Mike Anastasiadis: Books

I'm drawn to existential themes, stream-of-consciousness writing, and works that explore the human condition in raw, unfiltered ways.
I prefer direct, honest prose that cuts to the core of human experience rather than overly ornate or flowery language. Like Beat literature.
I have little patience for shallow characters or simplistic moral tales. I seek complex, flawed protagonists grappling with profound philosophical questions.
I especially enjoy literature that delves into themes of alienation, absurdism, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. I find these explorations of consciousness and existence particularly compelling.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939 A powerful depiction of the Great Depression and one family's struggle for survival.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac, 1957 A defining work of the Beat Generation, chronicling a journey across America.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 1866 A psychological thriller exploring guilt, redemption, and the human psyche.

Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis, 1946 A philosophical novel celebrating life, freedom, and the human spirit.

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, 1977 A collection of mythopoeic stories that form the backdrop to The Lord of the Rings.

The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley, 1954 An essay exploring the author's experiences with mescaline and altered states of consciousness.

Island by Aldous Huxley, 1962 A utopian novel describing an ideal society that integrates Western science with Eastern philosophy.

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, 1929 A tragic love story set against the backdrop of World War I, exploring themes of war and loss.

Rework by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson, 2010 A new take on entrepreneurship, challenging traditional business practices and advocating for simplicity, flexibility, and pragmatism in building successful tech companies.