Hi! Welcome to Vastela Bookclub Recommendations. In these pages, I will try to summarize our book recommendations dating back to 2023, when we first started hosting a weekly bookclub on Mondays @ 7 pm. These recommendations come from our book club attendees—people from all cultures and interested in all types of books. Therefore, you will find a variety of old and new books, originally published in any language, ranging from fiction to non-fiction. Hope you enjoy our recommendations as I try to do my best to recall what our bookclub attendees said about all these books!
Unattainable & Unbreakable by Milosh Zezelj - This is a special recommendation because we had the pleasure of welcoming Milosh to the bookclub where he presented his books to us and spoke a little bit about his journey as a writer. Recommended to fans of fantasy, especially of Twilight, that want to support a local author.
Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton - It is very suiting of the name of the book for me to be very honest here: I don't remember discussing this one. According to Dr. Blanton, who is an expert on stress management, the lies we tell ourselves and others increase our stress levels and damage our health. In this book, the author explores that premise and clarifies how to escape that jail of the mind. Recommended for people looking to reflect on the power of truth and looking for self-development.
Breath by James Nestor - This book is what we could consider popular science, and unlike the author of the previous book, Nestor is a journalist and, therefore, provides us in the book many of the references he has used to write the book, alongside many experiments led by himself. Nestor highlights with engaging storytelling (which has not been appreciated by other bookclub members as they wished that information was provided more straight forward) the importance of nose breathing. Highly recommended for people who enjoy expanding their knowledge of health and enjoy fun facts and history.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover - Ever since this bookclub, a lot has change about my knowledge regarding this book. I have personally never read any Colleen Hoover but got roped in the drama surrounding the film, which was released this year. Hoover's book is a romantic novel that covers topics of domestic violence and is intended to give us a hopeful perspective regarding escaping toxic relationships. The author has been opened about the book being inspired by personal events. Nevertheless, this book is recommended to fans of romance, that are looking for a light and not too psychologically deep story of domestic violence.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt - This is a story of an unlikely friendship and how that can help cope with loss. If you enjoy a little magical realism, like a quirky story and want some topics of loss, coping with grief and friendship, this debut novel is for you. Also: if you have watched My Octopus Teacher and are starving for more octopus - here you go!
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis - So you have watched American Psycho and now you are thinking "Should I read the book?". Well... According to our bookclub member, only if you are looking for a really disturbing read. Very graphically violent and misogynistic the book is about a psychopath - but can you stomach it and dig deeper in its meaning?
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini - This is the story of a teenager and the people he meets after being admitted in psychiatric hospital. At the time of publication, the book was based on the experiences of the author who had himself spent some time in such an institution. However, since its publication Vizzini has tragically taken his own life. It is hard to recommend this book because of its significance which make it a really tough read. Please be very aware that the book contains suicidal ideation and severe mental health issues.
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff - Finishing this set of recommendations, is a less heavy book. I mean... it's about killing your no-good husbands but in a funny way (?). Our protagonist's husband has disappeared and everyone thinks she has done it. So much so that other women come to ask her for help getting rid of their own husbands. This is a darkly humorous and socially critical novel that approaches topics of marriage and oppression in Indian culture. Recommended to people that want to learn about Indian culture, reflect on domestic violence and oppression without getting too heavy due to the female friendships it contains.
with much love from your only Zürich-based second-hand bookstore,
Ana