What book is everyone reading at the moment? Part 2.

[LSSBB]

Just finished The Radiance by Ayad Akhtar. I really recommend it an interesting balance of psychiatry, neurology and spirituality all wrapped in meta type story structure of autofiction about teaching autofiction. Doesn't pull punches about both progressive and reactionary extremism.

Now working on Anathem by Neal Stephenson. Really good so far, reminds me a lot A Canticle for Liebowitz, and was probably influenced by it.

Based on a tip in Reddit, I have The Bead Game by Herman Hesse lined up, because it may have also influenced  Anathem. I've already read Siddhartha. Funny, Anathem made me think of Close to the Edge by the band Yes, which was based off of Siddhartha.

 

[Orphia Nay]

The Radiance by Ayad Akhtar, 2026.

Somewhat about sexual politics in post-pandemic US academia, partly about the author's emotions, thoughts, and feelings in relation to a brain injury he incurred. Highly intellectual but that's also its failing. The author thinks too much IMHO. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Just finished The Radiance by Ayad Akhtar. I really recommend it an interesting balance of psychiatry, neurology and spirituality all wrapped in meta type story structure of autofiction about teaching autofiction. Doesn't pull punches about both progressive and reactionary extremism.

Now working on Anathem by Neal Stephenson. Really good so far, reminds me a lot A Canticle for Liebowitz, and was probably influenced by it.

Based on a tip in Reddit, I have The Bead Game by Herman Hesse lined up, because it may have also influenced  Anathem. I've already read Siddhartha. Funny, Anathem made me think of Close to the Edge by the band Yes, which was based off of Siddhartha.

@LSSBB Quoting my review of The Radiance for you. Though I gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, I'd still recommend it, like you.

Also coincidentally, I'm also in the middle of reading Siddhartha (a dual English/German edition). I read it over 30 years ago, and it's good to revisit.

Maybe I'll also try Anathem. I'm undecided on Neil Stephenson, having loved Snow Crash, but DNFd Cryptonomicon out of boredom many years ago.