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The first task of the "Legal Philosophy" course was to "Read 10 books from the list and prepare for the written exam." Initially, I was confident that I had read more than 10 books from the given list, but upon counting, I realized I had only completed nine. Despite this, I felt a bit disheartened, considering myself someone who had read relatively few books. While recently watching a movie, a scene struck me where the main character claimed, "A person must read 100 books in their life to understand the meaning of life." Inspired by this, I set a personal goal to read and journal about 100 books. Traditionally, every New Year's Eve, I would outline goals for the upcoming year, aspiring to lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, walk 10,000 steps daily, become a morning person, learn ballroom dancing, and save money. Some goals would materialize, while others would be carried over to the next year. However, this year, I express gratitude to my teacher for instigating the goal of reading 100 books, providing a list, and offering a starting point for Journey of Book. Usually, I purchase books in English through the Kindle app. However, this time, I visited a bookstore with my sister, referred to the list, and acquired few of the world's best classic books published in Mongolian. Now, let me share how I compose my book notes. For instance, when jotting down notes on the book "Mongolia in 11 Words," I reflected on my thoughts and ideas after each chapter, sometimes even after each section. To recall names of characters and places from books I'd read earlier, I turned to Google search. During this process, I explored different methods of writing book notes, read interviews with the author on YouTube, and incorporated those insights. In responding to the teacher's initial task, which involved analyzing the novel from a modern perspective and understanding the writer's ideas, I found it beneficial to engage with classmates, recall key points, and include them in my notes. Therefore, my book notes encompass not only my impressions of each book but also whether I grasped the main points, the lingering lessons, and how I can apply them in my life. Additionally, factual information such as the full book title, the author's name, the work's creation date, chapter and section titles, are incorporated into my book notes. Rereading after note-taking serves as an exercise in emulating the writer's style. At times, I express my personal impressions, drawing from my life experiences, parental teachings, and grandparents' wisdom. Since there are no strict guidelines on the structure of book notes, I believe everyone should articulate what they find significant after reading a book, what lessons they've absorbed, how they can apply those lessons to life, and any analyses they wish to make, aligning with their unique worldview. J.Tanan

"B. Tsenddoo's "Mongolia in 11 Words" unfolds as a captivating exploration of Mongolian identity, employing eleven meticulously chosen words as gateways into the heart of the nation's culture. Tsenddoo's narrative is a vibrant tapestry that seamlessly integrates cultural insights, historical depth, and personal reflections. With a unique blend of humor, satire, and critical commentary, the author engages readers in a thought-provoking journey through the nomadic spirit, ancient governance, financial values, linguistic nuances, behavioral intricacies, and the adaptive nature of Mongolian life." Summary of "Mongolia in 11 Words" In "Mongolia in 11 Words," B. Tsenddoo masterfully navigates the landscape of Mongolian identity through carefully selected words, creating a narrative that is both informative and introspective. The journey commences with the word "Man," serving as a gateway to the nomadic spirit and the profound significance of familial bonds within Mongolian culture. The exploration extends into the realm of ancient governance, drawing illuminating parallels between historical traditions and contemporary state policies. Tsenddoo's narrative takes an incisive turn, challenging conventional financial values and prompting a reassessment of the prevailing focus on material accumulation. The chapters unfold with linguistic reflections, advocating for the enrichment of the Mongolian lexicon. Echoing the sentiments of Richard Feynman, the author underscores the dynamic role of language in shaping societal progress and scientific development. Chapters such as "Generations and Nomads" and "Immutable Instability" delve into the complex tapestry of Mongolian behavior, highlighting the delicate equilibrium between societal expectations and individual authenticity. The narrative skillfully weaves personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and historical insights, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the evolving nature of Mongolian identity. The Seasonal Attitudes chapter captures the nomadic mindset's adaptation to life's changing seasons, revealing both resilience and vulnerability. The inclusion of humorous self-reflection adds a touch of irony, emphasizing the profound impact of cultural influences on individual perspectives. In the Religion section, the narrative explores Mongolia's diverse religious landscape, prompting contemplation on spirituality, tradition, and philosophy. The Pasture chapter immerses readers in the intricacies of nomadic life, addressing migration, land ownership, and the clash of rural and urban cultures. "Colloquial language" unravels the multifaceted nature of curses in Mongolian culture, challenging preconceived notions about language and expression. The Toys chapter provides cultural insights into children's playthings, connecting choices to deep-seated beliefs and the practicalities of nomadic life. "Law: Ruler of the Law" sheds light on Mongolians' complex relationship with legal frameworks, exposing tensions between idealistic goals and pragmatic views. The final chapter, "Trade" unfolds a tapestry of historical, economic, and cultural factors shaping Mongolian trade practices. Insights into cultural predispositions offer a nuanced commentary on economic behaviors, inviting readers to consider the impact of deeply ingrained beliefs on developmental trajectories. Personal Opinion As a reader, I found "Mongolia in 11 Words" to be a captivating journey into the heart of Mongolian culture. Tsenddoo's unique narrative style, blending humor and critical commentary, brought the complexities of Mongolian identity to life. The integration of historical sources added depth, grounding the exploration in a broader context. The author's call for linguistic enrichment resonated with me, emphasizing the dynamic nature of language in shaping societal progress. Overall, the book provided not just insights into Mongolian culture but also prompted personal reflection on the interplay between tradition and modernity in shaping cultural identities. J.Tanan

L. Tudev's "Temple without a Top" narrates the life of Sanj Gelen and provides insights into the historical context of religious practices, particularly in Mongolia and Tibet. The novel highlights the distortion of Lord Buddha's teachings by Tibetan monks over generations, leading to the introduction of new rules that have caused confusion among devotees. The internal conflicts among the monks, exemplified by the disagreement between Sanj Bandi and Gavj Demchig, add depth to the narrative. The intrigue and conspiracy within the monastery, culminating in Sanj Bandi's trial by Bogd Lama, reveal the power struggles and complexities within the monk community. Sanj Bandi's decision to "spit yellow" symbolizes his rejection of traditional beliefs and his growing disillusionment with Buddhism. Tragic events unfold, such as Sanj's exile to the desert and the death of Otgon's child, contributing to the novel's somber tone. The unfinished monastery, named the "Temple without a Top" becomes a metaphor for the protagonist's shattered beliefs and values. The novel conveys a sense of sadness and loss, depicting the downfall of a character who, like many others, undergoes a journey of disillusionment and personal tragedy. Themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the erosion of faith provide a poignant exploration of the human experience. B.Dairiimaa

L. Ulziitugs' "The Limit of Seeing" explores the intricacies of life and perception. While commonly perceived as a novel about death, my interpretation differs. The narrative suggests that there exists a limit to what one can see, but this boundary is subjective and changes based on individual perspectives. The story emphasizes the temporal nature of everything, asserting that within a given timeframe, one can shape and color their world. In the exploration of the limit of seeing, the narrative declares, "I will die, you will die too...only the flower will remain." Despite this, we understand that the flower, younger than us all, persists through growth and blossoming, challenging the notion of death. In life, we all experience losses, yet confronting the limits of life and death remains elusive. Amidst life's challenges, the narrative encourages resilience, highlighting the world's abundance of new opportunities and colors. Rebirth is possible, and reaching one's perceived limit does not signify the end. Rather, it's an invitation to embrace the infinite possibilities and experiences yet to be seen. In this book, I believe L. Ulziitugs meticulously unfolds everything she missed, guiding readers through a thoughtful exploration of life's complexities. J.Tumur-Ochir