189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

 

Kafka on the shore - Haruki Murakami

I'm not sure if I'd say I'm a fan of Murakami but I've enjoyed his books in the past. My favorite is Norwegian Wood, a basic choice, and it makes sense since I also really enjoyed the Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki, and that is possibly one of his less magical novels. That's not to say I don't enjoy the magical realism prevalent in almost all his books. It's just that as a reader I'm more drawn to atmosphere and relationships. The later being less developed in my opinion in his stories.

Actually while on this critical ledge I'd like to also complain slightly about his depiction of women, or men's relationship with women. I find it quite creepy how his male characters almost always obsess over the child-like qualities of beautiful women, or even at time teenagers. For me Murakami is borderline paedophilic at this point. Perhaps it's a commentary on our most inner desires, but as a young woman it's creepy.

As for Kafka on the shore I feel like this book is for people with a higher knowledge of myths and esoteric symbolism, both of which I have very little of. The story itself is fine - an odyssey or metaphor for finding yourself and exploring the labyrinth within, but on the levels I enjoy most (atmosphere and relationships) it did very little for me. Maybe one day I'll enjoy the riddle at play, but for now it's simply an interesting read.

226. Go on a trip outside of Lisbon

 

Óbidos is a walled moorish town an hour outside of Lisbon. The main draw of this hilltop location is not just it's characterful winding streets but the plethora of bookshops you find inside, thanks in a large part I assume, to the yearly and world renowned book festival that takes place around October.

I managed to visit it on a particularly sunny day which added to the charm. Underneath the blue skies I was taken in by the wonderfully white walls, adorned with white laced curtains and blue doors, amongst the calçadas or cobblestoned roads. 

Not being a vegan at the time we found a great portuguese restuarant with traditional food that served wonderful lulas and fish. If I had been a vegan however, I think the town would still provide as there was a health food type place outside the walls.

Although Óbidos is small, you can visit the next door city fairly easily (although the bus doesn't come that often). Named Caldas da Rainha, it's a strange place, half market town, half spa town but still pleasant to visit. It is definetly less picturesque than Obidos but it gives you some life and bustle after the quiet. 

189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

 

Dune by Frank Herbet

Having been gripped by the film it only made sense to me to expand my insight into the world of Dune.

The main focus of this fascination was the religion surrounding the myths of the book, and sects such as the Bene Gesserit. I was gripped by the philosophy underpinning the super human elements and wanted to know more about this element of the story. I think the scene that gripped me most in both the book and film concerning this was the test Paul must take to prove he is human (or in other words, strong minded and capable). I won't spoil it but this idea of feeble mindedness being a flaw of the inhuman, however much I disagree with it, captivated me and made me wonder what other kind of philosophies would arise from such a sect.

I was also taken my the story's take on environmentalism and how the universe functions as a whole. I think the intricacies of an eco system as described in the book are essentially what is followed today but I suppose the book takes it further by creating a whole religion and movement around it.

Now I've finished the first book (which was a mighty read) I'm curious to know more about the bene gesserit and what happened to Dune. There was so much about super human powers but I have no understanding of how these were developed. I'm also interested more in the positive philosophy Herbet tries to sell in the book to see how much I agree with it, or not.

189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

 

Martin Eden - Jack London

I'd watched the film of this first as recommended by my boyfriend. Unlike the film the original is set in what appears to be 1920s California (or earlier). I loved the film and the underlying story of a simple man yearning and striving to become something more, something enlightened.

Initially the book feels like a motivational piece about the value of working hard, with passion and love, whilst keeping your wildness, however, the ending of this book, which I won't reveal, leaves me to question the main characters initial work. Was it all worth it? I would say from the author's point of view - yes, but from my own I'm not sure yet.

260. Get a Massage

 

What a wonderful pleasure. As you may have guessed from some of my other resolutions I've gained some weight and as of such I've begun exercising regularly to help try and shift some weight. So spurred on by this I finally ventured out to find a masseuse.

Being a woman looking for a masseur is a bit of a strange predicament. Probably because I'm poorly informed but to me massage parlors are places where you might get more than a massage, I really did just want a massage. Luckily, I found I really was poorly informed because each parlour I found on google seemed not´only legitimate but wonderully decked out. 

I opted for a 20mins deep tissue massage to sort out the problems gained from new exercises. It was great. I left feeling new, with no aches. Sadly this didn't last long. 

228. Start my own business selling physical goods

 

Some time just before the start of the pandemic I started my Etsy store. By that time I was already selling pictures and cards to shops and people and realised I could make this into an actual second business that utilised my skills in graphic design and art.

The shop has transformed my life. I now engage with a community because of it. A community of screen printers, fellow market stall holders and engaging clients. Sure, I had a small following on my instagram before, but now I really feel like I engage in the lives of those people.

189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

 

Money: A User's Guide Laura Whateley

I entered into this book as a clueless and penniless twenty-something. I'm now penniless, twenty-something and better informed. The book is written by a journalist who started out as a sociology graduate and not as an economist or banker. Thanks to this the book reads well and is very enjoyable to devour, as I did, in a few days. Unlike other self-help books the book doesn't waffle but gets straight to the point. The guides are not only practical though, but detailed and each chapter seems as important as the next.

Thanks to the book I can confidently start looking into starting a shares portfolio, saving for my pension, and I've even started using a banking app again that allows me to see in bar charts an pie charts how I spend my money.

I don't normally rate books on here but 5 stars