Erik's One-Sentence Book Reviews for February

I read five books in February and here are my one-sentence reviews of each book and the rating scale I use.

*****        An extraordinary book: one of my Top 15 all-time favorites

****          An outstanding book: highly recommended

***            A good book: worth the read

**              An OK read, but you'd be better off finding something else

*                Not worth the read; avoid at all costs

The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood  (*****)

It's taken me 35 years after publication to finally read this extraordinary classic, one of the greatest novels of the previous half-century: Atwood's depiction of a dystopian future U.S. was prophetic and seems frighteningly close to present-day reality. 

After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam, by Lesley Hazleton (**** 1/2)

This lively historical account of the events that took place after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, that led to the schism in Islam, should be required reading for all non-Muslims, especially as it shows how these ancient events still play a role in current times.  (Special thanks to UCA Alum Safdar Jan for recommending this book.)

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Strange Weather in Tokyo, by Hiromi Kawakami (*** 1/2)

This touching novella tells the story of a middle-aged woman who has an accidental encounter with her elderly, retired high school Japanese teacher and the peculiar romance that follows--more than anything, it is a melancholy observation of the effect loneliness has on people's lives.

How to Be a Stoic, Selections by Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius--Penguin Books Great Ideas Series (*** 1/2)

This is not a book to be read all in one bite as it would overwhelm your mind; instead these selections from Stoic Philosophy serve as a wonderful guide on how to live right, if savored small chunks at a time, whenever one's in the mood for inspiration and insight.  [For the best introduction to Stoic Philosophy, Massimo Pigliucci's How to Be a Stoic (**** 1/2) is my definite choice.]

A Tale of Redemption & Other Stories by Mona Sylvania (***)

Sylvania is an Indonesian writer who examines horrible realities faced by women on the archipelago and shows how they try to confront these injustices, telling stories in a stark manner: although a couple of the stories seemed incomplete, all are powerful statements.

As I always say, if none of these five books interest you, please find something else to read, nevertheless.  Your brain will be expanded and nourished--and that can only be a good thing.