Jason's Reviews

In one story, a man dies of lovesickness; in another, a man learns of the death of his grade-school crush from an alarming late-night call. This is vintage Murakami: mysterious abandonments that lead to journeys of self-discovery, nostalgic narrators waxing poetic about romantic days of yore. Nods to the Beatles, Hemingway, and Kafka add flavor to this elegant selection of stories. A must-have for all Murakami fans. - Jason

Want to learn how to meditate, but don’t care to learn a whole bunch of dogma? This is the ultimate secular guide to the science of meditation by neurologist and outspoken atheist Sam Harris. You will enjoy the skillful he presents a case for Buddhism, as a philosophy and a practice, but not as a religion to join. For one month, I read Waking Up at night before bed, and it calmed me to sleep every time. - Jason

The world could end at any moment, and a dwarf artist who only paints in solid black is the sole possessor of the most destructive force ever made. This story is both post-modern-apocalyptic scary and pee-your-pants funny. Perfect for first time visitors to Vonnegut’s amazing brain or those looking to revisit one of the great American artists. - Jason

Fates and Furies meets The Terminator! It takes a literary look at time travel, and contemplates feelings of being in love while experiencing loss. The structurally unique narrative bounces between the titular wife, an artist whose loneliness inspires angelic sculptures, and the time-traveling husband, whose journeys always lead him back to pivotal moments in her life. - Jason

This is a gut-wrenching, heart-opening memoir. As Glennon recovers from multiple addictions, and deals with her husband’s infidelity, she goes on a deep spiritual journey, and in so doing rediscovers herself and a new relationship with god. She is a living example of how to be a Christian, a mother, AND a feminist. Uplifting, and impossible to put down, my wife and I both read this book in three days. - Jason

It is rare that a short story collection wins the Pulitzer Prize in fiction, but then this is a rare collection of short stories. Elegant, beautiful and heartbreaking, these are the stories of immigrant children trying to assimilate into Western culture, and falling in love, and being flawed. This is perfect prose. You will be in awe. - Jason

Rare autobiographical stories told for the first time by a great teacher and peace activist. Those who are already keen on the teachings of the Vietnamese monk will love learning more about his formative years. In his always accessible prose, the former Ivy League lecturer writes stories that will also appeal to fans of memoir and anyone interested in Vietnam War–era history. A blend of powerful storytelling and transformative wisdom by the world’s most famous Zen master.                   —Jason

This unique collaboration documents the dialogue and friendship between two of the world’s wise men. It is a sweet and funny book that includes meditation techniques and other simple ways to have a spiritual practice in the face of life’s many obstacles. But this is not just a book for people who read “spiritual” books. It is for everyone who wants to find true happiness. I highly recommend this light and uplifting read. —Jason

Evicted tugs at your heartstrings and inspires you to want to make a difference. Matthew Desmond, a Harvard sociologist, lived in low-income neighborhoods for three years, recording this true story of people living in the slums of Milwaukee, as they struggled (and failed) to keep a roof over their heads. Evicted engages the topic of income inequality with honest reportage and real solutions to ensure that everyone has a place to call home.  —Jason

A retelling of the Holocaust through contemporary eyes, Snyder’s book presents a new thesis on Hitler’s motivations, and how it parallels current immigration and environmental issues. I would recommend Black Earth to people who like to read about war history, or to anyone interested in thinking about climate change and how it is affecting humanity. –Jason