Books and Learning Log

Books are a peek behind the scenes of my mind — these are the books I’m deconstructing, the things I'm exploring, and the learning habits I’m building.

A Rising Man
Fiction Jas Shukla Fiction Jas Shukla

A Rising Man

This is a mystery novel that takes place in 1919 in Calcutta India. The lead detective is British and a bit of a “fish out of water” in India during the time of the Raj, but he appreciates the world and life that he finds himself in. It’s gripping, smart, and an evocative historical mystery that’s well worth picking up.

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Slow Productivity
Non-fiction Jas Shukla Non-fiction Jas Shukla

Slow Productivity

Being busy has become a status symbol in today's culture. But what if it's actually a trap? What if all that busy work isn't the work that truly matters? Slowing down has benefits and might even be possible as described in this book by Cal Newport.

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The Odyssey
Fiction Jas Shukla Fiction Jas Shukla

The Odyssey

Stephen Fry has been retelling Greek myths in a more accessible and modern way in a series of beautiful books. The Odyssey is his latest, focused on Odysseus finding his way back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. It's a wonderful book, and I love the design and art.

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The Winter King
Fiction Jas Shukla Fiction Jas Shukla

The Winter King

This is a fictional account of King Arthur’s stories. It’s got a slight edge of fantasy with historical fiction combined. It's well written and a great retelling of the early history of Britain that’s usually not told. A great read that’s hard to put down!

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Persuasion
Fiction Jas Shukla Fiction Jas Shukla

Persuasion

Persuasion was published posthumously in 1817, six months after Austen died at age 41. The themes of finding love "later in life," second chances with an early love, observations on wealth inequality and how easily 'persuaded' people can be by others because of societal expectations are still relevant today.

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Project Hail Mary
Fiction Jas Shukla Fiction Jas Shukla

Project Hail Mary

This is a science fiction novel about exploration and finding friendship no matter where you are, even in outer space with an alien who communicates through musical sounds. A fun romp across space!

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Red Team Blues
Fiction Jas Shukla Fiction Jas Shukla

Red Team Blues

If you like tales of cybersecurity, the genius of spreadsheets, a gentle critique of Silicon Valley and a rebel with a cause, you'll enjoy this book.

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Everything is Tuberculosis
Fiction Jas Shukla Fiction Jas Shukla

Everything is Tuberculosis

This book made me appreciate all the systems that have to be functioning so we as a local society can keep TB mostly at bay. We notice these systems only when they fail, but when they work, they're completely invisible to us.

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