Meandering Sobriety: A Refreshing Journey

Ruining Jin
Civil, Commercial and Economic Law School, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing 100088, China
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8542-7614

April 27, 2023

In our fast-paced world, it is common to feel overwhelmed by the chaos of the outside world and yearn for moments of sobriety. “Meandering Sobriety” by Quan-Hoang Vuong can provide readers with those moments through a collection of humorous and thought-provoking short stories [1]. The book was ranked 1st in Amazon Best Sellers of Philosophy books during 21-24 April.


Figure: “Meandering Sobriety” becomes Amazon Best Sellers on Amazon UK. The book is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2TXNX6L/

The book contains around 40 short stories, each with its own uniqueness, ranging from daily observations to business intelligence and humorous science. Those stories are not simply narrative but have been tailored and distilled based on the ecosystem of scientific theories and frameworks developed by the author and his colleagues. They are the mindsponge theory, a new theory of serendipity, the bayesvl R package, the BMF analytics, and other experiences of the author from working in the field of science [2-8].

Despite the scientific foundation of the book, it is not about sophisticated philosophical arguments or difficult-to-understand scientific findings. Instead, it provides a refreshing and enriching reading experience, giving us moments of laughter, reflection, and much-needed peace. The stories also help us escape the noisy and chaotic world, allowing readers to reconnect with their inner selves.

“Meandering Sobriety,” written in a brief and self-contained format, also excels in readability. Such structure can enable readers to enjoy the book flexibly according to their tight schedules without feeling overwhelmed by the time and effort commitment.

The book harmoniously combines humor and wisdom. The stories in the book not only entertain the reader but also encourage self-reflection and personal growth. This harmony provides readers with a respite from the stress of everyday life and invites them to reflect on the deeper aspects of their existence.

“Meandering Sobriety” has the potential to appeal to a wide range of readers, regardless of their background or interests. The book is suitable for busy professionals who need a break and wish to unwind with a book that can be read in a short time. At the same time, individuals interested in personal growth will find the book encouraging self-reflection. Science enthusiasts will appreciate the author’s unique approach to incorporating scientific theories and frameworks into engaging short stories. Fans of humorous and thought-provoking writing will enjoy the book’s masterful combination of wit and wisdom. Lastly, those seeking an escape from the chaos and noise of the modern world will find moments of sobriety and peace within its pages.

As a reader, reviewer, and researcher, I particularly enjoyed the story “Say Yes to Hardship.” This story highlights the importance of embracing challenges and stepping out of comfort zones to grow mentally and physically. It inspires me to take on complex interdisciplinary research tasks, including disciplines I have zero or few prior knowledge of, and present my logical thinking to peer reviewers. By stepping out of my comfort zone and conducting interdisciplinary research, I am training my mind to overcome adversity and pursue academic excellence. Ultimately, the hardships will cultivate me into a stronger and more capable researcher.

Overall, with numerous merits, the book will bring readers on a journey through various emotions and perceptions, from laughter and amusement to contemplation and introspection. This variety ensures that each story feels fresh and engaging, making the book an ideal companion for those seeking entertainment and sobriety on their bookshelf.

References

[1] Vuong, QH. (2023). Meandering Sobriety. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2TXNX6L/

[2] Vuong QH. (2023). Mindsponge Theory. De Gruyter.

[3] Vuong QH. (2022). A New Theory of Serendipity: Nature, Emergence and Mechanism. De Gruyter.

[4] La VP, Vuong QH. (2019). bayesvl: Visually Learning the Graphical Structure of Bayesian Networks and Performing MCMC with ‘Stan’. The Comprehensive R Archive Network.

[5] Vuong QH. (2023). The Mindsponge and Bmf Analytics for Innovative Thinking in Social Sciences and Humanities. De Gruyter.

[6] Vuong QH, Nguyen MH, Le TT. (2021). A Mindsponge-Based Investigation into the Psycho-Religious Mechanism Behind Suicide Attacks. De Gruyter.

[7] Vuong QH. (2022). The Kingfisher Story Collection. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG2NNHY6

[8] Vuong QH, Napier NK. (2013). What We See, Why We Worry, Why We Hope: Vietnam Going Forward. Boise State University CCI Press.