When I was 12 years old, my parents bought me a TK90X, a Brazilian ZX Spectrum 8-bit home computer clone that came with a thick manual teaching the syntax for the BASIC language with sample programs. I remember that when they gave me the computer as a gift, we were in the process of traveling for a competition, my dad at the time being a professional supercross competitor. The day I got the computer, once I overcame the magical thrill of knowing that I had my own personal computer that I could just plug into the back of a TV and start playing with, I immediately proceeded to turn it on and was welcomed by a very anticlimactic black …

It was with a bit of trepidation that I started this book, being that there was a lot of hype about it and the assumptions I had made from this hype and what the 'Zen' part of its title implied. My concern being that I didn't want to set myself for disappointment if the book didn't live up to the (very) high expectations I had. I must say, this book is very dense and it was not an easy read.

As a younger boy in Brazil, I absolutely loved comic books! I vividly remember waiting for my turn to read a freshly bought, pages-still-crisp, fresh-off-the-magazine-stand edition of “Turma da Mônica”1 by the Brazilian cartoonist Mauricio de Sousa2. Often, I would wait for one of my parents to come home with it so that I could be the first to enjoy it while lightly teasing my sisters as they waited their turn.

I laughed so much while reading “Snow Crash” and couldn’t believe it took me so long to get to it. The book is packed with outrageous scenarios, clever dialogue, and biting satire that had me laughing out loud frequently. It is probably not for the easily offended or faint of heart, as it tackles some edgy themes and language, but I promise that this book is laugh-out-loud funny and well worth the time to read. Stephenson’s irreverent take on a dystopian future and his knack for blending humor with high-stakes action kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish.

"I just saved your fucking life, Mom. . . . You could at least …

“The Obstacle is the Way” was the book that introduced me to Stoicism and perhaps is responsible for bringing this ancient philosophy to a new generation. I have recommended it multiple times and referred to it whenever I am giving friends and family advice about their personal or work-related challenges, as well as for my own day-to-day challenges. Holiday’s ability to distill Stoic principles into practical advice has been invaluable in helping me and those around me navigate obstacles with a more positive and resilient outlook.

"We forget: In life, it doesn’t matter what happens to you or where you came from. It matters …

"The Grapes of Wrath" is a powerful and timeless novel that offers a profound look into the human spirit and the enduring struggle for dignity and justice. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a poignant, thought-provoking read that remains relevant to this day. It’s a literary journey that will leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, my very first Steinbeck¹! His description of human plight against the adversities that life, real life, threw at the Joads and their many failures and small successes was as close to the real world as you can get. His description …