Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Moving Books(es): Ti from Book Chatter

Moving Books 

Welcome to another edition of Moving Books(es)!

While I am in the midst of moving boxes from one state to another and getting settled in my new home, I have a handful of fabulous fellow bloggers stopping by to share their moving books(es) ... books that they feel have moved them in one way or another. Today, I am excited to welcome Ti from Book Chatter.  Read on for more goodness!

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In case you all don't know, Tif is in the process of a big move so she's asked a few bloggers to discuss the books that have moved them in some way. When she approached me, I took all of five minutes to think about it and then jumped on board.

But...

It's not as easy as you think, coming up with books that have moved you in some way. Sure, the obvious ways come to mind. But for me, so much of what I read hits me in a subtle way.

One such book, A Separate Peace by John Knowles.

A Separate Peace

Set in a boys' boarding school in New England during the early years of World War II. At the time, this was not the kind of book I'd read on my own and I can't remember why I picked it up at all but it's about the darker side of friendship.

While reading it, I was stunned at how innocent and wicked a person could be and how one bad move could wreck a person's life forever. It's not like I didn't know people could be this way but the subtle nature of the hatred at hand was just too mind-blowing for me. I read it in college and I chalked-up its "wow" factor to timing, but I've read it numerous times since college and it still horrifies me but not in your typical Stephen King way. People can harbor a resentment inside of them that makes them do bad things, even when they are essentially good. It's a very scary thing to admit and that is why this story still haunts me to this day. I've looked at friendships differently ever since.

Another book that quietly blew me away, is What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

In case anyone is wondering, I am not a runner. FAR from it. Which makes this choice even more interesting. First off, I adore Haruki Murakami. I have read most of his books. I think there is one story collection that I have not read and his new one comes out in August so I'll be a little busy that week but yes, I love him. I love his writing and his overall sense of self (or is it lack of self?). In this book, he talks about running. He's been running for years and runs every day. Every day, folks. This book is a collection of his thoughts and what he thinks about while he's hitting the pavement.

How does this book move me if I am not a runner, you ask? Because I have always wanted to be a runner. The solitude that he speaks of, in my mind, can only be achieved by running. That is not what he says in the book but that was my take-away and ever since, I have quietly entertained the idea of becoming a runner. But my health plagues me. Battling an autoimmune illness can take its toll so right now it's a pipe dream, but someday I hope to experience the kind of solitude he speaks of in the book.

I have never been one to rest my mind. My mind is constantly running. I have two kids, one of which is a teen and oh my goodness...does he test my patience. So just the idea of taking off on a run is pleasing to me. Anyway, what he says in the book has stayed with me and I often revisit his thoughts because as a busy mom, who works full-time, you grab peace wherever you can find it. You know what I mean? It's a book for anyone willing to take a little time to look within. It's not a self-help book but there is just something about it that makes you think about your current situation, whatever it may be.

Have you read either of these? I highly recommend them.

Thanks, Tif! It was fun to share these books with your readers.

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Thank YOU Ti!  I have never read either of these books or the authors, but I am definitely adding both to my list.  I am particularly intrigued by the Murakami book because not only am I in the midst of moving, but I am also in the midst of applying to jobs to return back to work.  I can use all the help I can get in finding that peace in all this running!

7 comments:

  1. Ti, you've just reminded me I have What I Talk About When I Talk About Running in audiobook. For some reason I never transferred it to my iPod, so I ended up forgetting about it. Will transfer it now, it sounds like a beautiful read.

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    1. Yes, Belle!! You must listen to it soon!

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  2. Thanks for having me over, Tif. LOL.

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  3. I really need to read some Murakami Ti! So many bloggers rave about this author so much!!

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  4. If you had not mentioned a Murakami novel I probably would've called you out on it. ;) Great post!

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  5. Haven't read either of these, but I like the idea of finding a peaceful solitude sounds wonderful! I've never been a runner either, but I do like the idea. :)

    Terri @ Alexia's Books and Such...

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