Books I've Read

Chronologically arranged list of books I’ve read or listened. The books listed below are the ones I enjoyed; otherwise, I wouldn’t have finished them.

Read in 2025

• Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It by Christof Koch (2024) *
  Leading consciousness researcher Christof Koch explores the nature of consciousness in this book. He draws on explanations from neuroscience, shares his personal experiences with psychedelics, discusses common reports of near-death experiences, and reflects on religious perspectives. The most striking argument he makes is that consciousness is not merely a computation but has a physical essence. While this is an intriguing perspective, I must admit that I disagree. Perhaps one day I will write a blog post explaining why I hold that view..

  On a side note, Christof Koch is one of the scientists I deeply admire and the inspiration behind this website. His research, personality, and intellectual curiosity—not only in the natural sciences but also in philosophy and literature—are truly admirable. If you haven’t listened to it yet, I recommend his conversation with Lex Fridman on the Lex Fridman Podcast.

• The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu (2008) **
  If the universe is so big, almost infinite, then why have we not still made contact with extraterrestrial life? Well, what if the universe was a dark forest and everyone was hiding?

• What is Life? Evolution as Computation by Blaise Agüera y Arcas (2025) *****
  In this phenomenal homage to Erwin Schrödinger’s 1944 book “What is Life?”, the author redefines life through the lens of computation and evolution, ultimately raising the question: Are man-made computer alive? The answer is not so simple. The author rather pushes the reader towards a reflection on the nature of this question, drawing analogies to the life itself, or more precisely to creatures that are at the edge of being alive–viruses and parasites.

  Aside from providing an updated unique definition of life, the author puts fourth some interesting concepts widening our perspective about symbiotic relationship we have with our surroundings and potentially pathological creatures. Most notable of these for me is the notion that just like our immune system protects us from the internal pathogens, the viruses and bacteria may do so to protect their symbiotic creatures, essentially forming an outer immune system.

  Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on life as a computation machinery, well versed in words, captivating the reader in deep reflection and the oncoming chapters.

• Understanding Pain by Fernando Cervero (2012) **
  Recommended by my doctoral advisor, Professor Shriya Srinivasan, this concise book explains pain—its causes, mechanisms, and why some pain helps while other pain harms.

• Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by JD Vance (2016) ***
  Autobiography of current US vice president J.D. Vance. The book offers a clear look at his Midwest roots, touching on economic decline, opioid addiction, and family dynamics.

• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (167 A.C.E.) *****
  Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations gathers the private reflections he penned while ruling the Roman Empire between 161 and 180 CE. These succinct notes distill the essence of Stoic philosophy, offering timeless counsel on self-discipline, humility, and the fleeting nature of power and praise. For me, the book has become a quiet refuge amid the daily tumult—a companion that cuts through the clamor of ego and reminds me to anchor my thoughts in what truly matters. Below are some parts I have highlighted:
  • “[…] be free of passion and yet full of love.”
  • “Not to be constantly telling people that I’m too busy, unless I really am.”
  • “Doing your job without whining.”
  • “Concentrate every minute like a Roman–with genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice.”
  • “Nothing natural is evil.”
  • “Stop being hypocritical, self-centered, irritable.”
  • “[…] we need to hurry. Not just because we move daily closer to death but also because our understanding—our grasp of the world—may be gone before we get there.”
  • “Practice really hearing what people say. Do your best to get inside their minds.”
  • “When you need encouragement, think of the qualities the people around you have: this one’s energy, that one’s modesty, another’s generosity, and so on. Nothing is as encouraging as when virtues are visibly embodied in the people around us, when we’re practically showered with them.”
  • “Don’t be ashamed to need help. Like a soldier storming a wall, you have a mission to accomplish.”
  • “No matter what anyone says or does, my task is to be good.”
  • “Anger in the face is unnatural.”
  • “When you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, remember that your defining characteristic– what defines a human being–is to work with others. Even animals know how to sleep.”
  • “Work: Not to rouse pity, not to win sympathy or admiration. Only this: Activity. Stillness. As the logos of the state requires.”
  • “When people injure you, ask yourself what good or harm they thought would come of it. If you understand that, you’ll feel sympathy rather than outrage or anger.”

