Hooked

Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday is a thought-provoking book that explores how ego—our inflated sense of self-importance—can be the biggest obstacle to success, personal growth, and fulfillment. Drawing from historical figures, philosophy, and real-life examples, Holiday illustrates how ego leads to arrogance, complacency, and failure. He breaks the journey into three stages—Aspire, Success, and Failure—showing how humility, self-awareness, and discipline are key to overcoming the ego’s destructive tendencies. Rooted in Stoic philosophy, the book offers practical lessons on maintaining focus, learning from setbacks, and achieving true greatness by keeping the ego in check.

The Complete Folktales of A. N. Afanas'ev: Volume I, translated and edited by Jack V. Haney, is a rich collection of Russian folktales compiled by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanas'ev, often regarded as Russia’s version of the Brothers Grimm. This volume presents a diverse array of stories, including myths, fairy tales, and humorous anecdotes that reflect the cultural heritage, superstitions, and everyday life of 19th-century Russia. With themes of magic, trickery, and moral lessons, these tales introduce readers to fantastical creatures, brave heroes, and cunning villains. Haney’s translation preserves the authenticity and charm of the original stories while providing historical and scholarly insights, making it an essential read for folklore enthusiasts.