Toni's Book Corner

Author: tonisbookcorner

  • If you like reading, you’ll like this too

    If you like reading, you’ll like this too

    If you like reading, there are likely other things you’ll like that have to do with reading. For instance, there are a couple of podcasts about books that I keep up with, or specific music I enjoy listening to while reading. Or specific movies or series that feature reading and literature. In this post, I will highlight some of these things that I like, and hopefully you will enjoy some of these as well.

    Podcasts

    Besides listening to audiobooks, I also enjoy some book podcasts. In particular, there are three that I frequently catch up with and that I will highlight here.

    The first podcast I started listening to, is Bookmark’d by Sara and Destiny, and although they have paused on new episodes for now, they have a bunch out already that you can listen to. Their content is not exclusively about books, but also includes pop culture, movies, series, etc. Listening to their episodes feels like catching up with friends, which is perfect to take a break from your day, or to put a bookmark in your week, as they so beautifully described it when explaining their title.

    I came upon I’ll Read What She’s Reading, because Sara actually featured on their podcast for one episode, and I was hooked since then. Their content features more in depth discussions of books, recommendations, and some author interviews, which I always find interesting.

    Finally, I recently discovered Kris and Mads, which is a podcast by two sisters who talk about, you guessed it, books. Their content is diverse, spanning from recommendations, what they read, analyses, etc. Their energy is really contagious and I am always extra motivated to read after listen to one of their episodes.

    Music

    Some people prefer reading without distractions, but I sometimes find certain types of music can heighten the reading experience. Depending on the genre, music can make scenes more thrilling, calming, joyous or intimate. While I go between different types of music or playlists, there are a few artists that I particularly enjoy listening to paired with a good book.

    Noah Kahan is the first one I think of to play when I want to read, because his music is the perfect balance between calming and emotional, which I find encapsulates the reading experience. Some of his songs are a bit more excitable than others, but over all I can play his music in the background without getting too distracted.

    Similarly, Cigarettes After Sex does not have similar music to Kahan, but the effect it has on me is comparable. Their music calms me and does not distract from what is happening in the book, but carries an emotional layer that pairs well with heartfelt stories.

    Yehezkel Raz is a composer and pianist, who has created such beautiful, but soft melodies that have the power to carry you away completely. For books that are more complex, or when reading in a more busy environment, his music is perfect as it is solely instrumental and very tranquil. My personal favourite is ballerina.

    Finally, I want to recommend Novo Amor and Bon Iver. You can sense a theme in the music I pair with reading, but although they have lyrics in their music, I find it again does not disturb the reading experience. Their music is both really calming and very atmospheric, often transporting me to imaginary worlds.

    Movies or series

    An obvious choice for a series is Gilmore Girls, as one of the two main characters, Rory Gilmore, is very interested in literature and is studying to become a journalist. While I know some readers like to play this in the background as an atmospheric setting, for me that makes it too hard to focus on my book. But, seeing others read makes us want to read more, and for that it is a great show.

    The Dead Poets Society. This is a movie, starring Robin Williams who plays an enthusiastic English professor at an elitist boys high school. In very unusual ways, he wants to convey his enthusiasm and passion for poetry to these boys, so they start a society called, you guessed it, The Dead Poets Society. This movie heavily centers around literature, and was such a success that this is one of the few cases where a book was written about a movie in stead of the other way around.

    If you have any recommendations for one of these categories, or something else you think readers might enjoy, leave a comment down below with your tip!

  • 6 Non-Romance Books with a strong Romance Plot

    6 Non-Romance Books with a strong Romance Plot

    The familiar is comforting, and often we stick to what we know. It can be daunting to try something new for fear we will not like it. In case of reading, this can pertain to genres. There are many genres of books, and as readers we have our preferences. But, if you never try something new, you won’t know if you like it. What can help when trying new genres is to find books of other that have elements of the ones you already know and love. Many books of all genres have love or romance in them, so if you are a romance reader who wants to branch out to other genres, these books might be perfect for you.

    True Colours by Kristin Hannah

    True Colours is a contemporary fiction novel, but has a considerable portion of romance in it. The story is about three sisters, growing up on the family’s ranch. Their stern father is the only parent they have after their mother passed away when they were younger. The girls have always had each other to lean on, but when they get older this starts to change. Vivi Ann, the youngest, continues working on the ranch with her father and is clearly favoured by him, but also by many people in town. Winona is the eldest, and has always struggled with her self-worth and winning her father’s approval, which facilitates feelings of jealousy towards Vivi-Ann. Aurora is always playing the peacekeeper between her two sisters, keeping her own struggles to herself. When a mysterious stranger arrives, he stirs up the town gossip and sweeps one of the sisters off her feet, but then something terrible happens. Can the sisters put aside their grievances and stick together once more, or will their bond be forever broken? 