• The Complex World: An Introduction to the Foundations of Complexity Science by David C. Krakauer (2024) *****
  A thorough introduction to the foundations of complexity science, this book explores the principles of complex systems, emergence, and self-organization from a multidisciplinary perspective. Serving as a historical index of key papers in the field, it traces fundamental developments while providing their historical and conceptual context, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in complex systems.

• When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut (2020) *****
  A sharp examination of scientific discovery and its unintended consequences, When We Cease to Understand the World follows pioneering scientists whose breakthroughs reshaped our understanding of the universe. Through striking examples, the book suggests that science is not just a profession but a way of life. It recounts stories of early physicists and mathematicians solving problems out of boredom in the trenches of World War I, illustrating how curiosity and obsession drive scientific progress.

• Solaris by Stanisław Lem (1961) **
  A philosophical science fiction novel, Solaris explores the nature of consciousness, memory, and human relationships. It presents a thought-provoking narrative of humanity’s attempt to communicate with a sentient extraterrestrial being, raising profound questions about whether life forms shaped by entirely different evolutionary paths can recognize each other’s sentience or develop tools for interaction. Through this lens, Lem delves into psychological and existential challenges, reflecting on human emotions, the nature of reality, and the boundaries between the known and the unknown. As Lem poignantly writes: “We are only seeking Man. We have no need of other worlds. A single world, our own, suffices us; but we can’t accept it for what it is. We are searching for an ideal image of our own world: we go in quest of a planet, a civilization superior to our own but developed on the basis of a prototype of our primeval past.”

• A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle (2005) *****
  A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle explores the concept of ego and its impact on human consciousness. Tolle emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and transcending the ego to achieve inner peace. The book provides profound insights into human suffering and offers actionable steps toward spiritual enlightenment and self-awareness. Not rooted in a specific belief system, Tolle approaches the ego as a unifying theme underlying various spiritual traditions, adopting a more humanitarianand inclusive perspective. While I approach personal development books with caution, Tolle’s exploration of the ego and its destructive power is exceptionally clear and impactful. Recommended by my friend Nilgun Abali, this is a thought-provoking read for those seeking personal growth.

Read in 2024

• The Vegetarian by Han Kang (2007) *****
  Han Kang’s Vegetarian was such a masterpiece. The more I read, the more I was reminded of my aversion to patriarchal, conservative societies. Kang’s descriptive style conveys a visceral disgust on every page—powerful and unrelenting.

• Kahveler Kitabı by Salah Birsel (2002) **
  Salah Birsel’in deneme yazılarına hayranlığım artarak devam ediyor. İstanbul merkezli bir kahve tarihi sunan bu eser, kahvenin bulunuşundan hikayelerine, Osmanlı’daki kahve geleneği ve tarihinden Avrupa’ya yayılışına kadar her şeyi detaylıca anlatıyor. Birsel, İstanbul’daki tarihi kahvehaneleri öyle güzel betimliyor ki, insanın bu kitabı İstanbul’u gezerken okuyası geliyor. Benim gibi kahvekeşlerin tereddütsüz okuması gereken bir eser.

• Behind The Mirror: A Search for a Natural History of Human Knowledge by Konrad Lorenz (1978) *****
  In Behind the Mirror, Nobel laureate Konrad Lorenz examines culture as a living system, tracing the mechanisms behind behavior and thought from amoebas to humans. The most striking idea for me was the notion that life itself functions as an information storage and transfer system. The scientific and philosophical insights were so powerful that I will probably give it another read in the coming years.

• Infinity: A Very Short Introduction by Ian Stewart (2017) *****
  The book presents key mathematical ideas about infinity in a clear and accessible way. It covers topics like set theory and the nature of infinity in geometry, making it a solid starting point for understanding the concept. Short but informative, it offers a compact look into a complex subject.

