Today, I want to talk about articulation. It’s a word that’s used a lot in the English language in many different contexts, all of which are dear to me.

In music, it’s used to describe the way someone plays an instrument. On the cello, it is how the bow glides, pressure is applied, and weight is distributed in accordance with the needs of the music.

In a pure linguistic and sound sense, it is how air interacts with the tongue, mouth, and vocal cords to produce sound. In the parlance of the English language, it is how one communicates one’s ideas, structures them, and brings them out from the depths of thought into the seen world, where they will influence others.

I think articulation is a deeply incredible skill. Throughout history, the greatest articulators have never been able to articulate. The greatest articulators have been the most successful political leaders, the most influential statesmen, the finest executives of their era—merely by playing on the power of phrases that their minds constructed, in turn pulling out the feelings of entire generations, summoning them to the causes of the speakers in every instance.

And it is no wonder that speech and language are rich and wonderful, yet they are only minute and poor representations of our deep inner thoughts. Used in the wrong way and in an unfocused manner, words will only inspire vagueness, boredom, and the mere hints of attention before the listener falls asleep. Summoned rightly, though, and they, in turn, will inspire from the still depths the uproarious fountain of joy, sadness, hatred, and love in every which direction.

As the heart is activated and the mind primed for more, you say that these are forces that seem outside the scope of an English class. They are not things to be concerned with or trifled with. How can mere words, after all, activate people towards the purposes of the speaker, the writer, or the thinker? But I say to you that history is on my side rather than yours.

What you are learning from this site is nothing short of a tool that has been used to unite and divide generations. The mere language that is in your mouth and at the tip of your pen can stop wars or cause them.

I learned this from Mahathir, as some of you know (and you can watch my conversation with Mahathir here), but so as the knife has the ability to kill a person or to carve beautiful things, so too can the word bring literature and life into being, as it can tear down.

To articulate well is to express, inform, and portray oneself and others on the canvas of words, painting a picture.

To captivate and capture – to grip others by the heart, and to pull along the crowd, until you reach your desired destination.

There is great power in the word, and if nothing else, I hope that is what you will remember.

May it inform your studies this week and beyond. Have an incredible one ahead!

Hey guys, V back with you with yet another primer on literary genres – and today we’re talking about nonfiction!

Now, before you click away thinking nonfiction is just dusty textbooks and dry how-to guides, let me stop you right there. Nonfiction is so much more than that. It’s the genre of reality, where real people, real events, and real ideas come to life through storytelling. And here’s the kicker: when done right, nonfiction can be just as gripping, emotional, and mind-blowing as your favorite novel or blockbuster movie.

Think about it—every time you pick up a memoir, you’re stepping into someone else’s life, experiencing their triumphs, struggles, and pivotal moments. It’s like being handed a backstage pass to the raw, unfiltered human experience. Ever read Educated by Tara Westover? That’s nonfiction. How about Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari? Yep, nonfiction too. And don’t get me started on all the amazing investigative journalism, true crime, self-help, and even travel writing out there.

Nonfiction doesn’t just entertain—it informs, challenges, and inspires. Want to master a skill? There’s a nonfiction book for that. Curious about a historical event, a groundbreaking scientific idea, or a social issue shaping the world today? Nonfiction has got you covered. It’s like having access to the minds of experts, adventurers, and visionaries, all at your fingertips.

But here’s the secret sauce: good nonfiction tells a story. It’s not just a list of facts or instructions—it’s a narrative that pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages. The best nonfiction makes you feel something, whether it’s awe, empathy, or the motivation to change your life.

So, if you’ve been sleeping on nonfiction, now’s the time to dive in. Start with something that sparks your curiosity—a topic you’re obsessed with or a question you’ve always wanted answered. Trust me, once you find the right book, nonfiction might just become your new favorite genre.

Here’s a list of some of the best nonfiction books that are sure to grip your attention, challenge your thinking, and leave a lasting impact. Each entry includes the title, a brief summary, why you should read it, and space for you to add your own purchase link.

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1. Title: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
   Summary: A sweeping narrative that traces the history of humanity, from the emergence of Homo sapiens to the present day. Harari explores how biology, culture, and economics have shaped human society.
   Why You Should Read It: This book offers a profound look at what it means to be human. It’s thought-provoking and challenges many assumptions about human history and progress.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/sapiensbooks

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2. Title: Educated by Tara Westover
   Summary: Tara Westover recounts her journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist household in rural Idaho to earning a PhD at Cambridge University, despite having no formal education until her late teens.
   Why You Should Read It: This memoir is an inspiring story of resilience, personal transformation, and the power of education. It’s both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/educatedmemoir

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3. Title: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
   Summary: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman delves into the dual systems of thinking that shape human decision-making: the fast, intuitive system and the slow, analytical system.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s essential reading for anyone interested in psychology, behavioral economics, or understanding how we make choices in everyday life.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/y0qAsX

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4. Title: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
   Summary: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American woman whose cells were taken without her consent and used to make groundbreaking medical discoveries.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s a fascinating and emotional exploration of ethics, race, and the history of modern medicine.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/ivxrYA

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5. Title: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
   Summary: Duhigg explores the science of habits, how they form, and how we can change them to improve our lives, drawing on cutting-edge research and compelling real-life examples.
   Why You Should Read It: If you’ve ever wanted to break a bad habit or start a good one, this book provides actionable insights and practical strategies.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/FsHp

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6. Title: Becoming by Michelle Obama
   Summary: The former First Lady shares her deeply personal story, from her upbringing in Chicago to her time in the White House, offering insights into her values and experiences.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s an intimate, inspiring account of a woman navigating identity, family, and public life, told with warmth and candor.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/yc8pkwz

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7. Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
   Summary: Cain examines the undervalued strengths of introverts and how society often overlooks their contributions, blending research, personal stories, and case studies.
   Why You Should Read It: If you’re an introvert—or know one—this book provides a fresh perspective on how to embrace and celebrate quieter ways of being.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/XTzBD

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8. Title: Atomic Habits by James Clear
   Summary: A guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones, Clear explains how small, incremental changes can lead to massive, long-term results.
   Why You Should Read It: It’s packed with practical advice and actionable steps for anyone looking to improve their habits and achieve their goals.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/kosfEX

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9. Title: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
   Summary: Comedian Trevor Noah shares his experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa as the child of a black mother and a white father, exploring race, identity, and resilience.
   Why You Should Read It: This memoir is both hilarious and poignant, offering a unique perspective on apartheid and its lasting impact.
   Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/t5FQvV8

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10. Title: Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
    Summary: Jared Diamond explores why certain civilizations thrived while others did not, attributing disparities to geographic and environmental factors rather than inherent differences in people.
    Why You Should Read It: This book challenges preconceived notions about inequality and human history with a fascinating, evidence-based narrative.
    Where You Can Get It: https://geni.us/BUJzjl3

Happy reading and I’ll see you guys in the next one!
V.

Dear all,

It’s been a minute, but back to updating the Descriptive/Narrative composition banks! This update includes essays from May 2024.

Want to gain the exact examples you need for that A*? Sign up for a Premium membership so that you don’t miss out, today!

V.

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