    While there is a focus on the theme of family and sisterhood that is very prevalent, an important part of the plot also involves a very passionate and strong romantic love. Therefore, it is the perfect book for romance lovers who want to dip their toe in a contemporary fiction. 

    Frank & Red by Matt Coyne

    It all started with a trampoline…Frank & Red is a beautiful story about a grumpy old man and an enthusiastic six year old with a trampoline.The story follows an old man, Frank, whose deeply rooted sorrow in losing his wife has made him secluded and a real grump. One day, six year old Red moves in next door with his mom, since his parents just got divorced. They are both struggling in their own way, and find unexpected companionship in each other. Despite Frank’s reluctance to let Red in, the latter’s persistence eventually warms the old man up. When Red discovers something about Frank’s past, he decides to take matters into his own hands, but that just might be the opposite of what the old man wants. 

    While it is not at the center of the story, the beginning of the books shows flashbacks to when Frank met his wife Marcy, and she is prevalent throughout the entire novel in a way. Frank is the way he is because of her, and therefore this is an important part of the plot. Their love is tangible throughout the entire book, and adds a spark of romance to this contemporary fiction novel. 

    Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo

    Set in 1946 Genoa Italy and 2017 New York, this dual timeline story about two lovers is a historical fiction. However, the plot revolves around Vicenzo and Giovanna who fall in love despite their differences in descent. He is the son of a count and she is the daughter of a tailor, but their connection is so strong that they do everything to make it work. When political tensions rise, the couple is faced with difficult choices, and when betrayal comes to light, their future is shattered. Dozens of years later, a young engaged couple brings their grandparents together to pose for a portret, and past and present come together. 

    Set against a historical and political backdrop, this is a historical fiction that has a plot centering around romance.

    Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

    When a young woman goes through a divorce, a depression, and another failed love, she lost track of her dreams, her goals and her identity. She makes the drastic decision to quit her job and travel the world to re-find her own happiness and fulfilment by going on a literal and spiritual journey of one whole year. She documented her journey of self-discovery and published it in her memoir: Eat, Pray. It reads away as a fiction novel, with the added depth of realising this is a true story. It is also a story filled with love and romance, so it is the perfect place to start for readers who want to discover memoirs, and for romance readers. 

    Days at the Torunka Café by Satoshi Yagisawa

    Welcome at the Torunka Café, hidden away in a small alleyway that branches off of the market street. People who are meant to find the place will see a tabby cat, that they only have to follow to stumble upon this haven of peace. Come inside, enjoy a warm cup of coffee and find peace. 

    The novel is made up of three stories following different protagonists, that show how lives can run divergent, but how they can also come together at a certain point, as if decided by fate. This healing fiction novel advocates for life to slow down in a world where speed and productivity are often celebrated. While it is not a romance novel, all three of the three stories involve feelings of love and romance in some way, and Yagisawa gives readers that farm and fuzzy feeling that romance readers often enjoy. 

    The Favourites by Layne Fargo

    This novel is currently relevant for people who have been watching the Olympic winter games and especially enjoyed the figure skaters. The Favourites got very popular last year and Layne Fargo has created a stunning debut with this one. Following Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha, this novel not only shows the ruthless way to the top for a professional athlete, but also the passionate relationship between the two protagonists. If you have read Wuthering Heights, you will know that this modern day adaptation of the classic won’t be a traditional love story, but rather involves, passion, rivalry and drama. If you want to read a book that will hook you from the start, draw you into a world of skating and competition and one that is filled with intense love, The Favourites might be your next favourite. 

  • Book Review: Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

    Book Review: Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

    Books can do many things to you, and many of them can determine whether you like the book or not. They can make you cry, invested, scared, happy, cringe, and a plethora of other feelings. One thing that is always an instant hit in my opinion, is when a book surprises me, and that is exactly what Promise me Sunshine did.

    Bastone’s writing surpassed all of my expectations and has instilled herself on my list of favourite authors with this one book. While I enjoy a romance book now and again as a pallet cleanser between some more complex books, a romance book with depth and characters I can connect to is more than just a guilty pleasure to breeze through. The energy and love Bastone poured into this story is palpable in every line, every sentence and every aspect of her characters and made this much more than just a love story. It is an exploration of grief, finding our way through life and finding connection.

    Plot

    Following the death of her best friend Lou, Lenny has completely lost her way in life. When she takes a temporary job nannying Ainsley, the little girl’s uncle, Miles, wants to strike a deal with her. In exchange for Lenny showing him how to connect with his niece and her mom, he will help her through her grief by crossing off Lou’s ‘live again list’. Apprehensive at first, Lenny decides she can use all the help she can get, because living after losing her other half… seems impossible, and though the road is hard, she might find even more than she had hoped for at the end of it.

