Category: Little Sparks

Sep 23  –  Sep 29, 2024 | Little Sparks #71

TemidayoLeave a comment

Greetings!

How do I even begin describing this week? It was different from other weeks in that I had my year review. It was lovely to reflect on the past year – what I did and wasn’t able to do, and to hear feedback from folks. We could all benefit from such input at more constant intervals in our lives.

Here’s my reading highlight:

How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
3 stars

It took me a really, really long time to finish this book, and it wasn’t because it was long (I’ve finished longer books much quicker). Some scenes triggered me, but I continued to read the book because I wanted to get through the emotional state it put me in.  At the end of the novel, it is clear that Sinclair is compassionate and has much grace.

A moment brought me to tears – Safiya and her mom’s excitement that she could afford to attend university. I could feel the joy and relief.  

My favourite quote from the book was, “Remember how I twist WordsWorth’s “emotion recollected in tranquillity” into a more modern statement: “trauma remembered and revisited from a place of safety”? That place of safety – you may not yet have that.” As someone who has tried writing a memoir before, I find this quote resonated with me and gave me much peace.

Sep 16  –  Sep 22, 2024 | Little Sparks #70

TemidayoLeave a comment

Hi there!

I spent most of this week re-reading fantasy novels and only picked up one new short story.

Here’s my reading highlight:

The Dead Harlequin by Agatha Christie
3 stars

I stumbled upon this book in my e-library and picked it up, later learning that it’s part of a series of short stories.

Many of Agatha Christie’s novels seem to revolve around – the detective and relevant parties – sitting at the dining table to solve a crime. There’s something nostalgic about reading books with this plot, especially growing up watching Agatha Christie movies.

With regard to this particular book, while the plot was interesting, it felt incomplete.

Sep 9  –  Sep 15, 2024 | Little Sparks #69

TemidayoLeave a comment

Hello!

I spent this week trying to fix my sleep schedule, and fortunately, I succeeded. As such, work has been relatively smooth sailing—the wonder of a good night’s rest.

Here’s my reading highlight:

Revolting Rhymes & Dirty Beasts by Roald Dahl
3 stars

This week’s highlight was short and whimsical, with two books in one. The collection contained only a few stories that didn’t revolve around humans; thus, I felt the collection would have been better aligned if it had been just those stories.

Sep 2 –  Sep 8, 2024 | Little Sparks #68

TemidayoLeave a comment

Hi there!

This weekend was restorative. It’s been a stressful few weeks, so it was nice to relax.

Here’s my reading highlight:

The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
4 stars

I’m glad I picked up this book, especially as I’ve been experiencing some burnout for several weeks.

It allowed me to reflect on the notion that everybody has a purpose in this world, and we often feel physical and mental anguish when our souls aren’t allowed to practice that purpose.

I recommend listening to this book as Oprah narrates it. The lessons from other folks—scholars, celebrities, religious and spiritual leaders—incorporated throughout the book are shared in their own voices. 

Aug 26 –  Sep 1, 2024 | Little Sparks #67

TemidayoLeave a comment

Greetings!

The sun is out this long weekend and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

I watched A Place Called Silence this weekend. It was nice to see a Chinese thriller in the theatres, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver. I correctly guessed the killer right at the beginning (it was too obvious).

Here’s my reading highlight:

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
3 stars

I didn’t understand why graduate school was part of the plot for both characters. We could have done without them knowing each other then, especially since it felt unbelievable that they lived together for two years but had little to no interactions. 

There was great commentary on wealth. What does it mean to grow up in a rich family, what does it mean to live with excess and overconsume, and how does money taint relationships? This commentary and Anna’s likeability are why I gave the novel 3 stars.

Aug 19 –  Aug 25, 2024 | Little Sparks #66

TemidayoLeave a comment

Hello!

This weekend was one of the most eventful ones yet. I went to two block parties in town, and it was lovely being outside with the community. It felt like folks were doing one last big celebration before the end of summer.

I also had a lovely BBQ and picnic with friends at a park nearby. The sun was out and bright, a lovely change from a rather gloomy week.

Here’s my reading highlight:

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss
4 stars

Chris did a great job of highlighting how hostage negotiation techniques can be used in the business world. The book needs to be read multiple times and treated as a handbook to leverage the tools.

