Book Review: Defining Moments by Dr Marius Barnard

I was ten years old when I learned my first bit of medical history: the first heart transplant, which was performed in South Africa by Dr Christiaan Barnard. We were not told that his little brother played a role in this world-changing surgery as well.

A year later, Dr C. Barnard died unexpectedly. I was just eleven, and could not possibly understand everything that came to light in the media frenzy, but I did learn that he had been a ladies’ man and a difficult character. Again, I never heard anything about his little brother.

In light of this it is probably not surprising that Marius Barnard felt the need to chronicle his own life – and perhaps not surprising that a thread of bitterness was woven into the narrative.

TTT: Heavyweights

Last week with Top Ten Tuesdays we discussed the best light and fun books. Recall that it was really difficult for me. I did find some really nice suggestions on some blogs (there are light books out that that don’t feature love and bunnies! Who woulda thunk it?), but today we discuss books addressing tough subjects, and naturally this is more up my alley. I have learned that I need to learn to be a little more upbeat or risk scaring people away, but there is space in the world for serious matters. Here are my suggestions:

TTT: Lightweights

A week back in the country and settling in is harder than expected. I haven’t even read a book, because exams are all-consuming. I suppose the South African Medicines Formulary is technically a book. Anyways, this week’s TTT is about books that are light and fun. I realised while writing this that I am not a light and fun person, apparently. I think I’m an intense-book-snob or something. Here are my (very rare) recommendations for light and fun books – that is, ones that won’t break your back or your heart. They do serve a purpose. In fact, I feel like reading one right now. But I can’t.

TTT: Pick-Me-Ups

I am home! I have important exams coming up, so will get back into the swing of blogging (and talking more about Semester at Sea) E-VEN-TUALLY… for now, it’s time for a Top Ten Tuesday. I loved looking for (and in most cases, finding) bookshops in all the countries – and books were my splurge-items in all the countries. I don’t often buy books, since they’re so expensive, but here are topics and words that usually convince me to either read or buy a book.

TTT: Highly Recommended

I am back in South Africa! Only for a week, but here I am, unable to resist a quick TTT. This week’s topic is “Top Ten Books I Recommend the Most. On Semester at Sea, I constantly find myself recommending books to students, professors and other voyagers.

Top Ten Books I Resolve To Read In 2013

Guys! Happy New Year! I know that for most of us reading tends to slow down a bit over the festive season – and that’s okay, because if we are so blessed to spend it with loved ones then we should. The new year brings new resolutions, and it may not be such a bad idea to make some of those bookish. It’s good to read fun books, but it’s also good to commit to reading books that you struggle to get to.

Reading Grimm’s Tales

Today, the brothers Grimm are honoured with a Google Doodle, as seen in this YouTube clip:

Wrap-it-up: The 2012 Mixing It Up Challenge

About a year ago I signed up for my first ever bookish challenge, via Ellie at Musings of a Bookshop Girl. The idea was to diversify one’s reading prospects. It really pushed me to read more, after I finally picked up on reading. And, strangely, I was happier this year. My grades improved. I started going “out there” and having fun. I think books, like always, pushed me to do better.

Challenge length: 1 January 2012 – 31 December 2012

TTT: The Best Reads of 2012

As the year draws to a close, my reading and blogging slow down. Nothing like the festive season to remind you to relax and  spend quality time with the family. The hustle and bustle of 2013 is just around the corner.

2012 was certainly a good reading year. In January I set a goal of 20 books read, not knowing how much I could get done with school and hospital keeping me occupied. So far I have read 73. Today, along with The Broke and the Bookish, I reflect upon the very best books I read this year.

Book Review: The Last Lecture

This year I rather bravely attempted a bookish challenge, consisting of reading many different genres.

For the Philosophy category I read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.

For those of you who want to point out that this book isn’t actually philosophy, besides being philosophical… I get that now. But it was filed under philosophy and I didn’t know any better. Sigh.