    Characters

    Lenny and Miles are a case of opposites attract, but I also loved how when they were with each other, they could just be. No need to cover themselves, no need to pose as someone they are not, every speck of self was not only seen by the other, but invited, welcomed and eventually loved. Lenny is a bright and bubbly character, who thrives on social connections. She is great with Ainsley, Reese and strangers she has just met, which is all in stark contrast to who she is when she is alone. Only with Miles could she give in to how exhausting it was to always perk up for other people, pushing down her grief in public. Miles on the other hand, is calm, stable and a good guy through and through. While their surface levels are as different as can be, their deeper layers have such a strong connection that made them truly compatible.

    This book also has such a great cast of side characters. Ainsley is the kid Lenny is babysitting, and she is just a ray of sunshine, for everyone in her life. Reese, her mom, has to work quite a lot as a single parent, and this added dynamic of both mother and daughter struggling with time away from each other added another layer to the story. They were both so welcoming to Lenny, that reading about the time spent with each other felt cosy and homey, which is a real treat for when you want to disappear in a book.

    Then there’s Jericho, who is again such a bright character that he felt like the perfect new friend to Lenny. Rica and Jeffy completed the friend group to draw Lenny out of her shell and make her connect with her extraverted self again.

    Lenny’s parents also play a significant role in the story, especially the second half. The Sunday night dinners felt so comforting to read about and their storyline highlighted the complex balance of parents wanting to be there for their children when going through things, and children wanting to protect their parents from seeing them suffer. I think it is wonderful that Bastone added this to the novel, because it is something many families presumably struggle with, even without an event as traumatic as loss of a loved one.

    Grief

    It is almost impossible not to include this, because it is such a significant part of the story. Grief is different for everybody, but the way it was portrayed in this story was so beautifully raw and real that I feel it can truly help people going through this. Some of the things Lenny realised or Miles said near the end of the novel about grief made sense and felt comforting. Especially when Miles said she is learning to love Lou exactly as she is at that moment, a person who is no longer alive. Grief is something that never really goes away, but the way you live with it changes. the way Miles both allowed her to wallow and indulge in things that were ‘bad’ for her, and encouraged her to take care of herself, both mentally and physically by guiding her towards more healthy coping mechanisms felt like the perfect balance for what Lenny needed. I liked how Miles took her by the hand and guided her through her grief, but letting her do it on her own terms.

    Setting

    The novel is set in New York and includes many different boroughs, shops, café’s, parks etc. A fun setting always makes a story so much more enjoyable, especially when the author really makes good use of the location. New York is such a huge city that it lends itself perfectly for a book where location plays a role, but more specifically I think it ties in well with the theme of grief. It is often when we are surrounded by so many people, but unable to connect that we feel lonely. Lenny lives in New York, surrounded by millions of people everyday, and she has people in her life supporting her, but she feels so alone in her grief. The novel highlights the importance of real connections, rather than numbers.

    Narration

    Since I listened to this book as an audio, I wanted to take a moment to applaud Alex Finke, who narrated it. She did such a great job in adding life to all of the characters and making them each stand out from each other. I could feel all of Lenny’s emotions when listening, from her grief, sadness, loneliness and frustration, to her excitement, happiness and elation. Ainsley truly sounded like a little girl and although Finke does not have a male voice, she contorted it to perfectly embody Miles.

    It was truly such a treat to both read and listen to Promise Me Sunshine, and I will be quick to pick up both Ready Or Not and No Matter What by Cara Bastone soon.

  • Book Review: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

    Book Review: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

    I just finished this book for the second time and I loved it as much as I remembered. As I have been getting more interested in ‘healing fiction’ as a genre, I wanted to read this book again so that I could write a review on it with it fresh in my mind. Not highly driven by a plot, this soft story follows main character Yeongju as she opens her bookshop and how more people from the neighbourhood become involved in some way. It is a story of people coming together, different life paths taken when life becomes tough and filled with philosophical musings about work-life balance, passions to follow and relationships. Open the door, sniff the comforting combination of books and coffee, and welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop.

    Characters

    As this book is less driven by a plot and more so by its characters, I thought I’d start there straight away. Yeongju is the owner of the bookshop and she is really at its heart. Her warm personality and outlook on life is what really shapes the bookshop and its visitors, and this is very obvious to readers as she often muses on her thoughts to us. At the start of the book, we only get information about the characters as they are in that moment, and the further the book takes us the more we get to know them all. For Yeonju, this is almost at the end of the novel. Though I was of course curious about her background, I didn’t mind not knowing, because we got to know her exactly as she was at that moment. Her past sheds a different light on her situation, and it made me think about the influence of your past in who you are as a person. Does it truly matter what you did before? Or should we let go of everything that surrounds us and focus on here and now to determine who we are? I found this a very interesting point that the novel brought up, albeit not directly.

