Peak Picks & Reviews

Don’t be fooled into thinking that a diagnosis of dementia is just for one person. Yes, the disease might be inside our brains, but the diagnosis will not change one life: it will change all of those around us. Introduction  What I Wish People Knew About Dementia, authored by Wendy Mitchell, offers readers an intimate, first-person perspective on life with dementia, challenging common misconceptions and exploring both its hardships and moments of personal growth. Written after her initial memoir, Somebody I Used to Know, this follow-up dives deeper into Mitchell's life since her diagnosis of young-onset dementia, illustrating daily routines and relationships and how dementia reshapes them. Mitchell’s perspective stands out because it does not reduce her experience to merely a story of suffering; instead, she presents dementia as a continuous journey marked by insights into human resilience, adaptability, and the value of genuine connections. Thematic Analysis  Mitchell organiz...

I do not give my hand to murderers. Introduction  In A Cold Red Sunrise, Stuart M. Kaminsky presents a gripping tale set in the stark, frozen landscapes of Siberia, blending mystery with a subtle critique of Soviet society during the Cold War. Part of the Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov series, this novel brings readers into the life of a resilient and insightful investigator tasked with solving a politically sensitive murder in the Soviet Union. Kaminsky masterfully weaves the atmospheric tension of Siberian life with the nuances of Rostnikov's moral struggle as he navigates a system that values obedience over truth. Synopsis  The novel opens with Commissar Illya Rutkin's journey to the remote Siberian village of Tumsk to investigate the suspicious death of a child, the daughter of a prominent dissident, Lev Samsonov. While initially perceived as a straightforward inquiry, the case becomes more complex when Rutkin himself is found murdered. His death brings Inspector Porfiry Rost...

You’ve probably had this experience: It’s late at night and you start browsing Netflix, looking for something to watch. You scroll through different titles, you watch a couple of trailers, you even read a few reviews—but you just can’t commit to watching any given movie. Suddenly it’s been thirty minutes and you’re still stuck in Infinite Browsing Mode, so you just give up. You’re too tired to watch anything now, so you cut your losses and fall asleep. Introduction  In Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing, Pete Davis tackles a central issue of contemporary life: the struggle between maintaining endless options and the need for deeper, more meaningful commitment. Davis, through insightful anecdotes and cultural analysis, characterizes the modern trend of " Infinite Browsing Mode ," where individuals perpetually weigh their options but hesitate to commit to one path or purpose. He proposes that only through dedication can we find satisfaction and a ...

I deduced it from the simple fact that these bones belonged to the real Guillaume. Therefore, nobody else could be him, no matter how many people recognized him or think they recognized him. He’s been down in that cellar for almost fifty years. At least that’s the way it looks to me. Introduction  Old Bones, written by Aaron Elkins, presents a captivating and suspenseful mystery set against the historical backdrop of World War II and the French Resistance. This award-winning novel is the fourth installment in the Gideon Oliver series, where protagonist and physical anthropologist Dr. Gideon Oliver, known as the “ Skeleton Detective ,” finds himself entangled in a complex web of secrets, betrayal, and family drama. Elkins crafts a story that skillfully merges forensic science with historical intrigue, producing a novel that appeals to fans of both mystery and history. Synopsis  The novel opens with the mysterious drowning of Guillaume du Rocher, a respected hero of the French R...

It is in your own hands what fortune you wish to shape for yourself, for the only function of adversity apart from discipline and correction, is punishment. Introduction  Boethius' The Consolation of Philosophy is a masterpiece of philosophical and literary thought, written during his imprisonment in the early 6th century. As Boethius awaited execution on charges of conspiracy, he penned this dialogue that combines philosophical prose with poetic verse, reflecting on themes of fortune, happiness, and the nature of good and evil. His work, written as a dialogue between himself and Lady Philosophy, explores the pursuit of wisdom and inner peace amidst life's adversities. It remains one of the most influential texts in Western literature and philosophy, impacting thinkers from Thomas Aquinas to Dante , and influencing the medieval concept of the " Wheel of Fortune " as a central metaphor for the capriciousness of life. Synopsis  The Consolation of Philosophy begins with ...

Secretiveness was an important feature in Longley family culture, even when there was no real reason for it. Information was not given and news was not told. One was expected to know it already or not to wish to know it. Introduction  Barbara Vine's novel A Dark-Adapted Eye (published under Ruth Rendell’s pseudonym) is a compelling psychological thriller that dives deeply into family secrets, personal morality, and the complexities of human emotions. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century England, the story centers on Vera Hillyard, a woman executed for murder, and her family’s descent into dysfunction, narrated by her niece Faith. Through the eyes of Faith, readers are gradually exposed to a tapestry of hidden truths, societal expectations, and the limits of personal loyalty. Synopsis  The narrative opens with Faith recalling her aunt Vera's life and her eventual execution for murder—a crime that has haunted the family for decades. Vera’s story unfolds slowly, drawing r...

This book will show that while economic institutions are critical for determining whether a country is poor or prosperous, it is politics and political institutions that determine what economic institutions a country has. Introduction  Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson explores the fundamental reasons why some nations thrive economically while others remain in poverty. Published in 2012, the book takes readers on an intellectual journey through history, examining the political and economic institutions that shape nations' prosperity. By drawing from a diverse range of historical examples, from the early days of colonialism to the Arab Spring, Acemoglu and Robinson argue that inclusive institutions—those that allow political and economic freedom—are the bedrock of prosperous societies. Conversely, extractive institutions, which centralize power and resources in the hands of a few, lead nations to stagnation and fa...

