Welcome to Book Club
The first rule of Book Club is: you do talk about Book Club.
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary” - Jim Rohn
Reading is a journey, a meeting place, something to enjoy in solitude and to share with friends. I wanted to create an online space where I can challenge myself to think more critically about the books I read. I enjoy reading so much that I find myself flying through books without giving them much afterthought. In order to fully immerse yourself in something, I think it's critical to reflect on and question it. I'm hoping this will help me do just that.And of course, recommendations are more than welcome! If you wish to chat more about books make your way to the bottom of this page to shoot me an email!Happy reading…
The Alchemist.
The perfect definition of a must-read. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is universal and one of my all-time favourite stories. Coelho tells the story of Santiago; a young shepherd boy in search of his Personal Legend. It’s simple; to find true fulfillment and genuine happiness one must pursue one’s Personal Legend. Oftentimes, people get caught up in the trivial matters of life and forget or sadly, never realize what their purpose in life is. The Alchemist is a gentle reminder that obstacles to one’s Personal Legend are merely obstacles - not blockades. Simple, yet emotional this is a great story that emphasizes the importance of perseverance. With each passing obstacle that humans encounter there is always a lesson to learn. We are all connected to the universe and the key to happiness is following our hearts, no matter how tough the journey.
I felt uplifted and motivated when I read The Alchemist. It inspired me to be more ambitious with my dreams. Normally I would turn to a personal development book for this kind of motivation but Coelho does a wonderful job at using fiction to inspire. There is something in this story for everyone.
The Bridges of Madison County.
This book is close to my heart for 2 reasons: first, my mum recommended and read it at my age and second, it’s a love story that challenges the social parameters of relationships and love.
Robert Kincaid is a somewhat lonely man. A photographer whose work for National Geographic brings him all over the world, meaning he has had little time for personal relationships. A failed marriage and now only surrounded by acquaintances he heads out to Iowa to shoot the abandoned (one could say lonely) Bridges of Madison County. When he has trouble locating the 7th bridge he drives to the nearest address and is greeted by Francesca.
Francesca Johnson has lived a traditional life. Originally from Naples Italy, she moved with Richard Johnson to Madison County more out of necessity than love. She has two children and tends to her farm. There is a hole in her life somewhere but she chooses to ignore it out of respect and dedication to her family. When Robert Kincaid pulls into her driveway the hole in her heart begins to fill. Having lived in a shadow for the majority of her adult life, Robert brings light with him and together they fill the empty pieces of each other.
This love story is full of happiness, sacrifice and grief. The love that Robert and Francesca share is so rare even only they could experience it for a short amount of time. This is my favourite love story. It is so raw and emotional but it will also change your perception of love and sacrifice. I finished this book and wished there was more. I encourage everyone to read it. Even if you aren’t a fiction or love story person this book is a dream you don’t want to wake up from. My mum and her friends read this story in their 20’s and they still talk about it today. The Bridges of Madison County you are one hell of a love story and I can only dream to experience a connection as pure as Robert and Francesca’s.
I was lucky enough to re-discover my passion for reading last summer; I probably have the global pandemic to thank for that. This past year I have felt encompassed by levels of uncertainty, doubt and pessimism. In the earlier stages of the pandemic, I would easily get into a funk and find myself harbouring unnecessary negativity. I suddenly had a plethora of free time I wasn't used to and I was not utilizing it to my advantage. It was important to me to become genuinely happy in my own company and naturally I turned to reading. Reading is a hobby I loved as a child and teen but once I began undergrad I lost touch with it. When I did have spare time I preferred to spend it partying with my friends; while that was fun (in moderation), when I think back to those years I've realized that I wasn't spending quality time with myself. Fast forward to today, and now, reading is like eating; it's essential for my stability. For me, reading is self care. Whether I read fiction to relax or self help books for my personal growth, the importance is the same. It's never a waste of time. 