I shared another post today because I knew that tomorrow (Wednesday) and the following day would be very hectic, leaving me with no opportunity to post anything.
Did you know that today, April 23rd, is World Book and Copyright Day? Despite being an avid reader, I wasn't aware of this day until a friend mentioned it. Intrigued, I searched for more information. World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration organized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property through copyright laws. This day serves as a tribute to books, authors, and the importance of literature in shaping cultural heritage and fostering global understanding.
As someone who loves to read, books hold significant importance to me. I go book shopping several times a year, despite having access to an ebook library. I prefer holding a physical book in my hand over reading an ebook. However, books are expensive in Malaysia, mainly because many are imported. Accessing an ebook library is more cost-effective and sustainable (paperless), but staring at a screen can be unhealthy unless you can afford an e-reader like Kindle.
To mark this occasion, I'd love to share a few books from my recent book-shopping trip. As I mentioned earlier, books can be quite pricey in Malaysia. However, we're fortunate to have BookXcess, a local bookstore chain that provides affordable options. Their books are reasonably priced because they consist of overstocked or remaindered books. During the Eid holiday, my family and I visited BookXcess, and we returned home with a stack of books.
I typically gravitate towards non-fiction, but occasionally, I enjoy reading fiction novels. However, I'm not one to stick to finishing one book before starting another. I'm a concurrent reader, meaning I love to read multiple books at a time.
📕 Divisadero By Michael Ondaatje 📕
Michael Ondaatje is among my favorite authors. But I must admit that reading his works can sometimes be challenging and slow-paced due to their lyrical, sensual, and poetic nature. Many reviewers have expressed frustration with his style, finding it difficult to follow. However, because I have a fondness for poetry, I don't encounter the same difficulty and actually enjoy immersing myself in his work. In fact, his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The English Patient, is my all-time favorite novel.
So what is Divisadero? I am a quarter into this book and I like it so much already 😍. This novel explores the themes of love and loss. The story spans different times and places, including California during the gold rush and modern day Paris. Ondaatje uses beautiful, poetic language to tell the stories of a farmer, his daughters, and their adopted brother. The novel's structure is unique, shifting between different characters and times, which makes it a bit challenging but very rewarding to read.
The book beautifully illustrates how the characters’ past hurts continue to affect their lives. Ondaatje is especially good at showing the deep connections and divisions between people. This novel is a deeply moving and well-written book that leaves a lasting impression by showing the complexities of human relationships.
📕 A Lover's Discourse By Xiaolu Guo 📕
I'm halfway through this book and I picked this up because of the unique way the writer approaches this novel.
This thoughtful novel looks into the themes of love, fitting in, and the feeling of being from different places. The story is told through conversations between two main characters: a Chinese woman studying in London after Brexit, and her boyfriend, who is from Australia but of German descent. The novel's format is unique, as it uses these dialogues to dive into both simple daily talk and deep discussions, reflecting how people think and remember things.
The book realistically portrays the couple's relationship, showing both their close moments and their misunderstandings due to cultural differences. Guo's writing is clear and moving, blending deep thoughts with common life issues. This novel offers a meaningful look at how people manage relationships and identities in a world that can sometimes feel unwelcoming. This book is both intellectually and emotionally engaging, making it a great choice for readers interested in stories about love across different cultures.
📕 The Truth About Magic By Atticus 📕
I love poetry and I dabble in poetry writing sometimes so it's only natural that I also picked up a book of poetry.
Atticus writes poems about love, loss, and finding yourself and he writes in a simple and touching way, making his poems easy to understand and relate to. The book is organized into sections that focus on different magical moments in life and the lessons we can learn from them.
Atticus is good at expressing deep feelings with just a few words, turning everyday experiences into something special. This collection of poems is uplifting and makes you think about the beauty of small things. It's perfect for anyone new to poetry or those who already love it and are looking for something inspiring to read. The Truth About Magic is quite enjoyable and heartfelt, however, I feel it targets the younger demographic (those in their 20s) because the love poems are too juvenile for my liking.
📕 Fault Lines By Emily Itami 📕
I must admit, I haven't actually read this novel yet, but I chose it because the theme really intrigues me. So since I haven't read it I'm writing my so-called review based on the excerpt on the book cover.
This novel centers around a housewife and mother, Mizuki's relationship with Kiyoshi, a successful man who owns a restaurant. Their affair helps Mizuki rediscover her passions and question her life choices. The book deals with themes like love, betrayal, and finding one's identity. It highlights the personal and emotional challenges in a marriage and life in a big city.
These are the four books I've chosen to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day. Have you read any of them or any works by these authors?
Before I conclude this post, I'd like to wish all readers in this community a fantastic World Book and Copyright Day ❤️📕.
That's it for now. If you read this far, thank you. I appreciate it so much! Kindly give me a follow if you like my content. I mostly write about making art, life musing, and our mundane yet charming family life here in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Note: All images used belong to me unless stated otherwise.
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