Book market

I went to a book market and made some discoveries!  

The Buddha of Suburbia - Hanif Kureishi 

A friend told me about this book, otherwise I would probably never have bought it. I don't really like books about religion, which I thought to be the subject of a book with a title like this. She told me that it handles about an Indian boy, Karim, who gets introduced in the theatre and punk world, by his father's English lover Eva. Karim begins a career as an actor and begins several love affairs. 

She was really convincing when she was talking about this book, because of the variety of themes. It handles about race relations, Karim has to deal with racism, for example his first role as an actor is in "Jungle Book", he can't get another part. But it also handles about a broken marriage (between his mother and father), class, sexual behavior, finding your identity... 

When I looked into the book I saw that it was full of dialogues. When I asked Justine whether she liked it or not, she told me that everything becomes more realistic because of the conversations. 

I did some research about this book and I found out that it has been translated into 20 languages and was also made into a four-part drama series by the BBC in 1993, with a soundtrack by David Bowie. By reading "The Buddha of Suburbia", you learn something about the English society at the time, so besides the recreational part, there's also an educational element, this is what makes the book unique.

For Whom The Bell Tolls - Ernest Hemingway

Another risky choice from the book market is "For Whom The Bell Tolls". This book handles about a boy who fights in the Spanish Civil War, as the seller told me. And if I may tell you a secret, a fact about mysel? I HATE history, especially the wars. I hate violence, especially on television or in literature, because it's way too theatrical most of the times. 

So, you may wonder why I've bought this book? Simply to push my own limits. If I have to tell other people a positive aspect of myself, I say that I'm open-minded, so I have to prove this trait, also in my book choices! 

The convincing salesgirl told me that this was a good book to start reading about wars and stuff, because there are enough story lines beside the Civil War, to keep paying attention. Themes such as death, humanity, and also romance are present. But why this book and not another book about another war? There is an oversupply of that kind of books. This book, because it's full of symbolics, there is a false bottom, a second meaning in so many things. So you can keep reading this book, without getting bored, there will always be something that you didn't notice the previous time.

Random fact: "For Whom The Bell Tolls" is also a song by Metallica, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg92QpjRcJk

Life of Pi - Yann Martel

Last but not least: Life of Pi! This book tells the story of Pi, who survived a shipwreck and now has to handle with a large Bengal tiger, Richard Parker. His whole family died in the shipwreck, so Pi is all on his own.

This book is magic, everybody has to love it. The themes vary from the belief in God, the primacy of survival, freedom, science, to a strange but overwhelming sort of friendship. The book has two stories, the one with animals or the one that is believed to be "the true story", the one with humans.

We saw the movie in our "Filmforum" on school and I was very impressed, so I look forward to read this book!

I have been told that "Life of Pi" is stuffed with great ideas, inspiring thoughts and exciting situations. It's a nice book for someone who loves adventure, also the romantic souls will like it, but especially people who like thinking about what they read will be in love with this book. And if you are someone who likes all of these things, than I had to warn you, because you will probably get addicted. The book is multileveled, full of beautiful mysteries that might give your life sense. Amazing what books can do!

After my exams, I will definitely read these three books, but first: full focus on stuDYING. If you also have to study, good luck! If you don't, please read these books and tell me which one you like the most! 

Enjoy the weekend,  don't forget to enjoy every book you read, it's a dream that you hold in your hand!

Phaedra