Monthly Reads: February

It’s a diverse bunch this month—everything from nihilist philosophy to junior high fantasy. It’s nice to break up that dense school reading with some fun adventures!

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

Genre: Non-Fiction, Editing

Thoughts: This book blew me away. It was straight-forward, helpful, and insightful. Why was I reading this book? Maybe I’ll share some of my fiction in an upcoming post…

On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche

Genre: Philosophy

Thoughts: Interesting guy, that Nietzsche. His philosophy makes perfect sense, if you accept his proposition that God doesn’t exist. Nihilism is the logical conclusion of atheism—without God, man is just another animal. That leaves us without morality, and without purpose.

Did I mention that Nietzsche went mad at the end of his life?

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan (Book one of Ranger’s Apprentice)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Thoughts: A great pick for young fantasy lovers—particularly junior-high boys. The first in a lengthy series, what I liked about this book was that the main character isn’t Superman. He’s small, scrawny, and distinctly ordinary. His deeds aren’t even all that mighty. But he ends up in the right place at the right time, and his small acts of courage make all the difference.

Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud

Genre: Psychology, Philosophy

Thoughts: In many ways, Freud is simply applying Nietzsche’s philosophy to the human psyche. An extremely observant guy, his work is descriptive where Nietzsche’s is prescriptive. Freud isn’t trying to tell us how we should reach happiness—he’s only trying to describe why we’re unhappy.

Gilded by Christina Farley

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

See my review of this book here.

Overall, my favorite book this month was definitely Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. Here’s to a page-filled March!

Question: What was the best book you read in February? Post a comment!