After
The Tyranny of Merit
Michael J. Sandel2020
- pace
- prose
- structure
- bleakness
5 of 6 directions open — nothing denser
More like it
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Unmasking Autism
Devon Price2022
A social psychologist explains the internal experience of masking and provides exercises for autistic people to live more authentically.
tense → elegiac, still nonfiction
pace0·prose0·bleak0
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I Hope We Choose Love
Kai Cheng Thom2019
A collection of personal essays and poems regarding justice, social movements, and trauma. It examines how to maintain community after harm.
tense → elegiac, still nonfiction
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Prognosis
Sarah Vallance2019
A memoir of the author's recovery after a traumatic brain injury left her with a significantly lowered IQ. She documents her struggle to relearn.
Same tense register, still nonfiction
pace0·prose0·bleak0
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1 more ↓ ↑
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Manufacturing consent
Edward S. Herman1988
This text outlines a model for how corporate and state interests shape news media. It uses case studies to show how dissent is filtered out.
Same tense register, still nonfiction
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To recover
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Modern Romance
Aziz Ansari2015
A comedian and a sociologist examine how technology and infinite choice have changed the search for a partner. It uses data and interviews.
tense → playful, still nonfiction
pace0·prose-3·bleak-2
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Redshirts
John Scalzi2012
Low-ranking crew members on a starship realize they are disposable characters in a sci-fi television show. They attempt to escape their fate.
tense → playful
pace0·prose-3·bleak-2
3 more ↓ ↑
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The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown2003
A symbologist and a cryptologist flee the police while solving puzzles hidden in art. They search for a secret regarding the Holy Grail.
tense → propulsive
pace+1·prose-3·bleak-2
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Fifty Shades of Grey
E.L. James2000
A college student enters a sexual contract with a wealthy businessman. The story focuses on their power dynamics and BDSM encounters.
tense → earnest
pace0·prose-3·bleak-2
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The Martian
Andy Weir2011
A man does arithmetic to stay alive on Mars. Problem, attempt, result, repeat.
tense → wry
pace+1·prose-3·bleak-2
Faster
- pace+1prose-3bleak-1
The Sun and Her Flowers
Rupi Kaur2017
A collection of short, illustrated poems organized into five stages of growth. It covers themes of loss, trauma, and self-healing.
tense → earnest
pace+1·prose-3·bleak-1
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Pillow Thoughts
Courtney Peppernell2016
A collection of short poems and prose pieces organized by emotional state. It focuses on themes of heartbreak, healing, and loneliness.
tense → tender
pace+1·prose-3·bleak-2
3 more ↓ ↑
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Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Neil deGrasse Tyson2017
A summary of the origin of the universe, the laws of physics, and the nature of space and time.
tense → playful
pace+1·prose-3·bleak-2
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Steal Like an Artist
Austin Kleon2012
A series of short, illustrated principles for creative work. It focuses on remixing existing ideas and establishing productive daily habits.
tense → playful
pace+1·prose-3·bleak-2
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Poke the Box
Seth Godin2011
A short manifesto encouraging readers to start projects and take initiative. It argues that the greatest risk is staying in place.
tense → earnest
pace+1·prose-3·bleak-2
Slower
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Gödel, Escher, Bach
Douglas R. Hofstadter1979
An exploration of how cognition emerges from hidden neurological patterns. It uses math, art, and music to explain self-referential systems.
tense → playful
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Either/Or
Søren Kierkegaard1992
A collection of papers presents two life philosophies: the aesthetic pursuit of pleasure and the ethical commitment to duty.
tense → meditative
pace-2·prose0·bleak-1
3 more ↓ ↑
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Confessions
Augustine of Hippo
A 4th-century bishop writes a spiritual autobiography addressed to God. He recounts his sinful youth and his eventual conversion to Christianity.
tense → meditative
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How to Read a Book
Mortimer J. Adler1940
This is a guide to active reading techniques for different genres. It outlines levels of reading from basic literacy to syntopical analysis.
tense → mysterious
pace-2·prose0·bleak-1
Heavier
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Seeing Like a State
James C. Scott1998
An analysis of how large-scale state projects fail by ignoring local knowledge. It covers forestry, city planning, and forced villagization.
tense → analytical, still politics
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We're all doing time
Bo Lozoff1985
A guide to spiritual practice and meditation specifically written for people serving time in the prison system.
tense → elegiac, still nonfiction
pace-1·prose-1·bleak+1
3 more ↓ ↑
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Mother Hunger
Kelly McDaniel2021
A counselor analyzes the psychological impact of missing maternal nurturance, protection, and guidance during infancy.
tense → elegiac, still nonfiction
pace-1·prose-1·bleak+1
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Rough Sleepers
Tracy Kidder2023
A doctor and his team provide medical care to the homeless population of Boston, navigating the limits of the healthcare system.
tense → tender, still nonfiction
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Bellevue
David M. Oshinsky2016
A chronological account of America's oldest public hospital, detailing its evolution from a colonial almshouse to a modern medical center.
tense → elegiac, still nonfiction
pace-1·prose-1·bleak+1
