Toni's Book Corner

Category: Uncategorized

  • 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.