Quarter-Year Check-In: Books I’ve Read So Far 2
Oh boy. The second quarter of the year flew by, and somehow, July is already coming to a close. Where does the time go?
As part of my New Year's resolution, I’ve been aiming to finish at least one book per month. So far, I’m on track. I read a bit more than one book per month last quarter, so this month I eased up a little.
Here’s what I’ve been reading:
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43615.The_Gunslinger
One of my good friends is a massive fan of this series. He recommends it with his whole heart and talks about it so passionately that I couldn’t resist. I borrowed the first two books.
Despite my respect for Stephen King, I haven’t read much of his work. It's mainly because I’m not a fan of horror, which he’s best known for. But The Gunslinger is something different. A surreal blend of western, fantasy, and sci-fi... it’s hard to pin down on one thing.
The story loops in a way almost poetic. It throws you left and right, and while it feels a bit rough around the edges, almost like it’s still figuring itself out, that’s part of the charm. You see it especially in the character of the Gunslinger, who is slowly and deliberately built up.
It starts a little slow for my liking, but once I understand the rhythm, I tore through it fairly quickly.
The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5094.The_Drawing_of_the_Three
I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first.
It picks up right where The Gunslinger leaves off and immediately throws in things like “lobstrosities” and three obviously suspicious doors. Come on. How could I not be curious?
Reading this helped me realize that the first book is really a setup for the rest of the series. The second book starts expanding the world and connecting dots. For example, one character in particular form the first book reappears, and we get a fresh perspective on the "incident" from a bit different angle. It gave me one of those satisfying "Huh" moments.
The tone also shifts slightly. It’s a bit more grounded, a bit more dynamic. I’m definitely planning to keep going with the series.
The Socrates Express (Re-read)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52756428-the-socrates-express
If someone new to philosophy asked me for a book recommendation, this would be it.
As a longtime student of philosophy, I really appreciate how Eric Weiner makes the subject feel approachable and down-to-earth. He breaks the “big brain” stereotype by connecting deep ideas to everyday experiences.
The book follows Weiner on his travels around the world as he explores questions about life, meaning, and happiness, drawing from famous thinkers along the way. He even references a 1,000-year-old Japanese author at one point. It’s personal, reflective, and incredibly readable.
This is technically a re-read (my third or fourth back-to-back, actually). I carry it when I travel and often flip to a chapter when I have a few spare minutes. I always find something new or end up thinking about something familiar in a new way. That’s why it still deserves a spot on this list.
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I’ve got a few books lined up for the next quarter, including one written entirely in French (a gift from a friend. Merci, mon ami!). August and September are shaping up to be quite busy, but I’m hopeful I’ll find time to squeeze in a few more reads.
Thanks for reading,
taq