• Convalescence by Han Kang (2013) **
  To describe the essence of this book, I’ll quote literary critic Cho Yon-jong: “Characters in Han’s stories feel pain not because of a single tragic event. They struggle to adapt to their daily lives, barely managing to exist. It’s as if living itself is painful for them.” He continues, “[…] the book portrays the incurable, fundamental pain inherent in human life. The author suggests that the only way to reclaim our lives is by embracing this pain.”

• Retour à Reims by Didier Eribon (2009) **
  Retour à Reims de Didier Eribon est une réflexion sur l’identité, la classe sociale et l’appartenance. À travers son retour dans sa ville natale, Eribon explore les tensions entre son milieu ouvrier d’origine et sa vie d’intellectuel. Ce livre mêle autobiographie et analyse sociologique, offrant un regard éclairant sur la manière dont nos origines façonnent nos identités.

• Sevgili Arsız Ölüm by Latife Tekin (1983) *
  Geleneksel Türk kültüründeki hurafeleri bir bir insanın gözüne soka soka hikayeleştirerek anlatan bir roman.

• The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak (2021) **
  A story of love, loss, and identity, set against the backdrop of Cyprus’s turbulent history. The story follows two generations, weaving together the experiences of a young couple—one Greek Cypriot and the other Turkish Cypriot—whose love is tested by the island’s political turmoil. Central to the narrative is a fig tree, which serves as a unique narrator and witness to the characters’ lives, symbolizing memory, resilience, and the interconnectedness of nature and human experience.

• Zeytindağı by Falih Rıfkı Atay (1932) *****
  Yıllar süren, bitmek bilmeyen savaşlar boyunca harap olan bir memleketin, bitap düşen Anadolu insanının kahramanlıklarını, çaresizliğini, unutulmuşluğunu dile getiriyor bu kitap. Falih Rıfkı’nın Cemal Paşa’nın yaveri olduğu zamanlarda aldığı notların derlemelerinden, anılarından oluşuyor. Sulh zamanı unutulup anca harp vakti hatırlanan Anadolu halkının Yemen’de, Gazze’de, Kanal’da, Aden’de ve Arap çöllerinde nasıl kırıldığını anlatıyor. Falih Rıfkı’nın kaleminden: “Bizden Belgrad’ı aldıkları zaman, düşman delegeleri Niş kasabasını da istemişlerdi. Osmanlı delegesi ayağa kalkarak: - Ne hacet, dedi. İstanbul’u da size verelim. Babalarımız için Niş, İstanbul’a o kadar yakındı. Biz eğer Vardar’ı, Trablus’u, Girit’i ve Medine’yi bırakırsak, Türk milleti yaşayamaz sanıyorduk. Çocuklarımızın Avrupası Marmara ve Meriç’te bitiyor.”

Read in 2023

• What is Life? by Erwin Schrödinger (1944) **
  The book revolves around the fundamental question “What is life?”. Schrödinger contemplates, ‘How can the events in space and time which take place within the spatial boundary of a living organism be accounted for by physics and chemistry?’ This book represents an early, theoretical exploration in the field of molecular biology. While the science presented may seem elementary, there’s a captivating element in tracing the historical journey of these scientific investigations. Schrödinger’s work provides an intriguing glimpse into the foundational questions and thought processes that have shaped modern biology.

• Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (2004) **
  An exploration into the life and legacy of one of history’s most influential figures, Genghis Khan. This book presents a reevaluation of Genghis Khan’s role not as a ruthless barbarian, but as a visionary leader who shaped the modern world by establishing innovative governance, legal systems, religious freedom, and a global economy.

• Nowhere to Be Found by Bae Suah (2015) *
  The book delves into the journey of a derealized protagonist who disconnects from self, loses focus, and passes through life as if nothing is real or makes sense. The book addresses cultural expectations, unsupportive family dynamics, and the impact of poverty on the lead character’s perspective.

