BOOKS PONDERING

The 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards, determined by over 6.2 million reader votes, have recognized outstanding books across various genres. Here are some of the winners: The Wedding People Author: Alison Espach Category: Fiction  Synopsis: A young woman inadvertently crashes a lavish wedding at a Rhode Island inn, leading to unexpected twists between high drama and screwball comedy. The Women Author: Kristin Hannah Category: Historical Fiction  Synopsis: Follows Army nurse Frances 'Frankie' McGrath as she volunteers in Vietnam in 1965 and returns to a divided America, exploring the challenges faced by women during the war. The God of the Woods Author: Liz Moore  Category: Mystery & Thriller  Synopsis: Centers on a troubled teenager who goes missing from her family's summer camp, 16 years after her older brother disappeared under similar circumstances. Funny Story Author: Emily Henry  Category: Romance  Synopsis: A heartbroken librarian becomes r...

 Ten great books about positive thinking that you might find insightful:- 1."The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale - A classic that emphasizes the impact of positive thoughts on achieving happiness and success. 2."The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne - Discusses the Law of Attraction and how positive thinking can manifest desired outcomes. 3."You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay - Focuses on the power of affirmations and positive thinking in healing and personal transformation. 4."Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck - Explores the concept of growth mindset versus fixed mindset and how it affects achievement and happiness. 5."As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen - A short but powerful book that explores the connection between thoughts and circumstances in life. 6."The Magic of Thinking Big" by David J. Schwartz - Offers practical advice on thinking positively to achieve personal and professional goa...

 Failing to keep New Year’s resolutions is a common experience, and it often stems from a combination of unrealistic goal-setting, lack of planning, and challenges in maintaining motivation. Here’s why we tend to falter: 1. Unrealistic Expectations Many resolutions are overly ambitious or vague, such as "lose 20 kilos in a month" or "become a millionaire." Without a clear, realistic plan, these goals become overwhelming and unattainable. 2. Lack of Specificity Vague goals like "exercise more" or "eat healthier" lack actionable steps. Specific goals (e.g., "go to the gym three times a week" or "eat a salad with every meal") provide a clearer roadmap for success. 3. No Plan for Execution Resolutions often fail because they are aspirations without a concrete strategy. Without identifying the "how," it’s easy to lose focus. 4. Relying Solely on Motivation Motivation is fleeting. Habits require discipline and structure, w...

 Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing is a captivating fusion of fantasy, romance, and adventure that catapults readers into the rigorous and exhilarating world of Basgiath War College, where survival is a privilege, not a guarantee. The novel centers on Violet Sorrengail, a protagonist who is as vulnerable as she is determined, thrust into a deadly competition to become a dragon rider. Yarros crafts a vividly immersive world brimming with high-stakes danger, political intrigue, and the enchanting bond between humans and dragons. The dragons themselves are not just powerful creatures but complex characters with distinct personalities, elevating the story’s emotional depth. The training sequences and battles are meticulously detailed, keeping readers on edge while exploring themes of resilience, loyalty, and self-discovery. The romance subplot is a slow-burning yet fiery addition, featuring a strong and brooding love interest whose chemistry with Violet crackles with te...

Pushpa 2: The Rule is a dazzling continuation of the saga, and it takes the action and intensity of its predecessor to an entirely new level. Directed by Sukumar, the film is a masterpiece of storytelling, bolstered by breathtaking action sequences, outstanding cinematography, and a powerhouse performance by Allu Arjun. The action is relentless and exhilarating, choreographed with precision and creativity. From adrenaline-pumping chase sequences to raw hand-to-hand combat, every scene is crafted to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. The use of slow-motion shots and dynamic camera angles adds an extra layer of flair, making each punch and explosion resonate with the audience. Cinematographer Mirosław Kuba Brożek deserves special mention for capturing the rugged terrain and dark underworld of Pushpa's world. The visual aesthetic perfectly balances grit with grandeur, immersing the viewer in the protagonist's tumultuous journey. Allu Arjun delivers a stellar performance, onc...

In Stranger Things Season 5, fans can expect an intense and emotional conclusion to the series. The storyline picks up from the aftermath of Season 4's climactic events, where Vecna caused the barrier between Hawkins and the Upside Down to collapse, leaving the town in chaos. The heroes must regroup and face Vecna for one final showdown, with Will Byers playing a central role as the story circles back to the themes of the first season​ .The season will consist of eight episodes, described as "basically eight movies," with significant plot developments and big reveals early on. Episode titles, such as The Crawl and The Rightside Up , hint at a deeper exploration of the Upside Down and its mysteries. There are also indications of time travel playing a role, with the Upside Down being stuck in 1983 and a possible time jump to 1989​ The cast includes returning stars like Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), and Sadie Sink (Max), alongside new faces such as Lin...