    The second important character that is introduced is Minjun, who becomes the bookshop’s barista. I really liked to read his growth in both his personal life and his professional life. He struggles with finding work, something that is relevant for many people currently, so he applies to become the barista. Thinking he will work there for 6 months at the most in order to find a regular full time job fitting his diploma, he gets swept away by the charm of both the bookshop and its owner. All of these characters start to form a sort of family towards the end of the book, and Minjun decides he enjoys his work there and his life. Despite protest from his parents, he decides to keep working there because he is happy and content. This was so refreshing to see, as many people face a lot of outside pressure in different facets of life, and Minjun does not succumb to these.

    He is not the only character who carves out a path of his own. The other characters include, Mincheol, a young boy who is not interest in school, or well anything actually. Then there is Jungsuh, Seungwoo, Jimi, Sangsu and Sungchul. They are all struggling in their own way, but as they come together they find comfort in each other and slowly everyone finds their own path.

    Opening this book at the start and end of the day always felt like a wave of comfort coming from the characters, and it felt as if I was one of the clients, browsing through the books and listening to the characters talking and going about their day. It was the second time I read it, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. If you are like me and you sometimes crave a bit of comfort and reassurance in a book, this one is perfect to pick up.

  • Book Review: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

    Book Review: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

    Last month I was spoiled with so many great books read that I had such a hard time deciding on a favourite. As you know, I picked Project Hail Mary and wrote my favourite book of the month review at the beginning of April, but there were a lot of runner ups, including The Future Saints. This book is a mix between Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Time of Your Life by Jessa Hastings and also reminded me of The Favourites by Layne Fargo, so if you liked any of these books, Winstead’s book will probably also please you. And if you are not yet convinced, let my review further influence you.

    Plot

    Theo is a record executive, also known as ‘the fixer’ by his colleagues, and is tasked with reviving rock band The Future Saints after the tragic death of their previous manager. The band, consisting of lead singer Hannah, bassist Ripper and percussionist Kenny has been descending into chaos and debauchery since Ginny was not only their manager, but also Hannah’s sister and a person they all loved dearly. Theo’s task is simple: get them to write one new album to fulfil their contract, and then let them go. However, as their new songs garner even more success than ever imagined, the plan changes and Theo becomes more enraptured with the Future Saints, by more than just their music alone.

    Characters

    The characters focussed on mostly were Hannah and Theo, and Theo was by far my favourite. He defied the stereotype of the manager from a big record company coming in to tell the band what to do and his moral compass was so strong. He let the band ‘band’ together against him so that they would grow closer to each other once more, he immediately apologised for not realising Ginny was Hannah’s sister and he defied his boss whom he looked up to so much to protect the members’ best interests. He was really a breath of fresh air, blowing life into the Future Saints again and getting them to the top of their game. More than that, I really loved that the members came to realise this as well and celebrated him for it. They didn’t stick in their own prejudice against him but saw his value and listened to him, truly let them in.

    None of them more so than Hannah, who is going through a mountain of grief and tackling it in an objectively bad way. Through her struggles, she uses typical rock ‘n roll tactics to cope, i.e. drugs, alcohol and bad decisions, but from the beginning she keeps Theo in the back of her mind. It doesn’t mean she suddenly behaves perfectly, but she wants to please him. To me, nothing showed her vulnerability more than what she did at the afterparty to please Theo’s boss and later confessed her reasons to him.

    Ripper and Kenny were wonderful in their own unique ways, and while the band didn’t always see eye to eye and they were each stubborn and selfish in their own ways, they truly felt like a family that would take a bullet for each other. Kenny was one of my favourite characters, since he is a peaceful gentle soul and essential to keeping some sense of harmony between them all.

    Ginny was also a prevalent character and her presence is woven throughout the book beautifully. It showed how grief is ever-present and how people who are gone never really leave us, which brings me to a theme of this book I want to highlight.

    Grief

    This was the second book I read in a month that centers around grief, and although they both tackle it completely different, I enjoyed both views. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and what both of these books have shown me is that everyone does it differently, but both times there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It doesn’t mean the grief goes away, or that you never stop missing the person who left, but that you learn to adjust and be happy again. What was extra painful in Winstead’s book was how Hannah had to grieve in the spotlight and endure other people’s opinions on what she was going through. I was appalled at some of the reactions she received saying she was acting as if she invented grief, but I am mostly saddened to realise that although this is a fiction novel, there probably are people out there who really think like this. So, if there is one takeaway it should be this: Always practise kindness, because you never know what someone is going through. It benefits us all to put out positivity, so be a contributing factor to someone’s happiness.

