From Everything is Tuberculosis to Source Code by Bill Gates I will be breaking down some of your favorite non-fiction books so far this year. We have had some big releases from icons like Tina Knowles, Bill Gates and even Jeremy Renner. We haven't been left starving this year and that's so fabulous. There's always something cooking somewhere and here you will learn about them. Some you have read through a friend who suggested it to you while others may not be popular but they are worth your time. I only doubled down on reading non-fiction this year and I've got to say I have no regrets...yet. I mentioned that we have books here written by icons, public figures but I didn't mention the fact that public figures were also written about by others and that is where we will start off from. And yes they are all available in bookstores both physical and online so happy reading.
John and Paul: A love story in songs
Paul McCartney emerges from the recording studio in which he has been working all day to face a group of reporters holding microphones toward him under blinding lights. They ask for his reaction to John Lennon’s murder, the night before. McCartney is chewing gum. His answers are short, laconic. “Er1, very shocked, you know. It’s terrible news.”
“How did you find out about it?”
“I got a phone call this morning.”
“From whom?”
“From a friend of mine.”
“Are you planning to go over for the funeral?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Have you discussed the death with any of the other Beatles?”
“No.”
“Do you plan to?”
“Probably, yeah.”
“What were you recording today?”
“I was just listening to some stuff, you know, I just didn’t want to sit at home.”
“Why?”
McCartney visibly loses patience. “I didn’t feel like it.”
The reporters run out of new questions.
“It’s a drag, isn’t it? Okay, cheers,” McCartney says, and makes for his car.
John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs by Ian Leslie offers a profound exploration of the creative and emotional partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Rather than following a traditional biographical approach, Leslie examines their relationship through the lens of 43 Beatles songs, each serving as a chapter that reflects pivotal moments in their bond. This innovative structure allows readers to experience the evolution of their friendship, collaboration, and eventual estrangement.(ft.com, beatlesmagazine.com)
Key Takeaways:
Intimate Collaboration: Leslie portrays Lennon and McCartney as more than just bandmates; they were deeply connected, with their music serving as a vessel for their shared experiences and emotions. Their partnership was characterized by mutual dependency, creative synergy, and a complex emotional bond.
Psychological Depth: The book delves into the psychological complexities of their relationship, highlighting how personal traumas and insecurities influenced their music and interactions. Leslie draws on psychological insights to analyze their dynamic, offering a nuanced understanding of their personalities and creative processes.
Deconstructing Myths: Leslie challenges the oversimplified "John vs. Paul" narrative, presenting a more balanced view that acknowledges the strengths and vulnerabilities of both individuals. He examines how external factors, such as media portrayals and personal circumstances, shaped public perceptions of their relationship.(beatlesmagazine.com)
Emotional Resonance: The book emphasizes the emotional depth of their music, illustrating how songs like "Here Today" and "Yer Blues" reflect their personal struggles and the complexities of their bond. Leslie's analysis highlights the profound connection between their personal lives and their artistic output.(publishersweekly.com, beatlesmagazine.com)
Cultural Impact: John & Paul underscores the lasting influence of Lennon and McCartney's partnership on music and culture. By examining their relationship through their songs, Leslie provides insights into how their collaboration shaped the landscape of popular music and continues to resonate with audiences.
In summary, Ian Leslie's John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs offers a compelling and introspective look at the intertwined lives and music of two of the most influential figures in rock history. Through a song-centric narrative, Leslie provides a fresh perspective on their relationship, revealing the depth of their connection and the enduring impact of their collaborative work.
EVERYTHING IS TUBERCULOSIS by John Green.
In this 208-page work, Green delves into the history and persistence of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that, despite being curable and preventable, remains the world's deadliest infectious disease, claiming over a million lives annually. The narrative is anchored in Green's personal encounter with Henry Reider, a young TB patient he met in 2019 at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone. Their friendship became the catalyst for Green's deep dive into the global health crisis of TB.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Humanizing the Crisis: Green intertwines Henry's story with the broader historical and social contexts of TB, highlighting how the disease is not merely a medical issue but a reflection of systemic inequities, including poverty, racism, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Advocacy Through Action: Beyond storytelling, the book serves as a call to action. Green uses his platform to advocate for increased access to TB treatment, challenging pharmaceutical companies and governments to address the disparities in healthcare that perpetuate the TB crisis.
Educational Approach: True to his background with Crash Course, Green presents complex medical and historical information in an accessible and engaging manner, making the topic approachable for a wide audience..
HOPE: The Autobiography
The autobiography begins in the early 20th century, detailing Pope Francis’s Italian roots and his ancestors’ courageous migration to Latin America. It continues through his childhood in Buenos Aires, his youth, his vocation, adult life, and the entirety of his papacy up to the present day. The book reflects on significant global events and discusses personal passions such as football and tango.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Personal Reflections: Pope Francis provides candid insights into his life, including moments of regret and self-assessment. He discusses decisions he made and actions he took, offering an honest evaluation of his past.
Controversial Topics: The autobiography addresses some of the most important and controversial questions of our present times, including war and peace, migration, environmental crises, social policy, the position of women, sexuality, technological developments, and the future of the Church and religion in general. penguin.co.uk+6penguin.co.uk+6barnesandnoble.com+6
Legacy of Hope: Hope serves as a touching moral and spiritual testament, representing Pope Francis’s legacy of hope for future generations. It aims to inspire readers worldwide with its powerful and intimate narrative.
MARK TWAIN by Roy Chernow.
Born in 1835 in Missouri, Twain's early life was shaped by his experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River, which later influenced his writing. His literary career took off with works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which addressed themes of race, identity, and social justice. Chernow explores Twain's complex character, highlighting his contradictions and the challenges he faced, including financial troubles, personal tragedies, and evolving views on race and society.
Key Takeaways
Complex Character: Twain was not just a humorist but a man of deep contradictions, grappling with personal flaws and societal issues.
Financial Struggles: Despite his literary success, Twain faced significant financial challenges due to poor investments and business ventures.
Evolving Views on Race: His works reflect a complex relationship with race, showcasing both progressive and problematic elements.
SOURCE CODE: My Beginnings by Bill Gates
Source Code provides a candid narrative of Gates' childhood in Seattle, his academic journey, and the inception of Microsoft. It highlights his early passion for computing, the formation of the Lakeside Programming Group with Paul Allen, and the challenges he faced during his youth. Gates reflects on personal experiences, including the impact of his best friend Kent Evans' sudden death and his struggles with social interactions, which he attributes to traits consistent with autism spectrum disorder.
Early Influences: Gates discusses the significant role of his family, particularly his principled grandmother and ambitious parents, in shaping his character and ambitions.
Academic and Social Challenges: He shares insights into his academic pursuits and the social challenges he encountered, providing a nuanced understanding of his personality and development.
Technological Vision: The memoir details his early engagement with computing, emphasizing his foresight in recognizing the potential of software and programming.
MATRIARCH: A MEMOIR by Tina Knowles
In Matriarch, Tina Knowles reflects on her life, from her early years in the 1950s South to her experiences raising two globally recognized daughters. The memoir provides insights into her personal struggles, including a challenging marriage, health battles, and the complexities of fame. Knowles emphasizes themes of Black pride, resilience, and the importance of understanding one's heritage.
Key Takeaways
Early Life and Family: Raised in a close-knit, musically inclined family, Knowles was deeply influenced by her mother's teachings and the community's support.
Motherhood and Legacy: The memoir highlights Knowles' role in nurturing her daughters' talents and guiding them through the challenges of the entertainment industry.
Personal Growth: Knowles discusses her journey of self-discovery, including her experiences with therapy and the lessons learned from her past