Books and more books.
Just borrowed the title of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s book. An almost five hundred pages of engaging read. One of the best books I’ve read so far in this year’s challenge. It’s actually my first book of Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
I’ve heard of this Spanish novelist in one of our book club’s discussions but didn’t try to find a copy since I had so many TBR books at hand. Finally, I found time to make it as one of the priorities in my reading. It’ my 105th book read this year. Forty five more books to go until December and I’ll be able to complete Goodreads’ 2017 Reading Challenge.
I didn’t know what to expect of this book but it was all about antiquated books and libraries which are subjects dear to my heart. Like my other book reviews, I won’t even attempt to summarize the story here, it’s for other readers to find out. Suffice to say, I enjoyed every page although it took me almost three days of on and off reading to finish it. It’s worth every minute. There are three books actually in this series and this is the first one. I wonder if I could find the other two.
As usual, I set aside gardening and blogging for two days while I tried to finish the book. Often, in most lovely books, a book review would not be complete without Good quotes.
“So long as we are being remembered, we remain alive.”
I have always loved to read, but since I’ve been in Florida, and retired so supposedly with more time on my hands, I’ve not been reading so much. When I was working (my husband and I had a dental office) I was vigilant to always have a book I was reading. Life was so stressful, and if I woke up in the night I’d start asking myself if I filed that insurance claim or called in that prescription, and I’d be hopelessly awake. I made sure I had a book so I could start reading and keep my mind quiet. Books have served me well.
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You must be a bit of a worrier. Sometimes I feel that too. Books are friends that help us always. Thanks a lot 🙂
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I absolutely loved this book. I remember I read it slowly because it was so evocative, not super easy to read but so beautifully written.
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Yes it was Miriam. I enjoyed reading it too.
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Always pleased to hear of the enjoyment you get from your books, Arlene.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks Pete 🙂
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great quotes and so very true, Arlene. thanks for sharing 🙂
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You’re welcome Wilma. Salamat din.
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Nice! My ultimate dream is to be a novelist. I have a collection of fantasy short stories in the works. 🙂
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O wow, a novelist, start now 🙂
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I’m reading Alan Bennett’s latest memoirs: ‘Keeping on keeping on’. Will comment on it when I’ve finished it.
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You’re fond of memoirs too Derrick?
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Yes. This was a Christmas present. Do you know the film of ‘The Lady in the Van’. Thoroughly recommended. Thanks a lot, Arlene
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So sorry, I am not into films. I seldom watch even television.
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This was about a woman who had once been a concert violinist who lived in a van on Bennett’s street in Camden, eventually moving into his garden. She stayed there for 26 years. The story is also in the book I mentioned.
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It seems a nice read and a good movie adaptation derrick. I like books adapted into films but sometimes they are just so disappointing, the points raised in the book are missing. There re movies though that are good book adaptations.
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I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks.
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It was a good read Imlelda How are you?
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Congratulations on getting so much closer to your goal. I love these quotes.
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Hi Joanna, thank you so much.
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I am reading “Marrow” about two sisters, one of whom donated her bone marrow to the other and the healing that took place emotionally between them.
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That’s good Elizabeth by I get emotionally depressed sometimes reading about health and sickness. I remember my ordeal a few years ago.
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It’s helping me with my sister who is ill.
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Sorry to hear about that Elizabeth. Hope she gets well soon.
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It’s the very end, but we are both at peace which is a great blessing.
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What does that mean “it’s the very end”?
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She is quite near to death. It is her third bout with the cancer, and no chemo has any effect any more. She is in hospice at home.
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Oh, that’s sad, what kind of cancer does she has if you don’t mind me asking. I am a survivor for almost eight years now.
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Breast cancer which had metastasized to her lungs, bones and liver. She had her first occurrence twelve years ago, then five years ago, then last year.
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Oh my, cancer is really a traitor. I haven’t gone back to my oncologist for quite sometime. Sometimes, we are afraid to know what’s happening to our health. I hope she is not in too much pain.
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No she is not. They have excellent pain and anxiety management for her. She is also a woman of deep faith and is actually somewhat looking forward to reuniting with her husband and two children who went before her. She has had more than her share of tragedy.
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One’s faith really helps us a lot don’t you think? Acceptance is another and learning to adjust to what we encounter in our lives although it is painful helps too. What’ s the name of your sister? I’ll include her in my prayers.
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Patricia. Thank you. I will let you know any further news.
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Thank you. I will pray for Patricia 🙂
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I very much enjoyed reading this book too, Arlene. 🙂 🙂 Just about to start Melisande! What are dreams? by Hillel Halkin.
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It is nice to know you also enjoyed reading it Jo.
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Excellent Post! The Shadow of the Wind was my first of Zafon’s work and, even though some of the plots seem a bit cliché and everything seems rather timed and fits perfectly, leading to the heartwarming, romantic ending, I LOVED the thematics of the tale and Zafon’s language is utterly beautiful and so unique. It’s one of those books that stay with you long after you finish.
I’ve recently finished Sad Girls by Lang Leav and, although it’s met some rather harsh (in my opinion) criticism for its dense dialogue and minimalist language, I nonetheless loved this coming-of-age novel for its chilling plot turns and shocking ending.
Happy Reading! 🙂
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Thank you so much for your lovely comments here. Like you, I enjoyed Zafon’s book. I could not compare it with any other book of his because this was the only book I’ve read of him. I have three books by Lang Leav but Sad Girls I have yet to buy in the future. She will have a book signing of that publication in the last week of June here in the Philippines. Thank you Delphine.
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