    All in all, this book really surprised me by its depth and execution. It is the second book by Winstead I have ever read, but I can guaranty it won’t be the last.

  • Books I read recently, and would recommend

    Books I read recently, and would recommend

    For today’s post, I wanted to recommend some books that I enjoyed. As I was looking for a theme to center the recommendations around, I was looking through the books I read recently. So, I thought, why not just recommend some of the books I read and enjoyed recently. These are books I read over the last few weeks and that I have not yet included in other articles. Hopefully you can find a new book you like from these recommendations!

    59 Minutes by Holly Sedon

    An apocalyptic book set in England, following three different storylines that become intertwined. When everyone in England suddenly receives a nuclear alert on their phone, there are only 59 minutes left. 59 minutes to find shelter, 59 minutes to get to the people you love, 59 minutes during which the worst of humanity is revealed. Unfortunately, I had a pretty good idea of the situations that would arise when people are faced with their world ending in less than an hour, but that didn’t make it less confronting to read. This was such an original premise, and Sedon delivered a lot of depth in this thrilling novel. With dread in my heart, I saw the ending coming and it is a tough one. But, if you are looking for a thrilling novel that has some depth and an apocalyptic setting, this is the book for you.

    The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

    Something completely different, but also really good. Like all of Jimenez’ previous books that I have read, I really enjoyed this one. When Larissa has to choose who to ride home with after a concert, the options are Mike or Chris. Chris and her have so much in common, and they feel deeply connected. But Chris is not the one she chose that night. Chris is Mike’s, the one she actually went home with and has been her boyfriend ever since, best friend. I liked that there was more than just the romance, since the book also shows Larissa’s struggle with income and finding her passion. There is also a strong friend group in this book and some emotionally really mature characters, which is always refreshing and fun to read about.

    Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah

    It seems I cannot make a list of recommendations without including a Kristin Hannah book. Between Sisters is a bit different from most of her other books, since it is not historical fiction, and a bit less heavy than some others. It is a story of two sisters who have a strained relationship that they start to mend over the course of the storyline. If you like reading about complicated family ties, you might enjoy this book. There are still serious themes that I won’t say to avoid spoilers, but it is an overal hopeful book.

    One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

    This one I recently listened to as an audiobook, but I think it would be just as well to read it. Alice goes to stay with her grandmother at the lake to help her get back on her feet after a fall. Here she meets Charlie, who has promised her to patch up the lake house. The two start to build a real friendship, but when feelings stir Charlie holds her off. Both afraid to open up for different reasons, they slowly find comfort in each other. Alice has to figure out where she wants to go with her photography career after struggling to find her own voice, and Charlie has a secret of his own that will determine the outcome of their relationship.

  • Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

    With all the times I have mentioned Hannah and her books on my blog, it is strange that I have only one review of her posted. The most recent book I read by her is Winter Garden, a book about The Great Terror and War in Russia.

    The story follows a dual timeline, the first one set in the present. Sisters Nina and Meredith are completely different from each other, and after the passing of their father, it feels like their family is falling apart. Their mother has been cold and distant their whole life, the only exception being when she used to tell her daughters a Russian fairy tale. Now that the three of them are left, they seem to float away from each other, except that they made their dad a promise on his deathbed: Anya would tell the fairy tale, but this time the whole story. Both sides are reluctant at first, but when Anya finally starts to talk, the whole story pours out in bits and pieces. The girls come to realise that this is no ordinary fairytale, as they slowly uncover their mother’s past in Leningrad Russia, during the siege. As they near the ending, they will discover if the heartbreak is too great to bear, or if the unveiling of the secrets will finally bring them closer together.

    For the first time ever after finishing a Kristin Hannah book, I am torn. On the one hand, the story of Meredith, Nina and their mother moved along really slowly, and though I usually like this since it gives you time to really get to know and connect with the characters, it felt a bit too slow for me. On the other hand, I was completely enraptured with the story of Leningrad, which made me fly through the book as a whole, because I always wanted to get to those parts of the story. While Hannah’s strength lies in carving out complete and rich characters and making you connect to them, Anya in the past felt like a completely different person from Anya in the present. I couldn’t connect to the woman telling the story. As we get further into the ‘fairytale’, we learn more about how she came to be like this and the trauma she went through. My heart really broke for her in that part of the story, and I understand how events like that can completely change a person.

