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Keeping Up With Rad's Reads.
Welcome to "Keeping Up with Rad's Reads" – your monthly rendezvous with the pages that have kept me company!
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This isn’t your average bookshelf; it's a curated carousel of stories that have whisked me away, made me think, laugh, and occasionally shed a tear or two. Every month, I'll drop a fresh list of reads right here – no long reviews, just quick bites of literary goodness to keep your bookish appetite satiated.
Bookmark this spot. There's no telling where the next pages will take us.
Happy reading, fellow book lovers! :)
P.S.: I've tried my hand at writing "something." Check out Part 1.
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September - December Reads.
The tail end of the year brought a slower pace to my reading, a contrast to the fervent beginnings of January. Despite the dip in momentum, I managed to explore three profoundly different books that each left a mark in their own way.
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"Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" took a little while to capture my attention—initially, it felt a bit mundane. But as I persisted, Eleanor's story unfolded into something unexpectedly heartwarming. By the end, I was thoroughly invested in her journey from solitude to an awakening of sorts, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's one of those books that starts quietly and then completely captivates you.
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Then there was Elif Shafak's "The Forty Rules of Love," which was a beautiful exploration of love and spiritual longing through the lens of Rumi's poetry. Shafak masterfully intertwines the past and present, crafting a narrative that's as enlightening as it is enchanting.
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And, of course, I couldn't end the year without diving into Haruki Murakami's "South of the Border, West of the Sun." Murakami’s signature blend of simplicity and depth always keeps me coming back for more. His storytelling is seamless, with each scene beautifully drawn out, holding you in a world that's so real yet so mysterious.
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Though these months were slower, they reminded me why I love reading: each book offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and maybe even transform a bit!
July -August Reads.
This summer, my reading list really felt like it was curated by some unseen literary matchmaker who knew exactly what I needed.
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It started with “That’s Bold of You” by Case Kenny, which was like getting coffee with that one friend who always pushes you to quit overthinking and just go for it. Kenny's straightforward, no-nonsense advice about stepping out of comfort zones really spoke to me, challenging me to live a little bolder. Each page felt like a gentle shove out the door towards adventure.
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Then I picked up “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Dr. Joseph Murphy. Reading this book was like having a long, enlightening chat on a quiet evening with someone who understands the untapped potential of your mind. Murphy’s deep dive into how our subconscious can shape our lives was both eye-opening and inspiring, making me reconsider how I think about my daily habits and attitudes.
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And then there was “Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” by Satoshi Yagisawa, which was the perfect retreat. This book was like visiting a favorite uncle who owns a magical bookstore where every visit soothes your soul and fills you with warmth. The slow, deliberate pace of life in the bookshop, with its heartfelt encounters and the subtle magic of everyday life, was a reminder of the joys found in simple moments.
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These books have been more than just summer reads; they've felt like friends guiding me, comforting me, and occasionally nudging me toward a little more excitement in life.
May-June Reads.
The last couple of months have been quite the rollercoaster with a whirlwind of emotions, leading to a bit of a slowdown in my reading. But, I managed to dive into a few books that struck a chord and offered some much-needed escapism.
Unwinding with fiction, is how I would describe it.
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"I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" hit particularly close to home. It's a raw, candid exploration of mental health that mirrors the ups and downs many of us face. This book isn't just a read; it's a journey through the complexities of therapy, self-acceptance, and the small joys like tteokbokki that can brighten the darkest days. Its honest portrayal of depression and healing is both heartbreaking and hopeful, serving as a reminder of the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
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Mitch Albom's "The Time Keeper" was another profound experience. Albom has a gift for weaving existential themes into compelling narratives, and this book is no exception. It delves into the essence of time—how we chase it, fear it, and often wish we had more of it. The poignant message to not squander the present while still taking life one step at a time resonated deeply, especially during these busy months.
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Then there was "The Fine Print," which added a bit of spice to my reading list! While it was steamy and fun, it left me craving a bit more smut. :D Sometimes, a little extra indulgence in the pages is just what you need to unwind!
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Overall, these months have reminded me of the power of books to mirror our lives, challenge our perspectives, and provide solace when we need it most. Here's hoping the next months bring more balance and even more captivating reads!
April Reads.
This April has been an exhilarating month for my reading journey. Not only have I been devouring books at a pace that's brought me past the halfway mark of my yearly reading goal, but I've also been branching out into new literary territories.
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I kicked off the month with "Falling in Love Again" by Ruskin Bond. My first foray into Bond’s writing, and what a joy it was! His storytelling is a masterpiece of simplicity, making it a perfect pick for anyone looking to start their reading habit or simply enjoy a beautifully told tale.
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Then, I was utterly captivated by "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. This novel isn't just a story; it's a thought experiment about life's endless possibilities and the choices we make. It’s the kind of book that keeps you up at night, pondering your own life paths and the infinite universes they could create.
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And of course, I couldn't leave out a dash of romance with "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood. Oh, to dream of Dr. Adam! This book was the sweet indulgence I needed, packed with smart, sassy science banter and a love story that’s as heartwarming as it is intelligent.
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On a different note, I've been expanding my literary palette with authors I never thought I'd explore. From the psychological depths of Stephen King to the emotional intensity of new-to-me classics, this month has been about pushing my reading boundaries.
