Bicara Buku

  Title: Of Love and Other Demons (Del amor y otros demonios) Author: Gabriel García Márquez Translated from the Spanish by Edith Grossman Publisher: Penguin Books, London Year published: 1995 160 pages Of Love and Other Demons (Del amor y otros demonios), written by Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, is a haunting tale set in 18th-century colonial Colombia, where the worlds of rationality and superstition collide. The novel explores themes of love, faith, societal oppression, and the boundaries between the human and the supernatural.   The story centers on Sierva María de Todos los Ángeles, a twelve-year-old girl born into the crumbling aristocracy. She is the neglected daughter of the Marquis de Casalduero and his resentful wife, Bernarda. Raised among the African slaves on her family’s estate, Sierva María adopts their language, customs, and religious practices, creating a stark contrast between her and the elite world she is supposed to belong to.   The ...

  Title: THE BABY BOOM: How It Got That Way... And It Wasn't My Fault... And I'll Never Do It Again Author: P. J. O'Rourke Publisher: Grove/Atlantic, New York Year published: 2014 258 pages This book is a sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud exploration of the Baby Boomer generation, its defining characteristics, and its lasting impact on society.  With his trademark humor and keen observational skills, P.J. O'Rourke dissects the experiences, attitudes, and contradictions of the generation born in the aftermath of World War II. The book begins with a nostalgic look at the idyllic and often over-romanticized childhoods of Baby Boomers in the 1950s, a time marked by stability, economic prosperity, and an explosion of suburban living.  O'Rourke captures the innocence and optimism of the era, from family road trips and simple pleasures to the cultural shifts ushered in by rock 'n' roll and television.  However, he quickly moves beyond nostalgia, offering a cri...

  Title: A Decade of Decision Author: Fred Hoyle Publisher: The Scientific Book Club, London Year published: 1955 175 pages "A Decade of Decision" explores the critical choices humanity faces in an era defined by rapid scientific and technological advancements.  Hoyle, a renowned astrophysicist, delves into the challenges and opportunities brought about by these developments, focusing on their impact on global society, politics, and economics. The book examines the interplay between scientific progress and human responsibility, emphasizing the need for thoughtful decision-making to harness technology for the greater good.  Hoyle addresses themes such as environmental sustainability, the ethical implications of scientific research, and the potential consequences of neglecting global cooperation.  Drawing from his expertise in astrophysics and his insights into human behavior, Hoyle offers a thought-provoking analysis of the pivotal role of science in shaping the futur...

  Title: The Romans: All That Matters Author: John Manley Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, London Year published: 2013 156 pages From the back cover: WHY DO THE ROMANS STILL MATTER? In The Romans: All That Matters, John Manley focuses on some of the fundamental aspects of the Roman Empire, especially those topics that have relevance beyond the study of Antiquity itself - its material remains and philosophical concepts still influence us today. How did a rather obscure settlement on the Tiber come to dominate the lives of 65 million people? What drove this relentless desire to conquer? How did Rome manage to maintain direct rule over such a vast area approximately six million square kilometres? The answer, in part, is that there were many different kinds of Roman culture as each separate region chose slightly different elements of the Roman colonial 'package' to establish their particular identity. This accessible and informative book will appeal both to students and general r...