Death by Choc-Lit (Summer 2018): Book 4

[KeithLeMonde]

Discussion thread for group 2, book 4

[Etihad]

This is the book I have chosen. I wasn’t sure if it was ok to put non-fiction in, but thought it may make a change. It’s the first book I read when I started reading again after a break of many years.

I like how it covers a wide range of subjects, in a slightly cynical yet still informative way. I went on to read about some of them in more detail, and love the Stoic way of viewing things.

[yaela123]

Hi! I have received this book and so far I really like it. I am only a few pages in but I am liking the tone and style. As someone who is definitely cynical of a lot of self-help/positive thinking-y stuff, I'm looking forward to getting more deeply into the book. It's also nice to read something non-fiction but not work-related for once

Thank you for the chocolate too - good choice!

[yaela123]

I have finished the book - well a few days ago now - and thought I should post my thoughts. I found some bits very interesting, eg. the stuff about death and failure (lighthearted much?) and I enjoyed the little stories and anecdotes. However, I did find some of it a bit more tedious/repetitive and found myself skimming a little. I think it is probably a good book for dipping in and out of rather than reading straight through. Whilst it is not life-changing, there are a few attitudes that I think are good to remember in difficult or frustrating situations in everyday life

[clairethewitch70]

I read this one. Really enjoyed the stories but found the self help stuff not to my taste. I am a think positive type and struggle to think how negative thinking can be helpful. I enjoyed it though. I like to read lots of different things.

[KeithLeMonde]

Thanks Etihad, I was glad to have a non-fiction book to read this month, and this one was a good thought-provoking one.

I really enjoyed the earlier chapters about the Stoics and Buddhism. I read Ruth Ozeki's book A Tale for the Time Being earlier this year, in which one of the characters is a Buddhist nun, and the way she thought about things really interested me. I was very inspired to give meditation a try after reading about Burkeman's experiences at the retreat - I struggle massively with brain chatter and would love to find a way to detach myself from it!

Some of the later chapters, where it got rather more esoteric, were more of a challenge, although interesting. And I wish he'd written more about death, as I think there was a lot more to be said (read this recently which really made me think about how I use my time: disidealist.wordpress.com/2018/11/10/regrets-ive-had-quite-a-lot-actually/ )

So definite thumbs up from me - interesting and original, and made me think a lot.

[yaela123]

Thank you for sharing that article Keith, it was really interesting

[Chewbecca]

I am struggling to get started on this book... it is so unappealing to me. Have read the first few pages a few times but then put it down again. Came to this thread for motivation & it seems you would recommend I persevere...

[Chewbecca]

I've now posted this book on... without reading it. Sorry, just couldn't drum up an ounce of enthusiasm for it.