Have you had enough of the constant advice from influencers and commercial companies on how to properly care for your skin, hair, hands…? How to eat, exercise or direct your feelings? In that case, the comic of the Swedish glossator of today is perfect for you. He looks at the seemingly condescending recommendations that attack us from social networks and advertisements with distance and admirable criticality. Though, all the works of this trained political scientist and sociologist are excellent, for example *Fruits of Knowledge* or *In the Hall of Mirrors* were published in Czech.

how did David lynch come up with the ideas for all those brilliant movies? The question is probably asked by many fans of the greatest Hollywood surrealist,who died at the beginning of this year. One answer is: Transcendental Meditation is to blame. Although,according to Lynch,the influx of inspiration is not 100% guaranteed,it is a stimulating read. The book was published in a new Czech translation and this edition is complemented by previously unpublished interviews with two living members of the Beatles.

CJ Tudorová: Colony (translation by Naďa Špetláková)

Sam Holland: Lord of the Puppets

(Image: Book cover – Photo: kalibr)

Sam Holland, a British writer of the new generation, is one of those who revel in raw descriptions of violence and even the details of injury. In Lord of the Puppets, she doesn’t shy away from that, and she added in a very good description of the creeping tension that is woven into the silence and the feeling that someone is watching someone. And of course it’s not just an idea. The Puppet Lord is the story of a deranged killer who chooses his victims carefully and leaves them alone until they take their last breath.

(Image: Sam Holland)

Claire Kilroy: Watch out! At ease! (translation by Tereza Marková Vlášková)

(Image: Book cover)

Little Bird by Dan Søren Sveistrup

On a school trip, one of the children finds the dismembered body of a missing boy in the reeds. And a dismembered little bird appears on the spot, the little bird that gave its name to the whole story, which continues thirty years after its beginning. dan Søren Sveistrup’s book has most of what a reader expects from a good detective story. The author has a clear direction in it, but he goes through it in a subtle and thorny way, brilliantly fables and surprises. In total, it offers tension that is enough for almost five hundred pages.

Volker Kutscher: Rath (translated by Tomáš Butala)

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The Enduring Power of books

In a world saturated with digital content, the humble book remains remarkably resilient. It’s easy to assume books are fading in popularity, but that’s simply not the case. Books offer a unique and powerful experience that other media frequently enough struggle to replicate.

Why Books Still Matter

There’s a reason people return to books time and again. They provide a depth of engagement that scrolling through social media or watching a video can’t match. when you read, you actively participate in creating the world of the story. you visualize characters, imagine settings, and interpret meaning. This active engagement strengthens cognitive skills like critical thinking and empathy.

Beyond the cognitive benefits, books offer an escape. They transport us to different times, places, and perspectives. A well-written novel can make you feel deeply, challenge your assumptions, and broaden your understanding of the human condition. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s personal growth.

The benefits of Reading

• Improved Focus and Concentration: Reading requires sustained attention, which helps train your brain to focus.
• Expanded Vocabulary: Encountering new words in context naturally expands your vocabulary.
• Enhanced empathy: Stepping into the shoes of fictional characters cultivates empathy and understanding.
• Reduced Stress: Reading can be a relaxing and immersive activity, offering a welcome escape from daily stressors.
• Better memory: Remembering characters, plots, and details strengthens memory function.

The Future of Books

While e-books and audiobooks have gained traction, physical books aren’t going anywhere. Many readers appreciate the tactile experience of holding a book, turning its pages, and even the smell of the paper. There’s a certain romance associated with owning and collecting books.

The publishing industry is adapting, embracing new technologies while still celebrating the conventional format. We’re seeing innovative approaches to book design, marketing, and distribution, ensuring that