The point is, he told himself, you killed somebody, and you can’t remain unpunished. (...) Yet he knew he was rationalizing. The plain truth was that he didn’t want to make a public spectacle of himself, and he didn’t want to go to jail. Introduction  L.R. Wright’s The Suspect is an enthralling psychological crime novel set in the scenic yet seemingly quiet town of Sechelt on Canada’s Sunshine Coast. Wright earned acclaim for this work, which won the 1986 Edgar Award for Best Novel, marking it as a unique entry in crime fiction. Unlike typical murder mysteries, The Suspect turns the genre on its head by revealing the murderer right from the start, shifting the narrative focus from "who did it" to the more profound question of "why." Synopsis  The novel opens with George Wilcox, an elderly man, committing murder by striking his friend, Carlyle Burke, with a brass shell casing. George, calm and pragmatic, reflects on his guilt but takes his time before deciding how to...

Unlike a card-catalog in an old library, the purpose of a Zettelkasten is not to find an individual note, but rather to explore the connections amongst notes. This can help you collect knowledge to write papers and books quickly, and find areas you may need to research further. Introduction  "Digital Zettelkasten: Principles, Methods, & Examples" by David Kadavy dives into the art and science of personal knowledge management using the Zettelkasten method. Originally a paper-based approach to note-taking developed by sociologist Niklas Luhmann, Zettelkasten has gained popularity, especially with the availability of digital tools. Kadavy's book provides a detailed guide on adapting this method to a digital format, making it relevant for writers, researchers, and knowledge workers alike. Kadavy’s intention is clear from the outset: he presents the digital Zettelkasten as a “ bicycle for the mind ,” a powerful aid for managing thoughts, cultivating ideas, and producing cr...

What I figure I’m really doing is growing my own briarpatch. Grow it high enough and thick enough, there ain’t nobody gonna come poking around in it. Introduction  Ross Thomas’s Briarpatch, published in 1984, offers a thrilling dive into political and criminal intrigue. Known for his skillful storytelling and witty prose, Thomas explores themes of loyalty, corruption, and the murky alliances formed in the pursuit of power. Set against the backdrop of a nameless American city, the story begins with protagonist Benjamin Dill returning to his hometown after the shocking death of his sister, Felicity. Dill’s investigation leads him deep into a labyrinth of criminal and political machinations. Briarpatch is much more than a mystery novel; it is a sharp social commentary on systemic corruption and the complexities of loyalty. Synopsis  The story opens with Benjamin Dill receiving news of his sister Felicity’s death. Felicity, a homicide detective, is killed in a car bombing, drawing...

Scientific self-help involves self-tracking and self-experiments involving interventions and a/b tests. Self-experiments in particular have a long tradition in mainstream science. You’ll be using some of the same techniques that Nobel Prize winners have used in their research to upgrade your mental performance. Introduction In Smarter Tomorrow, Elizabeth R. Ricker offers a fresh and practical approach to self-improvement by focusing on the science of " neurohacking "—the practice of using brain science and data-driven self-experiments to optimize cognitive performance. The book is a guide to actionable, scientifically supported techniques intended to enhance mental abilities through personalized self-experiments and brief, daily exercises. With her background in neuroscience, Ricker combines insights from her research with personal anecdotes and case studies, aiming to empower readers to become their own " brain hackers " in as little as 15 minutes per day. This rev...

What he finally said was, 'Swell.' Then gave them a nice smile: maybe a little weary but still a nice one. Why not? Introduction  Elmore Leonard's La Brava is a crime novel that blends gritty realism with humor and intrigue. Set in the vibrant, decaying neighborhoods of Miami Beach, the book offers a glimpse into the lives of intriguing and morally ambiguous characters, each navigating personal motives and complicated pasts. Leonard, known for his sharp dialogue and mastery of the crime genre, presents in La Brava a story both engaging and reflective of the socio-cultural landscape of Miami in the early 1980s. This novel, which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1984, showcases Leonard’s unique storytelling style, marked by its authenticity, wit, and surprising moral depth. Synopsis  La Brava centers on Joe LaBrava, a former Secret Service agent turned photographer. After an encounter with an old acquaintance, he becomes entangled in a scheme involving a former movie sta...

 Because of this, we have to be very precise when talking to our dog. (...) 'I said sit, you stupid dog.' The dog now sits, but it was the human that was being stupid. Introduction  Stanley Coren’s How to Speak Dog provides readers with an intriguing exploration of canine communication, blending scientific insight with practical advice for dog owners. Published in 2001, this book aims to bridge the gap between humans and their four-legged companions by teaching readers to decode the signals dogs use to convey their emotions, intentions, and needs. With his background as a psychologist and dog behavior expert, Coren weaves together evolutionary theory, psychology, and detailed observations of dog behavior, making the book accessible yet informative.  The book appeals to dog lovers who are keen to deepen their relationship with their pets by learning how to interpret their canine friends' language. Coren’s central argument is that dogs, while lacking human-like language, po...