneliness itself is an unavoidable phenomenon. As we age, we naturally lose the people closest to us and that loss does leave a hole, whether we admit it or not. DISLIKES None. WHO IS IT FOR? Social science is all about understanding ourselves and the world we live in. This work will be of benefit to those with similar goals. Many thanks to Random House for review copy.