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Three Books About Books That Will Make You A Better Person

I started reading when I was about eight years old. Officially, that marks three decades of me as a reader. Reading is something that has stayed with me since I began to make sense of things and a large part of the person that I am today, I owe it to reading. Of late, work has taken over my life and I'm not left with much time for reading. Still, I manage to sneak in a page here and there. Of course I miss those days and nights when I could just sit/lie and read for hours, but as long as I'm reading even if it just a page or two, I'm fine.

For me, books and reading possess an incredible healing power that transcends the mere act of consuming words on a page. They offer an escape from reality, providing a refuge where I can temporarily set aside my worries and immerse myself in different worlds, experiences, and perspectives. This act of escapism can be particularly therapeutic during times of stress, anxiety, or grief, allowing me to gain a sense of solace and peace. Anxiety is something I've lived with for a while and reading has definitely helped me feel better. The narratives I've engaged with has helped me process my emotions, offering new ways to understand and cope with my feelings. By connecting with characters who experience similar struggles or by witnessing their triumphs, I've learned to find hope and inspiration to face my own challenges.

Moreover, books foster empathy and understanding, which are essential components of emotional healing. Through reading, I have stepped into the shoes of others, experiencing their lives and emotions, which broadened my perspective and enhanced my capacity for compassion. This connection to others’ stories has reduced feelings of isolation, reminding me that I am not alone in my struggles. Additionally, the shared experience of discussing books with others can build a sense of community and support. Whether through social media, online forums, or casual conversations, discussing literature allows me to connect with fellow bibliophiles on a deeper level, sharing insights and finding common ground. In these ways, books and reading not only offer personal healing but also help to build stronger, more empathetic communities. Unfortunately for me, most of my closest friends are non-readers. The community I've built through my Instagram page and blog is an ode to the magic of books and reading. 

I've already spoken about the three books that changed my life many years ago; Wonder, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and A Man Called Ove. This year, I've read some wonderful books that reinforced my faith in the concept of goodness and the power of community. These books are about books and while that itself is a bonus, each story is handled so sensitively and beautifully that it leaves you questioning your existence on this earth. What are you here for? What would you do when you know the end is near? What are you looking for in life? These three books give you a tiny glimpse into the answers, because the actual answers should come from within you.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyoma 

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This is one of the best books that I've read in a while. It is a beautifully crafted novel that left a lasting impression on me. The story revolves around a group of characters, each facing their own personal challenges, who find solace and unexpected solutions within the confines of a library. A librarian who enjoys felting changes their life unknowingly and in the most wonderful way. People stumble upon this library in the local community center looking for books on a particular topic. The librarian prints out a set of books for the person on the topic and includes a totally random book in the mix. She also gives them a felted memorabilia as a token. The random book and the token changes their life in ways they did not imagine. It sorts them out in the simplest way possible. Each character's journey underscores the idea that life is a complex web of experiences, and sometimes, the answers we seek are closer than we think. This realization encouraged me to look inward and appreciate the small, often overlooked aspects of my daily life, ultimately making me more mindful and present. 

The intricate interweaving of each character's journey not only showcases the author's skill as a storyteller but also underscores the idea that life's complexities can often be unraveled through connection and self-reflection. One of the most impactful aspects of the book was its emphasis on the power of community and genuine human connections. The characters' transformations, catalyzed by their interactions with others in the library, highlighted the importance of seeking and offering support. This theme resonated deeply with me, reminding me that strength and resilience are often found in the relationships we cultivate and in the most unexpected of places. The novel encouraged me to value my own community more and to recognize the profound impact that kindness, empathy, and shared experiences can have on personal growth. This is a touching and insightful read that celebrates the beauty of human connection and the transformative power of shared knowledge. Overall, this book was a poignant reminder that we are never truly alone and that our personal growth is deeply intertwined with the lives we touch and the connections we nurture.