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019) **
  Alicia Berenson is a celebrated artist whose life takes a haunting turn when she inexplicably shoots her husband, never uttering another word. Confined to a psychiatric unit, her art skyrockets in value, while a relentless psychotherapist endeavors to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic case.

• Yapıştırma Bıyık by Salâh Birsel (2014) *****
  Uzun süreli bir ayrılıktan sonra, beni Türk Edebiyatı’na döndüren kitaptır Yapıştırma Bıyık. Kitap ne ile ilgili derseniz, betimlemesi zor. Her şeyle ilgili, bir düşünce yazısı, bir deneme. Yazarın sanat aşkına şahit olduğunuz, kültürel birikimiyle sevdalara dalıp sözcük hokkabazlığına hayran kaldığınız bir başyapıt. Kitabı okuyunca anlıyorsunuz yazarlık işinin bir yapıştırma bıyık olmadığını.

• The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu (2018) *****
  An extraordinary journey that intertwines the enigma of scientists taking their own lives, a covert military endeavor, and the gripping encounter with extraterrestrial beings. Within the pages of this remarkable masterpiece, Cixin Liu weaves a tapestry of a vast interstellar conflict, immersing readers in a meticulously crafted fictional universe that melds compelling scientific principles with a heart-pounding series of political, social, cultural, and scientific upheavals. As you delve into this captivating tale, prepare to be captivated by a thrilling fusion of plausible science and enthralling narrative.

• Vagabond, Vols 1–5 by Takehiko Inoue (1998) **
  This Japanese martial arts manga series illustrates the life of a Japanese swordsman, Musashi Miyamoto. The manga depicts his exemplary dedication and focus to become the best swordsmaster in the country.

• An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison (1995) **
  A captivating autobiography penned by Kay Redfield Jamison, a renowned clinical psychologist and leading researcher in her field. Sharing her personal journey, Jamison courageously chronicles her battle with bipolar disorder, shedding light on the profound effects it has had on her life. Delving into the depths of her experiences, she also explores the efficacy of lithium treatment. While her privileged background may limit the generalizability of her experiences, the book offers invaluable insights into the intricate workings of a mind grappling with bipolar disorder.

Read in 2022

• The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli (2017) **
  In this thought-provoking book, Rovelli explores the elusive nature of time, delving into its profound existence and ubiquitous presence in our understanding of the universe. Through his insightful exploration, Rovelli expertly addresses the fundamental questions surrounding time, offering thought-provoking insights that illuminate our perception of this enigmatic concept.

• This Is How You Lose The Time War by Max Gladstone (2019) **
  Red and Blue. Two agents of enemy states travelling through time to change the events in their favor. One day Red discovers a letter that says “Burn before reading.” Thus, we witness the start of Red and Blue’s relationship–rivalry, friendship, and love.

• Vacation Stories by Santiago Ramón y Cajal (2006) *****
  Five short sci-fi stories authored by one of the pioneers of modern neuroscience, Santiago Ramón y Cajal. This remarkable book serves as a reminder, echoing the sentiments of my dear mentor Michka Sharpe, that scientific inquiry and discovery are not at the expense of creative pursuits but rather are inextricably linked paths.

• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (1976) *****

• Foundation by Isaac Asimov (1951) *

• Midnight at the Pera Palace by Charles King (2015) ***

• The Tale Of The Unknown Island by José Saramago (1997) **

Read in 2021

• Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang (2002) *****

• Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki (1970) ***

• The Science of Love by Robin Dunbar (2012) *

Read in 2020

• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (1979) *****

• The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein (1966) *****

• Why I Left Goldman Sachs? by Greg Smith (2012) *****

• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (2011) **

• Contagious: Why Things Catch On? by Jonah Berger (2013) *****

Read in 2019

• Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance (2015) ***

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (2012) *

• Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (2007) **

• The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat (1936) *****

• Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche (1883) **

• Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker (2017) ***