All About Books

  Title: The World at War Publisher: Igloo Books, Sywell Year published: 2017 304 pages The World at War offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of the major conflicts that defined the twentieth century, primarily focusing on the First and Second World Wars.  It traces the origins of global tensions, beginning with the build-up to World War I, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and the tangled web of alliances that plunged the world into war.  The book outlines the key battles, strategies, and turning points of the Great War, including trench warfare on the Western Front, the use of new technologies like tanks and poison gas, and the social and political upheaval that followed. The narrative then shifts to the interwar years, examining the rise of totalitarian regimes, the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, and the failure of appeasement policies that ultimately led to World War II.  It delves into the causes and consequences of Hitler’s ...

  Title: Fidel Castro: In His Own Words Author: Alex Moore Publisher: Racehorse Publishing, New York Year published: 2017 223 pages The book is a concise yet insightful compilation that presents the thoughts, beliefs, and ideologies of Fidel Castro through his own speeches, writings, and interviews.  It offers readers a direct window into the Cuban leader's mind, tracing his revolutionary fervor, political philosophy, and views on imperialism, socialism, and the Cuban people's struggle. Rather than serving as a traditional biography, the book allows Castro to narrate his life and legacy in his own voice.  It covers his rise to power, opposition to U.S. foreign policy, his role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his enduring influence over Cuba’s direction for more than five decades.  Moore organizes the material chronologically and thematically, making it accessible for readers who want to understand the historical and ideological context behind Castro's decisions. The...

  Title: The Swiss Family Robinson Author: Johan David Wyss Librivox Audiobook app Read by Mark F Smith (12 hr 45 min) This adventurous tale is about a Swiss family who becomes shipwrecked on a deserted island while en route to a new life. Stranded far from civilization, the father, mother, and their four sons must rely on their resourcefulness, cooperation, and knowledge of nature to survive and thrive. They construct shelters, cultivate crops, and domesticate animals such as buffaloes, donkeys, and monkeys. Using their skills, they build tools, create a water system, and even transform a large hollow tree into a multi-level home.  Despite facing challenges like wild animals and a frightening encounter with island natives, the family gradually turns the island into a prosperous settlement. As time passes, they grow deeply attached to their new way of life. When the opportunity to return to society arises, not all members are eager to leave.  The novel emphasizes themes o...

  Title: How to Live a Mindful Life Publisher: Bounty Books, London Year published: 2018 256 pages This book serves as a gentle, practical guide for anyone looking to embrace mindfulness in their everyday life.  Drawing from both traditional wisdom and modern psychology, it introduces readers to the core principles of mindfulness, such as staying present, observing thoughts without judgment, and finding calm in the midst of chaos. The book covers techniques like mindful breathing, eating, walking, and listening, all aimed at helping readers cultivate greater awareness and inner peace.  It encourages slowing down, appreciating the present moment, and building emotional resilience through regular reflection and intentional living. With short exercises, quotes, and soothing imagery, "How to Live a Mindful Life" is designed to be accessible and calming, offering tools for stress relief, mental clarity, and a more balanced, fulfilled life.  Whether used as a daily referen...

  Title: The Way of the Warrior Author: Jõtarõ Publisher: Citadel Press, New York Year published: 2011 207 pages The book is a reflective and meditative exploration of the mindset, ethics, and spiritual discipline required to walk the path of a true warrior.  Rooted in the traditions of the Japanese samurai and inspired by Zen philosophy, the book delves into the timeless virtues that define the warrior spirit—honor, loyalty, courage, discipline, humility, and self-awareness. Rather than focusing solely on the physical aspects of battle, Jōtarō presents the warrior's path as a lifelong journey of inner development.  The warrior is not merely one who wields a sword, but someone who masters the self, upholds moral principles, and stands firm in the face of adversity.  The text teaches that the battlefield exists as much within as it does outside; every challenge, fear, and emotion must be confronted with clarity and resolve. Central to the book is the idea that a warri...

  Title: The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, Complete (Volume 1) Author: Leonardo Da Vinci Translated by Jean Paul Richter Publisher: iBooks Year published: 1888 Some words from Leo: What is fair in men, passes away, but not so in art. Evil-thinking is either Envy or Ingratitude. Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind. Fire destorys all sophistry, that is deceit; and maintains truth alone, that is gold. He who offends others, does not secure himself. Just as iron rusts unless it is used, and water putrifies or, in cold, turns to ice, so our intellect spoils unless it is kept in use. The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions. He who thinks little, errs much. And this Love shows itself more in adversity than in prosperity; as light does, which shines more where the place is darkest.  This volume is a comprehensive collection of Leonardo da Vinci's thoughts, sketches, observations, a...