"A very readable and manageable volume focusing on the life and work of Martin Heidegger, the Philosopher of Being. I found it immensely useful in helping to understand and interpret Heidegger’s complex philosophies.

Raised a catholic in southern Germany, initially destined for the priesthood. A controversial figure �� at one time being a signed up national socialist in Hitler’s third Reich.

His thoughts seem highly relevant to the issues of our time - the future of the planet, the downsides of technology, animal welfare..... He saw Art as complementary, even essential to offset the dangers of technology and soulless modernism. Must read more."

"3 stars.. I think the only reason why I did not DNF this one is because I love AH; and can’t ever DNF her book.. But OMG.. 😳 this was a weird book even by AH’s standards.
Let’s be honest, we love her books; but the “Straight Guys�� series has been kinda OTT; getting more and more OTT as we have moved from continent to continent going from 1 MC being maybe-straight to both being straight. However the passion, intimacy, possessiveness, obsession was so addictive that we have loved it all, whatever package it came in.❤️❤️ Russian-goon? Sure, he’ll fall in love😍; homophobic villain from previous books? Why can’t he change when stranded on an island with the right guy? 💞Psycho boss? Sure; Italian mafia leader? Crazy, but sure.. 😳🤨😍 I can go on and on about improbable couples and how they fell in obsessive love..🥰 But this left a horrible sour taste in how it began; (kidnapping and human trafficking) to being kept as a “sex slave��. It all turned out the same way it does in all of AH’s books; but I was uncomfortable throughout. 😱 It was similar to “Just a bit Ruthless �� in some aspects; but I loved that one and this one just felt icky to me.. I can’t explain. 🤷‍♀��
Overall, I’d say it’s recommended only for hard core fans of AH.. 😍 Not for rookies..
"

"Another perfectly crafted novel by Jane Austen, her longest, and one of her particularly astute works in terms of psychology.

When I first read this some decades ago, I really couldn't stand Emma Woodhouse. She certainly isn't as immediately appealing as Elizabeth Bennet, my firm favourite at the time. But eventually Emma started to grow on me, and I certainly can't deny she's a canny portrait of a fallible human being. It is hard to forgive her when her arrogance and self-indulgence harms Harriet Smith as well as herself, but then Emma is not the only one to cause others harm in this story, and at least she becomes more self-aware and repentant over time. So, to a lesser extent, does Frank Churchill. Others, especially the Eltons, only seem to make bad choices and grow worse.

I do like a story in which a main character grows enough to deserve and win a full and proper love - 'just to love, and be loved in return', as a wise man once sang. Emma certainly does. Mr Knightley has far less to learn, but needs to realise that he does love, that he needn't be so solitary. Not to mention that he must recognise his own motivations.

Meanwhile, the small community of Highbury becomes slightly less stratified as Emma learns to value inner qualities more, and realise they can be found in the Robert Martins and the Coles of the world. The jumble of characters in the village and in the surrounding farms and manor houses, are a fascinating bunch. In terms of the writerly craft, there isn't anything out of place; everyone reflects usefully on everyone else's conduct. In terms of life and how she is lived, it is interesting to watch them all get along together, as they must, though inevitably there is an inner, intimate group of those who are worth befriending for their own sake. We all have to muddle through, and can never entirely choose our companions.

I have to say I am really enjoying this opportunity for a close re-reading of Austen's novels. A very rewarding activity!"