Peak Picks & Reviews

All you see in your world is the outcome of your idea about it. Do you want your life to truly “take off”? Then change your idea about it. About you. Think, speak, and act as the God You Are. Introduction  Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue by Neale Donald Walsch is an intriguing and thought-provoking spiritual book that challenges traditional views on God, religion, and human existence. First published in 1995, the book quickly gained popularity, appealing to readers across the globe with its unique approach to spirituality. Presented as a direct dialogue between the author and God, the book transcends conventional religious narratives and offers a more expansive and inclusive perspective on divinity, life, and the human condition.  Walsch, who was experiencing a personal crisis at the time, claims that the book emerged from his spontaneous writing of questions to God, which led to receiving answers that formed the content of this dialogue. The book is the first in ...

 The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. During the 1930s, several books received this prestigious award, each representing the diverse themes and storytelling styles of the decade. 01. 1930: Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field  This book tells the tale of a small wooden doll named Hitty, who recounts her adventures over a century. Her travels take her from the United States to India and back, showcasing different cultures and historical events. The narrative style gives life to inanimate objects and explores themes of resilience and adaptability. go to review 02. 1931: The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth  This story, set in Japan, follows a poor artist commissioned to paint the death of Buddha. When his cat dies after being portrayed in the painting, the story inquires into themes of compassion and spirituality, reflecting ...

Everyone's oil sands are different, and these were mine. Introduction  Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton is a striking graphic memoir that explores the complexities of life in the oil sands of Alberta, Canada. Known for her popular comic strip, Hark! A Vagrant, Beaton shifts from humor to a more somber narrative in this work, focusing on her own experiences as a young woman working in an overwhelmingly male-dominated and environmentally contentious industry. Through her detailed and evocative illustrations, Beaton provides a deeply personal account of the economic and emotional toll that life in the oil sands can take on individuals, communities, and the environment. This review will examine the book’s narrative, themes, and artistic approach, offering an analysis of its impact and relevance in today’s socio-economic and environmental discourse. Synopsis  Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands recounts Beaton’s experiences during her time working in Alberta's oil san...

 The Hugo Award for Best Novel from 2010 to 2019 recognized some of the most innovative and diverse works in science fiction and fantasy, highlighting a range of themes and voices. 01. 2010: The City & The City by China Miéville  Miéville's novel is a surreal detective story set in two cities that occupy the same space but are perceived as separate by their inhabitants. It blends noir with speculative fiction, exploring themes of perception and political intrigue. go to review 02. 2011: Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis  This duology takes readers on a time-travel journey to WWII Britain. Willis masterfully intertwines history and science fiction, focusing on the personal and societal impacts of war, with time-traveling historians facing unforeseen consequences. go to review Blackout       go to review All Clear 03. 2012: Among Others by Jo Walton  Walton’s semi-autobiographical novel is a coming-of-age tale about a girl in 1970s Britai...

The optimum breathing rate is about 5.5 breaths per minute. That’s 5.5-second inhales and 5.5-second exhales. This is the perfect breath. Introduction  James Nestor’s "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" is a captivating exploration of the fundamental yet often overlooked act of breathing. The book inquires into the science, history, and cultural practices surrounding breath, revealing how something as simple as breathing can have profound effects on our health, well-being, and longevity. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, extensive research, and interviews with experts, Nestor sheds light on the importance of proper breathing techniques and the potential consequences of poor respiratory habits.  In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information about diet, exercise, and mental health, "Breath" serves as a reminder that one of the most critical aspects of our well-being has been right under our noses all along—literally. Nestor’s journey int...

 The Hugo Award for Best Novel is one of the most prestigious awards in science fiction and fantasy, recognizing outstanding works each year. From 2000 to 2009, the winners showcased a range of styles and themes, reflecting the evolving landscape of speculative fiction. 01. 2000: A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge  This prequel to Vinge’s earlier novel A Fire Upon the Deep is a hard science fiction tale of space exploration and first contact. The story is set in a distant future where two human civilizations encounter an alien race called the Spiders, who are on the verge of achieving spaceflight. Vinge masterfully interweaves themes of cultural and technological evolution, exploring the implications of manipulating less advanced species. The novel's depth and complexity, particularly in its portrayal of the alien race and its blend of hard science fiction with rich character development, secured its place as a Hugo Award winner. go to review 02. 2001: Harry Potter and the ...

