Power & Politics • Beyond the Center • In my own Words
In my mind, almost every book touches on a greater theme. And sometimes, we go through phases in life where one of these themes resonates more deeply than others. That’s why I’ve also categorized the books presented in the newsletter by what I believe to be their overarching theme.
For some books, the theme may seem obvious — for others, less so. In those cases, I’ve taken the liberty to decide based on my own perspective and interpretation of the story.
What I call a book’s theme is the central question I believe that piece of literature seeks to explore. It’s not the same as genre. While genre tends to describe the type or style of a story, a theme speaks to its deeper message.
Feel free to follow the thread that feels most relevant to you. Let the story — not the genre — speak for itself.
Happy discovering!
Power & Politics
- The Emperor Series by Conn Iggulden: The story of Gaius Julius Caesar from his perspective. We follow him through military successes abroad and see him ascend to great political power. Even though we get to meet him as a human-being, for me this is still a story about power (both military and political).
Beyond the Center
- Fools Crow by James Welch: A coming-of-age story set in the late 19th century, told through the eyes of White Man’s Dog, a young Pikuni warrior. We witness the strength and cohesion of Blackfeet life just before it’s disrupted by white expansion. While the novel is full of dreams, rituals, and community life, for me this is ultimately a story about cultural resilience on the edge of empire—quiet, steady, and deeply rooted.
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi: From the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle to the streets of modern America, this novel traces the fractured lines of a family shaped by slavery, silence, and survival. Each chapter offers a glimpse into a life, a moment, a generation — quietly revealing how history lives on in the body, the memory, and the questions we inherit. A powerful reminder that history isn’t something we look at — it’s something we carry.
In my own Words
- Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden: Through Memoirs of a Geisha, we step into Kyoto’s elusive Willow World — a place of beauty, discipline, and transformation. Beneath the elegance lies a debate over cultural authenticity, as Arthur Golden’s portrayal continues to enchant some and unsettle others.
