What is your favorite book?

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My fav is "Ward No. 6" — a mirror of human cruelty and indifference!

Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, in his novella "Ward No. 6," shows how thin the line is between the "normal" and the "insane" world. The main character, Dr. Ragin, tries to philosophize about life, forgetting about compassion for the sick. But fate quickly switches roles: the observer becomes the observed.

This work is not just about psychiatry — it's about society’s indifference and the pain of those who are forgotten and unheard. And the scariest part is that the story remains just as relevant today.

An easy read, but the aftertaste stays with you for a long time. You can read it here (p. 298)! https://zelluloza.ru/books/19778-Polnoe_sobranie_sochineniy_v_tridcati_tomah_Tom_8_Rasskazy,_povesti_1892-1894-Anton_Pavlovich_Chehov/

I guess Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle anf ADIO PEPPI Nieuwe avontuten uit Roemenië by Janneke Vos are 2 of my favourits.

My favorite book at the moment is Norwegian Wood by Murakami. At first I thought it was boring, but gradually I got into it and it turned out to be amazing. True, a lot depends on the translation, the first time I read it from the Internet - and the translation was wonderful. Then I bought it in paper form, the translator is different, the translation is also good, but without shine compared to the first version I read.
And I really liked the book itself, although all the characters are strange of course, but that's how I am. The main thing with Murakami is that the book is without mysticism - then it turns out good, but add mysticism - and you don't want to read it anymore.

I like kids books because theyre easy to read,have nice colors and are nice sensory wise (i have autism)

De kleur van honing

My favorite book is "Master and Margarita" by Bulgakov. When you pick it up and open the cover, it gives you the feeling that you are not reading a book, but watching a play that includes fantasy elements that you cannot take your eyes off. In my opinion this book is what comes out of "Gogol's overcoat". Perhaps, in one sense it is an early example of magical realism. In another sense it is a delightful social-political satire, in another sense it is like a laugh that tears apart the most boring and sterile form of the social realism movement. The Master and Margarita is by no means a one-dimensional satire. As a writer, Bulgakov also slams real literature and the ossified literary parties and clubs that oppose it, revealing his authorial anxiety. The magical, irrational world of the devil and his cronies, the historical world of Jesus and the Moscow of the 1930s... In our story that moves between these three worlds and three different perceptions, Bulgakov masterfully twists and turns the perception of reality and history, as well as the universal opposition of good and evil. He takes them all very seriously and makes them an issue at the same time, and he also makes them lighthearted to the end, and laughs mercilessly in their faces. Mikhail Bulgakov's greatest achievement as a writer is that he created a universal story from the social criticism he directed at the period he lived in. It is not something to be ignored.

My favorite book is "Master and Margarita" by Bulgakov. When you pick it up and open the cover, it gives you the feeling that you are not reading a book, but watching a play that includes fantasy elements that you cannot take your eyes off. In my opinion this book is what comes out of "Gogol's overcoat". Perhaps, in one sense it is an early example of magical realism. In another sense it is a delightful social-political satire, in another sense it is like a laugh that tears apart the most boring and sterile form of the social realism movement. The Master and Margarita is by no means a one-dimensional satire. As a writer, Bulgakov also slams real literature and the ossified literary parties and clubs that oppose it, revealing his authorial anxiety. The magical, irrational world of the devil and his cronies, the historical world of Jesus and the Moscow of the 1930s... In our story that moves between these three worlds and three different perceptions, Bulgakov masterfully twists and turns the perception of reality and history, as well as the universal opposition of good and evil. He takes them all very seriously and makes them an issue at the same time, and he also makes them lighthearted to the end, and laughs mercilessly in their faces. Mikhail Bulgakov's greatest achievement as a writer is that he created a universal story from the social criticism he directed at the period he lived in. It is not something to be ignored.

It is very nice to read what you wrote about that book @diogenes_cask!! Can i ask what you mean with magical realism? I heard about realism for paintings. But i dont know what you mean exactly for books. Sorry if the question is smt that everybody knows. Do you think everybody can read that book or do you need to know a LOTTT about Russia and history?

It is very nice to read what you wrote about that book @diogenes_cask!! Can i ask what you mean with magical realism? I heard about realism for paintings. But i dont know what you mean exactly for books. Sorry if the question is smt that everybody knows. Do you think everybody can read that book or do you need to know a LOTTT about Russia and history?

In literature, Magical Realism is a genre of fiction which depicts a setting rooted in realism, but which has elements of fantasy. In other words, the world in which the story takes place is almost entirely identical to ours, but one or a few other worldly beings or traits are added to the mix. The genre can help depict unspeakable tragedies and traumas through allegories and allusions. If you have a fundamental knowledge in Soviet society, then you can easily notice fair amount of sharp satirical parts in the book. If not, you can still enjoy the book. That's the magic in the book.

Thank you very much!! We learned some things about Russia like for example the Russian Revolution and communism of course. And how the Sovjet changed to Russia and a lot of separate countries. But i am not sure i know what that writer talks about. But i will try to see if they have the book in our library in Dutch. 🙂

A fascinating read remains Dante Alighieri’s magnum opus ‘La Divina Commedia’. At home I have the illustrated version with magnificent contributions of Gustave Dore. It seems that those active in finance transactions should be mindful of eternal despair in the 7th ring of Dante’s Inferno. Lending against interest was perceived by Dante as a sin against nature on par with blasphemy and sodomy. Lawyers active in international finance are likely deemed to be accomplices in such sinful behaviour. Perhaps a nice revelation for my colleagues tomorrow in the coffee corner.


Books of contemporary authors that serve as intellectual nourishment, a grand adventure and outright entertainment include the works of Peter Frankopan. Books on the Ancient and Modern Silk Roads illuminate parts of the world which remain mysteriously unknown to large crowds of inhabitants elsewhere on this globe. Recommended as a summer read!

Try reading "Notes of a young doctor" by the same author. I really liked it.

My favorite book is "Master and Margarita" by Bulgakov.

Try reading "Notes of a young doctor" by the same author. I really liked it.

Indeed, it was another awesome option to read. I equally enjoyed reading "Heart of a Dog" and "A Young Doctor's Notebook". I can claim that his ink contains full dose of literal magic. Thanks for the recommendation though.