what I want to read over the holidays

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Marjorie

Been really busy lately that we are sooo looking forward to the coming holidays. Although actually I don’t daydream or plan much of the holidays yet because of the deliverables at work. I ain’t complaining though because as always, work has been very interesting (and challenging).

But one thing I do look forward to over the holidays though, aside from spending time with the family of course, is to catch up with my reading. Been very busy lately hence I only get to read about 5 pages of “The Art of War” while riding the train; ours is only a short 15 min ride, that’s why. And, well, if truth be told, I really hadn’t been that inspired to read lately. I borrowed 3 books from the library, but I haven’t read it past 3 chapters. Not up to reading much, and I think it could be because I really haven’t gotten over Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go” yet. Ever since finishing that book, no other book I have gotten my hands on recently ever caught my interest (except for 1Q84. Murakami’s 1Q84 is still not opened as I don’t have time to read at home since we usually get home around 11pm or beyond). And I must admit, up to now, I am still so much taken by Ishiguro’s book; I can still feel the heartache. And deep inside, I truly wish the book’s premise isn’t really happening or will not happen, ever.

So with the holidays coming up so fast (Dear Holidays, I want you to come fast, but please not so fast. Let me finish all my deliverables on schedule. And Atsushi’s too), I want to erase the lingering melancholic feeling from “Never Let Me Go”. After all, it is the holidays and the holidays are meant for fun and joyful feelings. Thus I started hunting for feel-good good reads that is in sync with the Holiday cheer. Indeed, it is true, search and you shall find. Not long after I started the search, I chanced upon this book in one of Hubs’ favorite bookstores. This is one of my favorite childhood movies. But I never knew it was originally from a book. I should have known better. Perfect for the holidays, isn’t it? It has high ratings in Amazon and Goodreads as well so I know my time won’t be wasted.

There is one book however that I really really want to read. This book has been dubbed the BEST in 2011 and has the highest rating among the books I’ve read so far.

Can’t wait to order in amazon.

As for something to be happy today. Realised that slowly, I’m seeing more of one of my personal goals. Happy. Thankful. Inspired.

let’s talk about books shall we?

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Marjorie

There were times a couple of months back when I feel so lost and I’d ask – what to read?! It’s like I have this inner urge to read something really worth my time and yet don’t know what book to read. I almost envy Hubs who can get inside any bookstore we pass by and come out with three or four books in tow. Having no recommendations, I almost always buy the ones with the “international bestsellers” tag or ones which won a certain literary prize.

Hence I was really happy when I came across goodreads.com, featured by Aleng on her blog. It’s like finding a cornucopia, a cornucopia of books!

Came across The Prophets of Ghost Ants in goodreads. Can’t wait to get a copy of this one!!!

Anyways, this was the latest book I’ve finished reading a couple weeks back.

It was the Orange Award winner for 2011 so I was a bit curious with the book. This is the first time I’ve read a book written by someone 5 years younger than me and I must say she has a great career ahead of her. But I’d have to say I was a bit disappointed about how the book ended, almost feeling like I wasted my time reading it. Her narration is quite good though and young as she is and yet already award-winning at that, she has much time to improve her craft.

Was able to get a prized possession last weekend – my much awaited IQ84 English-translated copy, all three books, in one big volume! Felt like I waited for such a looong time for it’s translation that I almost jumped for joy when I found this hardbound three-book volume.

Hardbound as it is, of course I can’t cart it around with me. It’s gonna be a bedtime book. But I have to hurry reading it. Hubs is next in line. Haha.

I needed a book to read in between train rides and while on a queue (been working late recently that my free time for reading is almost only during train rides. Huff). I’m carting this around right now.

So much acclaim for this book. But at some parts, I’m bored although it comes pretty interesting on some parts. I’m yet to discover why it’s categorized as a science fiction though.

At the time I bought IQ84, I also came across the Tokyo Michelin guide at a discounted price. The 2012 issue is already out but this discounted old issue is already fine with me. Can’t wait for a good food experience soon!

welcome to Vienna!

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Marjorie

It is said that you’d be welcomed by the smell of the country you’re visiting the moment you got off the plane. I certainly loved Vienna’s welcoming smell when we got off the plane – it’s that of a good smelling soap. This smell lingered the whole time we stayed in Vienna making Vienna my favorite city among the cities we’ve been to in this trip.

Welcome, travelers!

The site of a fellow’s advertisement was a welcome for us indeed.

The luggage carts need euro coins though for them to be usable.

Vienna’s airport was better than Rome’s albeit it was just simple enough.

As is the case with most airports, Vienna’s airport is a bit far from the city center. There are a number of ways to get to the city center but we opted to take the City Air Terminal train as it’s the fastest and reasonably priced way; you’re in the city center already in just 16 minutes or so.

The sight we’ve passed by reminded us of work.

And like how it was in Italy, there were also quite a lot of graffiti welcoming us.

Once we got into the city center, we had to transfer to another train (the s-bahn) to get to the station that’s only walking distance from our hotel. as we were transferring to s-bahn, we saw this movie poster of Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood.

Atsushi purchasing train tickets. One thing amazing with Vienna’s public transportation. It runs on honesty system. There were no station gates checking if you’ve purchased a ticket with the right amount nor were there police waiting in the stations to catch dishonest passengers. No checks whatsoever at all in trains, trams and buses.

After the complexity of Tokyo’s train system, Vienna’s train system was no sweat at all.

This hotel’s backyard confronted us when we got off (the wrong side) of our station.

It looks pretty normal. But the backyard is actually full of nude people sunbathing.

Anyway, we didn’t go to Vienna for the nudists. We went to Vienna for this!

And you bet we’re excited!

On Chocolate Hill

A chocolatey journey, with Yui!

Tag Archives: haruki murakami

what I want to read over the holidays

let’s talk about books shall we?

welcome to Vienna!