Pause

Books I’ve read this summer – I’d recommend everyone of them, although I have a little bit to complain about each:

It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini – There’s a movie coming out with Zach Galifinakis this fall based on this book and the trailer looked enticing so I read it. I found it pretty entertaining and funny overall. If you know the author’s bio though, you’d know that he wrote it based on his, uh, not-so-good experience with a certain elite New York City public high school– so expect a hint of chagrin in it.

Lowboy by John Wray – Another soft-cover starring a teenage boy fighting psychological woes, in New York City. I don’t know why I picked this one up, but I guess while I was at the genre of youth, angst and psychology, I might as well keep going at it. I mean, in the future, I may look at these titles in disgust because of some old-aged pretension. Hopefully not, but at least I’ve read these books and enjoyed them now while I am still in this stage of my life, you know, just in case.

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami – I’ve really started collecting these Murakami books. I like the decorate my bookshelf with pretty covers. Penguin classics, which I have a ton of, always dress their covers in that mysterious black with orange and white text. And, I mean, it looks cool-ish, but it really makes my bookshelf quite monotone. Aside from the fact that his books, for some reason, have really appealing covers to me, I was recommended by a friend to read his work. Admittedly, I really do enjoy his style of writing. It’s very unadorned, yet telling. I intend to read a lot more of his books. This particular one is an anthology of 24 short stories. My only complain is that there are multiple translators for this book, and you can clearly tell when different translators are doing different stories– sometimes, the translations are a bit…lacking.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami – As Mithun suggested, I should read smaller works of Murakami first before I attack this three-volume  novel. It was about 600 pages and I certainly loved the entire read. Its amazing how I spent two weeks on this, and somehow it felt like I lived in the characters’ setting, with them, for two years. My biggest complaint is that it gets really surreal sometimes, and certain ‘stories’ in this ‘chronicle’ are very vague, and I feel they are detached from the story. I also felt a sliver of disappointment at the end of the novel. I’m sure other critics would find great meaning in it all, but I’m no professional, and as an untrained American reader, I sort-of can’t see beyond the emotions and meanings of the main characters and plots. Regardless, no doubt, this is one of my favorite novels– great story, or, great stories.

The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami – Again, an anthology of 24 stories. Same thing as before. I forgot to mention that I think what’s most beautiful about his work is that– sometimes its a whole character’s life, or perhaps just a little scene– it just breaks my heart as a reader the way Murakami expresses the great sadness in his creations in such a simple and subtle manner.

Other Murakami books I’m working on: Norwegian Wood and Kafka on the Shore.

I was tempted to get a Nook or a Kindle, but honestly, I like the substance in my hands more. Also, school is starting soon, so it looks like it’ll be back to reading textbooks of Biology, Chemistry, and post-Romantic era works for classes. Oh, while I’m at it, wish everyone luck with classes, and work, and friends and family, and just, whatever.

On the musical front, for my summer jam, I’d have to say “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry does it for me. I admit, its a girly song. That whole new album of hers though, has potential. I think that she’s getting better as an artist. Also, “Right Above It” by Lil Wayne ft. Drake is pretty up there too for song of my summer. That new Kanye West album coming up sounds like it’ll be the bomb too. Check out “Monster” ft. Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Bon Iver. I’m hooked on that song. Ill beat. Kanye and Nicki destroyyy that rap (in the good way). “See Me Now” ft. Beyonce, Charlie Wilson is alright too, but just alright. Alas, Jack might have stated it most accurately that my favorite songs are either really feminine or totally thug. (I don’t 100% agree with this…) Ah, while we’re on the topic of Jack, hope for you the best in England.

I know I didn’t post much this summer anyway so this probably doesn’t affect any of you: the blog’s going back on extended hiatus again, for school and life and stuff-like reasons. Oh, did you know, Utada Hikaru’s going on a long term sabbatical after this year? I guess I’m just following after her, except I’m breaking from a blog and she’s breaking from her career. Hasn’t it been non-stop with her? I’ve listened to her songs a little too much and for a little too long. I’m sure we can all use a break, it’s well deserved. I sure hope she can find her happiness too.

Finally, I don’t know how long it will be until I post again, so have a great year everyone. Um, eat well, get lots of sleep, smile, laugh a lot, get those 4.0′s, work hard, play hard, make bank… okay now, I’m going to set this thing on pause.

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