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Soman Chainani

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Soman Chainani is an American author and filmmaker, best known for writing the children's book series The School for Good and Evil. He attended Harvard University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English & American Literature. After graduation, he went on to attend Columbia University, where he participated in their MFA Film Program.
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A Little Life book cover
A Little Life
Hanya Yanagihara - 2015-03-10
Goodreads Rating
This powerful novel follows four college friends as they navigate their way through New York in search of fame and fortune. Tinged by addiction, success, and pride, their relationships deepen over the decades, held together by their devotion to the troubled and enigmatic Jude. A beautiful hymn to brotherhood and a masterful depiction of love in the modern world, A Little Life explores the families we are born into and those we create for ourselves.
Soman Chainani
The greatest work of fiction I’ve ever read, with the simplest theme: All of us come with baggage and wounds and pain; all of us.      source
The Velvet Rage book cover
The Velvet Rage
Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World
Alan Downs - 2006-05-30 (first published in 2005)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the impact of growing up gay in a straight world with a focus on coming to terms with the past. The author, drawing on his own journey and contemporary psychological research, reveals the toxic cocktail of shame, rejection, and anger that gay men can internalize, leading to negative outcomes like drug abuse, promiscuity, and depression. Velvet Rage details a path to emotional well-being for gay men and debunks the myth of gay pride.
Soman Chainani
Ostensibly about if you grow up a gay man, how to deal with it in the world. But I think it’s more about modern masculinity and about what it means to be a man in America.      source
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Brene Brown
Cirque du Soleil book cover
Cirque du Soleil
The Spark - Igniting the Creative Fire that Lives within Us All
John U. Bacon - 2006-04-11
Goodreads Rating
Discover the secrets of creativity and innovation through the captivating story of an ordinary man searching for meaning in his work and life. "The Spark" takes you inside the world of Cirque du Soleil, the renowned laboratory of creativity that has enthralled audiences for over two decades with their dazzling acrobatics, music, and technical effects. Former president of creative content, Lyn Heward, reveals how the artists, directors, designers, and technicians create magical and otherworldly theatrical experiences, and how anyone can unlock the power of their imagination. With inspirational behind-the-scenes stories, "The Spark" is an unparalleled guide on how to make creativity a part of everything you do.
Soman Chainani
One of my favorite books.      source
The Little Mermaid book cover
The Little Mermaid
Hans Christian Andersen - 2004-09-09 (first published in 1836)
Goodreads Rating
A mermaid princess saves a prince from drowning and risks everything in order to win his love and gain an immortal soul. This edition of the beloved Hans Christian Andersen classic includes stunning illustrations from both the original Danish and first English editions, perfect for enchanting young readers. Plus, helpful notes make it easy for even grade schoolers to understand.
Soman Chainani
You look at The Little Mermaid movie. Arielle should die brutally in that movie because she’s an idiot, a complete idiot. To read the original book, where she dies at the end, suddenly made sense.      source
The War of Art book cover
The War of Art
Steven Pressfield - 2003-04-01 (first published in 2002)
Goodreads Rating
Unleash your creativity with a guide to overcome the greatest enemy: resistance. Discover unique and helpful ways to express yourself with the support of bestselling author Steven Pressfield.
Soman Chainani
Half drill sergeant, half Zen voodoo master, the author shot me out of my stupor and taught me the meaning of creative discipline.      source
The Neverending Story book cover
The Neverending Story
Michael Ende - 1997-01-01 (first published in 1979)
Goodreads Rating
Escape into the magical world of Fantastica with Bastian Balthazar Bux, a shy bookworm who becomes a character in The Neverending Story. As he uncovers the danger of this enchanted world, he discovers that he's the chosen one to save it. Will he succeed in overcoming the barrier between reality and imagination to save Fantastica?
Soman Chainani
An amazing book.      source
Tao Te Ching book cover
Tao Te Ching
Lao Tzu - 1989-08-28 NaN
Goodreads Rating
A timeless classic of spiritual literature, this Taoist text speaks to the qualities of an enlightened leader and a balanced, harmonious life. Written over two thousand years ago, it offers insights helpful not only for personal growth but also in leadership, business, and politics today. A remarkable English translation by a leading scholar, this compact and portable edition is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series, featuring short, accessible teachings from renowned figures that distill wisdom from over 50 years of Shambhala Publications.
Soman Chainani
I remember reading it and being like okay, this makes no sense. But you just keep reading it again and again and slowly, I started to get the point of it.      source