Throughout 2020, I have discovered a lot of books that I enjoyed reading and became my personal favorite. So, since the year is coming to an end, I thought it would be appropriate for me to share a list of all the books I have read as well as some of my thoughts about it, in case any of you need inspirations for your TBR list next year!
“It’s all a question of imagination. Our responsibility begins with the power to imagine. It’s just like Yeats said: In dreams begin responsibilities.”
Through this book, Haruki Murakami explores the theme of consciousness and unconsciousness. It’s very interesting, since the book follows 2 storylines simultaneously. For every odd numbered chapter, it is about a boy named Kafka Tamura, who lives with his dad; a famous sculptor, in Tokyo. On his 15th birthday, he makes up his mind to run away from home with hope to break the Oedipus curse that his father made about him. Meaning that based on the curse, Kafka will kill his own father and sleep with his mother and sister.
“Sometimes you need to scorch everything to the ground, and start over. After the burning the soil is richer, and new things can grow. People are like that, too. They start over. They find a way.”
– page 324
Celeste Ng’s book has once again amazed me by the way she portrays her characters and the unpredictable plot in the story. This time, it was ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. A bestselling book published in 2017 that receives a high rating on online bookstores and other social media platforms.
“You don’t feel like smiling? Then what? Force yourself to smile. Act as if you were already happy, and that will tend to make you happy.”
This debut novel by Celeste Ng tells the story of an Asian-American parents; Marilyn and James Lee, and their three teenage children. There’s Nath, the oldest son who is undeniably talented, and Hannah, the youngest daughter of the family. But whatever they’re doing, it’s often put aside by their parents because of Lydia, the middle child. Though she never asked for it, Lydia’s described as the golden child of the family who’s holding up all of the expectations from her parents. From the expectation to be a successful doctor in the future, expectation to have a good social skill, up to the hinted expectation for her to always follow what Marilyn and James say. Without realizing how Lydia is mentally and emotionally exhausted because of it.
To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation
Last time on my blog, I wrote about my trip in the United States. And I mentioned the books I bought in the Coop Bookstore at Harvard. One of it being The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
In the shortest description possible, the whole story is a beautiful enactment of one’s journey to reach their dream. The story itself focuses on Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who had a strong connection with his sheep. The only companion in his life which its simplicity taught the boy (Santiago) about important life lessons. One day, he got dreams about a treasure in the pyramid. And his devotion in reaching this dream is shown throughout the book.
For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as a forwards motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.
– Michelle Obama
I’m sure by now, there’s not a single person who doesn’t know about Michelle Obama. The former First Lady of the United States, who played a big role in advocating public health and education. Making her an important role model to many people around the world.
So it’s not a surprise when her autobiography was released last year, people were so eager to buy it. And I was lucky enough to be able to buy it a few months ago. But because of my packed schedule this past week, I’ve just finished reading it two days ago and thought that I would like to share what I think of this book.
The One Who Walks Away From Omelas is a short fictional story that was made by Ursula K. Le Guin back in October 1973. I first know about this short story from one of BTS’ Spring Day music video. In that music video, they put up a big ‘Omelas’ sign in one scene. Then there are ARMYs (BTS fans) who shared that BTS use ‘The One Who Walk Away From Omelas’ book for their inspiration.
image source: https://www.quora.com
Ayunda Damai 