**Booked For The Week: Mariia Grygorovych’s Literary Journey**
In the latest edition of “Booked For The Week,” Mariia Grygorovych, executive producer at GSC Game World, renowned for titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl and the anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, shares her current literary explorations and the profound impact of literature on her work and life.
**Current Read: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk**
Grygorovych highlights her current reading choice, *The Body Keeps the Score*, which delves into the long-lasting effects of trauma on individuals. She emphasizes the book’s exploration of how trauma resides in our bodies, influencing reactions and perceptions of safety long after the traumatic event has passed. This perspective resonates deeply in her role within the gaming industry, where emotional narratives are critical.
**Recent Re-read: Foundation by Isaac Asimov**
Reflecting on her recent re-reading of Asimov’s *Foundation*, Grygorovych draws parallels between personal and societal memory. The book raises questions about the prediction and survival of civilizations amidst chaos – themes that mirror her fascination with the interplay of individual agency and systemic forces. This connection between personal experiences and broader historical narratives showcases the profound complexities that inform her creative processes in game development.
**Next on the Agenda: Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhai Jing)**
Grygorovych expresses intrigue towards the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*, an ancient text that reflects humanity’s primal imagination. Her interest lies in understanding how ancient societies framed their realities through myths rather than scientific explanations, a perspective that continues to shape human thought today.
**Memorable Quotes: Insights on Humanity**
When asked about impactful quotes, Grygorovych shares lines from *The Little Prince* and Viktor Frankl’s *Man’s Search for Meaning*. These reflections highlight the importance of maintaining a childlike perspective and the inherent freedom to choose one’s attitude amidst external chaos, reinforcing her belief in the resilience of the human spirit.
**Recommended Reading: The Dragon by Evgeny Schwartz**
Grygorovych encourages her friends to delve into Schwartz’s *The Dragon*, which offers a powerful allegory about internal oppression and the human struggle against tyranny. The narrative imparts a critical lesson about self-awareness and the potential for individuals to mirror the very forces they seek to overcome.
**Gaming Adaptation Wish: The Thousand and One Nights**
When asked about a book she would like to see adapted into a game, Grygorovych chooses *The Thousand and One Nights*. She points out the transformative power of storytelling as a means to reshape reality, emphasizing the importance of narratives in shaping human experiences. This choice reflects her commitment to storytelling’s pivotal role within the gaming landscape.
In conclusion, Mariia Grygorovych draws fascinating connections between literature, trauma, and the narratives that shape human existence. This dialogue not only highlights her passion for reading but also illustrates the profound ways literature informs her work in the gaming industry. As we contemplate the stories that resonate within our lives, Grygorovych’s reflections serve as an invitation to explore the depths of our own narratives.
