After being on a book-buying ban for 3 weeks (the longest I’ve ever been), I had to do it: I splurged. We went to the mall for one thing, but I had other ideas or side quests there that were more pressing. There was my usual MPH Bookstore branch where I was at, so I made beeline for the store and came out unsuccessfully scathed and three books happier. On a separate trip in the same week, I was at Tsutaya Bookstore (did you know you can literally SMELL the aroma of books merely steps away from the entrance, because I do) and also exited with another three more books in a tote bag.
The wonderful books I managed to gather are:
- Hiroshima: The Last Witnesses by M. G. Sheftall
2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
3. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
4. Wings of Shadow by Nicki Pau Preto
5. Brazil: A Biography by Lilia M. Schwarcz & Heloisa M. Starling
6. The Shining by Stephen King
Currently reading…
I’m currently about two-thirds of the way through “By Another Name” by Jodi Picoult, and I’m absolutely captivated. If no new proofreading or editing jobs land in my inbox, I’m optimistic I’ll finish it by tomorrow. The narrative’s direction is compelling, and I find myself deeply connected to both main characters, despite their different timelines. Their shared bloodline, however, weaves a powerful bond between them.
The story seamlessly navigates two distinct periods. In the present, we meet Melina Green, a playwright striving to break into an industry that often feels unwelcoming to women. She’s determined to make her voice heard and share a pivotal story: that of her ancestor, Emilia Bassano. Emilia, our other protagonist, was, fascinatingly, a hidden force behind many early Elizabethan creative works, often operating anonymously, even through the guise of William Shakespeare. What’s striking to me is Melina’s unexpected journey as she finds herself mirroring Emilia’s path, using a male pseudonym for her own latest work. The story goes on and I’m on the edge of my seat.
Finding a reading nook..
It’s a pretty common sight in my life: me, head buried in a book, usually with one or two cats keeping me company. And by “keeping me company,” I mean I’m doing the reading, while they’re either peacefully napping behind a curtain or, true to cat form, zooming around in a fluffy blur right over my head. It’s definitely a unique reading setup, full of purrs and sudden bursts of chaos. But one gets used to it soon enough.
Even though my home reading nook has its definite perks (endless cuddles), I’m always on the lookout for that ideal reading spot, like a quiet library. The problem is, living here where I am, getting to the nearest one can be a real hassle. Between the transportation, the cost, and the dreaded traffic, a trip would feel more like an epic journey than a simple bus trip to the library. It’s a tough dilemma for a dedicated reader.
But don’t worry, I’m not giving up. I’m always brainstorming ways to find that perfect spot so I can focus on my reading and writing (YET TO START. WHEN? I have no idea) without all the travel stress. Maybe a cosy cafe nearby. I’ll keep you posted on my progress and my latest reading adventures!
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