    However, I found the ending a bit difficult to grasp. It filled me with a lot of sadness, for obvious reasons I cannot say without giving away spoilers, but also for the years lost with Nina and Meredith. The relationship with their mother has always been very cold and difficult, and though her story does give an explanation for her behaviour, I don’t feel like it makes up for it. She was able to open up to her husband, but not to her daughters until it is almost too late. Nina and Meredith show a lot of compassion and understanding for their mother after hearing what she went through, understandably so, but the book made it seem as if this erased all of their previous suffering, which I didn’t find as realistic. It all felt resolved in the end, while I think some degree of complex feelings would remain.

    That being said, this was the only thing that bothered me while reading this book, because as I said before the historical part of the novel was wonderful. The descriptions felt incredibly vivid and my heart breaks for anyone who lived through this, anyone who has family or friends who lived through this, or anyone who is going through something similar. reading books like these allow me to learn more about the world and history, which is incredibly important and gives me a better understanding of other people.

    I have not read a single Kristin Hannah book that I have not thoroughly enjoyed, and although this one is not my favourite by her, it is still no exception to this. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in this part of history and who enjoys an intense character build-up.

  • I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    I want to get into classics: 5 tips on where to start

    Classics have a reputation of being hermetic, complex and too hard to understand. There are a product of their time, and it is true that some are difficult to fully grasp without historical and political context to make the book make sense. For instance, I have read some postmodern literature during my studies, and having deconstructed, fragmented stories was a product of a disillusioned time period, but feels like a complete fever dream when reading them. While older texts are often written in less ‘fluent’ and sometimes more archaic language, many of these books we now call classics are so because they were popular at the time as well. Some were written for an intellectual elite, but many were written for and loved by the masses. After all, many books that we are reading today will become classics for the future population as well. Everyone has a different taste in books, but these books are classics for a reason, so do not let yourself get discouraged by the status they have and dip your toe in the masterpieces of the past. In this article, I will give you five tips on where to start if you want to read some classics, and I will finish off with some accessible recommendations.

    Don’t put pressure on yourself

    If you are only getting into classics or want to read more complex books, there is no need to pressure yourself in terms of understanding everything. There is no need to excavate every layer or hidden message in a book, just because other people have said there is. A book can have many layers, and if you read and enjoy it just for the plot without figuring out a possible message the author wanted to convey, that is completely fine. You read for yourself, not for anyone else.

    Familiarise yourself with the time period

    Looking up some key elements about the time period a book is either set in or written in, can make the reading experience more enjoyable. Throughout history culture, politics and customs have evolved wildly and familiarising yourself beforehand can prevent some misunderstandings. You don’t need to perform a complete research of course, but just looking up the political context, the art movement and some key elements about the daily lives can go a long way. Depending on how much this interests you, you can research as much or as little as you like.

    An ereader is your best friend

    In terms of truly understanding the wording and phrases, it can be useful to have a dictionary at hand, and reading digitally makes it much easier. You can just select the word you don’t understand and look up the meaning while reading. That way you don’t have to put down the book, grab your phone or laptop and get distracted or lose the momentum you had. There are so many beautiful editions of classic books out there, but the ebooks are often very cheap, which is another bonus.

    Read modernised versions of older classics

    Some of the most well-known classics are centuries old and only slightly resemble modern languages. A great solution is to read modernised versions of these texts, as they are accompanied by a translation in the modern language and extra explanations. The best example of this is Shakespeare, but there’s also Beowulf, the legends of King Arthur or the Iliad for example, that have been translated many times. The latter three are adventurous tales filled with bravery, magic, excitement and love. As the greatest barrier to reading these is the language, modernised text versions are the perfect solution. Poetry is also a good example of this, since there are beautiful poems written that require a bit more explanation to fully grasp and appreciate them. A personal favourite of mine is the romantic poets, for which there are many texts that give more elucidation.

    Choose a genre you enjoy

    While classics is a catch-all term for books that have stood the test of time and have gained attention and popularity or have remained so, it is not an actual genre. Within the group of classics, there are many genres extremely similar to the ones we read today. Stick with what you know, and read a classic book in the same genre as what you already know and love. Here are some examples of books in different genres, that I find accessible to get into reading classics.

    Mystery/Thriller

    Sherlock Holmes is the perfect example of an accessible mystery from the 19th century. There are many books Arthur Conan Doyle has written about this famous detective, and some are short stories which is the perfect place to start. Conan’s stories and novels are engaging, immersive and perfect for fans of mystery and thriller books.

    Similarly, Agatha Christie is one of the most accessible classic writers and she has written many mysteries. Murder on the Orient Express is arguably her most famous novel, but it is not the only one. Many of her books have been used as inspiration for other authors or other pieces of media. She has been dubbed the ‘Queen of Crime’ and with over 2 billion copies of her works sold, she is an immensely popular author. Her books are more recent than some other classics, so the way they are written is very similar to modern language and they are therefore perfect to get into classics.

