Reading Quote Sundays #16

Do you ever feel that reading becomes a chore sometimes? It’s weird that I haven’t felt that way before, but now that I’ve joined some challenges, I feel that I actually need to read something instead of just reading any book I want. The challenges are something I enjoy. They’re fun, and the satisfaction of crossing out a book from a list feels great, but I am starting to feel a little ‘limited’. Maybe I’ve always been a moody reader and dive into a book I feel like reading instead of consulting a TBR list. Perhaps next year I’ll join fewer challenges because I sort of feel overwhelmed with all the books I need to read. I’m taking a cue from Sophie (Paper Breathers) to scrap my reading schedule because I do read for pleasure, and if I find that I am forcing myself to read a book, I need to look at myself, ask why, and probably stop. Also, I used to not abandon a book once it starts to drag. I try to finish the book even if it’s boring me to tears. Now though, I feel that I have the right to stop reading when it’s not working out. For me, reading is for the absolute pleasure of diving into a different world. And yes, when the reading experience is pleasurable and I feel that I have a great book in my hands, I learn. Boy, do I learn.

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Reading Quote Sundays #15

There are times when I can devour a book in almost one sitting, but there are also times when I take my time not because I’m bored with a book, but because I’m enjoying it so much I like to spend as much time with it as possible. Usually, these books stay with me for a very long time even if the last page has been turned.

I started  reading Bel Canto on March 21. It usually takes me two to three days to finish a 300-page book, that is, if I don’t have anything else to do. The reason why I’m trying to linger within the book’s pages is because I’m so immersed in the story I honestly don’t want it to end just yet. Needless to say, I am captivated by Bel Canto. It’s a whole new experience. I have never appreciated opera before and yet here I am trying to google songs or music mentioned in the book just because I read that each character is being transformed by the beauty of music, and I want to experience that too. Like the hostages, I seek to hear Roxanne’s songs. I have been striving to read Bel Canto only when I’m alone because I want to spend my reading time absorbing everything without any distraction. When I put the book down to answer to reality, the images linger in my mind like a stubborn stain that just won’t come off. From General Benjamin’s shingles, to the food served before everything went terribly wrong, and even the Spanish words mentioned in the book – they float around my head wherever I go.  I even ask myself at times, how can captivity and being a hostage be so pleasant?

Reading Quote Sundays #12

There are two books that I remember reading more than once:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

and

The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto

In my second Reading Quote Sundays, I wrote how I started reading. I didn’t develop a habit of reading when I was younger so I guess I can say that I missed out a lot when it came to reading books. Back in college, I completely forgot about it, reading only (for pleasure) one to three books a year, focusing more on magazines and my textbooks. When I graduated I have completely abandoned reading any book. When I look back at those times, it makes me a little sad.

I rediscovered my love for reading last year and I hope I won’t turn my back on books again. In 2011, I discovered Goodreads and it somehow sparked that interest again. However, I wasn’t picky with what I read. Most of the books I read were owned by my sister even if I had my own collection of books. There wasn’t really a book that could bring back that old desire to read a lot. In 2012, I only read 8 books. That year though was special. I discovered Banana Yoshimoto’s The Lake. To date, I’ve read it three times already. Why? Because I loved it. A lot.

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books of all time. I have two copies in my bookshelf, ready to be read again. I think I’ve read it three times now. The character of Jane Eyre appealed to me like no other. Here’s a woman who is strong and intelligent. I admired her and empathized with her, I delighted in reading her thoughts and I especially loved that love story.

What are the books that you have read more than once? What are your reasons for reading it again?

Reading Quote Sundays #11

It is true, isn’t it? When we are alone with a book, we seem to have conversations with the characters and the author him/herself. It’s one of the things I appreciate about reading. I’m so glad I found the inspiration to read again after all these years.

Reading Quote Sundays #6

Every Sunday, I’ll be posting one quote about books or reading that I really like and share how this relates to me. If you would like to join me, please post a quote in your blog and share with us why you chose it or how it personally affects you. You can leave a link in the comment section below and I’ll update this blog post with your link.

Today is Haruki Murakami’s birthday and what better way to celebrate it here than to choose this reading quote from him. Haruki Murakami is one of my favorite authors. I discovered him only last year and I read a total of 5 books from him. I started with his memoir: “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running”.

If you haven’t heard yet, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage will available in English in August 2014. When I read about it last year, I posted this in the Haruki Murakami Fans Goodreads Group. I can imagine that a lot of people are pretty excited about it. Meanwhile, the German translation is already available and you can take a peek of its cover here. I’ve been a follower of Haruki Murakami Stuff: A Murakami Fan Blog for a while now. They’re got interesting stuff about the author himself and books he wrote. I especially love the photos of different book covers from different countries.

Have you read any of Haruki Murakami’s books? Are you looking forward to reading his new book?