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A very large, in-depth review of the course of all philosophy. I very much appreciated the chronological order, as it showed how thought progressed over the years and what the beliefs were. Got lost towards the backend of the book, analytical philosophy seemed a bit too nuanced for me to follow or even care about really. A lot of information in here so was hard to absorb, however, especially the latter half, I felt like I was reading just for the sake of reading it, just to have accomplished reading the book. But isn’t that the whole point of reading? What place does reading have in society? Is society a good thing? Am I a philosopher now? Author: A. C. Grayling 

An interesting non-fiction book that is filled with a bunch of insights of the complexities and importance of our senses and how it can influence and affect our day. Most of the information is cool but kind of useless, like how red walls increase efficiency at work and smelling lavender makes you hungry (made second one up but stuff like that). It does reinforce the importance of all the difference senses in everyday life, and I have taken some nuggets of info with me, like sleeping with the blinds open so you can wake naturally from the sun in the morning. I have been feeling less lethargic on a wakeup from this. A problem I have with the book was how it was written. All the evidence that backs up the claims seem unimportant and unreliable. Like the colour blue makes people calmer because one study at some university said so? A lot of the information can be easily manipulated from them. Biggest take away for me is the importance of smell in the everyday, for food but also impressions ...

A very confronting and impactful read. Even after all the things I’ve seen and heard about the Holocaust and all the devastation to the Jewish people, this first-hand experience was still so eye-opening. There’s nothing new for me to add, but it really does astound me the lengths the Nazi’s went to to torment other human beings. Sleeping in the freezing cold naked, being sent to your death, slave labour it’s ridiculous. Eddi was one of the fortunate ones to survive and tell his story, and I really do appreciate his message of positivity, as he says being happy is so important. Also highlights the importance of friendships. Very insightful read and I really recommend to give it a go. Author: Eddie Jaku

This is written by a close family friend of ours, but even without that bias, it is a very informative read. She delves into her therapy sessions and her personal experiences, but as a reader I was not only ‘entertained’ but I was educated quite a bit. It was like a case study but less formal. I was explaining it to someone like a self-help book, but it doesn’t have the same format at all as a self-help book yet I learnt more from this than other ‘self-help books’. I love and respect how vulnerable she gets in this, and as someone with an interest in psychology this book was a great read. A bit directionless at times, but made it work and enjoyed throughout. It is a great advocate for therapy, definitely humanises therapy to those who are averse to it. Author: Jamie Maserow

Myelin, talent is an achievable skill rather than something that is natural or inherited, which is common belief. It seems talent is natural because the process of gaining a talent is very natural, tapping into an individuals interest (ignition) and making it challenging to foster improvement and further cement the talent into its brain. Myelin is the nerve covering that maintains skill acquisition.  Deep practice, really getting into a fluid state where learning is accelerated. Big emphasis on coaching and teachers and how these can heavily influence the development of a skill/talent. Interesting anecdotes: - Futsal used to accelerate learning for soccer (Brasil) - KIPP learning students being taught stricter and harsher - John Wooden, less words for more meaning has more impact for learning

A very solid and introspective read. It is quite short and brief written in a sporadic poetic form, however within the minimal delivery it offers some fantastic philosophies, insight and intricacies into 'warfare' that is applicable to any conflict or competitive scenario where you are trying to best another. Plenty of great quotes and ideas that I have and will incorporate into my own life with basketball and coaching, great to forming a team identity. Would honestly say an essential read for anyone looking to be a coach or leading a team.  Author: Sun Tzu

A very informative read, really deep dives into the complexities of trauma and the effects it can have on the individual as well as those around them. Lots of great insight with an overarching message/theme that is saying that all of these people that experience trauma harbour these memories and emotions within themselves, and shows a healthy way to deal with these through care, affection and therapy. This allows those who have experienced trauma to learn how to come to terms with what has happened, instead of the alternative of medicating and taking pills to essentially suppress the trauma.   I took a lot away from this book, especially how most antisocial/atypical aggressive behaviour can be attributed to some past trauma. Also, the importance of a healthy upbringing and how bad experiences in these formative years can affect an individual for life (a parent or elder causing extreme harm can lead to trust issues with others later on, lack of attention when younger leads to f...