    Dystopian

    There are many dystopian novels in the ever-expanding group of classics, but it is also a popular genre today. The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood is a modern classic, published in 1985 and has received many awards for its significance. It is a staple in the dystopian genre and is obvious in its messaging which makes it easy to get into, especially if you are already familiar with the dystopian genre.

    Another famous example is Animal Farm by George Orwell. Though 1984 by him is also very popular, it is longer and sometimes described as more complex, so I think Animal Farm is a better place to start. It is a very short book and uses animals to tell the historical event of the Russian Revolution and everything that followed. I do highly recommend looking this political context up before starting the book, but just knowing the basics will make you understand and appreciate Orwell’s exploration of this period.

    Magical Realism

    In stead of books I will recommend two authors for this genre, and those are Haruki Murakami and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Murakami is still active as an author today and he is considered a modern classical author because his literary work has been so often praised and is globally considered as a staple in modern literature. While I have only read Iq84 by him, and immensely enjoyed it I might add, it is one of his longest works and therefore maybe not the best to get started on his publication list. With fifteen books and multiple short story collections already out, he is still writing, so if you enjoy magical realism I am sure you will find something on his publication list that you will enjoy.

    I have never finished a Garcia Marquez book personally, because it was not my cup of tea, but I know many people who love his books and I can see why. His writing style is accessible and his novels are filled with emotions, written in the genre of magical realism, in which he is considered a master. His most popular titles are undoubtedly A Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.

    Romance and Literary Fiction

    I have included these two genres together, because some of the books I will recommend here have elements of both. If you are a true romance fan, any Jane Austen work is the best place to start to get into classics. Her books were popular in their time because they are filled with love, affection and romance in the time they are set. While the language is a bit more archaic than today, it is still accessible and easy to get swept up in once you get into it. I can wholeheartedly recommend her books.

    Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is considered one of the most famous classics of all time, and out of all of the books I have recommended, I think this is the most accessible to get started, because it was written as a children’s book. It is a coming-of-age story about four sisters, finding their way through life. It truly has something for everything, as it is filled with family, sisterhood, friendship, grief, identity and love. While love is a prevalent theme, I wouldn’t say it is the main storyline which is why the book is not classified as a romance, but I do believe that you will enjoy this book immensely if you love love.

    Finally, I want to recommend the Great Gatsby, which despite revolving heavily round love has a more tragic tone to it. It is more literary fiction, but still perfect for romance fans as love is the driving force of the protagonist. It is also quite a short book, so it is not daunting to get into it and the beautiful story will reward you handsomely.

  • 3 Books that will make you happy

    3 Books that will make you happy

    People read for many different reasons. To escape daily life, to learn new things, to become completely immersed in another universe or even to get your adrenaline pumping from start to finish. We will crave different types of books at different times of life, and I myself have a varied book taste. However, one thing I think we can all never have enough of is some positive vibes and happiness. Therefore, I wanted to recommend some books that will make you happy when reading them. No complexities, no tough subject matter, just positive vibes.

    Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young

    Out on a Limb is a problem free romance between two characters who hook up at their best friends’ halloween party and find themselves with an unexpected pregnancy. As they figure out co-parenting and forge a deeper connection, they focus on healthy relationships and clear communication. This is the most problem-free romance I have ever read, and it is a beautiful story that will make you feel warm and happy.

    The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

    This story follows Anna and West, who get married without knowing each other while studying at UCLA to get access to subsidised family housing. Three years and a divorce later, Annie is working as an artist, living from paycheque to paycheque, when her not so ex-husband reluctantly contacts her again. Set to inherit one-hundred-million dollars, he has to first prove to his grandfather that he has been happily married for at least five years. There shouldn’t be a problem, since West has told his family he married years ago. It also shouldn’t be a problem that his family finally wants to meet his mystery wife. The problem is that there is no wife. Enter, Anna. Accompanying him on a family wedding trip, the two have to convince everyone they have been in love for years already, when in reality they hardly know the first thing about each other. If the tropical, sunny, bridal setting does not make you happy, maybe the eternal optimistic Anna will, or the way a true love starts to grow out of a lie.

    Welcome to the Hynam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

    As I just wrote an in depth review of this book that will come out later this month, I don’t want to write about it in length yet hear. What I will say, is that this follows the main character Yeongju as she starts a bookshop. We meet characters who become involved and slowly but surely form a community together out of unlikely connections. People from different ways of life come together, offering support and advice when society can feel pressuring. It is a slow moving story, offering more comfort than plot, but making you feel reassured and happy with life as it is.

  • Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    Favourite Book of March: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

    You may have seen this title floating around lately, either as a book cover or as a movie poster with Ryan Goslings face on it. Project Hail Mary has taken both book- and movie lovers by storm lately as the space story of the year. While the book has been out for some time now, the movie released on March … and has brought the book into the spotlight again. I encountered the title before I knew it was being made into a movie and it already peaked my interest, but when I saw the film came out soon I picked it up immediately. And while I was spoiled for choice in terms of picking a favourite book out of the ones I read in March, Project Hail Mary launched its way right to the top. By reviews I had seen before, I was pretty confident I was going to like this book, but I could not have predicted how much I was going to love this book. This sciencefiction novel takes place mostly in space, which is a topic I have never read about, and it surpassed all of my expectations. I am thoroughly impressed with Weir’s ability to create an emotional story about a setting that is so foreign to most of us, and imbue it with science that elevates the story, but in a way that is graspable for most readers. And, while I am excited to watch the movie now that is has come out, I am hesitant that it can do the book justice, because this story was truly wonderful.

    Plot

    When scientists discover a new form of life in space, the first reaction is of course elation. But excitement at the discovery quickly turns sour when it becomes clear that these micro-organisms are effectively eating the sun’s energy. This will have a mountain of negative effects on the earth’s climate, ecosystems and life, meaning human rage wouldn’t survive. The micro-organisms spread from star to star, and all solar systems fall victim to this ‘infection’, except for one star. Why is that star not infected? That is exactly what Ryland Grace is sent to find out. The only problem is that when he wakes up aboard the Hail Mary, he has no idea who he is, where he is, let alone that he is responsible for saving the entire earth. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Ryland will have to remember the past and save the future. But maybe he is not alone in this endeavour after all.

    One of the qualities that made this book so enjoyable the whole way through, is how funny the protagonist is. Waking up alone in outer space with no idea about who or where you are? Leave it to Ryland Grace to make even this situation funny. He is also one of the most resourceful characters I have ever read about, which is arguably a great trait to have when on a space mission to save humanity. As a problem-solving mindset and a dosis of humour is probably well suited when hurtling through space on a huge ship on your own, he was the perfect main character for this book.

    I also gravely admire Weir’s ability to explain scientific topics in a way that is graspable for laymen reading this book. I felt like I could actually understand everything going on with both the space ship and the organisms, even though I have no scientific background. And even when things got too complicated, he would summarise in no uncertain terms. For instance, he would explain a lot of technical things, and then say: basically, the engine is broken. This makes the book perfect both for people who like to exercise their mind while reading and learn new things, and people who just want to enjoy the story without having to strain their brain.

    Characters

    While I have already talked about the protagonist, who takes up most of the story as he is alone in space, there were other characters explored in the flashbacks of him getting back his memory. Start is tasked with orchestrating a solution for this problem and the one who recruits Ryland for the mission. She is a morally grey character, which was very interesting to both read about and to follow along her arguments. Some of her choices were questionable, but it does make us think about the circumstances in which laws and morality should be bent. She was a powerhouse of a woman though, getting where and what she wanted, admitting she would deal with the consequences of her actions later.

    Ilyukhina was another character I enjoyed, as she had an interesting attitude towards the whole mission. All of the astronauts who volunteered to give up their own life in order to save everyone else are really admirable and it made me happy to think there would actually be people like that if a similar situation were to arise.

    !!SPOILERS!!

    (don’t read past this point if you haven’t read the book or watched the movie)

    Now, Rocky was my absolute favourite character out of all of them. When I said Ryland was a resourceful character, Rocky was even more so and the two really complemented each other, both in terms of knowledge and skill, and in terms of comfort. I thought it was wonderful to see their connection grow and find their friendship to be at the heart of what makes this novel so incredible. Their way of communicating was also interesting, and the way Rocky’s sentences were written gave him a lot of character. He is one of the things I am most excited to see adapted to screen.

    When I truly enjoy a book and more specifically its characters, I always find it a bit hard to say goodbye at the end. I really felt that with Project Hail Mary, especially since the ending was left a bit open. There was no true happy ending possible for me, as it either meant one of them would never see their own civilisation again, or that they would never see each other again. Of course, the happy ending lies in both of them saving their planets, and while I was happy to see Grace live on their planet for a few years, I couldn’t help thinking it must be so lonely to never see humans again, never feel a touch again, and never have the satisfaction of showing earth you survived against all odds. The ending leaves the possibility of him returning open, but even then he would again lose years in his travels, not being certain he would even survive, and having missed decades on earth. Perhaps this impossibility of a true happy ending is why Weir left it slightly open, but regardless I was relieved when Grace went back to save Rocky and that he managed to eventually survive on their planet.