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.
• The Complex World: An Introduction to the Foundations of Complexity Science by David C. Krakauer (2024) *****
• When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut (2020) *****
• Solaris by Stanisław Lem (1961) ****
• A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle (2005) *****
• The Vegetarian by Han Kang (2007) *****
• Kahveler Kitabı by Salah Birsel (2002) ****
• Behind The Mirror: A Search for a Natural History of Human Knowledge by Konrad Lorenz (1978) *****
• Infinity: A Very Short Introduction by Ian Stewart (2017) *****
• Convalescence by Han Kang (2013) ****
• Retour à Reims by Didier Eribon (2009) **
• Sevgili Arsız Ölüm by Latife Tekin (1983) *
• The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak (2021) ****
• Zeytindağı by Falih Rıfkı Atay (1932) *****
• What is life? by Erwin Schrödinger (1944) **
• Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (2004) ****
• Nowhere to Be Found by Bae Suah (2015) *
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019) ****
• Yapıştırma Bıyık by Salâh Birsel (2014) *****
• The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu (2018) *****
• Vagabond, Vols 1-5 by Takehiko Inoue (1998) **
• An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir Of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison (1995) ****
• The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli (2017) ****
• This Is How You Lose The Time War by Max Gladstone (2019) **
• Vacation Stories by Santiago Ramón y Cajal (2006) *****
• 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) **
• 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) *
• The Hitchiker'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) *****
• 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) ***
Read in 2025
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.
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.
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 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 humanitarian and 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Geleneksel Türk kültüründeki hurafeleri bir bir insanın gözüne soka soka hikayeleştirerek anlatan bir roman.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.