And a quick teaser for what's currently on my nightstand: "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" — a title as intriguing as its content. I’ll dive deeper into this one in next month’s update.
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April has truly been a blend of comfort and challenge, each book a step into a different world. :)
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March Reads.
Okay, so here's the deal: after years of swearing by the sacred ritual of reading physical books—the smell, the touch, the whole nine yards—I've done the unthinkable. I’ve gone digital. And not just kindle or e-books. We're talking the whole shebang with Audible thrown into the mix. And guess what? I’m absolutely loving it.
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This shift has been a game-changer. I mean, listening to a book while doing dishes or working out? Genius. I’m even plotting ways to sneak in more reading at work. “Yes, I’m totally on this call, not lost in a book!” Who would have thought, right?
Now, let's dish about my March lineup. "One Day in December" kicked things off, sweeping me away and leaving a lasting impression of romance and timing. And that was just the beginning.
Then, the Twisted series boldly reminded me of fiction’s fiery potential—what a thrilling re-introduction! Without giving away too much, let’s just say it surpasses "50 Shades" in the spice department.
But let's talk about "The Bookworm Crush" by Lisa Brown Roberts. This gem of a read melted my heart like the last snow of winter. A tale of young love, featuring a shy girl who felt all too familiar. I saw a bit of myself within the pages, sans the surfer boy, but that's the magic of a good story, isn't it? It connects you to the characters in ways that surprise you.
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This light-hearted teen romance was the perfect cherry on top of my "return to fiction" sundae. It's been a month of heart flutters and fictional crushes, and I'm here for all of it.
To those who've been thinking of giving fiction another go or switching up their reading methods: it's never too late to change the narrative! This is your sign. :)
February Reads.
This month, I’ve settled into a new rhythm: rising with the dawn, ending my days by 10 PM, and carving out a precious half-hour of reading amidst the hum of my morning commute. It's not as much as I’d like, but it's become a treasured part of my daily routine, a small window to the worlds within pages. My slice of peace in a busy day.
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First on my list was "101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think" by Brianna Wiest. Diving back into Wiest's insightful prose felt like reopening a conversation with an old friend, challenging and expanding my perspectives with each essay. It’s a book that, once again, has shifted the way I see the world, reminding me of the beauty and depth in thoughtful reflection.
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Then, there was a nostalgic trip back to Rainbow Rowell’s universe with "Eleanor & Park." Having held Rowell close to my heart since my "Fangirl" days, this journey was bittersweet. While the story still held its charm, I found myself feeling like I've grown beyond the themes that once resonated so deeply. It was a realization that perhaps my tastes are evolving, moving in new directions as I grow.
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Currently, I’m slowly making my way through "All About Love: New Visions" by Bell Hooks. To be honest, it's been a bit of a struggle to connect with the narrative. Every reading session is a push, fueled by the high praise it’s received and my hope to eventually grasp the essence that has touched so many. I’m not ready to give up on it just yet.
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February's reading list has been a blend of introspection, nostalgia, and a bit of perseverance. Each book, in its own way, has contributed to this month's journey, offering moments of peace, reflection, and sometimes, a challenge to keep turning the pages.
January Reads.
With the New Year comes new beginnings and new books to explore. My January journey was filled with tales that warmed my heart despite the winter's cold embrace. So, this is going to be a long intro.
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First on my shelf was "The Autobiography of a Yogi," a book that, though unfinished on my nightstand, has become a silent mentor. Its pages resonate with a tranquil wisdom that calms the mind. It's often said that this book does not find its way to you by chance, but rather it finds its reader as if by destiny. As I continue to leaf through its pages, I'm embraced by the mystery of why it came to me, hinting that maybe I'm part of a larger, unseen path.
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Then there was "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." What an absolute gem! Each chapter unfolded like a delicate blossom, revealing profound truths and joys page by page. This book was more than a read; it was an experience, reminding us of the intertwined nature of our lives, a celebration that stayed with me long after the final page.
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Lastly, "A Man Called Ove" brought a spectrum of emotion. It is a story painted with the stark contrasts of a man's life, yet filled with the vibrant hues of unexpected friendship. Ove's world, seemingly void of color, is vividly transformed by the people around him. My favorite line, "People said Ove saw the world in black and white, but she was color, all the color he had," encapsulates the essence of this narrative — a reminder that life, like January's canvas, is often a blend of shadow and light, awaiting the colors we dare to cast upon it.
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Each book was a unique snowflake, a pattern of thought and emotion, landing softly yet resoundingly within the landscape of my mind. As I look to February, these stories remain, like footprints in the snow, a testament to the paths I've traversed in the company of these silent companions.
December Reads.
As the year winds down, my reading list has turned inwards – much like the introspective mood that December's chill ushers in. This month has been a deep dive into the art of self-help, a literary exploration of healing and inner peace. Each page turned has been a step toward meeting my inner self, understanding its whispers and roars. In the quiet corners of the day, between the soft rustle of turning pages, I've found tranquility. These books are more than just guides; they're companions on a quest for serenity in the written word.
Tuesdays With Morrie
Mitch Albom
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When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal
Brianna Wiest
Don't Believe Everything You Think
Joseph Nguyen