Here are my takeaways:

  • Negotiation is not just a logical process but is deeply rooted in emotional intelligence
  • Be a Mirror: Focuses on active listening and mirroring, where repeating the last few words the other person says encourages them to reveal more information and feel understood
  • Don’t Feel Their Pain, Label It: Emphasizes labelling emotions to validate the other party’s feelings, which can help diffuse negative emotions and build rapport
  • Fairness is subjective and often used manipulatively in negotiations. Instead, use tactical empathy to define and shape what “fair” means in the context of your negotiation
  • The Power of “No”: Hearing “no” is not the end of a negotiation, but rather the beginning. It can help to clarify the other party’s needs and concerns, creating space for a more meaningful discussion
  • Using terms like “How am I supposed to do that?” encourages the other party to reconsider their demands
  • By asking calibrated, open-ended questions like “What” and “How,” you give the other party the illusion of control while subtly guiding the negotiation towards your desired outcome.
  • Utilise the Ackerman model for bargaining: setting a target price, offering an initial amount at 65% of the target, then using increments of increasing precision (85%, 95%) until reaching the final offer at 100%
  • Bargain hard
  • Preparation is key to successful negotiation
  • Uncover “Black Swans” – hidden pieces of information, that can dramatically alter the outcome of a negotiation

Aug 12 –  Aug 18, 2024 | Little Sparks #65

TemidayoLeave a comment

Hi there!

Unfortunately, the weather started to change this week and become colder. I’m grasping onto summer. This week’s highlight was catching up with friends over a hot meal.

Here’s my reading highlight:

The Hitchhiker by Roald Dahl
3 stars

This week’s reading highlight is a short story by Roald Dahl. This book caters to an older audience, which differs from the type of Roald Dahl books I’ve read this year.

The story centres around a hitchhiker who’s a ‘fingersmith’ – a pickpocketer at the top of his ‘trade’ who argues he’s as talented as any locksmith or blacksmith. It was engaging, and the surprise ending made it even better.

Aug 5 –  Aug 11, 2024 | Little Sparks #64

TemidayoLeave a comment

Hello!

I’ll be doing as much as possible this August to enjoy the last few weeks of summer.  As such, this week, I spent time by the lake.

Here’s my reading highlight:

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
5 stars

This was a powerful piece of work, and I learned a lot.

As a student of history, I learned history doesn’t repeat itself, but I was unable to explain the familiarity of historical moments eloquently. Timothy was able to articulate this well with the quotes:

  • “History does not repeat, but it does instruct.”
  • “History can familiarize, and it can warn.”

The essay examined the 2016 elections and the elements of tyranny in the winning U.S. president’s campaign and presidency. It was refreshing that this was done without naming the candidates, removing the name-picking aspect that many may have used to undermine the essay.

“History allows us to see patterns and make judgments. History permits us to be responsible: not for everything, but for something.” Here are the twenty lessons from the book:

  • Do not obey in advance.
  • Defend institutions.
  • Beware the one-party state.
  • Take responsibility for the face of the world.
  • Be wary of paramilitaries.
  • Be reflective if you must be armed.
  • Stand out.
  • Be kind to our language.
  • Believe in truth.
  • Investigate.
  • Make eye contact and small talk.
  • Practice corporeal politics.
  • Establish a private life.
  • Contribute to good causes.
  • Learn from peers in other countries.
  • Listen for dangerous words.
  • Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.
  • Be a patriot.
  • Be as courageous as you can.

Jul 29 –  Aug 4, 2024 | Little Sparks #63

TemidayoLeave a comment

Greetings!

A new month is upon us!

Here’s my reading highlight:

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
3 stars

This book was definitely better than I was expecting. It had all the ingredients of books that I’m not often intrigued by – climate fiction, science fiction and short stories.

The narrative felt a little too close to home, especially after the epidemic—of which we are still experiencing the effects—and the ongoing climate crisis. The manner in which characters flowed in and out of each ‘short story’ to create the full narrative over hundreds of years was brilliant. It highlighted the gravity of the Arctic plague. Nevertheless, the story was full of hope, and it did a great job of depicting humans’ resilience and adaptability.

Jul 22 – 28, 2024 | Little Sparks #62

TemidayoLeave a comment

Hi friends!

There is an inverse correlation between my productivity during the week and the weekend. As such, this weekend was one of rest and relaxation.

Here’s my reading highlight:

Funny Story by Emily Henry
4 stars

I’m glad I gave Emily Henry another shot cause this was much better than Book Lovers!

It was realistic – the conflict, the resolution, the mistakes made by the lead characters, and the experiences of the side characters. I also really loved the ending where we see Daphne put herself first.