I had the picture of the last man to die. The last day, some of the best ones die. But those alive will fast forget. Introduction  Robert Capa's Slightly Out of Focus is not just a memoir; it’s a gripping narrative that offers an intimate look into the life of one of the most renowned war photographers of the 20th century. Published in 1947, the book recounts Capa’s experiences during World War II, providing readers with a unique blend of historical documentation and personal reflection. Capa, known for his courage and ability to capture the brutal reality of war, uses this memoir to explore the human side of the conflict, making it not only a war diary but also a poignant piece of literature.  Robert Capa was a Hungarian-born photographer who co-founded Magnum Photos, one of the most prestigious photo agencies in the world. He is perhaps best known for his photographs of the Spanish Civil War and the D-Day landings at Normandy. In Slightly Out of Focus, Capa reflects on these...

This is how I feel every single day of my life, like I'm falling without a parachute. Introduction  New Kid, written by Jerry Craft, is a groundbreaking graphic novel that resonates deeply with its audience, particularly young readers navigating the often turbulent waters of adolescence. Released in 2019, New Kid stands out not only for its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations but also for the critical social themes it explores. The novel has earned widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Newbery Medal, making Craft the first African American author to receive this honor for a graphic novel. New Kid tells the story of Jordan Banks, a 12-year-old African American boy who is trying to find his place in a predominantly white private school. Through Jordan’s eyes, Craft addresses issues of race, identity, and belonging, making the novel a significant contribution to contemporary children's literature. Synopsis  New Kid follows the journey of Jordan Banks, a talented ...

Asking “why” only makes us feel hopeless. Asking “how” points the way forward, and shows us what we must do. Introduction  A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold is a harrowing memoir that dives deep into the life of a mother grappling with the unimaginable reality of her son’s involvement in one of the most infamous school shootings in American history. Sue Klebold, the mother of Dylan Klebold—one of the two perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre—offers a profoundly personal and painfully honest account of the events leading up to and following the tragedy. The book, published in 2016, serves not only as a memoir but also as a critical examination of the intersections between mental health, violence, and the societal response to tragedy. Klebold's narrative is marked by a persistent quest for understanding, as she meticulously retraces her steps as a parent, searching for signs she may have missed and questioning how her loving son ...

I don’t know what is going to happen next year, no one does. But that’s OK. I can handle it, I decide. It’s just a harder gear, and I am ready. All I have to do is take a deep breath and ride. Introduction  "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina is a poignant and beautifully written middle-grade novel that captures the essence of growing up, family dynamics, and the challenges of adolescence. The book, which won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2019, tells the story of Merci Suárez, a sixth-grader navigating the complexities of school life, family expectations, and the emotional turmoil that comes with growing up. Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Florida, the novel dives into universal themes of change, identity, and resilience, making it a compelling read for both young readers and adults.  Medina’s storytelling is grounded in a rich cultural context, reflecting the lives of a close-knit Cuban-American family. Through Merci’s eyes, we experience the joys and str...

I saw her eyes then, as she came across, and they were clear, and full of love. Introduction  Jonathan Lethem's As She Climbed Across the Table is a novel that blends elements of science fiction, philosophical inquiry, and academic satire into a compelling narrative. Published in 1997, the book is a distinctive exploration of love, obsession, and the nature of reality. Lethem, known for his genre-bending works, crafts a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. The novel revolves around the lives of academics in a university setting, where a groundbreaking scientific experiment leads to unexpected and surreal consequences. At its core, As She Climbed Across the Table is a meditation on the human desire for connection and understanding, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve them. Synopsis  The novel is narrated by Philip Engstrand, an anthropologist at the fictional Beauchamp University. He is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Ali...