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum 

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This is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that transported me into the cozy world of a small, charming bookshop in Seoul. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop also sells coffee and the relationship that the barista and the shop owner share is adorable and endearing. In a time where all my books come from Amazon and I haven't visited a bookstore (except the ones in an airport) in more than a decade, this book took me back to the times I used to walk down the aisles of standalone bookshops endlessly. The book beautifully captures the essence of the bookshop, making it a character in its own right, with its shelves filled with stories waiting to be discovered. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the interactions with the eclectic customers who visit the bookshop highlighted the profound impact that books and shared stories can have on our lives. Each and every character is so real and adorable. Be it the young kid who visit the shop to escape the nagging from his mother, or the woman who finds solace in knitting. I could find a part of me in each of them. Each character’s unique struggles and triumphs resonated with me, reminding me of the universal quest for meaning and connection.

The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes a sanctuary for those seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a place to feel understood. This is how my journey with reading started. It was an escape, a solace. This theme of finding strength and support in community echoed deeply with me, reinforcing the idea that we are never truly alone in our journeys. The warmth and camaraderie depicted in the story inspired me to appreciate the small, meaningful interactions in my own life and to cherish the communities I am part of. This is a delightful and uplifting read that reminds us of the transformative power of books and the importance of human connections. Each character's story, filled with personal struggles and triumphs, resonated with me deeply, encouraging me to reflect on my own journey and the myriad ways in which life's complexities shape who we are.

The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe 

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No matter what I say about this book, it will never be enough. This is a deeply moving and insightful memoir that profoundly touched my heart. The book chronicles the author's experience of starting an informal book club with his mother, Mary Anne, during her treatment for pancreatic cancer. Their shared love of literature becomes a bridge for discussing life's most important questions and their relationship deepens as they explore a wide range of books together. I've added more than ten books to my already overflowing to be read pile, starting with 'Crossing to Safety' that I recently completed. Schwalbe's narrative is both a poignant tribute to his mother's remarkable life and a celebration of the power of books to bring people closer. I'm the first generation reader in my family and I do not share a close relationship with my parents, yet, I was consumed by this book whole and soul.

While most of the book covers the books they read and discuss together, it also gives us a glimpse of their individual lives in between. The family dynamics, Mary Anne's life's work, the changing political landscape of America, the relationship between a patient and a doctor and of living life in the face of death. Their conversations about the books they read together became a powerful vehicle for exploring life's most profound questions and reflecting on their own experiences. This journey of shared discovery amidst the challenges of illness reminded me of the preciousness of time and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

What struck me most about this book was its honest exploration of the themes of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through their book club, Schwalbe and his mother discuss not only the stories in the books they read but also their own lives, dreams, and fears. This journey of connection and discovery amidst the pain of illness and impending loss is beautifully captured, reminding readers of the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. This book is a testament to the resilience and grace that can be found even in the face of adversity, making it a profoundly inspiring read. 

These books are a testament to the enduring power of literature to bring people together, enrich our lives, and help us navigate even the most difficult of times. 


Comments

  1. I absolutely adored What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. I own Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop and your review is making me want to read it asap. Also now I want to buy The End of Your Life Book Club.

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  2. What gorgeous books. I haven't read any of them. I have been seeing What You are Looking For.. on Bookstagram so that has been on my TBR. The End of Your Life Book Club sounds sad. I'm not sure I'll be able to handle it. With two sets of aging parents some books hit just too close home.

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  3. Wonder and Eleanor are my favorites. I didn't get a chance to read Ove, but I watched the movie and it was so nice. I've started to read Hyunam-dong Bookshop, but couldn't finish it due to various reasons. Thanks for sharing the list of books, I will look them up in our library.

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  4. Time for me to broaden the topics I read. They sound so beautiful and cozy... I wish I could spend all day simple laying down and reading books. Adding them to my list. I did hear good things about the first two. Also I absolutely love your book reviews, how you find the right words to express your feelings.

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